10 Things to Do in Hobart

Hobart, located on the south coast of Tasmania, is a destination that combines natural beauty with historical excursions, as you will not only find protected parks there, but also museums and the old Port Arthur Penitentiary, which for years made the state capital famous as one of Australia's prison sites.

Among the best activities you can do in Hobart are taking a tour of Mount Wellington, discovering the Derwent River on a cruise, visiting the Salamanca Market, touring the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, seeing Wineglass Bay on a scenic flight, taking a tour on the local historic tram and taking a boat trip to the Iron Lighthouse.

Taking a tour of Mount Wellington is an experience that will allow you to discover Tasmania's main natural wonder and its rich history. From this mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of Hobart and its surroundings, 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 metres above sea level, you will be treated to a sweeping view that stretches from the city centre of Hobart to the Derwent Estuary, the city's most popular river. Mount Wellington also has a series of trails that allow visitors to explore the native flora and fauna. Along the way, you will encounter wallabies and kangaroos, species common to the area.

Mount Wellington is also a natural wonder deeply rooted in local tradition, as it was inhabited by Aboriginal people and occupied by the first European settlers. That's why the best tours of Hobart not only allow you to take in the panoramic views, but also learn about the region's past.

Hobart is a port city and, as such, its history is closely linked to the Derwent River that winds its way along the coast, blending perfectly with the surrounding mountain landscape and the island architecture of this destination. Although you can see the tributary from the estuary, one of the best experiences you can have in the city is to take a cruise.

During these boat trips from Hobart, you will not only be able to sail along this iconic river, but you will also be able to see the rich diversity of fauna and flora along its banks up close. From seabirds to riparian forests, every corner of the Derwent River is home to a variety of wildlife. In addition, Hobart's colonial history comes to life as you sail past the old docks and shipyards that contributed to the city's development.

These Derwent River cruises also offer exclusive views of iconic historical sites, such as the Tasman Bridge and Salamanca Place, a suburb of warehouses that played a prominent role in the late 19th century. During the tours, an expert local guide will likely accompany you with fascinating stories about Hobart's maritime and cultural heritage, while you discover a different perspective on this destination.

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

At the stalls in this market, you will find local crafts, ranging from plated jewellery to colourful textiles and sculptures by talented Tasmanian artists. The diversity of products reflects the creativity and artistic spirit of this community, but it will also allow you to get to know the surroundings of Salamanca Place, a neighbourhood that is often included in the best tours of Hobart.

One of the highlights of the market is its gastronomic offerings. There you can find a variety of fresh foods, including freshly harvested agricultural products and tempting gourmet delicacies. It is also the perfect place to try local specialities such as Tasmanian honey, artisan cheeses and fresh seafood that highlight the culinary richness of the region.

The Penitentiary Museum is one of Hobart's most famous historical sites and allows you to explore a fascinating and sometimes sombre chapter in Australian history. Located on the site of the former Port Arthur prison, this museum offers an immersive insight into the lives of prisoners and the prison systems of the 19th century. As you step inside, you'll find an extensive collection of historical artefacts that bring the site's past to life.

Among the exhibits at this site, which is listed among the best museums in Hobart, you will find authentic objects that belonged to prisoners and bear witness 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 resilience in a harsh environment.

The Hobart Penitentiary is intertwined with the broader history of British colonisation in Australia and the use of the island 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 techniques of rehabilitation and punishment.

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

If you want an adventure experience, don't miss a scenic flight over Wineglass Bay, one of the best activities to do from Hobart. This aerial tour will allow you to enjoy sweeping views of one of the most picturesque bays in the world, located approximately 2 hours from the capital of Tasmania.

Aboard a small aircraft, you will soar above the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches that characterise Wineglass Bay. From above, you can see the perfect inverted cup shape that gives this bay its name, characterised by its calm waters. During the tour, you will also be able to see the immensity of the ocean and the vegetation of the surrounding forests, as well as the coastal rock formations and 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, which is the mating season for larger cetaceans.

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

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

One of the unforgettable experiences you can have at Bonorong is the opportunity to interact directly with some of the animals. You can feed the kangaroos and pet the wombats, allowing you to get up close to wildlife in one of Australia's most famous sanctuaries.

Hobart is a city that was originally built around the river, so visiting the Tasmanian Maritime Museum will allow you to learn about the rich port history that has shaped the capital of this Australian island. In this museum, you will find a collection that spans from the early exploration of the Tasmanian coast to the intrepid era of navigation and maritime trade that characterised the region.

At this site, which is often included in lists of the best museums in Hobart, you can explore a variety of items ranging from ancient analogue nautical charts to models of historic ships that tell the story of the expeditions that shaped the region's cartography. In addition, the exhibition focuses on Hobart's importance as a strategic port and its participation in Antarctic exploration, displaying relics from 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 transport you on an imaginary voyage on the high seas. The stories of sailors, explorers, privateers and traders are intertwined with the evolution of shipbuilding, offering a comprehensive view of the deep connection between Tasmania and the vast ocean that surrounds it and which the island's inhabitants have been compelled to explore.

In addition, the museum is located in the heart of Hobart's historic district, making it easily accessible by public transport or the city's hop-on hop-off tourist buses.

One of the best ways to experience the colonial spirit of Hobart is to take a ride on the city's historic tram. On this tour, you can visit the narrow cobbled streets of the city centre and the most iconic sights of this destination.

During the tour, you will have access to an audio guide in several languages that will tell you about the evolution of Hobart, from its days of colonisation to the modern city it is today. The tram also passes iconic sites such as Salamanca Place, Battery Point, the Cascade Brewery, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Tasmania and the historic harbour, offering panoramic views and unique opportunities to explore each stop.

On board the tram, you can also enjoy live entertainment, such as local musicians and street performers, who add a traditional touch 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 penal settlement that is home to a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Founded in 1830, Port Arthur became a crucial site for the imprisonment of convicts, marking a significant chapter in Tasmania's penal history.

However, Port Arthur offers much more than an old prison that now houses one of Hobart's best museums. In the centre of this district, you will find a series of well-preserved buildings, including the church, the Commander'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 centre featuring interactive exhibits and detailed narratives about daily life in and around the penal settlement. You can also opt for a boat tour of Carnarvon Bay to get a unique perspective of Port Arthur from the water.

The Island 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 life in Port Arthur during the years of the penal colony.

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

The history of the Iron Pot Lighthouse dates back to the 19th century, when it was built to improve navigation safety on one of the region's busiest shipping routes. With its wrought iron structure, the lighthouse has withstood the ravages of time and has become an iconic symbol of the Tasmanian coast. With the help of an expert local guide on board the boat, you will be able to understand the vital role this site played.

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