10 Things to Do in Hobart Tasmania

You’ll find Hobart’s charm lies in its perfect blend of wild Tasmanian nature and rich colonial history. From the bustling Saturday energy of Salamanca Market to the controversial art installations at MONA, this compact capital offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Australia. Whether you’re drawn to pristine wilderness, historic convict sites, or world-class museums accessible only by ferry, Tasmania’s capital rewards those who know where to look first.

Take the Cable Car to the Top of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington

One ambitious proposal that’s captured headlines for decades could transform how you reach kunanyi/Mount Wellington’s summit. The cable car project, despite facing multiple rejections since 1987, continues gaining political momentum under Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s government.

If realized, you’d access Tasmania’s iconic peak via a two-stage cable system, potentially starting from Cascade Brewery. The concept itself dates back much earlier, with the first proposals emerging in 1905 for an aerial cableway to the mountain’s summit.

While environmental groups and South Hobart residents oppose the development citing conservation concerns, proponents argue it’ll reduce traffic emissions by over 2,000 tonnes annually. The project could generate $129 million yearly tourism revenue and create 80+ permanent jobs.

Currently, you’ll need to drive the winding mountain road to reach the summit. However, state government reviews suggest this cable car option remains under active consideration despite council rejections.

Wander Through Salamanca Market on Saturday Morning

Every Saturday morning, over 300 stalls transform Salamanca Place into Tasmania’s most vibrant marketplace. You’ll discover everything from hand-blown glass to artisanal cheeses against the backdrop of historic Georgian sandstone warehouses. The market operates from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine, attracting up to 40,000 visitors weekly.

You’ll find the best experience arriving early to beat crowds or visiting after 1:00 pm for a quieter browse. Local artisans showcase Tasmanian timber crafts, original artwork, and specialty produce including gins, whisky, and truffles.

Live buskers create an energetic atmosphere while hot food stalls offer culinary variety. The market has grown significantly since its humble beginnings with just six stalls at the first trial market in 1971.

Allow three hours for the full experience, and park at nearby Argyle Street for convenient access to this million-visitor annual attraction.

Experience MONA via the Museum Ferry

The 25-minute ferry ride aboard MONA ROMA’s distinctive camouflage catamarans transforms your museum visit into an unforgettable experience, offering scenic Derwent River views while you sip drinks from the onboard bar. Departures run hourly from Brooke Street Pier (9:15 AM-5:30 PM), perfectly timed with MONA’s Thursday-Monday schedule.

You’ll spot the museum carved into sandstone cliffs as you approach Berriedale.

Ferry tickets start at $30, with combo packages including museum entry and dining at FARO restaurant. The “Posh Pit” upgrade provides a private lounge with complimentary food and drinks. Each visit includes an iPod guide for deeper exploration of the museum’s confronting artworks and displays.

Your ticket grants all-day museum access, letting you ferry back and forth freely. Upon arrival, climb 99 steps to enter this subterranean art wonderland—though accessible tunnel entrances are available.

Explore the Historic Waterfront and Constitution Dock

Five minutes from Hobart’s city center, Constitution Dock anchors Sullivan’s Cove as Tasmania’s most significant maritime precinct.

Where Georgian sandstone warehouses from the 1830s create a stunning backdrop for world-class dining and cultural experiences.

You’ll witness history through the 1899 Heritage Steam Crane and operational 1935 drawbridge while exploring converted warehouses now housing galleries and restaurants.

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania offers deep insights into the area’s whaling and exploration past.

Time your visit during late December to experience the electric atmosphere when Sydney to Hobart yachts arrive.

Local fishing boats ensure waterfront restaurants serve Tasmania’s freshest seafood daily. Don’t miss Flippers Fish Punt, the popular floating restaurant serving exceptional local fish and chips right at the dock.

Heritage walking tours reveal colonial maritime stories, while Saturday’s nearby Salamanca Market complements the dock’s authentic coastal culture perfectly.

Stroll Through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Just two kilometers north of Hobart’s city center, you’ll discover Australia’s premier cool climate garden at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Here, 14 hectares of diverse botanical collections have flourished along the River Derwent since 1818.

Don’t miss Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House, which recreates Macquarie Island’s unique climate and flora.

The Japanese Garden, designed by Kanjiro Harda in 1987, offers serene contemplation spaces, while the historic Lily Pond provides Instagram-worthy moments.

Heritage trees from the 19th century showcase early botanical experimentation throughout your walk. The Tasmanian East Coast Collection displays remarkable endemic flora including ancient Huon Pine and towering Eucalyptus Regnans.

You’ll find excellent amenities including a restaurant featuring seasonal local produce and walking paths designed for different interests.

Entry’s free with suggested gold coin donations, making this accessible year-round except Christmas Day.

Tour Cascade Brewery in South Hobart

Founded in 1824, Cascade Brewery stands as Australia’s oldest continually operating brewery.

You’ll discover nearly 200 years of brewing heritage nestled against Mount Wellington‘s foothills in South Hobart.

You’ll explore guided tours showcasing historical brewing methods alongside modern production processes, learning how pure spring water from Mount Wellington creates Cascade’s distinctive taste.

The tours reveal fascinating stories, including how founder Peter Degraves conceived the brewery idea while imprisoned, recognizing the water’s brewing potential. During his five-year imprisonment, Hugh McIntosh managed the sawmill operations and led the brewery’s implementation from 1826 to 1832.

You’ll sample various products including Draught, Red Bitter, and Pale Ale in dedicated tasting rooms.

The brewery’s remarkable resilience shines through its history—operations resumed just three months after devastating 1967 bushfires destroyed the facility.

Visit the retail outlet for exclusive brewery products and enjoy the scenic location’s backdrop.

Walk the Colonial Streets of Battery Point

After exploring Hobart’s brewing heritage, you’ll discover the city’s colonial past comes alive in Battery Point’s cobblestone lanes and sandstone cottages. Start your journey via Kelly Steps from Salamanca Place, then wander through narrow streets lined with 19th-century Georgian architecture.

Arthur Circus offers the perfect photo opportunity—this historic circular village green is surrounded by 1840s cottages originally built for garrison officers.

Don’t miss St George’s Anglican Church, designed by James Blackburn and perched atop the point since 1836.

Explore Hampden Road’s cafes and boutiques, then visit Narryna Heritage Museum to experience authentic colonial life in a Georgian home. The area retains the character of a 19th-century Cornish fishing village, with many historic homes now operating as folk museums and art galleries.

The riverside Napoleon Street showcases Mr Watson’s historic cottages. You’ll find picket fences covered in roses maintaining the suburb’s period charm throughout your walk.

Visit Mount Field National Park for Waterfalls and Tall Trees

Where else can you witness towering eucalyptus giants and cascading waterfalls within an hour’s drive from Hobart? Mount Field National Park delivers Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall, Russell Falls, via an easy 1.4km sealed trail from the visitor center. You’ll walk through cool-temperate rainforest featuring mountain ash, dogwood, and myrtle species before reaching the 50-meter cascade with its unobstructed viewing area. The park was established in 1916 specifically to protect Russell Falls and its surrounding ancient forests.

Extend your adventure on the Three Falls Circuit, connecting Russell Falls with crescent-shaped Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. The moderate 2.65km loop gains 80 meters elevation through dense rainforest amphitheaters.

Don’t miss the 1km Tall Trees Walk showcasing Earth’s tallest flowering plants—mountain ash reaching extraordinary heights. This Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area combines botanical significance with accessible waterfall photography opportunities.

Take a Day Trip to Port Arthur Historic Site

Ninety minutes southeast of Hobart sits Australia’s most haunting convict heritage site, where Port Arthur’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed grounds tell the stark story of colonial punishment and perseverance. You’ll explore over 30 historic buildings across 100 acres, including the Model Prison, Guard Tower, and Church ruins that housed convicts for 40 years until 1877.

Book the included harbor cruise and guided tours—they’re essential for understanding the site’s complex history. Don’t miss Point Puer, the British Empire’s first boys’ reformatory, and consider the evening Ghost Tour for a spine-tingling perspective.

The Isle of the Dead boat tour reveals burial grounds of convicts and settlers. The place name Port Arthur has multiple references across Australia and internationally, which highlights the historical significance of this particular Tasmanian site. With 250,000 annual visitors, arrive early to beat crowds at this powerful testament to Australia’s convict past.

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Franklin Wharf

Tasmania’s pristine waters deliver some of Australia’s finest seafood straight to Franklin Wharf, where you’ll find premium local catches served with stunning harbor views at 28 Morrison Street.

This waterfront restaurant specializes in Tasmanian oysters, kingfish sashimi, ceviche, and trout tartare, with menus changing regularly to showcase seasonal catches.

You can’t go wrong with their seafood share plates, which offer excellent value and highlight the region’s clean waters.

The venue operates daily from 12 pm, featuring both casual dining areas and outdoor tables overlooking the harbor. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of Murray Street Pier, making it easily accessible for waterfront dining.

Book ahead for indoor seating, though outdoor tables operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pair your seafood with local Tasmanian wines and enjoy the contemporary atmosphere that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced sea and land produce.

The Sum Up

You’ve got an incredible mix of experiences waiting in Hobart—from urban art at MONA to wilderness adventures at Mount Field. Don’t try cramming everything into one visit; instead, pick three or four activities that match your interests. Book your MONA ferry tickets ahead, check Salamanca Market’s Saturday schedule, and pack layers for Mount Wellington’s unpredictable weather. Hobart’s compact size means you’ll easily navigate between historic sites, natural wonders, and world-class dining without rushing.