There’s no place quite like MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart.
I’ve stepped inside the museum a few times since it opened in 2011, and every visit has felt completely different. MONA always finds a way to surprise me. Wandering through the bizarre and brilliant permanent collection is always a treat (and yes, the infamous vagina wall is still there) but the temporary exhibitions can be just as mind-blowing.
Even if you’re not usually into museums, MONA is worth visiting for the architecture alone. The entire building is carved into the side of a cliff, with moody underground chambers and exposed sandstone walls that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Bond villain’s lair. Outside, the grounds are spacious and relaxing, and I’ve enjoyed a few sunny-day concerts on the lawn at Moorilla. I’m also a fan of the Moo Brew bar, which serves up an 8% stout that’s both delicious and dangerous.
MONA is one of the essential Hobart activities, and you can very easily fill a day at the museum site by adding on a ferry ride, a tour of the winery, plus lunch and tastings. Here’s everything you need to know about getting there, booking tickets, and making the most of your visit.
Quick summary:
MONA is Hobart’s most famous attraction and one of Australia’s most unusual museums. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting — including tickets, opening hours, what to expect inside, and insider tips from multiple visits.
Recommended tours & tickets:
⛰️ Mt Wellington Tour and MONA Admission – Summit Mt Wellington, visit Cascade Gardens, then explore MONA with included general admission.
🛳️ Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Admission – Discover Hobart by coach and river cruise before visiting MONA’s world-famous art museum.
🍷 Moorilla’s Wine & Art Tour at MONA – Full-day MONA tour with ferry, museum entry, two-course lunch, winery tour, and premium tasting.
What is MONA?
MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art – is a privately owned museum created by Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh. It opened in 2011 and quickly became one of the most iconic Hobart attractions, known for its provocative, weird, and often confronting contemporary art.
The museum sits on the banks of the Derwent River in Berriedale, Tasmania, which is about 11 km north of Hobart’s city centre. It’s a highlight on many Tasmania itineraries, thanks not just to the art but to its impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding grounds.
I’ve visited the museum several times over the years, and I’ll undoubtedly visit again. There are so many things to do at MONA beyond the art museum itself. If you’re a fan of art, architecture, drinking wine or beer, relaxing on perfectly manicured grass, or ferry rides – you’ll find something to enjoy at MONA.
How to get to MONA
MONA is located around 20 minutes drive from Hobart’s city centre. There are two main ways to get there: by ferry or by car, depending on where you’re staying and how flexible you want your day to be.
The MONA ferry departs from Brooke Street Pier on Hobart’s waterfront and is the most iconic way to arrive, travelling up the River Derwent directly to the museum’s private jetty. It’s a popular choice for visitors staying in the CBD and adds an extra layer to the overall MONA experience. I recently took the ferry for the first time, and thought it was a great way to arrive at the museum!
Alternatively, you can drive to MONA, with free parking available onsite. Driving offers more flexibility with timing and can be easier if you’re staying outside the city centre or are stopping in at the museum as part of a greater Hobart day trip.
If you’re unsure which option suits your trip best, I will compare both in detail — including costs, accessibility, and travelling with kids — in my full guide to getting to MONA: ferry vs driving.
MONA tickets + how to book
Museum entry tickets
All visitors will need to book a MONA museum entry ticket, and it’s best to do this in advance — especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. Tickets are available directly through the MONA website, where you can choose your entry time (and add ferry tickets) during the booking process. MONA uses timed entry slots to manage crowds, and popular times often book out.
Ticket prices:
- Tasmanian residents: Free (but still must book a time slot)
- Visitors (all non-Tasmanians): Around AUD $39 per adult (as of 2026)
- Children: AUD $17 for ages 12-17, free for ages 11 and under
⛰️ If you want to pair MONA with one of Hobart’s most iconic natural attractions, the Mt Wellington Tour and MONA Admission bundles both experiences into one easy day. You’ll head up Mt Wellington in the morning, explore Cascade Gardens, then finish at MONA with included entry.
MONA ferry tickets
When booking on the MONA website, you can select museum entry only or add on return ferry from Brooke Street Pier in Hobart, with ferry departure options displayed alongside your chosen time slot. It’s very straightforward and allows you to align your ferry and entry times easily.
🛳️ If you’d prefer not to manage tickets and transport separately, a Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA is perfect for first-time visitors. You’ll explore some of the top Hobart attractions by coach, then take the ferry along the Derwent River to MONA.
MONA opening hours
MONA is generally open every Thursday to Monday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), but hours can vary depending on the season, exhibitions, and special events. Always check the latest schedule on the MONA website before planning your visit, as the museum can adjust opening hours.
Once onsite, your ticket gives you access to the O device, MONA’s digital guide that replaces traditional wall labels. You can borrow a device for free or download the app to use on your phone — bringing headphones could make this easier.
The MONA experience
MONA is unlike any museum I’ve ever visited. It’s intentionally confusing, provocative, dark, and sometimes hilarious. You’ll wander through tunnels, descend into cavernous rooms, and encounter artworks that range from ancient artefacts to bizarre contemporary installations.
If you’re wondering how long to spend at MONA, I’d allow 3–5 hours for the art museum alone. It’s huge, and you’ll probably get lost in the labyrinth-like layout. If you’re also planning on having lunch, a few drinks, or relaxing in the outdoor space, then you can easily make a whole day of it.
Where to eat and drink at MONA
The food and drink offerings at MONA are excellent, and you could easily spend a few hours tasting your way around the estate.
The Source Restaurant — The Source is MONA’s signature dining experience — it’s an elegant, light-filled restaurant perched above the estate with sweeping views over the vineyard and River Derwent. The menu leans into seasonal Tasmanian produce with creative, beautifully plated dishes, and the wine list features Moorilla’s best drops. It’s the perfect choice if you want a long, leisurely lunch as part of your MONA day. Bookings are recommended, especially on weekends.
Faro Bar & Restaurant — Faro is MONA’s bold, artsy dining space set inside a glass pavilion. Expect inventive small plates, creative cocktails, and an atmosphere that blurs the line between food and art. It’s a good spot for a drink or a light (but also fancy) lunch after exploring the galleries. Faro is also open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays.
Moorilla Estate Cellar Door — Moorilla is one of Tasmania’s oldest wineries, and its cellar door sits right beside the museum. You can do a casual tasting at the bar, sip wine outdoors overlooking the vines, or join a guided experience to learn more about the winemaking philosophy behind the estate.
🍷 If you want to experience MONA’s food and wine scene without planning logistics, the Moorilla’s Wine & Art Tour at MONA includes lunch at The Source and a winery deep-dive with premium tastings in the atmospheric underground cellar.
Moo Brew Bar — If wine’s not your thing, Moo Brew has you covered. The bar pours the full range of Moo Brew’s craft beers, from crisp lagers to punchy hop-forward ales. In my opinion, the standout is the hefty 8% stout that’s borderline dangerous if you’re not careful. The bar is relaxed and casual, making it a great spot to unwind.
MONA FAQs
How long do you need at MONA?
Plan for 3–5 hours. The museum is vast, with lots of stairs, tunnels, and immersive spaces to explore, so comfortable shoes are essential. If you’re planning lunch or wine tasting at Moorilla, allow even longer.
How much are MONA tickets?
Tickets are around AUD $39 for visitors (as of 2026). Tasmanian residents get free entry but still need to reserve a time slot in advance. Ferry tickets are separate and are $30 AUD return (as of 2026).
When is the best time to visit MONA?
Weekday mornings are typically quieter. If you’re visiting in June, be aware that Hobart’s Dark Mofo festival (which is created by the MONA team) brings extra crowds, so it’s wise to book ferries, tickets, and accommodation early.
Is MONA suitable for kids?
Yes, but with caveats. Some exhibits are dark, loud, or explicit, so families may prefer to explore selectively. The outdoor spaces and the ferry ride are generally popular for people visiting with children.
Do I need to prepare anything before visiting MONA?
It helps to download the O device app or bring headphones for the museum’s digital guide. Booking your entry ticket and ferry in advance is recommended, and giving yourself plenty of time to explore makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Is MONA worth visiting if you’re not into art?
Absolutely. MONA is as much about the architecture, the atmosphere, and the surrounding vineyards as it is about the artwork. Many visitors come away loving the experience even if they don’t usually enjoy museums.
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