Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
MB, Pexels
Hobart, nestled by the Derwent River with kunanyi/Mount Wellington as its backdrop, offers a distinctive blend of historical charm, a vibrant cultural scene, and access to breathtaking natural landscapes. It draws visitors seeking art, history, culinary delights, and outdoor adventures.
When looking to socialise, Salamanca Place is a notable area, particularly on Saturdays when the Salamanca Market transforms it into a bustling hub of activity where people gather, enjoy local produce, and engage with the community. On Sundays, the smaller Farm Gate Market also provides a pleasant, intimate setting for connecting with the local scene.
Top 6 Things to do in Hobart
Exploring Hobart involves engaging with vibrant markets, delving into compelling history and art, ascending a majestic mountain for panoramic views, and venturing to nearby islands for unique natural beauty and culinary experiences.
1. Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Visiting MONA offers a unique and often thought-provoking experience, featuring an eclectic collection of ancient and contemporary art housed in a stunning subterranean architectural marvel. Beyond the art, the museum's grounds provide sweeping views of the Derwent River and kunanyi/Mount Wellington, making it a compelling destination for its setting as well.
Cost: Entry for non-Tasmanians is A$30. The Mona Roma Fast Ferry costs approximately A$28-A$25 for a standard return ticket or A$58-A$60 for the 'Posh Pit' experience, which includes an open bar and snacks for the 25-minute journey.
Transport: The most recommended way to arrive is by the Mona Roma Fast Ferry, departing regularly from Brooke Street Pier in central Hobart, taking about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, a dedicated MONA bus service is available from Brooke Street Pier for around A$15 return, or public buses (routes 510, 521, 520, 522, X20) can be taken from the Hobart CBD for A$1-A$4 one-way, taking about 24-30 minutes. A taxi ride from Hobart to MONA takes around 11-12 minutes and costs approximately A$27-A$35.
2. Salamanca Market and Battery Point
On a Saturday, Salamanca Place transforms into one of Australia's largest outdoor markets, where I have enjoyed wandering through over 300 stalls offering local produce, crafts, clothing, and jewellery, often accompanied by live music. From here, a short walk leads to Battery Point, Hobart's first suburb, where you can explore beautifully preserved workers' cottages and merchant mansions, stepping back into the city's colonial past.
Cost: Entry to the market is free, with costs only for purchases made. Exploring Battery Point is also free. Guided historic walking tours of Hobart, which often include Battery Point, typically cost between A$25 and A$38.
Transport: Salamanca Market and Battery Point are centrally located and easily accessible by walking from many Hobart city accommodations. The Hobart bus mall is a short 7-minute walk to the market. Taxis from central Hobart to Salamanca Market take approximately 2 minutes and cost A$7-A$9.
3. kunanyi/Mount Wellington
Ascending kunanyi/Mount Wellington provides spectacular panoramic views stretching over Hobart, the Derwent River, and the Tasman Sea. The mountain's summit offers a diverse alpine landscape and is perfect for short walks, though visitors should be prepared for temperatures that can be around 10°C cooler than in Hobart.
Cost: Access to kunanyi/Mount Wellington is free. A return trip on the dedicated Explorer Bus from Hobart costs approximately A$40.
Transport: Driving is a convenient option, taking about 25 minutes from the city centre directly to the summit via Pinnacle Road. The kunanyi/Mount Wellington Explorer Bus departs daily from Hobart's waterfront, offering a 2.5-hour return tour including 30 minutes at the summit, with hop-on, hop-off options for exploring bushwalking and mountain bike trails. A taxi ride from Hobart to the summit costs between A$45 and A$60.
4. Port Arthur Historic Site
A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site offers a profound journey into Australia's convict past. I found exploring the more than 30 historic buildings, ruins, and gardens incredibly immersive, providing a comprehensive understanding of this preserved penal settlement's rich and often dark history.
Cost: Admission to the Port Arthur Historic Site is required, and full-day tours from Hobart typically include this entry, costing around A$110. A return shuttle bus service from Hobart to Port Arthur costs approximately A$60.
Transport: Port Arthur is approximately 90-97 km from Hobart, a drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Daily shuttle buses operate from Franklin Wharf in Hobart, taking about 2 hours for the journey. Public bus services by Tassielink Transit also run daily, costing A$16-A$20 one-way and taking about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
5. Bruny Island Day Trip
Spending a day on Bruny Island unveils a diverse landscape of gourmet food and pristine wilderness. I highly recommend indulging in the island's famous oysters, local cheeses, and honey. Beyond the culinary delights, the island offers spectacular coastal views, beautiful beaches, and the iconic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, making it a rewarding full-day excursion.
Cost: If driving, the vehicle ferry from Kettering costs approximately A$50 for a return ticket per car. Numerous full-day guided tours from Hobart are available, with prices ranging from approximately A$179 for food and wine experiences to A$349 for gourmet safaris. Climbing the Cape Bruny Lighthouse costs A$25.
Transport: The journey involves driving approximately 30-40 minutes south of Hobart to Kettering, where you then take a 20-minute vehicle ferry to Bruny Island. There is no public transport or taxis on Bruny Island, so a car is essential for independent exploration once you arrive. Most organised day tours from Hobart include all transport to and around the island.
6. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens & Cascade Brewery
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil escape with their impressive collection of cool-climate plants, including the unique Subantarctic Plant House, providing a relaxing stroll through beautifully maintained landscapes. Nearby, the historic Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest continually operating brewery, offers insights into its brewing heritage with a stunning mountain backdrop and charming gardens, providing an interesting contrast to the natural beauty of the gardens.
Cost: Entry to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is free, though a small donation is appreciated. Guided tours within the gardens cost A$15. Cascade Brewery offers tours, with costs varying depending on the chosen tour, but visitors can also enjoy the bar and beer garden without a tour.
Transport: Both locations are relatively close to the city centre. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are a 5-minute drive or a 25-30 minute walk. Public buses from Stop 1, Macquarie St, take 2-12 minutes and cost A$1-A$4. Taxis cost A$7-A$11. The Cascade Brewery is located in South Hobart and is accessible by public transport or a short taxi ride from the city centre.
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