Hobart is a beautiful city in Tasmania where mountains meet the sea. It is full of historical nature and culture. From busy markets to quiet beaches, there is something for everyone. You can enjoy day tours, short walks and local food.
The city feels warm and welcoming. Every corner has something new to see. This guide will help you find the best things to do on your first visit so you can enjoy Hobart to the fullest.
12 Things to Do in Hobart
1. Visit Salamanca Market and Salamanca Place
Visit Salamanca Market and stroll Salamanca Place. The market runs on Saturdays. You will find local food, art, and crafts. Over three hundred stalls line the old sandstone buildings. Try fresh cheese bread and coffee. Meet local makers.
It is lively and colourful. The waterfront is close by, offering views of the Derwent River. Bring a bag and come ready to taste and shop. This morning ritual is a great way to feel Hobart.
2. Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
Go to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. Take the ferry or drive across the river. MONA has bold modern art and unusual exhibits. The museum sits in a winery space on the Berriedale peninsula. It is private and large.
You can spend hours exploring galleries and underground spaces. There are cafes and a winery on-site. Expect surprises and strong creative work. Book tickets ahead for busy days. Allow several hours to explore and enjoy the exhibits there.
3. Climb Mount Wellington (kunanyi)
Drive or sit in the bus to Kunanyi Mount Wellington. The summit towers above Hobart with wide views of the city and the Derwent River. Bring warm clothes as the winds can be strong even in summer. Walk short tracks, explore the Organ Pipes rock formations, or ride a bike down the roads.
The drive from the city takes about thirty minutes. Take photos at the lookout and enjoy the changing light over the landscape. Bring water and a camera for views.
4. Take a Bruny Island Day Tour
Take a Bruny Island day tour from Hobart for wilderness beaches and local food. The full day trip includes a ferry crossing, a scenic cruise and guided stops. You will taste cheeses, oysters and local chocolate along the way.
Keep an eye out for seals, seabirds and coastal views. Tours include pick up and return to Hobart. This island trip shows Tasmania’s marine life and dramatic cliffs, making it a top day tour. Book ahead on busy summer weekends.
5. Discover Battery Point’s Charm
Wander Battery Point on a self-guided historic walk. Climb Kelly’s Steps and explore narrow lanes and old cottages. Arthur Circus is a small ring of charming homes worth a view. Visit the Narryna Heritage Museum for colonial displays and local stories.
The cafes on Hampden Road serve good coffee and simple food. This walk can be done in a half day and fits well in a Hobart half day city plan. It feels quiet and old. It is charming.
6. Meet Wildlife at Bonorong Sanctuary
Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see Tasmanian devils and native animals. The park cares for injured wildlife and offers close views of wombats, wallabies and birds. You can join a guided feed and learn about rescue work. It is a small sanctuary focused on conservation and education.
The drive from central Hobart takes about thirty minutes. Tickets help fund the wildlife hospital and rescue teams working across Tasmania. Buying a ticket supports rescue work and helps sick, injured animals heal.
7. Relax in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Relax at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and see plants from around the world. The gardens sit on the city edge and are easy to walk in. Enjoy themed sections, a water garden and lovely lawns for a picnic. There is a conservatory and a display of native Tasmanian plants.
The gardens welcome visitors year-round and are a calm green space in the city. It is ideal for a slow morning or a quiet half day. Perfect for quiet time.
8. Tour the Cascade Brewery
Take the Cascade Brewery tour to learn local brewing history. The tour shows old buildings, brewing methods and river-fed cellars. Cascade is one of Australia’s oldest operating breweries and sits under Mount Wellington.
You will hear stories of founders and the town that grew around the beer trade. Many tours end with a tasting paddle in the garden bar. It is a short cultural stop that pairs well with South Hobart cafes and walks. Tours run most days here.
9. Stroll Constitution Dock and Try Fresh Seafood
Stroll the waterfront at Constitution Dock and eat fresh seafood. The dock is a working marina and hosts local fishing boats and events. Taste oyster fish and chips or grab a seafood roll to eat by the water. In summer, stroll along the wharves and watch yachts and ferries pass.
The area links to Salamanca Place and Battery Point, so you can make a full harbour walk. The Sydney to Hobart race finishes here each year. Plan a seafood snack.
10. Visit Richmond Historic Village
Take a short trip to Richmond for history and colonial buildings. The town sits about thirty minutes from Hobart in the Coal River Valley. See Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge and visit the old gaol and local shops.
Richmond also has cafes and small producers selling local jams, cheeses and wines. The village is a peaceful escape and makes a great half day or afternoon outing from Hobart.
11. Go on a Hobart Harbour Cruise or Seafood Boat
Book a Hobart harbour cruise or seafood boat for views from the water. Small boat trips leave from the docks and show the city’s coast and river. Some cruises focus on seafood and include tastings or a cooked meal on board.
Others offer wildlife spotting like seals, dolphins and seabirds. A short cruise gives a fresh view of Hobart and links to other tours. It is easy to fit a cruise into a Hobart half day plan. Check the weather first.
12. Enjoy the Best Beaches in the Hobart Region
Visit the best beaches in Hobart region for sand and sun. Try Seven Mile Beach for wide sand and surf, or Kingston Beach for calm, family-friendly swims. Sandy Bay sits close to the city with easy access and cafes nearby.
For a longer drive, head to Clifton or Opossum Bay to find quieter shores. Bring a towel and check local winds and tides. Beach time pairs well with afternoon coffee and sunsets over the water. Stay for the sunset.
FAQs
Can I see the main sites in one day?
Yes, you can cover a few main spots on a Hobart half day plan like Salamanca, Battery Point and a waterfront stroll. For MONA or Bruny Island, allow a full day.
Is Salamanca Market open every day?
No, the big Salamanca Market runs on Saturdays only. Plan your visit on a Saturday to see stalls and live music.
Can I do Bruny Island as a day tour?
Yes, many operators run a Bruny Island day tour from Hobart with ferry transport, guided stops and food tastings. Book ahead in the busy season.
Are the beaches safe to swim?
Some beaches, like Kingston Beach, are family-friendly, while others can have surf currents. Check local warnings and choose beaches with calmer water if you are unsure.
Conclusion
This is a small city, but it has a full variety of things to do in Hobart. Pick two big places like MONA and kunanyi in your to-do list, then add a market walk or a beach. Use one day tour to see the islands or national parks.
Mix slow half day plans with one full day trip. This way, you will see the main highlights and still find time to relax and enjoy local food and views. Visit the Australia City Guide for more information.
