Hobart Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hobart with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top places to visit, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local customs, safety and health, transportation options and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Hobart

Hobart is a charming city located on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, also known as the Island State of Australia. The city is surrounded by rugged natural beauty and is rich in history, culture, and arts. With a population of over 226,000, Hobart is the largest city in Tasmania and has a lot to offer for tourists who love outdoor adventures, scenic views, cultural attractions, and delicious food and drinks.

List of Places to Visit in Hobart

  • Mount Wellington
  • Salamanca Market
  • Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
  • Cascade Brewery
  • Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
  • Port Arthur Historic Site
  • MONA (Museum Of Old And New Art)
  • Bruny Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is Hobart’s main cultural institution and houses a wide range of art, history, and science collections related to Tasmania. Don’t miss the significant collections of Aboriginal art, colonial and contemporary art, and the Tasmanian tiger exhibit.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia’s most significant convict-era sites. Explore the ruins of the penitentiary, church, hospital, and other important structures. You can also take a ghost tour and learn about the site’s dark history.

Natural Attractions of Hobart: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington is Hobart’s most recognisable landmark, standing at an elevation of 1,271 meters. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding countryside from the summit. Bring warm clothing, as it can be chilly on top of the mountain.

Bruny Island

Take a day trip to Bruny Island, located a short distance south of Hobart. Enjoy stunning beaches, coastal cliffs, and wildlife, including penguins, seals, and dolphins. You can take a cruise (or kayak) to see the coast and its surrounding waters.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hobart

Hobart offers stunning hiking and mountain biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who love to stay active. Here are some of the best routes that you might want to check out:

Organ Pipes Track (Mount Wellington)

A challenging but rewarding hike that takes you through the dense forest and giant boulders of Mount Wellington. The trail eventually ends at the Organ Pipes, a series of dolerite columns formed over millions of years.

South Arm Heritage Trail

A flat and easy trail that runs along the beach from Fort Beach to Opossum Bay. The trail offers beautiful views of the ocean, cliffs, and the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in Hobart: Activities and Tours

Salamanca Market

Visit the famous Salamanca Market, held every Saturday in Hobart’s picturesque waterfront district. Browse the stalls of local artisans, farmers, and street performers. You’ll find unique souvenirs, fresh produce, and tasty treats.

MONA (Museum Of Old And New Art)

MONA is Australia’s largest privately-owned museum and home to a diverse collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art. The museum is located within Moorilla Estate winery and offers fabulous dining options as well.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hobart

Day 1: Explore Hobart’s city centre and the historic Battery Point district. Day 2: Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Day 3: Take a day trip to Bruny Island and enjoy the scenic views and wildlife. Day 4: Go hiking on Mount Wellington or explore the Organ Pipes Track. Day 5: Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site and learn about Tasmania’s convict past. Day 6: Take a cruise on the Derwent River and enjoy the beautiful views of the city. Day 7: Relax in Hobart’s cafe and restaurant scene and taste some of Tasmania’s famous wines.

Food and Drink Scene of Hobart

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tasmanian Salmon
  • Scallops from Georges Bay
  • Wallaby meat
  • Bruny Island Cheese
  • Sweet potato fries with truffle oil

Local Beverages

  • Tasmanian Whiskey
  • Tasmanian gin
  • Tasmanian cider and craft beer
  • Apple Isle liqueur
  • Tasmanian wine, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Where to Stay in Hobart: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hobart has a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best options.

Luxury Hotels

  • The Henry Jones Art Hotel
  • MACq 01
  • Salamanca Wharf Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Ibis Styles Hobart
  • Hadley’s Orient Hotel
  • The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Budget Accommodations

  • The Pickled Frog
  • Hobart’s Hostel
  • The Nook Backpackers

What to Buy in Hobart: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tasmanian Whiskey
  • Tasmanian honey and jams
  • Handmade chocolates and fudge
  • Arts and Crafts made by local artists
  • Huon Pine products

Local Culture and Customs of Hobart

  • Hobart is proud of its convict heritage, as many residents are descendants of the early European settlers.
  • Australians drive on the left side of the road.
  • When entering a home or building, it’s customary to knock or say hello.

Best Time to Visit Hobart

The best time to visit Hobart is during the summer months, between December and February, when the weather is warm and dry. Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are great times to visit as well, as the crowds are smaller, and the temperatures are still comfortable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hobart

Do:

  • Try Tasmanian cuisine and beverages
  • Take a tour of Salamanca Market
  • Bring warm clothing, even during the summer months

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment and wildlife
  • Be disrespectful towards the Aboriginal culture and heritage
  • Forget to take sunscreen and insect repellent while hiking or outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hobart

Hobart is generally a safe city, but normal precautions should be taken while travelling. Avoid walking alone at night in dark or isolated areas and exercise caution in crowded places.

Health in Hobart

Australians have a high standard of medical care, and Hobart has many good hospitals and clinics. It’s important to take care while participating in outdoor activities to avoid accidents and injuries.

Getting to Hobart: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hobart

  • Hobart International Airport: Hobart’s main airport is located 17 km from the city centre.

Bus Stations Near Hobart

  • Redline Coaches: Redline coaches offer services from Melbourne, Launceston, and Devonport.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Car rentals are available at Hobart International Airport or within the city centre.

How to Get Around in Hobart

Taxis and public transportation, including buses are available in Hobart. For the best experience, though, it may be best to hire a car to move around the city.

Where to Go Next from Hobart: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Freycinet National Park
  • Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
  • Launceston
  • The Tasman Peninsula

Conclusion

Hobart is a fantastic destination with something for every type of traveller. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, the city has it all. Plan your trip to Hobart with our comprehensive travel guide to make the most of your time in this charming city.

View of the Hobart central business district and Mt Wellington from Constitution Dock View of the Hobart central business district and Mt Wellington from Constitution Dock The Southern Outlet is one of the three freeways in and around Hobart The Southern Outlet is one of the three freeways in and around Hobart Cascades Female Factory Cascades Female Factory The sandstone facade of Parliament House The sandstone facade of Parliament House Arriving at MONA on the ferry Arriving at MONA on the ferry The colonial style exterior of TMAG The colonial style exterior of TMAG The zig-zag path towards kunyanyi / Mount Wellington The zig-zag path towards kunyanyi / Mount Wellington Hobart waterfront statuary: Antarctic explorers Hobart waterfront statuary: Antarctic explorers Wrest Point Hotel Casino, looking very 1970s Wrest Point Hotel Casino, looking very 1970s It's nearly harvest time It's nearly harvest time The bustling Salamanca Markets The bustling Salamanca Markets Tasmanian salmon on a pea and corn fritter Tasmanian salmon on a pea and corn fritter Cascade Brewery, the oldest in Australia Cascade Brewery, the oldest in Australia Night view of Hobart Night view of Hobart Casey station from the air Casey station from the air