Hobart is the capital city of the island state of Tasmania in Australia. Some of the top things to do 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 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 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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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 the sea level. It is also known as Kunayi, this mountain is a 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 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 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 guide tour of 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 precincts 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 life of convicts during 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 merchant 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 neighbourhood is one of the most posh 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 mansion and cottages. You will need an hour or so for this neighbourhood.
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 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 below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Hobart.
Luxurious Hotels
- Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart
- MACq 01 Hotel
- RACV Hobart Hotel
- The Henry Jones Art Hotel
- Mantra Collins Hotel
- Somerset on the Pier Hobart
- Mantra One Sandy Bay Road Hobart
- Movenpick Hotel Hobart
- Vibe Hotel Hobart
- Crowne Plaza Hobart, an IHG Hotel
- Salamanca Inn All Suite Hotel
- The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart
Mid-Range Hotels
- Lenna of Hobart
- Hadley’s Orient Hotel
- The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
- St Ives Apartments
- Zero Davey Boutique Apartment Hotel
- Quest Waterfront
- Best Western Hobart
- Customs House Waterfront Hotel
- The Lodge on Elizabeth
- Travelodge Hotel Hobart
- Bay View Villas
- Macquarie Manor
Budget Hotels
- Wrest Point
- Graham Apartments
- Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
- Shipwright’s Arms Hotel
- Alabama Hotel Hobart
- Argyle Motor Lodge
- Central Hotel Hobart
- Doctor Syntax Hotel
- Mayfair on Cavell
- Edinburgh Gallery Bed and Breakfast
- Black Buffalo
- The Marquis Hotel Motel
Custom Tours Package in Hobart
How to Reach Hobart?
By Air
The Hobart International Airport sits 20 kms 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 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
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