The Best Must-See Attractions and Things to Do in Hobart

From underground art galleries and award-winning whisky distilleries to mountain lookouts and rugged island adventures, Hobart offers experiences that showcase the very best of Tasmania.

In brief

  • Best destination for: Hobart is ideal for food and wine lovers, art enthusiasts, couples, weekend escapes, and Tasmanian road trips.
  • Ideal length of stay in Hobart: Three to four days. This gives you enough time to explore Hobart's waterfront, MONA, Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, and enjoy a day trip beyond the city.
  • Best time to visit Hobart: Hobart is a year-round destination. Summer is popular for outdoor dining, markets, and festivals, while autumn and winter are ideal for cosy food, wine, and whisky experiences.

Hobart combines world-class art, acclaimed food and wine, historic waterfront precincts, and convenient access to some of Tasmania's most spectacular landscapes. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a longer island escape, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Hobart.

 

Spend your days browsing Salamanca Market, exploring the unique galleries of MONA, sampling cool-climate wines, and taking in panoramic views from Mount Wellington. Beyond the city, destinations such as Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and the Coal River Valley offer memorable day trips that showcase the best of southern Tasmania.

 

This guide covers the best things to do in Hobart, including where to eat and drink, must-visit attractions, relaxing experiences, and where to stay during your visit.

Taste Hobart’s food and drink scene

Tasmania's cool climate and fertile growing regions have helped shape a food and drink scene that's recognised around the world. From award-winning whisky and historic breweries to acclaimed cool-climate wines, sampling local produce is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hobart.

Sample award-winning whisky at Lark Distillery

A pioneer of Tasmania's modern whisky industry, Lark Distillery offers tastings of locally crafted whisky and spirits in the heart of Hobart. Visit the cellar door to learn more about the distilling process and discover why Tasmanian whisky has earned a global reputation.

Dine on modern Italian cuisine at Tesoro

Located within Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, Tesoro showcases Tasmania's produce through a modern Italian menu. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, longline-caught local seafood, and 50-day dry-aged Tasmanian meats take centre stage, making it a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

One of the restaurant's standout experiences is the Cheese Wheel Pasta Experience, where house-made linguini is finished inside a 25-kilogram wheel of Italian Pecorino Romano to create a rich cacio e pepe. Pair your meal with a local wine or visit during the daily aperitivo for Italian-inspired cocktails and small plates.

Tour Australia's oldest brewery at Cascade Brewery

Located at the foot of Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery is Australia's oldest operating brewery and one of Hobart's most recognisable landmarks. Join a guided tour to learn about the brewery's history and brewing process, then settle in for a tasting or meal overlooking the heritage grounds.

Indulge in Chocolate Hour at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

One of the hotel's signature experiences, Chocolate Hour takes place daily from 2pm to 4pm and celebrates Mövenpick's Swiss heritage with complimentary chocolate treats for guests. It's the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy a sweet treat between sightseeing adventures.

Discover cool-climate wines in the Coal River Valley

Less than 30 minutes from Hobart, the Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania's premier wine regions. Spend an afternoon visiting cellar doors and sampling cool-climate varieties, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling wines, while taking in views of the surrounding countryside.

Culture, markets, and outdoor attractions in Hobart

From world-class art and bustling markets to panoramic mountain views, Hobart offers experiences to suit every type of traveller.

Browse thought-provoking art at MONA

No first-time visit to Hobart is complete without a trip to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. Founded by David Walsh, MONA is Australia's largest privately owned museum and is renowned for its provocative exhibitions, striking architecture, and unconventional approach to art.

 

Explore the subterranean galleries, then stop by the on-site cellar door or enjoy a drink at Void Bar, located 17 metres underground. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, MONA is one of Tasmania's most memorable attractions.

  • Location: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, approximately a 15-minute drive from Hobart or 30 minutes by ferry from Brooke Street Pier
  • Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Where to stay for easy access to MONA

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart offers a central location for visitors planning a trip to MONA. Located close to Brooke Street Pier, where the MONA ferry departs, the hotel also provides easy access to Salamanca Place, the Hobart waterfront, and many of the city's leading dining and entertainment venues.

Shop for local goods at Salamanca Market

The Salamanca Markets in Hobart are well-known throughout Tasmania and Australia as some of the best markets you can come by.

 

Hundreds of stalls and a broad range of goods await at the most popular market in Hobart. You'll find everything from locally grown produce and gourmet treats to handmade jewellery, artisan homewares, artworks, and specialty foods. It's an excellent place to pick up a Tasmanian souvenir or enjoy a snack while exploring the waterfront precinct.

  • Location: Salamanca Place, Hobart
  • Opening hours: Saturdays 8:30am to 3pm

Where to stay for easy access to Salamanca Market

Mantra One Sandy Bay Road Hobart is located just 600m from Salamanca Market, offering a convenient base for a weekend escape in Hobart. With apartment-style accommodation and many of the city's highlights within easy reach, it's a practical option for travellers looking to make the most of a short stay.

Enjoy picturesque views from the top of Mount Wellington

Just a little out of Hobart city is Wellington Park, home to Mount Wellington, one of the most iconic Tasmanian attractions.

 

Mount Wellington offers more than just panoramic views. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy walking tracks, cycling routes, picnic areas, lookouts, and nature-based experiences throughout Wellington Park. Arriving early in the morning is particularly rewarding for sunrise views across Hobart and the River Derwent.

You can get to the park by driving or by hopping on a bus if you’re visiting Hobart without a car. Within the park there’s plenty of natural beauty to see, but the showstopper really is the pinnacle of the mountain.

  • Location: Wellington Park, approximately a 30-minute drive from Hobart CBD
  • Opening hours: Daily. Wellington Park is generally accessible year-round, although Pinnacle Road may close during periods of snow, ice, extreme weather, or high fire danger.

Where to stay for easy access to Mount Wellington

ibis Styles Hobart is a great base for exploring Mount Wellington and southern Tasmania by car. With affordable daily parking available on site, it's a practical choice for travellers planning scenic drives to the summit, day trips beyond Hobart, or a self-drive Tasmanian getaway. After a day on the road, return to comfortable accommodation in the heart of the city.

Where to unwind in Hobart

Exploring Hobart may be exciting, but every holiday needs some downtime. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to unwind and relax in Hobart.

Relax along Hobart’s beaches

Hobart may not be as well-known as a top Australian beach destination, but you can still enjoy seaside charm not far from the city. For a relaxing day by the water, head to Long Beach in Sandy Bay. A favourite among locals, the beach features calm waters, foreshore walking paths, picnic facilities, and views across the River Derwent.

 

If you'd like to venture further from the city, Coningham Beach offers a quieter coastal escape surrounded by natural bushland, just over 30 minutes south of Hobart.

Stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Australia’s top cool climate garden, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is one of Hobart’s most relaxing attractions.

 

Take a guided tour to learn more about Tasmania’s unique flora or explore at your own pace along the winding paths. Highlights include the Japanese Garden, the Conservatory, and the Subantarctic Plant House, which recreates the conditions found on Tasmania’s remote southern islands.

 

The gardens are an ideal place to slow down after a day of sightseeing. Pack a picnic, stretch out on the lawns, or stop for lunch at Succulent Restaurant or Sprout Café before continuing your wander through one of Hobart’s most beautiful green spaces.

  • Location: Lower Domain Road, Hobart
  • Opening hours: Daily from 8am to 5pm

Where to stay for easy access to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Mantra Collins Hotel is well positioned for visiting the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which are known not only for their cool-climate plant collections, but also for hosting weddings, theatre performances, corporate functions, and special events. Its central location makes it an ideal base for visitors combining a garden experience with a short stay in Hobart.

Day trips from Hobart

While there's plenty to explore in the city, some of southern Tasmania's most memorable experiences are just a short drive from Hobart.

Explore the rugged beauty of Bruny Island

A popular day trip from Hobart, Bruny Island is full of untouched beauty. When it comes to things to do in Bruny Island, wilderness cruises and nature hikes around the island showcase the rugged charm of Tasmania like nothing else. Allow a full day to explore the island's beaches, walking trails, lookouts, and local food experiences at a relaxed pace. If you like a swim, visit one of the many beaches on Bruny Island to experience the ultimate in coastal relaxation.

  • Getting there: Approximately a 35-minute drive from Hobart to Kettering, followed by a 15 to 20-minute ferry crossing
  • Opening hours: Bruny Island is accessible all year-round, with the first ferry of the day departing Kettering between 6:10am to 7:10am (depending on the day), and the last ferry departing Bruny Island at around 6:40pm to 7:15pm.

Step into Tasmania's convict history at Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania's most significant heritage attractions and a must-do day trip from Hobart. Located on the Tasman Peninsula, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site tells the story of Australia's convict past through preserved buildings, ruins, gardens, and interactive experiences.

 

Allow at least half a day to explore the grounds, join a guided tour, and take in the waterfront views. Along the journey, you'll also pass through some of southern Tasmania's most dramatic coastal scenery. If you'd like to experience Port Arthur’s famous after-dark ghost tour, consider turning your day trip into an overnight stay on the Tasman Peninsula so you can explore the grounds at a leisurely pace and avoid the return drive after the tour.

  • Location: 6973 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur
  • Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm, except Christmas Day; ghost tours run from Wednesday to Sunday at 6pm and 8pm

Walk among the treetops at Tahune Airwalk

If you're looking for a memorable day trip from Hobart, head south to the Tahune Airwalk. Suspended high among the treetops, the elevated walkway offers a unique perspective of Tasmania's forests and the Huon River.

 

Visitors can stroll through the forest canopy, enjoy scenic lookout points, and experience some of southern Tasmania's most impressive natural landscapes. Arriving early is recommended if you'd like uninterrupted views and photos from the cantilever lookout.

  • Location: Arve Road, Geeveston, approximately a 90-minute drive south of Hobart
  • Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 4pm

Discover the best things to do in Hobart with Accor

From world-class art and waterfront markets to scenic day trips and memorable food experiences, Hobart offers plenty to see and do. Stay close to the city's top attractions by booking your Hobart accommodation directly on ALL.com or through the ALL Accor app, and make your trip even more rewarding by joining the free ALL Accor loyalty programme. Members enjoy exclusive rates, earn Reward points on eligible stays, and unlock benefits across hotels, dining, and experiences worldwide.

FAQs about things to do in Hobart

How many days do you need in Hobart?

Three to four days will allow you to explore Hobart's major attractions, including MONA, Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, and the waterfront. If you'd like to take day trips to destinations such as Bruny Island or Port Arthur, allow an extra one to two days.

Is Hobart easy to get around without a car?

It’s easy to get around Hobart without a car. Many of Hobart's main attractions, including Salamanca Place, the waterfront, and the CBD, are within walking distance of each other. Buses, rideshares, and organised tours make it easy to reach places further afield, such as Mount Wellington and MONA.

What is the best day of the week to visit Hobart?

Saturday is one of the most popular days to visit Hobart because Salamanca Market is in full swing, and MONA is open. If your trip is flexible, planning part of your stay around market day allows you to experience one of Hobart's most iconic attractions.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Hobart?

Hobart has plenty of family-friendly activities, including the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Salamanca Market, Mount Wellington, waterfront walks, and day trips to Bruny Island. Many of Hobart's attractions combine outdoor space, wildlife, history, and easy-going activities suitable for children of different ages.

What are the best free things to do in Hobart?

Hobart offers plenty of free attractions, including exploring Salamanca Market, enjoying waterfront walks, taking in the views from Mount Wellington, relaxing at Long Beach, and wandering through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Many of Hobart's most memorable experiences combine natural scenery, local culture, and historic precincts without requiring an admission fee.

What can you do in Hobart when it rains?

Hobart has plenty of indoor attractions for rainy days, including MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), whisky tastings at local distilleries, galleries, museums, and Hobart's cafés and restaurants. Visitors can also explore Salamanca Place, browse local shops, or enjoy a long lunch featuring Tasmania's renowned food and wine.

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