When you make it all the way to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, you’ll be so glad you did! As the southernmost capital city in Australia, Hobart has a lot of distinctive character to offer.
From the convict history to the natural beauty all around, Hobart has plenty of fun activities to do.
The capital of Tassie is surprisingly big on tourist attractions and activities. You will discover there are plenty of things to do outside food and drinks in Hobart. Like going go-karting on electric karts, visiting bizarre sights and attractions.
This is your guide to everything you need to know about Hobart, no matter the season you visit. In fact, there are so many things to do you might feel overwhelmed by all the options. Don’t worry!
I’ve created a guide of the 14 best things to do in Hobart in 2024; check them out below!
1. Get to the Top of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington
This iconic summit is undoubtedly one of the must do things in Hobart. Everyone should get up to the summit, no matter the time of year!
Admission is free, and the park is open most days so there is no excuse. There are paths you can use to walk all the way up and then take in the scenic views of Hobart Valley below!
Don’t worry if you’re not a hiker!
There is another way to get to the top of Mt. Wellington. You can take a bus in town to the top and get some of the same views, without the arduous hike. If you’re even more adventurous, consider a mountain biking tour in the area.
No matter how you choose to tackle it, make sure to summit kunanyi/Mt. Wellington is on your list of tourist activities in Hobart!
2. Explore the Mona: Old and New Art
Standing for the Museum of Old and New Art, the Mona is a unique attraction in Hobart. In fact, the adventure begins even before you make it to the museum if you take the ferry along the River Derwent.
Although you can drive to the Mona, catching the ferry at Brooke Street Pier is the most magical way to get to the museum. The ferry is not only a nearly 30 minute scenic tour of the Derwent River, it also introduces you to the wacky character of the museum (you can sit on a normal seat, a tiger or a sheep figurine on the ferry).
Once you arrive, you’ll get to wander through the ever-changing exhibitions of the Mona. It’s an unforgettable experience in Hobart that shouldn’t be missed!
3. Have a Brew at Cascade Brewery
If you enjoy a brew or two, a visit to Cascade Brewery in South Hobart should be on your list of the best things to do in Hobart! As the oldest brewery in Australia from 1824, Cascade Brewery has plenty of history and stories to tell.
You can take a tour of the brewery to get some of the history, as well as the insider information on their brews.
Save some time for a tasting as well; no visit would be complete without it! I recommend their Mercury Hard Cider for a refreshing afternoon beverage.
It is located along the foothills of kunanyi/Mt. Wellington and the brewery have wonderful views as well as excellent beer. Reserve some time to explore the gardens as well, if you’re looking for a natural touch!
I enjoyed this so much during spring that we sat for hours outside in the sun and it quickly turned into one of the best things to see and do in Hobart Tasmania.
4. Get Some Local Flavour at the Salamanca Market
For visitors who find themselves in central Hobart on a Saturday, don’t miss out on visiting the Salamanca Market!
With everything from fresh, local produce and artisan crafts to small batch brews and wines, you can stock up on just about anything at Salamanca Market.
It is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re doing your weekly shop or picking up a few items to take as souvenirs, Salamanca Market is the place to be in Hobart on a Saturday!
It is open between 8 am and 3pm. With over 300 vendors, you could easily spend the whole day here. I would say if the weather is cold there may be less than 300 vendors so, if cold I would plan a few hours only.
With so much to see and buskers around supplying free music, you might want to!
5. Check Out History at Battery Point
One of the most popular suburbs in Hobart is also one of its historic quarters! Battery Point grew out of Hobart’s history as a coastal defence location.
Exploring Battery Point offers a glimpse into Hobart’s history, with attractions like the Battery Point Sculpture Trail and the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, where you can learn about the city’s history, people, environment, and wildlife.
Battery Point was originally the centre point for whalers and dockworkers in the 1800’s, but has since grown into a popular area of town. It is full of small boutiques, fun galleries, and little cafes that make it a great place to explore.
The architecture and the surrounding areas still have the historic charm of the older years, which makes the neighbourhood distinctive even today.
6. Try Some of the Local Cuisine, Especially Seafood
The entire Tasmania area has a reputation for great cuisines and Hobart is no exception. Over the years, the culinary scene has only gotten better, with notable restaurants and bars featuring fresh produce from the region.
Hobart specifically is known for seafood, especially abalone, kingfish, and octopus. As a coastal city, Hobart has no shortage of delicious seafood and great restaurants, many of which are located along the Hobart waterfront.
A few local favourites include Pancho Villa, Sonny, and Peppina, though there are countless wonderful restaurants to choose from.
I went to the Drunken Admiral which was nice but a little more on the expensive side but definitely has an interesting interior like the inside of a ship.
7. Dive into History at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary
Originally founded as the Hobart Prison Barracks in 1821, Hobart Convict Penitentiary is a key part of Hobart’s history.
The prison housed approximately 75,000 convicts between 1803 and 1853. As you can imagine, the penitentiary developed plenty of stories within that time frame. You can delve into that history with your choice of the four tours offered on the property.
There are even ghost tours and paranormal investigations, if you’re willing to risk catching a fright!
8. Take a City Tour
One of the best Hobart adventures is getting oriented and seeing a bit of everything the city has to offer! One of the most popular ways to see the city is through the Red Decker Company tours.
They are a fleet of double-decker tour buses, which send you on guided tours through the city. With twenty stops around the city and audio guide throughout, you can learn a lot riding around the city.
Plus, there are audio guides in several languages, so anyone can enjoy the ride!
9. Appreciate Natural Beauty at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
You may have been to Botanical Gardens before, but we promise this is a different experience!
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) are among the best things to do in Hobart, owing to their unique collections and constant tours. There are nearly hour-long tours every weekend, which walk visitors through the history and gems of the gardens. Make sure you check out the Subantarctic Plant House, which has truly notable species.
There are over 14 hectares for visitors to roam and explore, so you’re bound to find something you like!
10. Imagine Antarctica with Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum
If you’ve ever wondered what Antarctic exploration might look like, Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum is the place to be in Hobart, easily accessible via Hobart International Airport!
Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum allows visitors to experience a piece of what it was like for early Australian expeditioners who did some of the first exploring and learning in Antarctica. It is an immersive experience, which will leave you in awe.
While there is a slight entry fee to get into the museum, all the museum’s profits go towards preserving the original cabins located all the way in Antarctica.
11. Visit the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
While most people think about Hobart Convict Penitentiary when they think of Hobart’s history, the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site in South Hobart is an important part of the puzzle as well.
In fact, the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is the most important location related to female convicts in all of Australia. During its operation, the site housed approximately 6,000 women and girls, as well as 2,000 babies who were born there.
Visiting this historic site gives visitors the chance to peek behind the curtain, seeing stories of these women and their work. You can also take in the stories of the Palawa culture, a 40,000 years old culture that was incredibly damaged by colonisation in the area.
While you can explore on your own, with the help of an audio guide, you can also take a guided tour of the site for a more in-depth experience.
12. Taste Some Fine Whiskey at LARK Distillery
For fans of whiskey, LARK Distillery is a must-do thing to do in Hobart! The distillery has been in operation for over thirty years, building a reputation as one of the best single malt whiskeys available.
The LARK Distillery Cellar Door is on the Hobart waterfront, with beautiful views on its doorstep. Whether you want to grab a bottle to take home with you or do a tasting flight to find your favourite, you can do it all at LARK Distillery.
I really enjoyed the Lark Whiskey, I even bought a bottle but it was great to learn about the process and taste some delicious whiskey.
13. Admire First Nations creativity at Art Mob
The Art Mob, located in the trendy area of North Hobart, has been the main destination for Indigenous arts for 20 years.
Exhibitions show work by established names or new names with free tours of the gallery.
14. Kick back and relax at Street Eats @ Franko on the Hobart Waterfront
Head to Street Eats @ Franko in central Hobart, the creators of Farmers Gate Market, for tasty cuisine in Franklin Square every night during the summer months.
This is the most fun and exciting place to spend an evening in the city and I would definitely rate it being one of the best things to do in Hobart in the evening.
Exploring Tasmania: 14 Best Things to Do in Hobart
When you’re exploring Tasmania, you want to make sure you see all the best things the region has to offer, including a day trip to Bruny Island for its wildlife encounters, delicious local produce, and scenic landscapes.
That’s why you can’t skip out on seeing Hobart and all of the wonderful things you can do there.
And, if you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to add some of the best things to do in Hobart to your list!
Frequently Asked Questions about Hobart
Is 3 days enough in Hobart?
Three days is more than enough in Hobart city and offers ample time to explore the city centre, especially if you plan your visit around the prestigious Hobart Yacht Race.
Is Hobart worth visiting?
Hobart is an excellent destination. A lot of people have asked what to do in Hobart Australia when they have the possibility of visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), a top-quality free attraction with a large collection of almost 800,000 pieces. Additionally, you can explore Salamanca market, visit Port Arthur, or eat some seafood.
How many days do you need in Hobart Tasmania?
Two to three nights in central Hobart allows ample time for exploring Tasmanian historic sites, natural wonders, and to eat delicious food.
I would recommend to travel around Tasmania by car though for the real Tasmanian experience including Bruny Island.
This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase I may receive a small payment at no extra cost to the reader.
