Wondering what to do in Hobart? We spent six days in Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest city and Tasmania’s capital city, and found there was so much to see and do.
It’s not the biggest of cities by Australian standards, but there are enough things to do in Hobart to warrant several day’s visit.
I love walkable cities centered around a harbor with historic neighborhoods, historic buildings, and a good local vibe – Hobart delivers on all fronts.
Throw in fresh seafood, famous markets, and being within easy reach of other awesome destinations for day trips; well, it’s no surprise why so many people choose to base themselves in Hobart for an ultimate Tasmania adventure.
If you’re not sure what attractions to add to your Hobart itinerary, then fret not because below, I have listed all the best things to do and places to see in Hobart for first-time visitors, as well as where to eat and sleep.
What to Do in Hobart
Before whizzing off to explore some of Hobart’s attractions, I highly recommend going for a walk around the town and the neighborhoods and taking it all in.
My favorite area was definitely Salamanca, with the historic sandstone buildings converted into restaurants, cafes, bars, and specialty shops and opposite the tree-lined park offering shade for the infamous Saturday Salamanca Markets.
Wandering Salamanca Place and Salamanca Square with the historic Georgian sandstone warehouses and eating and drinking in the cafes and pubs is a must-do.
Visit MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art
It’s an interesting and fun art gallery, and we like how you’re a part of the experience as you move through it. We wrote about our MONA experience here.
Visit The Historic Hobart Harbour
It’s not a large or busy harbor unless you’re in town in early January, as this is where the famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race ends.
Check Out Salamanca Markets
The world-famous Saturday Salamanca Markets have a reputation as one of Australia’s best markets, and if you can time your trip, take it in.
Set in picturesque Salamanca Place, it’s essentially one long street of vendors selling their wares, buskers performing, and yummy street food.
Walk Around The Historical Battery Point
Battery Point is known as one of Hobart’s more prestigious suburbs; it adjoins Salamanca and has a large number of historic houses.
We loved wandering this suburb and admiring the prestigious homes and the rose gardens. It also has a nice playground for the kids and local cafes to enjoy.
You can walk all the way to Sandy Bay, a small beach in Hobart, from Battery Point.
Visit The Female Factory
Her story is a two-person dramatization of sharing the life of typical female convicts. It gave a fantastic insight into this harsh existence. Make sure you do the heritage walk (guided tour) of the site.
Check Out Cascade Brewery
Enjoy a visit to Australia’s oldest brewery and sample a great range of beers and cider in a lovely terrace setting.
Take in the history yourself, take a brewery tour and learn about the brewing process, or take a heritage tour around the 3 acres of gardens, which also includes tastings and is suitable for families.
Whatever you do, do not miss a chance to try the iconic Cascade pale ale.
Drive Up Mount Wellington (Kunanyi)
Often referred to as ‘the Mountain’ by the residents of Hobart or Kuyanyi by the traditional owners of the land, it rises to 1,271 meters over Hobart’s harbor and the wide Derwent River.
If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, we didn’t; I’ve been told the 21-kilometer drive to the summit ends with panoramic views of Hobart, Cape Bruny, and the Tasman Peninsula, with Bushwalking and barbecue and picnic facilities.
Visit The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The Tasman Museum and Art Gallery celebrates Tasmania’s history, art and culture. A highlight was the Tasmanian Aboriginal Gallery, which celebrates Tasmania’s indigenous history and culture.
Take a Day Trip from Hobart
One of the best things to do in Hobart is to explore around it. Its central location on the island puts it in a prime position to explore other parts of Tasmania and use it as a base.
You can find mountains, beaches, and historic landmarks, all within an hour or so from Tasmania. Here are some easy day trips we recommend taking from Hobart…
Relax in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for somewhere more relaxing, then you can’t go wrong with the botanical gardens. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, also known as Australia’s cool climate garden, is a place where subantarctic plants can thrive.
It also has several lawns and grass areas, which are ideal for lounging around. Pack up a picnic and enjoy the peace and serenity.
Visit Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum
Mawson’s Hut Museum is a museum dedicated to Douglas Mawson, an Australian geologist and explorer who set off to find Antarctica with his crew in 1912.
The museum has been built to look like Mawson’s Hut and contains exhibits detailing his expedition.
Mawson’s expedition was a poignant one, as he paved the way for scientists to discover Antarctica ever since.
See Tasmanian Wildlife Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Ever wanted to meet a Tasmanian Devil? Or come face to face with some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, such as koalas, wombats, and more?
The best place to see Tasmania’s wildlife is at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, which cares for orphaned and injured animals, rehabilitates them, and sends them back into the wild.
Their dedication to the conservation and preservation of Tasmania’s wildlife is inspiring. Be sure to visit them if you love animals.
Admire the Views from Mount Nelson Signal Station
If you want to see amazing views but don’t want to hike, then be sure to head up to the Signal Station on Mount Nelson.
From here, you can see panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding region, including the River Derwent, Bruny Island, and Storm Bay (on a clear day).
Don’t miss a chance to wander around the Signal Station, which was built in 1811, and learn more about Hobart’s semaphore signaling history and early shipping history.