3 Top Things To Do In Hobart
There is quite a bit to do in Hobart despite it being a smaller city. We visited for a week in the wintertime and even still we were spoiled for choice to fit it all in. Here are our 3 top things to do in Hobart that you can’t miss out on when you go!
About Hobart
Hobart is located in Tasmania and is the capital city of Tasmania in Australia. It’s an island state, nestled at the foothills of Mount Wellington and surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Derwent River.
Hobart is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque landscapes, and offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern sophistication.
Get To The Summit of Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is an iconic natural landmark overlooking the city of Hobart. Its majestic and captivating views make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Soaring to an impressive height of approximately 1,271 meters (4,170 feet), Mount Wellington offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding landscapes. You honestly can’t go past this when visiting Hobart! It’s definitely one of the 3 top things to do in Hobart!
Getting There
The summit is accessible by car or tour bus via a well-maintained road. You drive up to several lookout points such as the Pinnacle Observation Shelter, where visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas. You can book a tour through various tours on websites such as Tripadvisor and Klook.
For all the official information from the state tourism website, head over to Discover Tasmania.
The summit offers facilities such as viewing platforms, visitor information centres, and public amenities with comfortable clean toilets. There was surprisingly an indoor viewing platform that was heated and we absolutely enjoyed that in the midst of winter. It was hard to leave to get back out in the wind of the summit soul-ripping air at the top of the mountain.
Things to do at Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington boasts diverse landscapes, from alpine meadows to temperate rainforests, showcasing Tasmania’s natural beauty.
Various trails cater to hikers of different skill levels, offering opportunities to explore the mountain’s flora, fauna, and geological formations.
A network of trails allows adventurers to discover the mountain’s beauty, including the popular Organ Pipes track and the Zig Zag track.
Cyclists can challenge themselves on the road or off-road trails that wind through the mountain’s terrain.
So there is lots to do for all ages and skill sets. You could just go to visit the summit on a tour or you could spend the whole day here. The choice is really yours.
The Salamanca Markets
Located in Salamanca Place, Salamanca Market is a picturesque cobblestone street lined with Georgian-era sandstone warehouses that date back to the 1830s. It’s just a super cool thing to go and do on a Saturday morning and rates as a must-do on our 3 top things to do in Hobart list.
You will see old ships in the harbour like the one pictured and horses with carriages taking patrons around the streets.
The Salamanca Markets are situated in the heart of Hobart and operate every Saturday from early morning until the afternoon, providing ample time for exploration and shopping.
It’s easily accessible by foot from Hobart’s waterfront and centrally located, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.
The restored warehouses have been converted into house galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants, so you can explore to your heart’s content in a really fantastic atmosphere. The markets often feature live music, showcasing local talent which adds to the lively ambience.
The Salamanca Markets showcase a diverse array of stalls featuring local artisans, craftsmen, and artists offering handmade goods, including jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and woodwork.
The food is world-class and there’s so much to sample and buy. Try the local produce of fresh and organic Tasmanian fruits, vegetables, cheeses, wines, preserves, and baked goods.
There’s a total culinary journey to be had with an assortment of food stalls offering international cuisines, gourmet delights, street food, and freshly brewed coffee. I enjoyed the hot Tasmanian Gin to keep me warm in the brisk winter chilly air.
You’ll also have a range of local specialties to choose from like Tasmanian salmon, cheeses, berries, and artisanal chocolates too. There is something for everyone’s taste buds here.
Visitors can discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs, gifts, and mementos that reflect Tasmania’s culture and craftsmanship. So overall it’s a must-do if you are there on a Saturday and absolutely rates on our 3 Top Things To Do In Hobart.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
The Museum of Old and New Art, commonly referred to as MONA, is a cutting-edge cultural institution nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Hobart.
It offers a unique and thought-provoking experience and MONA stands as a world-renowned destination known for its avant-garde art collections and immersive exhibitions.
In saying this, there was some word of caution. Some of the art features nudity or sexually natured exhibitions and is not always appropriate for children. My son was 13 at the time we went and it was a little embarrassing for him at times. I would just suggest you think about taking young children and teenagers, or anyone you are going to be uncomfortable experiencing those things around. It was not excessive and there are other things to enjoy, but it is there and it should be up to you to choose.
There is an array of bars that serve alcoholic drinks on the first floor as you enter also, so it’s more set up for the adult environment than child-friendly.
The souvenir shop is small and delicate. Again not really suitable for young children.
Getting There
You can book your tickets directly on the MONA website. Check out the opening times for your availability and be aware that the prices vary depending on if you are a Tasmanian or a visiting tourist to the state. Tickets can be popular so make sure to get onto it at least a day in advance.
You can book a Ferry there which is actually amazing in itself. It’s very comfortable and they sell food and drink on board with gorgeous views.
Mona is located eleven kilometres north of Hobart which takes approximately 25 minutes by ferry. I enjoyed that the ferry had a stunning indoor area with all the creature comforts and we absolutely enjoyed our ride. I had a little glass of sparkling wine on the way and it just was something nice to further enjoy my ferry ride to MONA experience.
So overall while MONA has a little word of caution, it still makes our 3 Top Things To Do In Hobart list because its unique and an unforgettable experience.
I hope you’ve found these 3 Top Things To Do In Hobart useful and your visit to Hobart is amazing. For more on our tips and stories, head over to our Blog or follow us on social media.