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The 15 best things to do in Hobart: nature, food, and cultural highlights
Discover the best things to do in Hobart, from Mount Wellington to MONA, markets, food spots, and family attractions to help plan your trip.
Hobart is a compact harbour city where you can experience wilderness, history, and a strong food culture within a short trip. This guide covers the best things to do in Hobart, from scenic viewpoints to markets and cultural sites, to help you plan your itinerary efficiently.
As Tasmania’s capital, Hobart sits beneath Kunanyi / Mount Wellington and along the River Derwent, making it easy to combine outdoor adventures with waterfront dining and historic neighbourhoods. It’s also a great base if you’re planning solo travel in Australia and want a walkable city with easy day trips.
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The best things to do in Hobart at a glance
Here’s a quick overview of the top places to visit in Hobart to help you decide what to prioritise.
| Attraction | Category | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Wellington | Nature | Scenic views | Panoramic lookout, walking trails |
| Hobart Waterfront | Nature / City | First-time visitors | Harbour views, seafood |
| Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens | Nature | Relaxed sightseeing | Landscaped gardens |
| Sandy Bay & Long Beach | Nature | Coastal walks | Beach views |
| Salamanca Place | Culture | History lovers | Georgian warehouses |
| Salamanca Market | Culture | Food & shopping | Local produce |
| MONA | Culture | Art lovers | Contemporary art |
| Battery Point | History | Walking tours | Historic cottages |
| Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery | Culture | Families | Natural history |
| Farm Gate Market | Food | Foodies | Fresh produce |
| Tasmanian seafood | Food | Dining | Local oysters |
| Coal River Valley | Food | Wine lovers | Vineyards |
| Breweries & distilleries | Food | Craft drinks | Tastings |
| Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary | Family | Wildlife | Native animals |
| Hobart Zoo & Aquarium | Family | Kids | Interactive exhibits |
Iconic natural attractions in Hobart
Hobart’s biggest draw is its easy access to nature. These outdoor highlights are among the most popular fun things to do in Hobart, especially for first-time visitors.
Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) is the city’s most recognisable landmark and one of the top answers to what to do in Hobart for panoramic views. From the summit, you can see the harbour, the surrounding wilderness, and even distant mountain ranges on a clear day.
It’s free to visit, and you can drive to the top or explore walking trails such as the Pinnacle Track. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for clearer skies and fewer crowds. Bring warm layers, as temperatures are often much cooler than in the city.
Hobart Waterfront
The Hobart Waterfront around Constitution Dock is a lively area with harbour views, fishing boats, and historic warehouses. It’s a must-visit for travellers wanting a relaxed introduction to the city.
You can stroll along the promenade, enjoy fish and chips, or watch yachts returning to the marina. Visiting at sunset offers the best atmosphere.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Just a short drive from the city centre, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape with themed gardens, native plants, and scenic walking paths.
Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Spring and summer are the best seasons for blooming flowers, while autumn brings colourful foliage. It’s ideal if you’re looking for quieter places to visit in Hobart, away from busy attractions.
Sandy Bay & Long Beach
Sandy Bay and Long Beach are popular coastal spots perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic. Located about a 10-minute drive from the city centre, they offer views across the River Derwent and a laid-back local atmosphere.
Summer is the best time for swimming, while cooler months are great for walking. These beaches are among the more relaxed fun things to do in Hobart if you want time outdoors without leaving the city.
Cultural and historic attractions in Hobart
Hobart is one of Australia’s oldest cities, and its historic districts and museums provide insight into its colonial past and creative scene.
Salamanca Place
Salamanca Place is a historic stretch of 19th-century sandstone warehouses near the harbour, and an easy add-on if you’re deciding what to do in Hobart on your first day.
Take a short walk through the lanes to spot local art spaces and small makers, then pause for fresh Tasmanian oysters at a nearby seafood bar (many serve them shucked to order). Late morning works well if you want to continue on to Salamanca Market on Saturday.
Salamanca Market
Held every Saturday, Salamanca Market is one of the most popular places to visit in Hobart for local produce, crafts, and street food. With hundreds of stalls, it’s a great place to try Tasmanian cheeses, baked goods, and handmade souvenirs.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and bring cash for purchases. It’s a highlight for travellers looking for authentic local experiences.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
MONA is Australia’s largest privately funded museum and one of the most distinctive things to do in Hobart. Known for provocative contemporary art, it offers a unique cultural experience.
Tickets typically cost around AUD 39 for adults, and the ferry ride from the waterfront is part of the experience. Plan at least half a day to explore the exhibitions.
Battery Point
Battery Point is a historic neighbourhood known for its narrow streets, colonial cottages, and maritime heritage. It’s best explored on foot, following the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.
Visiting in the morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photos. It’s a must for history enthusiasts wondering what to do in Hobart beyond the main attractions.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Located near the waterfront, this museum covers Tasmania’s natural history, Indigenous heritage, and colonial past. It’s suitable for all ages and offers interactive exhibits.
Entry is free, making it a great option for travellers looking for cultural experiences without added cost. Allow around one to two hours for your visit.
Food and drink experience in Hobart
Hobart’s food scene is shaped by local produce, seafood, and cool-climate wines. Exploring the city’s culinary offerings is among the most enjoyable things to do in Hobart for food lovers.
Farm gate market
Held on Sundays, Farm Gate Market is a favourite for fresh local produce and ready-to-eat dishes, and was named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 markets in 2025. You’ll find seasonal fruit and vegetables alongside artisan foods like baked goods, cheeses, and small-batch treats, making it one of the tastiest things to do in Hobart for food lovers.
It’s also recognised as Australia’s first plastic-free farmers’ market, so bringing a reusable bag is a good idea.
Eat fresh Tasmanian seafood
Seafood is a highlight of any Hobart trip, with Tasmanian oysters, abalone, and mussels featured on many menus thanks to the island’s clean, cold waters. Waterfront eateries and casual seafood spots are among the best places to visit in Hobart if you want to try local specialities.
Fish and chips are also a popular choice, especially around the harbour, where you can enjoy them with water views.
Wine tasting in Coal River Valley
Just 20 minutes from Hobart, the Coal River Valley is known for cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many wineries offer tastings and vineyard views.
Most cellar doors charge a small tasting fee, often redeemable with a purchase. Visiting in late spring through autumn offers the best weather.
Local breweries and distilleries
Hobart has a growing craft drinks scene, with local breweries and distilleries producing small-batch beer, whisky, and gin. Joining a guided brewery crawl or planning your own brewery hopping day is a popular way to sample different styles while learning about Tasmania’s distilling traditions.
Many venues offer tasting paddles and behind-the-scenes insights, making this one of the more social fun things to do in Hobart if you enjoy local flavours beyond wine.
Family-friendly things to do in Hobart
If you’re travelling with children, there are plenty of engaging things to do in Hobart with kids that combine learning with outdoor fun.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary allows visitors to see native animals such as kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. Educational talks and feeding sessions make it a memorable experience. Tickets cost around AUD 35.5 for adults and AUD 20.5 for children. Morning visits are best when animals are most active.
Hobart Zoo & Aquarium
Formerly known as Zoodoo Zoo, Hobart Zoo & Aquarium is a family-friendly day out just 30 minutes from the city, with a newly added aquarium and plenty to keep kids busy. To save money, buy tickets online for 5% off the advertised admission prices; general admission is AUD 37 for adults and AUD 21 for children.
Your ticket covers a full day on-site, including all animal exhibits, daily animal talks and presentations, an indoor children’s playground, the new aquarium, plus an on-site café and a gift shop with locally sourced items.
Practical tips for planning things to do in Hobart
Planning ahead helps you make the most of your time and ensures you can fit in your preferred activities.
- How many days do you need in Hobart? Most travellers find 3–4 days enough to see major attractions and take short excursions, including popular day trips from Hobart.
- Best time to visit Hobart: Summer (December–February) offers warm weather and festivals, while autumn provides fewer crowds and colourful landscapes.
- Transportation tips: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore nearby areas, though central attractions are walkable. Buses and rideshare services are widely available.
- Where to stay: Staying near the waterfront or city centre gives easy access to restaurants, markets, and major sights.
- Weather considerations: Weather in Hobart is generally mild, but the wind can be chilling, so pack layers even in summer.
- Use an eSIM for navigation, Uber, and booking tickets on the go: Having mobile data helps you check opening hours, maps, and bookings, and if you’re comparing options like an eSIM versus an Australia SIM card, guides on how much data for travel can help estimate your needs.
Stay connected while exploring things to do in Hobart with Holafly
Staying connected makes it easier to navigate, book tours, and look up opening hours while exploring the best things to do in Hobart. With Holafly’s Australia eSIM, you can access reliable data across Australia without swapping physical SIM cards.
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