Best Cruises in Hobart

Hobart is a port city located in the southernmost island of Australia, so one of the best ways to enjoy its attractions is to opt for a cruise excursion. These experiences will give you the opportunity to get to know a different profile of the Tasmanian capital and also to explore the local history, which is closely related to fishing and trade through the nearby rivers and seas.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include taking a cruise excursion on the Derwent River, taking a boat tour of the legendary Iron Lighthouse, taking a ferry ride to Bruny Island, enjoying a cruise on Maria Island and taming the surrounding rough waters on a sailing excursion.

If you want to get to know the port city of Hobart from a profile that distinguishes its history, you can't miss a cruise tour on the Derwent River. In these experiences you can discover the local scenery, but you can also participate in a traditional activity that reflects the importance of this destination in fishing and Australian trade.

The Derwent River is the most important river in Hobart, and also one of the main rivers in Tasmania, due to its vital contribution as an outlet waterway for vessels docking in the island's ports. Moreover, from the river, the city and its distinctive colonial architecture come alive from a different perspective, so it's no surprise that this tributary is featured in some of Hobart's best excursions.

In addition, Hobart's cruising tradition is rooted in the city's intrinsic connection to the sea and its maritime heritage. Locals and visitors alike often enjoy these experiences, whether at sunset, when the sky is tinged with warm hues, or during the day, when the light highlights the natural beauty of the region.

These Derwent River cruise excursions, then, will allow you to pay tribute to Hobart's maritime identity, providing you with the opportunity to experience the rich tradition of this port city and the beauty of its picturesque surrounding landscapes.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately €19 per person.
• Duration: Between 1 and 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will be able to participate in one of Hobart's typical experiences and get to know the city's skyline from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They do not include stops along the way or combined experiences, such as kayaking adventure tours.

One of the most beautiful and historic sites you can visit in Hobart is the Iron Pot Lighthouse. This site, which you can visit on a cruise tour, is one of the main sites to discover the maritime heritage of this port city and is located in one of the southernmost points of Australia.

In addition, during these excursions you will learn about the role the lighthouse played during the 19th and 20th centuries to steer ships steadily through dangerous waters, forging a reputation that has contributed to Hobart's reputation as Tasmania's most important international trading port.

On board the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn the story of the brave lighthouse keepers who, over the years, have kept the flame that illuminates the seas and has marked the safety of sea crossings in this strategic point in the southern hemisphere burning , long before it was an automatic, solar-powered lantern, as it operates today.

On the other hand, the experience of sailing to the Iron Lighthouse will not only allow you to discover its history, but will also provide you with a different perspective of the challenges faced by sailors on what is considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: About 2 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You will get to see an iconic Tasmanian site that contributes to the fame of the island and its capital as an international trading port surrounded by tumultuous waters.
• Disadvantages of these tours: During the summer it is common for these tours to be postponed or suspended due to rain and bad weather.

Around Hobart you can find some of the most beautiful and distinguished natural sites in the region, and among those sites is Bruny Island. This archipelago is a natural treasure that offers many options for adventure tourism and also incredible landscapes, which you can discover on the best excursions from Hobart.

These experiences consist of a ferry ride from Hobart to Bruny Island, and once there, you can discover from sheer cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters to long white sandy beaches, which is a range of landscapes difficult to find elsewhere in Tasmania. In addition, the wildlife is very diverse in this environment, so you can see everything from seabirds to seals, whales and penguins.

However, this island not only stands out as a natural wonder, because there you can also find some unique gastronomic experiences. Local products, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, are very common here and offer an immersion into Tasmania's culinary culture.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 143 euros per person.
• Duration: About 11 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You will be able to get to know one of the most famous protected natural sites in Tasmania, characterized by its wide biodiversity.
• Disadvantages of these tours: Being a protected site they are usually expensive experiences and, in addition, you will not have too much free time to tour the site on your own, since you will have to move around accompanied by an authorized guide.

Maria Island is not part of the traditional circuit of the best tours to do from Hobart, but that doesn't mean it's a place not worth touring. Located about 10 kilometers from the capital, Maria Island is an island paradise known for its scenic beauty and unique biodiversity, offering visitors an idyllic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city on a leisurely cruise.

Once on Maria Island, you will have the opportunity to walk along white sandy beaches, swim in crystal clear waters and contemplate natural landscapes. The island is home to a varied ecosystem that includes a rich bird life, with colonies of seabirds that find refuge in its cliffs. In addition, you can also go seal and dolphin watching and participate in kayaking adventure tours.

Another highlight of Isla Maria is its National Park, a nature reserve that covers much of the archipelago and offers hiking trails that wind through native forests and breathtaking coastal scenery, although its main attraction lies in the cliffs that surround it.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 170 euros per person.
• Duration: About 8 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You will get to see one of the less explored sites around Hobart on a boat excursion.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: The island does not offer many activities outside the natural circuit, so you will have to take into account that the ideal is to choose an excursion that includes lunch.

If you want to participate in a different excursion that allows you to discover the Derwent River and experience first-hand the difficulties of its tumultuous waters, you can participate in a half-day sailing excursion. These experiences will allow you to face the challenges of sailing on one of Hobart's most iconic rivers and also discover the local scenic beauty.

During these excursions you will see the city from a unique perspective, admiring the historic architecture and iconic landmarks that line the banks of the river. As the sailboat cruises along, you can enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings and the panoramic views of the riverside landscape that demonstrate the contrasts of Tasmania as you move away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

However, sailing the Derwent River is not only a scenic ride, it also presents a navigational challenge due to the shifting currents and unique topography of the river. Sailing enthusiasts will find this experience an exciting opportunity to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of sailing in challenging waters, and novices will be able to gain experience in a paradigmatic site for sailors.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 107 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You will be able to combine a nautical sporting experience with a scenic tour of Hobart's coastline.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While suitable for all sailing levels, this is an excursion that could be somewhat challenging for novice or inexperienced sailors.

You can book any of these excursions in advance online or book them once you are in the city, although if you want to secure your spot on the best Hobart tours I advise you to confirm your reservation before you arrive in the city. This will not only avoid last minute changes or missing out on the experience due to lack of space, but it will also save you money, as you will freeze the rate, which is dynamic.

Also keep in mind that if you plan to visit the city during the summer, which is peak season in Tasmania's capital city, tour spots may sell out quickly, forcing you to make changes to your itinerary. In that case, I also advise you to book early to avoid last minute surprises.

On these cruise excursions you will discover a visual spectacle ranging from the seascapes to the rich history of the region, as you will have the opportunity to marvel at the panoramic views that unfold along the way, but you can also marvel at the serenity of the ocean from Hobart's city skyline.

In addition to natural beauty, these tours often include exploration of iconic sites and points of interest along the coast. Historic monuments, centuries-old lighthouses and cultural enclaves will present themselves before you as you sail, providing you with a deeper understanding of the maritime and land-based history that characterizes Tasmania.

Nor should you underestimate the marine life, which also becomes an exclusive protagonist of these voyages. From whale and dolphin sightings to the observation of seabirds in their natural habitat, every cruise on the high seas will be a good excuse to discover the biodiversity of this site located in the southern part of Oceania.

When embarking on a cruise excursion, it is essential to keep in mind a few tips that will enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of every moment. First of all, consider checking the temperature in Hobart before leaving, since this destination can have abrupt changes in weather conditions, so make sure you dress appropriately and always carry clothing adaptable to possible weather alterations.

On the other hand, I advise you to book excursions in advance, especially if you plan to visit the city during the high season. This not only guarantees your place on board, but may also offer you more favorable rates. Also, keep in mind that some city tours, such as Hobart's hop on-hop off sightseeing bus, often offer discounts on these types of experiences. Keep this fact in mind to save money.

During the cruise, be attentive to the guide's or captain's comments. These professionals will not only share with you relevant facts about the places you visit, but will also give you important information about marine life and points of interest along the way. Take this opportunity to learn more about the region's rich maritime history and to capture details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Finally, don't forget to take pictures! From panoramic views to unexpected encounters with marine wildlife, you'll find ideal scenes to immortalize with your camera or cell phone.

Taking a cruise excursion not only allows you to take part in some of Hobart's best tours, but also allows you to soak up the natural and historical richness of this port city. These excursions often offer unmissable panoramic views of the Tasmanian capital and its surroundings. From the deck of the cruise ship, you can enjoy these views.

Hobart also has a rich maritime past, and a cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore the historic monuments and centuries-old lighthouses that mark the coastline. If after this experience you want to delve deeper into the region's harbor history, you can visit the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, which is considered one of Hobart's best museums.

Also, if you enjoy natural experiences, you should know that marine biodiversity is a prominent feature of these excursions. From whale watching to the possibility of encountering seals, penguins and seabirds, in Hobart and its surroundings you will come across a great variety of native species.