15 Unmissable Tourist Places to Go and Things to Do in Hobart

June 6, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 1363 Views 0 Comments

Hobart is the capital city of the island state of Tasmania in Australia. Some of the top things to do in Hobart include exploring Tasmanian History, Penal Colony History, Island Wildlife, Beaches, Coastal Sites, Adventure Sports, Local Beers, Markets, Art Museums and Art Galleries.

The city was established in 1804 as a British Penal Colony and is the second oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney. Some of the most interesting places to visit in Hobart are connected to the history of convict penitentiaries in the city. The Penitentiary Chapel and Hobart Convict Penitentiary are among the most well-known places concerning this aspect of the city’s history. Other major aspects of the city’s history can be explored at Hobart tourist attractions like the Tasmanian Museum, Hobart Museum, Maritime Museum of Tasmania and so on. The Maritime museum in particular explored the significance of the city’s port, which greatly contributed to the city’s prosperity.

Another major aspect of Hobart travel is the beautiful coastline. There are beaches, mountains, coastal plains and islands to explore. The beaches in Hobart are especially popular for leisure and entertainment. The city is surrounded by some of the finest beaches in Australia and you also get to several types of coastal terrains. Some of the most popular adventure activities in Hobart are also concentrated close to water bodies. You can get boat cruises, motorboat rides, scuba diving, paragliding and more. You will also come across some of the most beautiful things to see in Hobart as you look back on land from the river or the ocean.

The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes aside from the coast. Some of the most popular natural places to see in Hobart includes lakes, rivers, waterfalls and mountains. You can explore all of these at Wellington Park. It is popular for hike trails, trekking trips, mountain climbing, camping, rappelling and more. Aside from nature parks, wildlife reserves are also quite fun places to go in Hobart. You will come across Australian wildlife such as Kangaroos, Wombat, Meerkats, Possums and more.

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Table of Contents

The Best 15 Tourist Places to Visit in Hobart in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Mount Wellington

This Alpine peak stands 1270 meters above sea level. It is also known as Kunayi, this mountain is popular for hiking, trekking, camping and spectacular views. It is also frequented for mountain climbing, rappelling, cycling and abseiling. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours here to enjoy all the fun things to do in Hobart.

I suggest you can book a tour of Mount Wellington from Hobart.

2. Cascade Brewery

First established in 1825, this is the oldest operating brewery in Australia. You will get to see the manufacturing process of a variety of beverages such as pale ale, stout, bitter, lager, apple cider and beer. It is one of the best places to visit in Hobart to explore the beer crafting legacy of the region. You will need about an hour to tour this facility.

3. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

This is the second oldest museum in the country. The museum exhibits a wide variety of subjects including history, culture, traditions, botany, zoology, politics, art and so on. You will encounter some of the fascinating things to see in Hobart regarding the region at this museum. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

4. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

These botanical gardens house a variety of local and imported flora. Some of the trees are as old as the 1800s. It is also popular among Hobart tourist attractions for several other historic plant varieties. It will take you about an hour to explore this place.

I suggest you should book a guided tour of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

5. Tasman Bridge

This bridge is a major landmark of the city. It is considered an architectural and engineering achievement, being one of the first box-girder cantilever bridges in the world. Even if you don’t seek out this bridge during Hobart sightseeing, you are bound to ride it while exploring the city. Though you don’t need more than a few minutes to admire it.

Day 2

1. Maritime Museum of Tasmania

This museum explores the seafaring history of the region and the impact it had on the people. It is one of the most important historical Hobart attractions as the development of the city was highly influenced by the shipping industry. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

2. Penitentiary Chapel

This place used to be a major convict precinct and was known as Tench during those days. There were solitary confinement cells beneath where the chapel stands now. It is among the most well-known places to go in Hobart to learn about the life of convicts during the 1800s. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

3. Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum

This museum tells the story of the Antarctic Expeditions of 1911-14. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Hobart. The replica shows how the men and women on the expeditions braved against the harsh conditions of the Antarctic. You will need an hour to explore this museum when you visit Hobart.

4. Franklin Square

This public square is one of the most popular landmarks of the city. It is best known for the giant chessboard. It is also included among must-do things in Hobart for the various historical buildings that surround the square. You would need 20 to 30 minutes to tick off this place in your itinerary for Hobart travel.

5. Narryna Heritage Museum (Narryna – the Merchant’s House)

This museum is housed in the mansion of a 19th-century merchant. You get to explore native Tasmanian decorative and fine arts exhibited in this museum. It also gives you an insight into the life of merchants during the 19th century. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Hobart. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

6. Battery Point

This neighborhood is one of the poshest areas in the city. You can stroll the place and explore fine bars, restaurants, nightlife venues and so on. While enjoying these activities to do in Hobart, you can also feast your eyes on 19th-century mansions and cottages. You will need an hour or so for this neighborhood.

7. Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

Also known as MONA, this underground art museum is as unconventional as art museums can get. You will come across some of the most fascinating things to see in Hobart while exploring this museum. There are no pillars or posts explaining the art, instead, you get an iPod touch as a guide. It will take you at least an hour to tour this art museum.

Day 3

1. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary has a variety of animals including kangaroos, wombats, koalas, lions, wallabies, deers and the Tasmanian devil. The sanctuary is known for one of the most popular activities in Hobart which is interacting with animals like wombats, possums and echidnas. You would need 2 to 3 hours of time to explore this place.

I suggest you should take a half-day guided tour of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary from Hobart.

2. Tasmanian Transport Museum

This museum is primarily focused on the railway heritage of Tasmania but also encompasses the history of several modes of transport. The train ride at this museum is one of the most fun things to do in Hobart. You will need an hour or so to tour this museum.

3. Queens Domain

This public park houses several historical monuments and is also popular for recreational activities to do in Hobart. There are sports complexes, walking paths and picnic spots spread over this park. You would need an hour at least to explore this park entirely.

If you are looking for more top things to do in Hobart, check out the sections below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of attractions and activities you can add to your itinerary.

Things to do in Hobart

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Hobart

Museum of Old and New Art – MONA
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Cascades Female Factory Historical Site
Salmanca Arts Center
Maritime Museum of Tasmania
Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum
Hobart Convict Penitentiary
The Shot Tower Historic Site
Cape Burny Lighthouse
Despard Gallery
Tasmanian Transport Museum
St. David’s Cathedral
Handmark Gallery
Mount Nelson Signal Station
Art Mob – Aboriginal Fine Art
Narryna – the Merchant’s House
Hobart Town Hall
Parliament House
Army Museum of Tasmania
Hobart Synagogue
Parliament House Gardens
Hobart Cenotaph
Saint Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
Kangaroo Bluff Battery Historical Site
Markee House Museum and Gardens
Inka Gardens
Tasmanian Herbarium
Theatre Royal
Federation Concert Hall
Paranaple Arts Centre

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Hobart

Mount Wellington
Pennicott Wilderness
Waterworks Reserve
Knocklofty Reserve
Hobart Rivulet
Myrtle Gully Falls
Alum Cliffs
New Town Falls
Strickland Falls
Kangaroo Bluff Reserve
Rosny Hill
Risbon Brook Dam
Hobart Rivulet Park
Fern Tree Bower
Sphinx Rock
Pitt Water Nature Reserve
Silver Falls
Cascades Track
Mount Faulkner Conservation Area
O’Gardy Falls
Octopus Tree
Mount Nelson
Tyenna River
River Derwent
Four Springs Lake
Coal River
Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
Mount Direction Conservation Area
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Hobart

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Zoodoo Zoo
St. David’s Park
Sullivan’s Cove
Tasmania Wine Tours
Train Park
Tolosa Park
Hobart Aquatic Center
Simmons Park
Caldew Park
Subantarctic Plant House
Soundy Park
Princess Park
Cascade Gardens
Long Beach Reserve
Fern Tree Park
Ancanthe Park
Alexandra Battery Park
Arthur Circus Park
Tasmania Zoo
East Coast Nature World
Wings Wildlife Park
Seahorse World
Tasmanian Arboretum

Shopping in Hobart

Salamanca Market
Liverpool Street
Elizabeth Street Mall
Farm Gate Market
Murray Street
Salamanca Market
Cat & Fiddle Arcade
Twilight Market
Eastlands Shopping Center
Island Markets
Northgate Shopping Center

Beaches & Islands in Hobart

Hinsby Beach
Bellerive Beach
Short Beach
Coningham Beach
Taroona Beach
Lords Beach
Long Beach
Nutgrove Beach
Iron Pot Island
Kingston Beach
Bruny Island
Howrah Beach
Blinking Billy Beach
Opossum Beach
Little Howrah Beach
Red Chapel Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure Activities to Do in Hobart

Hiking
Mountain Climbing
Rappelling
Abseiling
Cycling
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Boat Cruise
Walking Tours
Paragliding
Cycling Tours
Fishing

Sightseeing in Hobart

Salamanca Place
Constitution Dock
Tasman Bridge
Battery Point Sculpture Trail
Franklin Square
Kelly’s Steps
Railway Roundabout
New Town Bay
Risdon Cove
Rosny Point
Limekiln Point
Lewisham Jetty

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Hobart

Franklin Wharf
Peppina
Pigeon Hole Cafe
Dier Makr
Van Bone
Bruny Island Cheese Co.
Fico
The Agrarian Kitchen
Kosaten
The Glass House
Small Fry
Ginger Brown
Osteria Vista
Aloft
Preachers
Urban Greek
Room for a Pony
Templo
Local Pizza
Peacock and Jones
Sonny

Where to Stay in Hobart?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Hobart. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Hobart.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Hobart

How to Reach Hobart?

By Air

The Hobart International Airport sits 20 km outside the city. You can get direct flights for Hobart travel from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Gold Coast, Auckland, Canberra, and more. You can get shuttle buses and cabs to get to places to visit in Hobart from the airport.

By Road

You can get buses from several cities and towns in Tasmania. Interstate buses can be used to reach Hobart from cities like Devonport, Bicheno and Launceston.

If you are planning to visit Hobart by road, you should head for routes B68, A6, B64, B36 or A3.

By Water

The Macquarie Wharf serves as a docking station for several cruise ships. Passengers usually get a day or two for Hobart sightseeing during the trip.

Image Reference

Mount Wellington – Mark Pegrum / Flickr
Cascade Brewery – Eli Duke / Flickr
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – Gavin Anderson / Flickr
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – Pursuedbybear / Flickr
Tasman Bridge – pen_ash / PixaBay
Maritime Museum of Tasmania – edwardhblake / Flickr
Penitentiary Chapel – Gary Houston / Wikimedia Commons
Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum – Gary Houston / Wikimedia Commons
Franklin Square – denisbin / Flickr
Narryna Heritage Museum (Narryna – the Merchant’s House) – Siggy Nowak / PixaBay
Battery Point – denisbin / Flickr
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – Tim J Keegan / Flickr
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Michael / Wikimedia Commons
Tasmanian Transport Museum – Hothguard11 / Wikimedia Commons
Queens Domain – EurovisionNim / Wikimedia Commons