While it lies roughly 750 km off the mainland of Australia, Tasmania, and in particular Hobart, should not be ignored as an antipodean travel destination.
A charming and picturesque city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Hobart is known for its stunning harbour, rich colonial heritage, and vibrant arts and culture scene.
Whilst it often is an over-used term, Tasmania’s capital really is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to explore Australia’s southernmost state. With the rugged wilderness of Tasmania’s national parks, its delicious local produce and its quaint streets, Hobart offers plenty to seduce the visitor.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the things that make Hobart such a special place to visit. From visiting craft breweries and local markets to checking out incredible summit views and world-class art and culture, here are 19 things every visitor to Hobart should do.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
No trip to Hobart is complete without a trip to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
An oasis of tranquillity and natural beauty, it is nestled in the heart of the city, covering over 14 hectares of landscaped gardens, greenhouses, and specialty collections. All of which provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore Tasmania’s rich flora and fauna.
Visitors can stroll through the herb and vegetable gardens and admire the colourful blooms of the annual and perennial gardens. Alternatively, they can simply relax on the lawns and take in the stunning views of the Derwent River and Mount Wellington.
The gardens also offer a range of guided tours, workshops, and special events throughout the year, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city from which they have travelled.
Battery Point
For a glimpse into Hobart’s rich colonial heritage, head to Battery Point, a historic neighbourhood located just south of the city centre.
With its quaint streets lined with sandstone cottages, charming cafes, and boutique shops, Battery Point is a popular destination for locals and tourists to visit.
Take a leisurely stroll down Arthur’s Circus, a circular park surrounded by beautifully restored Georgian-style homes, or visit the Narryna Heritage Museum, which showcases the daily life of early settlers in Hobart.
Also, don’t miss out on the chance to climb to the top of the iconic Kelly’s Steps, a steep staircase that connects Battery Point to Salamanca Place, and enjoy stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline.
Cascades Female Factory
One of Hobart’s most significant historical sites is the Cascades Female Factory, which provides a fascinating insight into the lives of women convicts during the colonial era.
Situated at the foothills of Mount Wellington, the factory was built in the early 19th century to house female convicts who were sent to Tasmania from across the British Empire.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the site and learn about the harsh living conditions, punishments, and daily routines of the women who were imprisoned there.
The factory also presents a museum that showcases artefacts, documents, and artworks related to the factory’s history and the broader context of convict transportation in Australia.
Salamanca
You can’t visit Hobart and not visit the Salamanca Market. It is in the rule book – or at least should be.
A bustling open-air market that takes place every Saturday in the historic Salamanca Place, it features over 300 stalls which sell a wide range of artisanal products, crafts, and gourmet food.
Offering a unique shopping and dining experience that’s not to be missed, some of Tasmania’s best produce, including fresh seafood, cheeses, wines, fruits, and vegetables, can be found here. You can also browse through stalls selling beautiful handmade jewellery, clothing, and artwork.
In addition, to the stalls, the market also features live music, street performers, and other entertainment, creating a lively, infectious and jovial atmosphere that draws in plenty of crowds, both locals and tourists.
Cascades Brewery
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to the Cascades Brewery is a must when in Hobart.
Established in 1824, it is Australia’s oldest operating brewery and has a rich history of producing high-quality beers using traditional methods.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery and learn about the brewing process, from the selection of raw materials to the bottling and packaging of the finished product.
The tour also includes a tasting session where visitors can sample a range of beers and ciders, including some limited edition and seasonal varieties.
Additionally, the brewery also features a bar and restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink in a picturesque setting surrounded by lush gardens.
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
While beer lovers should head to Cascades Brewers, lovers of classical music should make a beeline for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
Founded in 1948, the orchestra offers a world-class cultural experience, performing a range of classical and contemporary musical pieces, from symphonies and operas to chamber music and choral works.
Visitors can attend one of the many concerts and events held throughout the year at the Federation Concert Hall, a state-of-the-art performance venue that offers excellent acoustics and a comfortable seating arrangement.
If watching a performance inspires you to learn an instrument of your own, the orchestra also offers a range of educational programs and community outreach initiatives aimed at promoting classical music and nurturing the talents of young musicians in Tasmania.
Lark Distillery
Suppose you are more of a whiskey drinker than a beer lover, then a visit to the Lark Distillery in Hobart is a must.
Credited with kickstarting Tasmania’s thriving whiskey industry, the distillery was launched in 1992. Since then, it has gained international recognition for its premium quality and unique flavours of the water of life.
If you go there, you will be able to take a guided tour of the distillery and learn about the whiskey-making process, from the selection of grains to the maturation of the spirits in oak casks.
Naturally, the tour also includes a tasting session, where visitors can sample a range of whiskeys and spirits, including some limited edition and single cask varieties.
MT Wellington/Kunanyui Summit
It would be a shame to come to Hobart and not visit the magnificent Mount Wellington and the Kunanyi Summit.
Rising 1,271 metres above sea level, Mount Wellington provides stunning panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding landscape. To get it, you can either drive or take a bus to the summit, where you can then explore the many walking trails and take in the breathtaking views from various lookout points.
The summit is also home to the Pinnacle Observation Shelter, a modern and stylish facility that offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. For the more adventurous, there are also opportunities for rock climbing, abseiling, and mountain biking.
Furthermore, the mountain and the summit also have a significant cultural and historical significance to the local Indigenous people, the Palawa, and visitors can learn more about their culture and traditions at the cultural centre that resides on it.
Coal River Farm
For those looking to indulge in some delicious and locally produced food, a visit to the Coal River Farm in Hobart is a must.
The farm is located in the picturesque Coal River Valley and produces a range of artisanal products, including cheeses, chocolates, and ice cream – all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The best way to see the farm is on a guided tour, where you will learn about the production process, from the milking of the cows to the handcrafting of the chocolates. Of course, you’ll also get plenty of different tasting experiences, which include some unique and seasonal varieties.
For those wanting an even more substantial meal, the farm also features a café and restaurant, where you can enjoy a beautifully plated dish made from fresh and wholesome ingredients.
North Hobart
If you’re looking for dinner options, consider heading to North Hobart. There, you’ll find a great selection of bars and delicious food.
Some terrific spots to check out include Raincheck Lounge, Kalbi, The Winston, Born in Brunswick, Veg Bar and Pancho Villa.
For those wanting live music entertainment, Republic Bar and Room For A Pony are excellent places for live music.
Derwent River
The Derwent River is a breathtaking natural wonder that is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Hobart.
The river flows through the heart of the city and is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including hills, forests, and rolling farmland. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and sea birds, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Along the river, there are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Tourists can take a scenic cruise along the river, which offers a unique perspective of the city and the surrounding areas.
MONA
A visit to Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must for art lovers and culture vultures.
The museum, which is located on the banks of the Derwent River, is a world-renowned institution that showcases an eclectic mix of contemporary and ancient art. Its unique architecture and design add to its allure, with many of the galleries located underground and accessible only by spiral staircases or elevators.
The exhibitions are constantly changing, but they always feature a mix of thought-provoking and challenging works that will engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The museum also features a restaurant, winery, and brewery, making it a great place to spend a full day exploring and indulging in Tasmania’s finest food and drink.
Henry Jones Art Hotel
Located in a beautifully restored waterfront warehouse, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is a unique and luxurious accommodation option that should not be missed by travellers visiting Hobart.
The hotel seamlessly combines contemporary design with the building’s historic features, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests. Each room features unique artwork, and the hotel has its own on-site art gallery that showcases works by local and international artists.
The hotel’s location is also a highlight, as it is within walking distance of some of Hobart’s top attractions, including the Salamanca Markets and the MONA ferry terminal.
Additionally, the hotel offers a range of dining options to guests and non-guests, including the award-winning IXL Long Bar and Restaurant, which serves gourmet meals skilfully prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Theatre Royal
For those who love theatre and performance arts, a visit to Hobart’s Theatre Royal should be on the agenda.
Established in 1837, the Theatre Royal is Australia’s oldest continuously operating theatre and has been an integral part of Hobart’s cultural scene for more than 185 years.
The theatre hosts a diverse range of performances, including plays, musicals, ballets, and concerts featuring both local and international artists. The building itself is also a marvel, with its grand Victorian architecture and ornate interiors, which have been beautifully restored to preserve their historic charm.
If you want to see more than just a performance, visitors can take a guided tour of the premises to learn about its fascinating history and get a behind-the-scenes look at its operations.
Sullivan’s Cove
Sullivan’s Cove is a historic and picturesque waterfront area that is located in the heart of the city.
It is known for housing some of Hobart’s most popular attractions, including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, and the iconic Salamanca Place.
The area also features a number of restaurants, cafes, and bars, serving up delicious food and drink with stunning views of the harbour. Overall, it is a lovely place to stroll along the waterfront, take a ferry ride to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), or simply people-watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling and historic part of Hobart.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
As mentioned, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is one of the popular attractions at Sullivan’s Cove.
Showcasing the natural, cultural, and artistic history of Tasmania, the museum is home to an impressive collection of exhibits and artefacts.
From fossils and taxidermy animals to contemporary art and Indigenous artefacts, there is plenty of
interest to see at the TMAG. Some of its main highlights include the Thylacine Exhibition, which tells the story of the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger, and the Tasmanian Aboriginal exhibit, which explores the rich and complex history of Tasmania’s Indigenous people.
Guided tours of the museum are also available for those who want to learn more about its collections and history.
Farm Gate Market
The Farm Gate Market in Hobart is a beloved local institution and a must-visit destination for foodies and farmers’ market enthusiasts.
Held every Sunday, rain or shine, the market is a celebration of Tasmania’s rich and diverse food culture.
Visitors can browse stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and other locally sourced and crafted delights.
The market is also a great place to sample some of Tasmania’s famous seafood, including oysters, salmon, and scallops. It is known for its lively and friendly atmosphere and is a great place to meet and chat with local farmers, producers, and chefs to find out more about the region’s culinary traditions.