The Best 37 Things to Do in Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania has often been one of the best kept secrets in Australia. With natural wonders like Mount Wellington and the River Derwent, and good food experiences in the city centre, a getaway to Tasmania’s capital city is just a stone’s throw away from the mainland. Here are some ideas to make your first Hobart trip unforgettable.

Hobart Attractions

With a city that’s on the harbour and surrounded by nature, visiting Hobart is a refreshing and exciting experience for people of all ages. Looking for things to do in Hobart? Here are the top Hobart attractions to consider.

Art Galleries & Museums

The Tasmanian museum and art exhibitions are not only tourist attractions, but are impressive displays of old and new art. With a museum and art gallery around every corner, the art scene in Hobart Tasmania is nothing short of world class.

1. MONA

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is every contemporary art fan’s dream. If you interviewed passengers getting off the plane at the Hobart International Airport, you can bet MONA is the #1 place on their to-do list.

As the biggest Hobart attraction on the Tourism Tasmania list, MONA showcases works of art, architecture, interior design and even exhibitions that are a little unpredictable, eye-catching and maybe hard to forget.

To get to this immaculate exhibition, guests will need to take a MONA boat from the Hobart harbour and enjoy a short trip across the Derwent River to the museum and art gallery.

2. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Things to do in Hobart with the whole family can be the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. As the second-oldest museum in Australia (wow!), get in touch with the heritage of Tasmania’s culture and history.

3. Natural History Museum

For the herbarium fans, head to the Natural History Museum. This museum highlights the preservation of Tasmanian flora. It’s a must see to get a feel for Hobart’s landscape.

4. Maritime Museum and Art Gallery

There is so much history in the heritage buildings of the Maritime Museum and Art Gallery. With exhibitions that cover Tasmania’s maritime history, Antarctica, shipwrecks and so much more. It’s perfect for boat lovers, and those who have watched Titanic a million times.

5. Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

Along the Hobart waterfront, you will find the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum. Sir Douglas Mawson famously led an Australasian expedition to Antarctica that started from the Hobart harbour. I guess you could say he’s a pretty big deal! Going through this museum will make you feel like you’re in Antarctica yourself.

6. Hobart Convict Penitentiary

If you’re into underground tunnels, solitary cells and gallows, then you must visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. By the National Trust Tasmania, you can tour this historic convict site. You can even book a ghost tour!

Food & Drink

7. Restaurants

One of the best things to do in Hobart is their immaculate food. From Franklin Square to Salamanca, Hobart town is filled with many cuisines and fine dining experiences with the freshest seafood and local produce from local farmers. Here are the top dining recommendations in the Hobart area.

Landscape Restaurant & Grill

Enjoy Hobart waterfront views at Landscape Restaurant & Grill. It is a premium dining experience using the tastiest ingredients sourced from all parts of Tasmania. You can expect absolute quality, we’re drooling thinking about their menu.

Tasmanian Oysters

If you are to eat anything in Hobart, be sure to have Tasmanian oysters. The reputation of oysters from this island is second to none and are often featured across many menus in restaurants throughout Hobart.

Franklin Wharf Restaurant

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can enjoy the Franklin Wharf Restaurant whenever it suits! With stunning views of the River Derwent and Hobart landscape, you can chow down on a good meal or sip on some craft beers.

Henry Jones Art Hotel

For those art fans, a stay at the Henry Jones Art Hotel is just what you’ve been looking for. As Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, you can enjoy the best dining experiences this venue has to offer.

8. Bars

What’s good food without a good glass of Pinot to pair it with? Central Hobart is filled with great and exciting bars to visit on a Friday night with mates or even for a date night. Here are a few bars to check out when you visit Hobart.

Mary Mary

Locals will tell you Mary Mary is one of the best bars in the city. With a focus on the art of cocktail making, Mary Mary offers the classics reimagined Tassie-style, as well as wine, beer and spirits – catering to all drinkers.

IXL Long Bar

Amongst the heritage buildings is the IXL Long Bar, serving tasty drinks and an interior of warmth and cosiness. With live music, jazz to be specific, played across the weekend, it’s a great bar to enjoy some drinks with friends.

Gin(Bar)

Gin(bar) offers a unique experience for gin lovers. As a fine gin bar on a Friday night, the distillery also offers gin blending workshops and cocktail classes during the day. It’s a Tasmanian gin experience you’ve been looking for!

9. Markets

One of the unique things to do in Hobart is visit the markets in the Hobart city centre.

Salamanca Market

The Salamanca Market is held on Saturday mornings each week. If we said this was actually the most visited Hobart attraction, would you believe us? You better!

The Salamanca Markets showcases a variety of goods from the people of Tasmania including fresh produce, handmade products by artisans, clothing, jewellery and so much more!

Farm Gate Markets

Head to Bathurst Street on a Sunday morning to enjoy the Farm Gate Markets. Local farmers bring the best of the produce to the city centre to sell to locals and tourists. If you’re staying in Hobart for a long period of time, definitely get your groceries from the Farm Gate Markets, located on an inner city street.

10. Hobart Waterfront

One of the best sights to see is Hobart’s waterfront. Many iconic events happen along this harbour including the annual boat races, food festivals and celebrations. Just a short walk from the city centre, Hobart’s waterfront offers fine dining experiences, live music and bars going along all the way to Salamanca Place.

11. Salamanca Arts Centre

Along Salamanca Place, you’ll find The Salamanca Arts Centre. With over 13 different art galleries, you visit exhibitions, theatre and dance performances and events and workshops.

12. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

A rose of Tourism Tasmania is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens as one of the more beautiful tourist attractions in Hobart. With over 14 hectares to explore, it’s a great place to bring the kids, relax and enjoy at your own pace. Many guests enjoy a lovely tour around the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or snack at the restaurant for coffee or lunch.

13. River Derwent

While you can see the end of the River Derwent in Hobart, this 200 km long river actually begins in Central Tasmania. You can hire your own vehicle to see the Derwent River from top to bottom or enjoy walking across the river via the Tasman Bridge in Hobart. Perks of seeing the Derwent River in Hobart? The breathtaking views of Mount Wellington!

14. Brooke Street Pier

The Brooke Street Pier is the best place to start for Hobart sightseeing. Catch ferries to MONA or Peppermint Bay, dine at Brooke Street Larder or The Glass House, get cheesy at Grandvewe Cheeses and sip on the beers by Moo Brew. It’s a real hub along the Hobart waterfront!

15. Franklin Square

In the heart of the capital city is Franklin Square. In this historic open space is a giant chess board, a magnificent fountain and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the city.

16. Bathurst Street

Some of the best things to do in Hobart start from Bathurst Street. From Farm Gate Markets to popular shopping stores, be sure to take a trip to Hobart town and this busy street!

17. Wellington Park

Wellington Park is the most popular natural attraction amongst locals and visitors. As for things to do in Hobart, going to the park and visiting Mount Wellington should definitely be on your list.

18. Port Arthur

Hop in the car and onto the Tasman Highway for 90 minutes and you’ll find yourself at Port Arthur. This historic colonial town sits on the picturesque Tasman Peninsula and is a popular day trip for tourists and locals alike.

Port Arthur Historic Site

When in Port Arthur, you must visit the Port Arthur Historic Site. An entry ticket to Port Arthur is valid for two days, giving you plenty of time to explore the Port Arthur Gallery, a harbour cruise, access to 30 historic buildings, ruins and walking trails. There is also a variety of tours and packages including a ghost tour, convict tour and an after dark package including a two-course dinner and a ghost tour – we call that a dinner and a show!

19. Sandy Bay

Head south of the city streets and you’ll find yourself in Sandy Bay. It has a variety of pubs and restaurants to experience as well as the Wrest Point Hotel Casino. You can enjoy extensive views of the River Derwent from this spot!

20. Storm Bay

Storm Bay is a great spot for boat enthusiasts as it’s the mouth to the River Derwent. You can take a cruise around the bay and see sights like the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island and look back to breathtaking views of Hobart Tasmania.

21. Cascade Brewery

Under Mount Wellington in South Hobart, you’ll find the iconic Cascade Brewery. As the oldest operating brewery in Australia, Cascade Brewery is a Tassie institution that offers a variety of beverages including tasting paddles, beers, ciders and so much more. Take a tour of the historic brewery, book an event or enjoy a nice lunch or dinner.

22. Live Music

Hobart is a live music hub with acts performing across bars, pubs and restaurants. It’s a nightlife to experience! You can enjoy live music at the Salamanca Markets or while enjoying a tasty meal at a bustling venue.

23. Mount Nelson

One of the best things to do in Hobart is catch a stunning view of the city, and one place you get this is the Mount Nelson lookout. Mount Nelson offers panoramic views of Hobart town and Bruny Island to the south. Luckily this lookout is only five kilometres away from the city!

24. Sub Antarctic Plant House

Located in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is the Sub Antarctic Plant House. This unique attraction showcases native flora from Antarctica in a climatically-controlled space, embracing the environment these plants grow from Macquarie Island. You may even see penguins and elephant seals!

Hobart CBD

Some of the best things to do in Hobart is right in the city centre.

25. Anglesea Barracks

Anglesea Barracks is the oldest Australian Army Barracks located in Hobart Tasmania. For history buffs and war historians, you can book a tour of the precinct on the weekend only – it’s still a working administrative facility!

26. Battery Point

Battery Point is a charming, picturesque town just south of central Hobart. Many locals will say this is the place to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner with bakeries, cafes and restaurants lining the main street in Battery Point.

27. Shot Tower

This sandstone tower in Taroona, south of the city, was once the tallest landmark in Tasmania. Built in the 1800s, you can climb 300 steps up the Shot Tower to enjoy 360-degree views of Storm Bay and surrounding coastal spots.

28. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

One of the biggest sporting events in Australia is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a must-see experience for sport lovers. Starting on Boxing Day in Sydney Harbour, the race sees yachts and boats head down the east coast of Australia, across the brutal Bass Strait and finish in Hobart. Head to the Hobart waterfront at the end of January to catch the finish of the highly competitive super yacht race. It really is the time to be in Hobart!

29. Historic Buildings

Theatre Royal

Want to laugh, sing, cry and be entertained? Catch a show at the Theatre Royal! Experience cabaret, comedy, musical theatre, plays, concerts and so much more. There’s always something on at the Theatre Royal.

St David’s Cathedral

A short walk from the Grand Chancellor Hotel is St David’s Cathedral. They welcome all for Sunday services throughout the day.

South Hobart

30. Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens is a great spot to bring the kids and family for a play on the playground, enjoy a picnic and explore walking tracks. If you have a dog with you, they are also allowed on and off lead – you can find us here petting all the puppies!

31. Cascade Female Factory Historic Site

The Cascades Female Factory is an important attraction in South Hobart, telling the stories and history of convict women and girls from colonial Australia to the importance of female roles in modern Australia. This important educational experience features exhibitions, performances and tours. Tourism Tasmania says this is a must visit attraction, and we agree!

32. Constitution Dock

Known for being the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Constitution Dock is worth a visit any time of the year! Enjoy the freshest seafood at the restaurants, spend some time browsing the galleries and shops, and bask in the views of the beautiful marina.

North Hobart

33. Noho Nightlife

Get a taste of the nightlife when visiting Hobart. No better place for this is North Hobart. Head north on Elizabeth Street from the city and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants in all of Hobart.

Born in Brunswick

Enjoy a locally sourced, delicious breakfast at Born in Brunswick. This sustainable cafe offers an all-day brunch menu with mouthwatering dishes to give you a perfect start to your day, along with a perfect cup of coffee.

Voodoo Bar

Like cocktails and rum? We’ve got the place for you. Voodoo Bar’s drinks are packed with flavour and will also deliver the wow factor. You may or may not catch us here…

The Winston

Craving a solid pub feed? The Winston offers burgers, wings, tacos and more! This is an awesome spot to come for lunch, with your mates or just to unwind with a bevvy.

Day Trips

34. Mount Wellington

If you visit Tasmania, you must head to the top of Mount Wellington! At the summit of Mount Wellington, you’ll get unmatched views of Hobart that you won’t get from any other city. Many locals take to mountain biking, trekking around the area and enjoy the views from the top!

Standing over 1270 metres tall, be sure to take a jacket with you as it’s often many degrees cooler than the city below. The best times to visit Mount Wellington are sunrise, sunset and in winter when the peak is covered in snow.

35. Bruny Island

A day trip that Tourism Tasmania recommends is heading south to Bruny Island. Enjoy a Bruny Island cruise to admire the facade and sail into the Southern Ocean – you may even see some sea lions!

You can enjoy the best flavours of Tasmania including the Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co and Bruny Island Chocolate Company, just to name a few!

36. North South Track

Another day trip to consider is the North South Track in Wellington Park. This 11km track is popular for mountain biking and walkers with paths set out for both adventurers.

37. Book a Paint and Sip Session With Pinot & Picasso

A creative night of painting and sipping can be enjoyed at Pinot & Picasso Hobart! This paint and sip experience caters to all ages and is perfect for a date night, girls night out or unwinding from a big day. Bring your own drinks and snacks along to your three hour class and leave happier than when you arrived with a masterpiece in hand! With artworks for all abilities, including finger painters, you’re bound to find a painting that’s perfect for you. The paint and sip studio is open from Friday nights through to Sunday afternoon and is one of the best things to do in Hobart. Find a session near you.