Things to do in Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, with a population of around 220,000, and  stretches north / south along the Derwent River and resides at the base of Mount Wellington.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Located a short distance from the city centre, with free parking available, the gardens are the second-oldest Botanic Gardens in Australia.

You can take a self-guided tour through the gardens at your leisure. Alternatively free guided tours are available, along with walking tours and tours on wheels (at a cost of $6 per person). For enquiries, call (03) 6166 0451. If you are visiting during Spring, the  tulip display is a must-see.

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

MONA is Australia’s largest, and arguable most controversial, private museum filled with contemporary thought-provoking, and often shocking, art. The complex, located approximately 15 minutes drive from the centre of Hobart, boasts food, wine and beer, as well as beautiful gardens to sit and relax. If you prefer, you can catch the MONA Roma ferry from Constitution Dock -  we highly recommend the ferry ride on the Derwent River (especially during summer) were you get a different view of the city and the activity on the water.

Cascade Brewery

Australia’s oldest brewery, established in 1832, is located in the foot hills of Mount Wellington.
Book a tour to find out how Cascade has been crafting beer since 1832. After the tour you can sample the range of beers and ciders available. The brewery is located less than 10 minutes drive from the centre of Hobart, with free parking available. Alternatively, The Red Decker bus includes a stop at Cascade Brewery.

Cascades Female Factory Historic site

Located a short drive from Cascade Brewery, this world heritage site is Australia’s most significant history site associated with female convicts. For a small entry fee you can walk around the site, or for an extra $10 you can take a guided tour, bringing the site to life for you. The Red Decker bus also includes a stop at the Cascade Female Factory. Find out what we thought about the Female Factory tour.

Battery Point

Battery Point is a suburb that adjoins the waterfront area of Hobart and contains a number of history houses from the early days of Hobart’s settlement in the early 1800s. It is so named due to the gun batteries that were established in 1818 to defend the city of Hobart from attack. It is probably most well known for the historic houses in Arthur circus. Explore the historic area using one of the free self-guided walking tours available.

Salamanca Place

Salamanca Place is a historic precinct located beside the Hobart docks. It features historic sandstone buildings that were originally warehouses for the port. It is now a very popular area both day and night with many craft shops, galleries and  dining options. And did you know that Salamanca Place is featured as a property in the Australian version of Monopoly?

Salamanca market

Most Saturdays of the year, Salamanca place is turned into a street market with many stalls covering food, arts and crafts and all things Tasmanian on offer. It is open from 8:30am - 3pm and attracts anywhere from 25,000 - 40,000 visitors each week. There is paid parking available in car parks close by, or you can try and find a park in the streets near by (can be difficult). Whilst you are there, also take a walk around the docks, including the historic buildings in Hunter Street, Mawsons hut and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Mawson's Huts Replica Museum

Located on the Hobart waterfront, this attraction is an exact replica of the huts built in 1912 at Cape Denison in Antarctica, to house early Australian explorers.

Allow 1-2 hours to immerse yourself in the stories of the men and huskies, and imagine what life might have been like for them on the cold and windy continent.

If you’re keen to learn more, you can explore the sculptures on the waterfront which pay homage to the dogs who have supported Australia’s Antarctic expeditions. Nearby, both the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Maritime Museum of Tasmania also have permanent displays devoted to Antarctica.

Mount Wellington (kunanyi)

Rising 1271 metres above Hobart is Mount Wellington. During winter it is frequently covered with snow and the road can be closed until the snow has been cleared off the road. The 22km road up is windy and bounded by thick forest most of the way. Once you reach the summit you are witness to spectacular views over Hobart. The mountain is also popular with bush walkers and rock climbers. There is an enclosed look out at the top which can be handy as the winds can be strong and extremely cold.