10 Best Things to Do in Hobart

Calling all art lovers. The Museum of Old and New Art is definitely somewhere you’ll want to visit and the journey there is part of the fun. Hop aboard a ferry for a 25-minute ride along River Derwent to reach this unique museum. There’s also the option to drive if boats aren’t for you.

Once you step inside, there are countless pieces at The Museum of Old and New Art that will catch your eye. And like its name promises, you’ll find artwork from thousands of years ago and others made in the last decade.

Head out of the city of Hobart and into nature with a visit to Mount Wellington. This 1,271-metre mountain is known for its snowy peak – even in summer – and epic views.

As for how to get to the top of Mount Wellington, you have a few different options. The easiest method is to drive up to the peak via the stunning Pinnacle Road. If you’d like an option that’s a bit more active, you can bike up the same path. And if you’d prefer to head out on foot, start at The Springs and prepare for a couple of hours of great hiking.

Hobart got its start way back in 1804 – and it all started at Sullivans Cove. This waterfront harbour is exactly where the British decided to settle down, and over the past 200 years, it’s grown into the great city it is today.

As for what you can do at Sullivans Cove now, you simply must get some fish & chips from one of the local takeaway spots. And as you munch on your meal, simply watch the peaceful boats sail their way around the harbour.

Located in Hobart's historic waterfront, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a perfect place to explore Tasmania's unique art and history. Home to a large collection of artwork, artefacts and fossils, visitors can easily spend hours at this Hobart attraction.

If you’d like a little more guidance, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery offers free tours on weekends. With a guide’s help, you’ll be able to learn loads of fun facts about the various pieces displayed in the museum.

During the 19th century, the British Empire sent significant numbers of convicts from around the world to serve out their sentences in Tasmania. The goals of this system were to deter crime and promote cheap labour, given the island’s remote location.

As you can imagine, this setup left a lasting impact on Tasmania's past and present. With a visit to Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site, one of the former prisons, you can learn all about this harsh punishment system and about the convicts’ day-to-day lives once they arrived in Tasmania.

Located in the heart of Hobart, Salamanca Place has a little bit of everything. This little waterfront area has everything from historic architecture to trendy markets.

If we’re creating a condensed Salamanca Place bucket list, it simply must include a few things: admire the district’s historic architecture, stroll through the bustling Saturday Market and check out the artwork at the Salamanca Art Centre. And after you’ve done all of that, finish your visit off with a tasty meal at one of the district’s beloved restaurants, like Syra or The Den Salamanca.

If you’re looking for nature-focused things to do in Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens should be at the top of your list. Within its 14 hectares, this lovely botanical garden is home to hundreds of plants, like blooming water lilies, aromatic herbs and native Tasmanian plants.

That said, the most unique section of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is the Subantarctic Plant House. With rare plants from the Subantarctic climates – think ferns and mosses that can survive the frigid temperatures – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Opened in 1824, Cascade Brewery in Hobart claims the title of the oldest brewery in Australia and for good reason. This particular hotspot has learned how to cater to guests’ needs while also crafting the tastiest brews around.

If you’re just looking for a beer and a meal, stop by for lunch or dinner. But if you’d prefer to spruce up your beer-making knowledge, book yourself a beer-tasting or brewery tour. No matter which option you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your fair share of hoppy beverages.

Looking for the best things to do in Hobart at night? Look no further than the Theatre Royal in the heart of the city. As the oldest continually operating theatre in all of Australia, this 1830s venue has hosted hundreds, if not, thousands, of incredible shows throughout its 200-year history.

In addition to its historic significance, the Theatre Royal provides a fantastic venue for today’s performances. Comedy shows, dance performances and theatre productions are just the beginning of the entertainment options at this iconic theatre.

Add something a little bit out of the box to your Hobart bucket list with a visit to Barilla Bay Oyster Farm. This waterfront farm offers tours, during which you can learn all about how oysters are grown and harvested.

While you will get to try a couple of samples on the tour, why not stick around a little longer for a meal at Barilla Bay Oyster Farm’s restaurant? There, you can try everything from Bloody Mary oyster shooters to an expansive seafood platter with octopus, salmon, clams and even more oysters.