Hobart Travelers Recommend

Three days in Hobart offer plenty of time to experience Tasmania’s historic sites, natural wonders, and delicious cuisine. Take advantage of money-saving combo deals and sightseeing passes, spend longer at the sights that interest you most, and customize your itinerary to suit your interests. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Sightseeing in the City

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to get around, offering the convenience of a guided tour while leaving you free to decide where to go and how long to stay at each stop. Spot landmarks like Parliament House and Victoria Docks, hop off to explore the historic neighborhood of Battery Point, or visit the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.

Time your arrival in Salamanca for lunchtime and visit one of the seafood restaurants along the waterfront before strolling around Salamanca Market (Saturday only) or browsing the shops for souvenirs. In the afternoon, get back to nature with a walk around the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or pay a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where the animal residents include Tasmanian devils, koalas, platypus, and wombats. 

After sunset, Hunter Street is the place to be, home to some of Hobart’s coolest bars and pubs.

Day 2: Mountains and Museums

The 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) peak of Mt. Wellington is Hobart’s most famous view point and affords stunning views over the city. For the most memorable experience, opt to hike to the summit or drive to the top, then take a thrilling downhill bike ride. Before heading back to the city, make a stop at the Cascade Brewery, where you can enjoy a beer at Tasmania’s oldest brewery.

Spend the afternoon at one of Hobart’s other top attractions, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Tickets include a round-trip ferry ride across the Derwent River and entrance to the Moorilla Estate Winery, where you can enjoy lunch and wine tasting before admiring the museum collections.

Day 3: Take a Day Trip

The most popular choice for a day trip from Hobart is to nearby Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Tasmania’s most visited attractions. The former convict site is one of the most important and best preserved in Australia, and taking a tour offers insight into the country’s dark past. Visit the penitentiary, dockyard, coal mines, and separate prison; cruise around the harbor; then ride the ferry out to the Isle of the Dead, once home to the children’s prison.

Alternatively, set sail for Bruny Island, where you can spend the day wildlife watching, strolling along sandy beaches, and admiring landmarks like Bruny Island Lighthouse. The island is also a top choice for foodies as there are numerous opportunities to taste local specialties, including wine, whiskey, cheese, and oysters.

Two days in Hobart give you enough time to take in the city highlights and visit nearby Port Arthur, one of Tasmania’s most important historic sights. Plan your itinerary wisely to maximize your time and take advantage of combo tours and super-saver deals for great discounts on Hobart attractions. Here are some ideas.

Day 1: Hop around Hobart

**Morning:**A guided sightseeing tour or hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to explore Hobart. Jump off to shop for handicrafts at Salamanca Market (Saturday), visit Battery Point and Victoria Docks, or stroll around the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

**Afternoon:**Choose between two of Hobart’s top attractions. Either head to the 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) summit of Mt. Wellington for a stunning view over the city or visit the famous MONA (Museum of Old and New Art); tickets to the museum include a ferry ride across the Derwent River, and you can enjoy wine tasting at the neighboring Moorilla Winery.

**Night:**Continue sightseeing into the evening with a night tour of Hobart, and admire illuminated landmarks such as Tasman Bridge, Cornelian Bay, and Mt. Nelson Signal Station. End the night with a stroll along the picturesque harbor, where you can enjoy a seafood dinner or drinks at a waterfront bar.

Day 2: Visit Port Arthur

**Morning:**Learn more about Australia’s convict history on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic site. See the penitentiary, dockyard, coal mines, and separate prison; hear stories about colonial times from your guide; and perhaps cruise out to the Isle of the Dead, once home to the children’s prison.

**Afternoon:**It’s possible to spend an entire day at Port Arthur, but adventurous travelers can also combine it with the natural wonders of the Tasman Peninsula. Set sail along the coast of Tasman National Park on a thrilling wildlife cruise and watch for seals, dolphins, and seabirds.

**Night:**Book a table at one of Hobart’s seafront restaurants—The Glass House and Aloft are popular choices—for dinner with a view. After enjoying tasty Tasmanian dishes and local wines, end the night with a drink at one of the many pubs or bars along Hunter Street.

A visit to the former convict settlement of Port Arthur offers harrowing insight into Australia’s convict history. The vast complex is now both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction. Here are your options for Port Arthur tours from Hobart. 

Full-Day Tours

The easiest way to visit the Port Arthur historic site is on a full-day group tour, traveling by bus or coach from Hobart. Most tours include a walking tour of the sprawling open-air museum, taking in highlights of the Tasman National Park along the way. Expect photo stops at sites like Tasman Arch, Eaglehawk Neck, Pirates Bay, and Devils Kitchen.

Multi-Day Tours

With time to spare, a multi-day tour means you can explore more of Tasmania’s attractions, with an expert tour guide on hand to make sure you don't miss anything. You can combine a Hobart sightseeing tour with a day trip to Port Arthur; journey from Hobart to Launceston with stops at Port Arthur, Freycinet National Park, and Cradle Mountain; or set out on an epic 7-day island adventure. Most tours include accommodation, as well as selected meals, entrance fees, and activities.

Things to Know

• Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of Hobart—about a 1.5-hour drive.

• Day tours from Hobart typically last between eight and 11 hours.

• Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, some meals, and round-trip transportation.

• Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as most of the tours are outdoors.

Tasmania’s capital has it all—historic sights, stunning natural scenery, and lively neighborhoods—but with just 24 hours in Hobart, it’s best to focus on the highlights. Plan your itinerary wisely to maximize your time, or join a guided tour to ensure you don’t miss anything. Here are some ideas.

Morning: Visit Mount Wellington

Make an early start and head for Hobart’s most famous view point: Mt. Wellington. Known to locals as The Mountain, the 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) peak affords stunning views over Hobart, and a guided visit helps you save time and drive directly to the summit.

At the foot of the mountain, the Cascades Brewery, Tasmania’s oldest brewery, is a popular stop for refreshments before returning to the city to explore the neighborhoods of South Hobart. If you’re visiting on Saturday, Salamanca Market is a must, filled with art, handicrafts, and delicious foods. Even if you miss the market, Salamanca is the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs and enjoy fish and chips as you stroll around the harbor.

Afternoon: Sightseeing in the City

A sightseeing tour is the ideal way to take in the highlights of Hobart, but travelers who want a bit more flexibility can opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Perhaps stop at nearby Battery Point to admire central landmarks like Parliament House and Victoria Docks, or take a stroll around the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Alternatively, pay a visit to the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), one of Tasmania’s most beloved art museums. Reached via a scenic ferry ride across the Derwent River, the museum is a must for art lovers and is home to the Moorilla Winery, where you can sample Tasmanian wines.

Night: Hobart Lights Up at Night

Hobart’s picturesque waterfront and harbor are even more stunning at night. Sign up for an evening city tour and admire illuminated landmarks such as Tasman Bridge, Cornelian Bay, and Mt. Nelson Signal Station.

Back in the city, book a dinner date at one of Hobart’s top restaurants—The Glass House and Aloft both offer waterfront views—or head to Hunter Street, where you’ll find some of the city’s coolest bars.