This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2014. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Whenever I mention to people that I’m originally from Hobart, their response is usually that they’ve just returned from a trip there, or are planning a trip in the near future.
It truly is a trendy destination that seems to be growing in popularity every year. Hotel booking website Expedia just announced Hobart as one of their top destinations for 2026 due to a large increase in travellers searching the site for their next Tassie getaway.
As someone who grew up in this city and knows it as well as the back of my hand, I love sharing all of Hobart’s best attractions with people who are visiting my home state! Here’s my local’s guide to all the best sightseeing activities for visitors in Tasmania’s capital.
Quick summary:
If you’re heading south for a weekend city stay or travelling around the state for an extended Tasmania itinerary, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Hobart. This local’s guide covers the top Hobart city attractions, foodie spots, and outdoor adventures you won’t want to miss.
Recommended tours:
👣 Hobart City Walking Tour – Discover the city’s colonial history and charming laneways on a guided walk downtown.
🍻 Cascade Brewery Tour – Visit Australia’s oldest brewery and sample its award-winning beers.
🛥️ Derwent River Historic Cruise – Glide past the city’s landmarks on a scenic harbour cruise.
🚍 Mount Wellington Explorer Bus – Enjoy panoramic views of Hobart from the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington.
How to get around Hobart
Downtown Hobart is compact and walkable, but some attractions are a little spread out — especially if you’re heading to the Botanical Gardens, Cascade Brewery, or Mount Wellington.
The public transport system within Hobart is okay, but honestly, I don’t think it’s all that great for visitors. There are no trains or trams, just buses that mostly depart from Hobart Interchange at the Elizabeth Street and Macquarie Street intersection.
🚌 An easy way to get around is by booking the Hobart Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. This double-decker red bus has 20 stops at all the top city attractions.
You can choose between a 24- or 48-hour pass and hop off wherever you like, or stay on board for the full loop while listening to onboard commentary about Hobart’s history and landmarks. It’s a flexible and stress-free way to enjoy Hobart sightseeing at your own pace.
If you want to do any Hobart day trips, you might want to consider renting a car for at least some of your stay — it’ll make things a whole lot easier, as most sights have parking on-site or nearby.
When to visit Hobart
Tasmania’s climate is quite different from the rest of Australia — you might have heard the phrase “four seasons in a day,” and that rings true here. You can wake up to a clear sky and find it turn to wind and rain half an hour later. As the weather in Hobart can be unpredictable year-round, pack layered clothing and a very warm jacket, even in summer.
The best time to visit Hobart is late spring through early autumn. Generally speaking, summer (December to February) is the most popular time to visit. The weather is mild and sunny, with average highs around 22°C (72°F). Over the Christmas/New Year period, there are some big events going on such as the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and Taste of Summer Food Festival.
The shoulder seasons of Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are also enjoyable times to visit. Spring has blooming gardens, longer days, and plenty of wildlife activity, while Autumn brings crisp air and colourful foliage.
It was once the case that no-one visited Tassie in Winter (June to August), but that’s no longer true. The off season is beautifully atmospheric, with snow-capped mountains and cosy pubs. Mid-year is also when you’ll encounter the famous Dark MoFo Festival (which I’ve been to twice, and both times it’s been amazing!) so if you time your visit around the solstice, you might just be in for a treat.
Top things to do in Hobart:
Explore Hobart’s city centre highlights
Hobart’s city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of Hobart attractions clustered around the waterfront area. Keep an eye out for some of the grand 19th-century architecture as you explore — Hobart Town Hall on Macquarie Street showcases an impressive sandstone facade, while St. David’s Cathedral features striking Gothic Revival design.
👣 To learn more about the city’s stories, I’d suggest joining a Hobart City Walking Tour. It’s a great way to discover the history behind the old sandstone buildings, explore hidden laneways, and get local insights.
If you’re exploring on your own, start at the picturesque Franklin Wharf area. This is where you’ll find Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum (entry $15 AUD), where you can get a fascinating look at Australia’s Antarctic expeditions.
Nearby, Hunter Street is lined with some of the city’s oldest sandstone warehouses that were once bustling with whalers and merchants — they now house restaurants, cafes, and the Henry Jones Art Hotel which is a stunning conversion of the historic IXL Jam Factory (highly recommend going to the Jam Packed cafe here for brunch!).
Just a few blocks inland, pop into the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). This free museum is housed in one of Hobart’s oldest buildings and offers exhibits on Tasmania’s Aboriginal heritage, wildlife, and colonial history.
Wander through Salamanca Market
Every Saturday, Salamanca Market stretches along Salamanca Place with stalls selling Tasmanian gifts, homewares, produce, and handmade goods.
Even if you don’t buy anything, the atmosphere alone is worth it — there’s a buzz of people browsing the stalls, historic sandstone warehouses lining the street, a gorgeous Mount Wellington backdrop, and live local music drifting through the market.
If you’re visiting midweek when the markets aren’t operating, the Salamanca precinct is still a great spot to visit with restaurants, wine bars, and galleries housed in heritage buildings.
Try some Tasmanian cheese
No trip to Tasmania is complete without sampling some of the island’s rich, creamy local cheeses. You’ll find a tempting range of options at the Salamanca Market on Saturdays or at specialty stores across the city.
Pop into the Coal River Farm shop in the CBD, where you can taste their award-winning cheeses and browse handmade chocolates and condiments.
You’ll also find Tassie cheeses at local grocery stores like Salamanca Fresh in Battery Point — my personal favourites are the Double Brie by either Tasmanian Heritage or King Island Dairy, or try the Ashgrove Bush Pepper or Tassie Trio.
Taste Hobart’s fresh seafood
Hobart’s waterfront is heaven for seafood lovers, with everything from sit-down restaurants to old-school fish-and-chip punts floating on the harbour.
If you’re wondering where to start, Mures Seafood Restaurant is a Hobart icon with two very different dining experiences. The Lower Deck is a casual, order-at-the-counter spot serving classic fish and chips and fresh seafood in a relaxed setting. Upstairs, the Upper Deck offers a full-service dining experience with beautifully plated seafood dishes and Tasmanian wines — perfect if you’re after something a little more special.
If you want something quick and casual, grab a paper-wrapped feast from one of the floating fish-and-chip punts. Flippers, Mako Seafood, and Fishy Business are long-running favourites where locals queue for crumbed fish, chips, scallop pies, and seafood packs. Eating your dinner on the wharf with the sea breeze blowing in is practically a Hobart rite of passage.
Oyster lovers should also keep an eye out for Barilla Bay Oysters, which often appear on menus around the city and can be found at seafood counters and specialty shops. They’re harvested just outside Hobart in Cambridge — some of the freshest oysters you’ll find in Tasmania.
Explore historic Battery Point
Battery Point is one of Australia’s oldest and most picturesque historic suburbs. The area was established in the early 1800s and became home to sea captains, sailors, and merchants — many of their sandstone cottages and terrace houses are still beautifully preserved today.
Start your walk at Kelly’s Steps, the historic stone staircase that connects Salamanca Place to Battery Point. From the top, you’ll emerge into a quiet village of narrow lanes, vine-covered cottages, and leafy gardens that feel worlds away from the busy waterfront below.
Make your way to Arthur’s Circus, a quaint roundabout lined with 19th-century cottages that look like something straight out of a storybook. It’s one of Hobart’s most photographed spots — especially in spring when the gardens burst into bloom.
Wander along Hampden Road, where you’ll find cosy cafes, antique shops, and boutique galleries set inside restored heritage buildings. For a classic afternoon tea, pop into Jackman & McRoss, a beloved local bakery that’s been serving pastries and pies for decades.
Tour the historic Cascade Brewery
At the base of Mount Wellington sits Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery. The heritage building, leafy gardens, and mountain backdrop make it one of Hobart’s most photogenic landmarks (I thought it was so pretty that I actually got married in the Cascade Gardens in front of the brewery back in 2015!).
🍻 You can join a Guided Cascade Brewery Tour to learn about its 200-year history and see the brewing process in action (weekdays are best for this).
Afterwards, relax in the Cascade Brewery Bar with a tasting paddle. I did this on my last visit during the Tassie winter, and even in the cold weather, the beer garden was a lovely spot for an afternoon beverage in the fresh Tasmanian air.
Sip Tasmanian Whisky at Lark Distillery
Lark Distillery was the pioneer of Tasmania’s modern whisky scene, and they have everything from smooth single malts to small-batch experimental spirits. It’s a must-do for whisky fans visiting Hobart.
Their waterfront cellar door is a cosy spot for a tasting flight. The staff are passionate about the craft, and they’ll happily guide you through each pour. You can buy bottles to take home or linger over a dram at one of the barrel tables inside.
Alternatively, head to The Still, LARK Whisky Bar on Argyle Street for more of a whisky-themed cocktail bar experience.
See modern art & drink wine at MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is one of Hobart’s most famous attractions. Built into a sandstone cliff, it’s an impressive mix of world-class art, architecture, and eccentricity.
You can get to MONA by ferry from Brooke Street Pier in downtown Hobart, or by car if you’ll have a rental. I’ve been to the museum a few times now, and the art exhibitions range from fascinating to bizarre (some might even freak you out a little), but it’s always memorable.
There are plenty of things to do at MONA aside from the art museum. You’ll also find some onsite restaurants alongside the Moorilla Winery and Moo Brew Bar at the MONA site, so you can pair your visit with a wine tasting or a fancy lunch overlooking the river.
Take a cruise on the Derwent River
If you’re not planning to catch the ferry to MONA, it’s still worth getting out on the harbour to see Hobart from the water — it gives you a whole new perspective on the city.
🛥️ Book a Derwent River Historic Cruise with lunch or dinner to glide past the Hobart’s iconic sights and scenery while learning about the city’s maritime past.
The boat will sail past landmarks like the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Tasman Bridge, and Government House while you listen to live commentary from your captain. You can choose a lunch cruise with a 1-course meal or a dinner cruise with a larger meal and wine.
Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
In my opinion, one of the best attractions in Hobart is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. If you can, pick the sunniest day of your trip to visit and see the plants in their best light.
Be sure to check out the beautiful Lily Pond, the styled Japanese Garden (my favourite spot), the Conservatory, and the fascinating Subantarctic Plant House. Allow around 2 hours to wander at your own pace — it’s a lovely way to spend a sunny morning or lazy afternoon.
After you’ve wandered the gardens, I’d recommend sitting down with a coffee and slice of cake on the balcony of the visitor centre to soak up the serenity.
Head up to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington
No trip to Hobart is complete without heading up to the summit of Mount Wellington. On a clear day, the pinnacle offers sweeping views across Hobart and the Derwent River that I guarantee will take your breath away.
🚍 If you won’t have a car, hop on the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus which runs return trips to the summit from Hobart’s waterfront.
Once you’re at the top, take your time soaking up the views and exploring the short walking tracks — they’re well-marked and range from five-minute strolls to longer alpine trails. The temperature is always much colder up there than in the city, so pack a warm jacket and be prepared for wind (or even snow in winter!).
Where to stay in Hobart
🛏️ If you’re after something special, I’d highly recommend Lenna of Hobart — a heritage-listed sandstone mansion located between Salamanca and Battery Point.
This Hobart accommodation is full of old-world charm, with elegant rooms and harbour views, and it’s only a short stroll to the city centre. I don’t think the facade is covered in vines anymore like it was in my photo, but believe me — it’s still a stunning heritage building!
There are also plenty of contemporary hotels and serviced apartments near the city centre, many within walking distance of shops, cafes, and the waterfront. Check out one of the 15 popular Hobart hotels with picturesque views, from boutique stays in historic buildings to modern waterfront hotels.
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