Best Day Trips from Hobart

Hobart is not only the capital of Tasmania and the island's most important city, it is also the epicenter of the region's colonial past and the site of some of the state's best attractions. However, it is also a popular destination to use as a base for touring the surrounding islands, which are largely noted for their natural wonders and fantastic scenery.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include touring nearby sites such as Mount Wellington, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, picturesque Wineglass Bay and the surrounding Freycinet National Park, historic Port Arthur with its penal colony, and Bruny Island, which is crowned by the lighthouse and noted for its flora and fauna.

If during your trip to Hobart you want to discover Mount Wellington beyond the panoramic views offered by the city, you can take an organized tour from the urban center of this destination. Located just 30 minutes from downtown, this natural wonder stands as a reference of the wild beauty of the island. The excursion will take you through a picturesque virgin route that will allow you to leave civilization behind and enter the jungle.

Upon reaching the summit of Mount Wellington, located 1200 meters above sea level, you will witness unparalleled panoramic views. The mountainous landscape will offer you a unique perspective of the island and you will have time to explore the winding trails that reveal the rich flora and fauna of the region. In addition to hiking trails, you can also enjoy the tranquility of a picnic or relax in the fresh air.

Mount Wellington is recognized as one of Tasmania's most iconic natural destinations, and it's not hard to see why. Its natural splendor, combined with its proximity to the city, makes it a perfect getaway for those looking to dive into the island's beauty, so it's no wonder it's often found as the most visited destination for the best Hobart tours.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: they have the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they propose an intense tour, so you will not have too much free time to explore the site on your own.

One of the best things to do from Hobart is to discover the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife conservation gem located just 30 minutes from the heart of the city. This sanctuary is much more than just a zoo, because it is also a refuge dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Tasmania's native wildlife, which has long been seriously threatened.

During the tour of this site, which is ideal to do with children if you plan to visit the capital of the island accompanied by the little ones, you can cross with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils and native birds. Bonorong also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving these endangered species, so you can participate in interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals, and learn about their individual stories of rescue and rehabilitation.

Therefore, this sanctuary is not only a destination for animal lovers, but also for those seeking to contribute to conservation and environmental education. Every visit to Bonorong is an investment in the protection of Australia's wildlife, and getting up close to these species will allow you to discover the unique biodiversity that Tasmania, the southernmost of Australia's territories, has to offer.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 71 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: it is an ideal experience to share with children around Hobart.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although you will be able to interact with the animals, not all species are available for this experience and during some times of the year you may not encounter some of the animals, especially in winter, due to their circadian cycle.

If you want to see one of the most picturesque places around Hobart, you can't miss Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet National Park that surrounds the bay. Located about 2.5 hours from the capital, you will discover some of the island's best scenery, ranging from rolling hills to rugged coastline.

Upon arrival at Freycinet National Park you will be greeted by the iconic Wineglass Bay, famous for its inverted cup shape and crystal clear waters. During these experiences you will be able to explore the bay through trails that wind through native vegetation, offering unforgettable panoramic views. The hike will take you to strategic points from where you can admire the complex intersection between land and sea, a masterpiece of nature.

However, the experiences at this site are not limited to the mainland, as in Wineglass Bay you can also choose to participate in a scenic flight to discover the geography of this bay from the air. You will be able to fly over Freycinet National Park and its surroundings, appreciating the magnitude of this natural wonder from a unique perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: between 11 and 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most striking natural sites in Tasmania, especially if you complement this experience with the scenic flight, which will allow you to discover the perfect geography that gives its name to the bay.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are full day experiences, so they may not be suitable for a short stay in Tasmania.

One of the best alternatives to learn about Tasmania's history is to take a tour to Port Arthur. Located just an hour and a half drive from Hobart, this peninsular site stands as a testament to Australia's colonial past and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than just a tourist destination, this site offers a window into life in the prison colony that was opened in the 19th century.

In Port Arthur you will discover not only stunning natural sites and panoramic views, but also the history of the penal colony at the Penitentiary Museum, which is one of the best museums in and around Hobart. There you can tour the buildings that once housed British prisoners, from the individual cells to the control and punishment structures that still stand today.

The Tasmanian Penitentiary in Port Arthur represents not only a dark chapter in Australian history, but also an opportunity for reflection on the British colonial past, which installed 11 such prisons across the country. During the visit, you can effortlessly imagine life in this remote prison colony and appreciate the legacy it has left in shaping Tasmania's identity.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 92 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most emblematic sites of Tasmania.
• Disadvantages of these tours: does not include a guided visit to the Isle of the Dead, the site of the penitentiary cemetery, although you will have some free time to explore it on your own.

If you are one of those who prefer natural experiences, then organized excursions to Bruny Island could offer you a good alternative. This place is a destination that captivates visitors with its unspoiled beauty and unmissable experiences. Just a short ferry ride from the capital, Bruny Island offers a serene and picturesque getaway that showcases the essence of Tasmanian nature.

On Bruny Island you will have the opportunity to explore the white sandy beaches and hike the trails surrounded by native forests, but you can also participate in penguin and seal sightings, as the island has a unique biodiversity. In addition, you can also visit the Cape Bruny lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and steep cliffs, making it the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Bruny Island is also known for its exquisite cuisine and famous local products. During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood and artisanal cheeses that reflect the culinary spirit of Tasmania.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 143 euros per person.
• Duration: about 11 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most important natural refuges in Tasmania and you will be able to marvel at the local biodiversity.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the price of the excursion does not include tastings or gastronomic tours, so you will have to visit the local food sites on your own during the free time of the visit.

Richmond, located on the outskirts of Hobart, is a historic town that will allow you to explore the traditional life of the area and also sample the famous Tasmanian scallop cakes. On these full day excursions, in addition to getting to know this destination, you will be able to tour the natural wonders that lie on the way between the two destinations.

Thus, with the company of an expert local guide and on the itinerary between Hobart and Richmond, you can also visit Mount Wellington, famous for marking one of the highest points in Tasmania and for providing panoramic views of the region. You will also have the opportunity to visit Mount Field, which is famous for the Russell Falls, one of the largest and fastest-flowing waterfalls on the island.

These experiences, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the natural diversity of the region and the local cultural heritage, will also take you to Bonorong, where you will meet one of the most characteristic creatures of the place, the Tasmanian devil.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 108 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to see some of the most outstanding natural sites of the island in a full day excursion.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will not have much time to explore the sites on your own and they are very intense experiences, not recommended for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.

Whether you buy in advance online or decide to book once you are in Hobart, the options for exploring the island are varied. If your visit is scheduled for the peak summer season, I advise you to secure your place on the tours in advance, which will guarantee availability and allow you to access more favorable rates, as prices tend to be dynamic.

In addition to securing your place, booking in advance gives you the advantage of designing a customized itinerary, allowing you to optimize your Hobart experience to the maximum. You can combine explorations of the city's surroundings and nature trails with cultural immersions in Hobart's best museums or participate in guided tours of the city center, where the colonial architecture provides a picturesque backdrop.

Also, if you plan to participate in longer experiences, such as multi-day tours of Tasmania that require more organization, you will need to book in advance because they are not available for last-minute bookings.

On these exciting Hobart tours you'll see sights and experiences that capture the local essence. From the omnipresence of Mount Wellington to the rich history of Port Arthur Penitentiary, each destination offers a window into the island's diversity.

At Mount Wellington you'll be treated to panoramic views that stretch across the region, from the heart of Hobart to the vastness of the surrounding wilderness. The Bruny Island tour, on the other hand, will take you past white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and give you the opportunity to spot local wildlife, all while enjoying the culinary authenticity of the region.

If you choose to explore Port Arthur, you can discover Australia's colonial history by touring historic buildings and learning about life in the Tasmanian penitentiary. You can also experience the island's natural diversity, from its national parks to the penguins, whales and seals that inhabit the bay.

Hobart offers a gateway to unique landscapes and experiences in the Tasmanian wilderness. To get the most out of your excursion, as a first step, I advise you to plan ahead and put together an itinerary so you don't miss anything during your trip.

Also, always remember to check the weather conditions before you leave, as the weather in Tasmania can change quickly and affect the normal running of many excursions, especially those involving cruise tours in Hobart, which usually take place on the Derwent River.

On the other hand, during historical tours, as is the case with the Tasmanian Penitentiary Museum, which is one of the best museums in and around Hobart, be sure to join guided tours so as not to miss any details and, as much as possible, to learn a bit of information about the site in advance to optimize the experience.

Finally, for an even more complete experience, consider exploring the Coal River Valley wine region, known for its vineyards and exquisite wines. While organized winery tours are not as common, you can travel on your own and do wine tastings to discover the distinctive flavors of the region while enjoying the serene surroundings.

Taking a tour from Hobart is highly recommended because of the many different experiences Tasmania has to offer. Hobart also serves as a strategic starting point to explore some of the most striking natural landscapes of the island, so it is an opportunity that I recommend you not to miss.

On the other hand, the rich history that surrounds Hobart and its surroundings is fascinating. Places like Port Arthur offer an in-depth look into Australia's colonial past, allowing visitors to soak up unique historical narratives and explore well-preserved 19th century architecture.

In addition, the city itself is a melting pot of culture and cuisine, and an excursion from Hobart will give you the opportunity to enjoy the local art and culinary scene. Salamanca Market, located on the outskirts of the capital and not on the city's hop-on-hop-off tour bus routes, is the perfect place to sample fresh produce and buy local crafts.