Things To Do
in Hobart

Hobart is the compact, historic capital of Tasmania set where the Derwent River meets dramatic hills and rugged coastline. The city blends 19th-century sandstone architecture in Battery Point and Salamanca with cutting-edge art at MONA and a lively waterfront. Fresh local produce, cool-climate wines and abundant seafood define its food scene, while nearby wilderness is minutes away for hiking, coastal drives and wildlife encounters.

Weather is changeable year-round, giving the city a brisk, maritime character that rewards layering and outdoor exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through Salamanca Place, where the historic sandstone warehouses have been transformed into vibrant galleries and cafes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes, sampling fresh produce and artisanal coffee. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour to learn about Hobart's rich history and architecture.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, where you can explore exhibits that highlight the island's natural and cultural history. Afterward, wander through the picturesque streets of Battery Point, admiring the charming colonial architecture and quaint shops. End your afternoon with a relaxing walk along the waterfront, soaking in the stunning views of the Derwent River.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to one of the bustling restaurants on the waterfront for a seafood dinner, savoring the local catch of the day. Post-dinner, head to the nearby MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) for a unique experience of contemporary art and installations. If time allows, enjoy a nightcap at a local bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Hobart's nightlife.

day 2
Visit to the Famous MONA
morning
:

Begin your day with a ferry ride from Brooke Street Pier to the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), enjoying the scenic views of the Derwent River. Once you arrive, explore the eclectic and thought-provoking exhibits that showcase both ancient and contemporary art. Grab a light brunch at the museum's café, known for its delicious local produce.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration of MONA, delving into its fascinating collections and interactive installations. Take the time to visit the vineyards and gardens surrounding the museum, where you can enjoy a wine tasting of local Tasmanian wines. As the afternoon winds down, relax in the museum's outdoor spaces, taking in the art and the stunning natural landscape.

evening
:

Return to Hobart and prepare for an evening of culinary delight at one of the renowned fine dining establishments in the city. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that highlights the best of Tasmanian produce and flavors. After dinner, consider catching a live music performance at a local venue to experience the vibrant arts scene.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee (flat white)$4-5
🚕Short taxi ride (5–10 km)$20-35
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$120-220
Petrol / Gas (per litre)$1.50-2.00

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact city with easy access to wilderness and coastal scenery
  • Excellent fresh seafood, artisan produce and growing restaurant scene
  • Unique cultural draw with MONA and historic architecture
  • Less crowded than mainland capitals—relaxed pace
  • Weather can be changeable and cooler than many visitors expect
  • Fewer direct international flights—often requires a connection
  • Smaller nightlife and entertainment options compared with big cities
  • Some remote natural attractions require a car or tour to reach

Places to Visit in Hobart

Visit one of these nice places.

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Panoramic vistas over Hobart, dramatic rock formations, alpine flora and dramatic cloud inversions—ideal for sunrise, sunset and landscape shots.

Salamanca Place and Battery Point

Historic sandstone warehouses, cobblestones and charming cottages create atmospheric street and architectural photography opportunities, especially in golden light.

MONA and River Derwent Ferry

Bold contemporary architecture, riverside views and the ferry ride itself provide striking compositions and reflections on the water.

Constitution Dock and Waterfront

Colorful boats, fishermen and lively docks—good for candid street-style photography and the nautical character of the city.

Bruny Island Beaches

Expansive white-sand beaches, sea cliffs and unique rock formations; perfect for dramatic coastal and wildlife photography (including seabirds and seals).

Tasman Peninsula Cliffs and Remarkable Cave

Sheer sea cliffs, rock pillars and geological formations offer dramatic seascape images, especially with moody weather.

Culinary Guide

Food in Hobart

Hobart's food scene highlights Tasmania's celebrated produce: cool-climate wines, artisan cheeses, oysters, scallops and farm-to-table vegetables. Dining ranges from seafood shacks and market stalls to refined contemporary restaurants and MONA's eateries. Seasonal and local sourcing is common, so menus change frequently and showcase regional growers and fishers.

Hobart Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tasmanian Oysters

Freshly shucked oysters from local estuaries—try them at Constitution Dock seafood stalls, waterfront restaurants or on Bruny Island for the freshest experience.

Must-Try!

Scallops and Crab

Pan-seared scallops and local blue swimmer crab are staples on many menus; seek them at seafood restaurants in the waterfront precinct or at Salamanca Market vendors.

Tasmanian Salmon and Trout

Cold-water salmon and trout feature in many dishes — smoked, grilled or as sashimi in both casual and fine-dining spots.

Cheeses and Dairy

Artisan cheeses from the Derwent Valley and further afield appear in markets and cheese-focused tastings—try a farm gate or specialty shop for sampling.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Salamanca Market

Held on Saturdays, this market is Hobart’s most famous—expect artisan foods, local produce, baked goods and casual street food such as wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood.

Farm Gate Market

A smaller Sunday market near Hobart that focuses on local growers, cheeses, baked goods and ready-to-eat regional specialties.

Constitution Dock Stalls

Street vendors and seafood stalls around the docks offer oysters, fish and chips and other fresh catches—great for casual waterfront dining.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hobart has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers, cool winters and changeable weather caused by sea influences. Average summer highs are around 18–25°C; winter daytime highs are about 8–12°C with chilly nights. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year, though spring and autumn can be wetter; strong southerly winds are common and conditions can shift quickly.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Casual and Friendly

Tasmanians are generally informal and friendly—greeting with a smile and a hello is common. First names are used quickly in conversation.

Respect for Indigenous Sites

Respect Aboriginal (Palawa) cultural sites and signage; ask before photographing cultural events or people and follow guidance at protected places.

Queueing and Fair Play

Australians value queuing and fairness—don’t jump lines and be polite in public spaces.

Outdoor Safety

Follow signs and ranger advice for coastal cliffs, bushfires and conservation areas; conditions can change rapidly and some coastal tracks are exposed.

Safety Guide

Safety

Hobart is generally a safe city with low violent crime rates, but exercise normal precautions against petty theft and opportunistic property crime. Be cautious on coastal cliffs and when swimming—cold water and strong currents are hazardous. In bushland or remote areas watch for rapidly changing weather, carry sufficient supplies, tell someone your plans and check for fire bans in summer. Always secure valuables in parked cars and use well-lit streets at night.

Tipping in Hobart

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Australia; round up bills or leave 5–10% for exceptional service in restaurants. Bar staff and taxi drivers do not expect tipping but small cash tips are welcomed.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some Australian dollars (AUD) for small markets or rural vendors where card terminals may be limited.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February is mild and the busiest tourist season with temperatures typically 18–25°C. Expect long daylight hours, outdoor festivals and excellent conditions for coastal activities—but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings and occasional windy days.

Autumn

March–May brings cool, crisp days and good clarity for photography; foliage in some inland areas looks attractive and crowds thin. Weather is changeable—layering remains important.

Winter

June–August is cool to cold with temperatures often 3–12°C and regular frosts on higher ground; you can experience snow or sleet on kunanyi / Mount Wellington. It's quieter for tourism and great for heartier local cuisine and cellar-door visits.

Spring

September–November is a season of wildflowers and newborn wildlife, with warming temperatures and more settled weather—but still prone to windy, sudden changes, so dress in layers.

Nightlife Guide

Hobart at Night

Hobart’s nightlife is relaxed and centered on pubs, small bars, wine bars, and live music venues rather than large clubs. Salamanca Place and the waterfront have after-dark dining and bar options; North Hobart offers a lively restaurant strip. MONA and occasional festivals bring late-night events and arts-focused parties, but the overall scene is quieter than mainland capitals.

Hiking in Hobart

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

kunanyi / Mount Wellington Summit Tracks

Short walks and longer routes from the Pinnacle area offer panoramic views, rocky outcrops and alpine vegetation; some trails are steep and exposed.

South Bruny National Park (Fluted Cape, Grass Point)

Coastal trails with seabird viewing, dramatic headlands and sandy beaches; The Neck boardwalk provides wildlife and viewpoint opportunities.

Cape Raoul and Tasman Peninsula Walks

Cliff-top tracks and sea-arch viewpoints with dramatic geology—suitable for full-day hikes and excellent sea-spray photography.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Alpine hiking with subalpine moorland, tarns and potential snow in winter; longer drives bring you to quieter high-country trails.

Waterworks Reserve and Cascades Walk

Short, family-friendly walks closer to the city with native bush, picnic areas and waterfalls—good for a half-day outing.

Airports

How to reach Hobart by plane.

Hobart International Airport (HBA)

The main airport serving Hobart, about 17 km north of the city—regular domestic flights to Melbourne, Sydney and other Australian cities; taxi, rideshare and shuttle bus options connect to the city.

Launceston Airport (LST)

Located roughly 200+ km north of Hobart (about a 2.5–3 hour drive), Launceston offers flights to mainland Australia and is a gateway to northern Tasmania; best reached by domestic flight or a scenic road trip.

Melbourne / Sydney (via connecting flights)

Many international travelers connect through Melbourne (Tullamarine) or Sydney for onward flights to Hobart—these hubs offer frequent services to Hobart.

Getting Around

Walkability

Hobart's central areas—Salamanca, Battery Point and the waterfront—are highly walkable with compact streets and pedestrian routes. Moving beyond the CBD to suburbs or national parks is easier by car; some attractions like kunanyi have limited pedestrian access from the city center without a vehicle or tour.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Palawa / Tasmanian Aboriginal

The Indigenous people of Tasmania (Palawa) have a long history in the region; there is growing recognition of culture, sites and contribution to Tasmanian identity.

Anglo-Celtic and European Descendants

A significant portion of the population traces ancestry to the UK and Europe, reflected in historic architecture and cultural institutions.

Young Professionals and Creative Community

Hobart has attracted artists, restaurateurs and small-business owners, particularly around MONA, the waterfront and Salamanca precincts.

Retirees and Older Residents

Tasmania’s quieter lifestyle draws retirees and long-term residents seeking a relaxed pace of life and connection to nature.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Australian Rules Football (AFL)

AFL is popular across Tasmania with strong local participation and fan interest; Tasmanian teams and local leagues draw community support.

Cricket

Cricket is a summer favorite with local clubs and community matches; state-level players often come from Tasmanian clubs.

Sailing and Rowing

The Derwent River supports sailing, rowing and recreational boating; regattas and club events are common.

Mountain Biking

Growing community around mountain biking with trails on kunanyi and tracks around the region attracting riders.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Hobart is generally light compared with mainland capitals, though morning and evening peak commutes can cause delays on major arterials. Parking in the CBD involves paid street parking and a few parking stations—spaces can be limited during events. Public transport is primarily buses operated by Metro Tasmania; ferries operate to MONA and occasionally to other nearby points. For day trips outside the city a car is the most convenient option.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Hobart.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and many restaurants; thanks to the focus on seasonal vegetables, plant-based dishes are creative and plentiful.

Vegan

Vegan choices are growing—specialty cafés and many modern restaurants can accommodate vegan requests, but check menus in advance for limited choices in smaller seafood-focused venues.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and menu options are common; most restaurants can adapt dishes if you mention the restriction when ordering.

Halal / Kosher

Dedicated halal or kosher restaurants are limited; larger supermarkets and specialty stores stock halal-certified products, and some mainstream restaurants can accommodate requests on notification.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Hobart has good healthcare services including the Royal Hobart Hospital (major public hospital), private clinics and pharmacies. Australian residents can use Medicare; visitors should carry travel insurance that covers medical care and hospital evacuation. In emergencies call 000; for non-urgent medical advice use local clinics or after-hours GP services.

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