Best Things To Do in Hobart

Hobart, located on the south coast of Tasmania, is a destination that combines natural beauty with historical excursions, since there you can find not only protected parks, but also museums and the old Port Arthur Penitentiary, which for years gave fame to the state capital as one of the Australian sites of prisons.

Among the best things to do in Hobart are to take a tour to Mount Wellington, discover the Derwent River on a cruise, visit the Salamanca Market, tour the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, see Wineglass Bay on a scenic flight, take a tour on the local historic streetcar and take a boat ride around the Iron Lighthouse.

A tour to Mount Wellington is an experience that will allow you to discover Tasmania's premier natural wonder and rich history. From this mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding area, as well as the scenic beauty of the region, with its snow-capped peaks and dense vegetation.

When you reach the summit, which is located more than 1,200 meters above sea level, you can access a sweeping view that stretches from Hobart's city center to the Derwent Estuary, the city's most popular river. In addition, Mount Wellington has a series of trails that allow visitors to explore the native flora and fauna. Along the way you will come across wallabies and kangaroos, common species in the area.

Mount Wellington is also a natural wonder deeply rooted in local lore, as it is a site that was once inhabited by Aboriginal people and occupied by the first European settlers. This is why on the best Hobart tours you will not only be able to contemplate the panoramic views, but also learn about the region's past.

Hobart is a port city and, therefore, its history is intimately linked to the Derwent River that meanders along the coast, pairing perfectly with the surrounding mountain scenery and island architecture of this destination. While you can view the tributary from the estuary, one of the best experiences you can have in the city is to take a cruise.

During these Hobart boat tours you can not only cruise this iconic river, but also get up close and personal with the rich diversity of wildlife along its banks. From seabirds to riparian forest areas, every corner of the Derwent River is home to a variety of wildlife. In addition, Hobart's colonial history comes alive as you cruise along the old wharves and dockyards that contributed to the city's development.

Furthermore, these Derwent River cruises will provide unique views of iconic historic sites, such as the Tasman Bridge and Salamanca Place, a warehouse suburb that came to prominence in the late 19th century. During the tours, an expert local guide is likely to accompany you with fascinating tales of Hobart's maritime and cultural heritage as you discover a different perspective of the destination.

The Salamanca Market, located in the historic warehouse district of Salamanca Place, is one of the most important attractions of the city, mainly because it serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors. In this flea market you will find a wide range of handicrafts, artwork and fresh produce, but you can also discover the daily life of this place.

At the market stalls you will find local crafts ranging from plated jewelry to colorful textiles and sculptures by talented Tasmanian artists. The diversity of products reflects the creativity and artistic spirit of this community, but it will also give you a chance to see the area around Salamanca Place, a neighborhood that is often included in the itineraries of the best Hobart tours.

One of the highlights of the market is its gastronomic offer. There you can get a variety of fresh foods, including freshly harvested produce and tempting gourmet delicacies. It's also the perfect place to sample local specialties such as Tasmanian honey, artisanal cheeses and fresh seafood that highlight the region's culinary richness.

The Penitentiary Museum is one of Hobart's most famous historical sites and allows you to explore a fascinating and sometimes grim chapter of Australian history. This museum, located on the site of the former Port Arthur Prison, offers an immersive insight into the lives of prisoners and the prison systems of the 19th century. As you enter its halls, you will encounter an extensive collection of historical elements that unfold the site's past.

Among the exhibits of this site, which is included among the best museums in Hobart, you will find authentic objects that belonged to the prisoners and testify to the difficult living conditions of the time. From worn uniforms to work tools and personal belongings, each item tells a story of survival and endurance in a harsh environment.

Hobart Penitentiary is interwoven with the broader story of British colonization in Australia and the island's use as a penal colony. Through interactive exhibits and themed narratives, the museum highlights how Port Arthur Prison became a pioneering experiment in the prison system, implementing innovative rehabilitation and punishment techniques.

During your visit you can also see the restored cells and prison yards, and learn about the Port Arthur Massacre that occurred in 1996 and hastened the final removal of the 11 Australian prison sites that had been built by the British colony in different parts of the country.

For an adventurous experience, you can't miss a scenic flight over Wineglass Bay, one of the best things to do from Hobart. This aerial tour will allow you to enjoy sweeping views of one of the most picturesque bays in the world, which is located approximately 2 hours from the capital of Tasmania.

Aboard a small aircraft, you will soar over the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches that characterize Wineglass Bay. From the heights, you will be able to contemplate the perfect inverted cup shape that gives its name to this bay, characterized by its calm waters. During the tour you will also be able to distinguish the immensity of the ocean and the vegetation of the surrounding forests, as well as the coastal rock formations and the nearby islets.

The scenic flight over Wineglass Bay will also give you the opportunity to spot the marine wildlife that inhabits these waters, including whales and dolphins, especially if you plan to visit Hobart during the summer when the larger cetaceans are mating.

A trip to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary from Hobart will allow you to discover Tasmania's native wildlife. This sanctuary plays a vital role in the conservation of native species and gives visitors the opportunity to interact with and learn about the region's unique wildlife. There, you can also meet the famous Tasmanian devil, whose behavior attracts the attention of tourists.

In Bonorong you can also participate in guided tours that take you through the local wildlife, its habitat and the conservation efforts of local organizations to keep endangered species safe. In addition to Tasmanian devils, you may encounter wombats, kangaroos and native birds.

One of the unforgettable experiences you will take away from Bonorong is the chance to interact directly with some of the animals. You will be able to feed the kangaroos and pet the wombats, allowing you to get up close to the wildlife in one of Australia's most famous sanctuaries.

Hobart is a city that was originally created around the river, so a visit to the Tasmanian Maritime Museum will allow you to learn about the rich harbor history that has shaped the capital of this Australian island. In this museum you will find a collection ranging from the early exploration of the Tasmanian coast to the intrepid era of shipping and maritime trade that characterized the region.

Often listed as one of Hobart's best museums, you can explore a variety of items ranging from old, analog nautical charts to historic ship models that chronicle the expeditions that shaped the region's cartography. In addition, the exhibit focuses on Hobart's importance as a strategic port and its involvement in Antarctic exploration, showcasing relics of expeditions that departed from these shores.

One of the most positive aspects of the Tasmanian Maritime Museum is that it offers interactive experiences and simulators that will place you in an imaginary sailing on the high seas. The stories of sailors, explorers, privateers and traders are interwoven with the evolution of shipbuilding, offering a comprehensive view of the deep connection between Tasmania and the vast surrounding ocean that the island's settlers have been compelled to explore.

In addition, the museum is located in the heart of Hobart's historic district, so it is easily accessible and can be reached by public transport or the city's hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

One of the best alternatives to get to know the colonial spirit of Hobart is to take a tour aboard the city's historic streetcar. On this ride you can visit the narrow cobblestone streets of the city center and the most emblematic points of interest of this destination.

During the itinerary you will have access to an audio guide in several languages that will tell you about the evolution of Hobart, from its colonization days to the modern city it is today. The streetcar also travels through iconic sites such as Salamanca Place, Battery Point, the Cascade Brewery, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the historic harbor, offering scenic views and unique opportunities to explore each stop.

Live entertainment is also available on board the streetcar, with local musicians and street performers adding a traditional tinge to the experience.

If you want to learn about Australia's colonial history, you can't miss Port Arthur during your trip to Hobart. This Unesco World Heritage Site is a former prison settlement that is home to a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Founded in 1830, Port Arthur became a crucial site for the confinement of convicts, marking a significant chapter in Tasmania's prison history.

However, Port Arthur offers much more than a former prison that now houses one of Hobart's finest museums. In the center of this district you will be able to distinguish a number of well-preserved buildings, including the church, the Commandant's House and the infirmary, each with its own history and purpose within the complex.

In addition to the historic buildings, the site has a visitor center that features interactive exhibits and detailed narratives about daily life in and around the prison settlement. You can also opt for a boat tour of Carnarvon Bay for a unique perspective of Port Arthur from the water.

The Isle of the Dead, a cemetery that houses the graves of more than 1,000 inmates, is another poignant element of the site that highlights the harshness of existence in Port Arthur during the penitentiary years.

One of the most inhospitable places you can visit from Hobart, but also one that you should not leave out of your itinerary, is the Iron Pot Lighthouse, a legendary lantern that is strategically located on the Hobart coast and has guided sailors over the years in crossing the challenging waters of the Tasman Sea. During the tour, you will be able to explore this iconic lighthouse up close, discovering all its mysteries.

The history of the Iron Lighthouse dates back to the 19th century, when it was built to improve navigational safety on one of the busiest shipping lanes in the region. With its wrought iron structure, the lighthouse has withstood the ravages of time and has become an iconic symbol of the Tasmanian coast. Through the expert local guide on board the ship, you will gain an understanding of the vital role this site played.

During the tour, you will also enjoy panoramic views of the coastal landscape and experience the environment from different perspectives. The surrounding waters, often rough and tumultuous, provide an unmissable backdrop for one of the best excursions from Hobart.