Things to do in Hobart

Things to do in Hobart

Art that shocks, beers with mountain views, and devils (the furry kind). Hobart is where wild nature and bold culture shake hands. Whether you're cruising the Derwent River, taking a deep dive into subterranean MONA weirdness, or hopping out to Bruny Island for cheese and cliffs, there’s always something a little offbeat to do here. History runs deep in Hobart, with convict-built corners to ghost tours and UNESCO-listed ruins. Whether you're chasing moody museum moments, misty mountaintops or a flat white with a view, Hobart’s got your long weekend sorted.

Unique Hobart things you can’t do anywhere else

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) Entry Ticket – Dive into Hobart’s wildest cultural experience: provocative art, underground galleries, and a ferry that’s half the fun. 

• Dive into MONA FOMA or Dark Mofo – Tasmanian arts festivals celebrating cutting-edge music, light shows and winter rituals 

Cascade Brewery Tour – Tour Australia’s oldest working brewery, set beneath Mount Wellington, with beer tastings and seriously photogenic gardens. 

Odeon Theatre Gig – Experience live music at a historic venue that doubles as a MONA FOMA/Dark Mofo festival stage. 

Hobart Historic Walking Tour – Walk Hobart’s colonial past with a local guide, from sandstone warehouses to stories of convicts and bushrangers. 

Best Hobart attractions to see

• Salamanca Market – Wander over 300 stalls of local art, produce and buskers every Saturday in Hobart’s heritage precinct. 
• kunanyi / Mount Wellington Explorer Bus Pass – Ride to the summit without breaking a sweat and take in sweeping views of Hobart and beyond. Get tickets
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary General Admission – Say hi to Tassie devils and hand-feed kangaroos just 30 minutes from the CBD. Grab entry tickets
• MONA Ferry and Museum Visit – Cruise the Derwent in style and land right at the door of Australia’s boldest art museum. 
• Peppermint Bay Cruise – Glide across the Derwent River with scenic views, followed by a delicious restaurant meal at the shoreline.

Best Hobart day trips and tours

• Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart – Explore Tasmania’s most hauntingly beautiful UNESCO-listed convict site on a guided full-day tour. 
• Bruny Island Day Tour from Hobart – A foodie and nature-lover’s dream: coastlines, rare wildlife and cheese tastings. 
• Mount Wellington Summit – Hike or drive to the top of Hobart’s defining peak for epic views and crisp mountain air. 
• Tasman Peninsula and Devils Kitchen Tour – Discover dramatic sea cliffs, sea caves and natural rock formations on this scenic peninsula. 
• Zoodoo Zoo Entry – Meet kangaroos, feed the wildlife, and enjoy a fun, family-friendly Aussie animal experience just a short drive from Hobart.

Free things to do in Hobart

• Battery Point – Hobart’s most charming historic suburb, perfect for a self-guided heritage walk past colonial cottages and cosy cafés.
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – A picnic-perfect spot north of the CBD with subantarctic plants and sweeping views of the Derwent.
• Farm Gate Market – Smaller and more local than Salamanca, open Sundays with produce, pastries and coffee stalls galore.
• Hobart Waterfront Walk – Follow the fishing boats past bars, seafood punts and art installations by the water.
• Mount Nelson Lookout – A quieter alternative to Mount Wellington with sweeping views and a colonial-era signal station.

Budgeting for things to do in Hobart

Hobart doesn’t ask for much to impress. You can hike Mount Wellington, wander Salamanca Market or laze in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens without opening your wallet. Activities start from around AU$36 (hello, historic walking tours) and sit in the AU$50–85 sweet spot for big hitters like MONA, Bonorong Sanctuary and Mount Wellington Explorer Bus. Day trips to Bruny Island or Port Arthur are splurge-worthy at AU$145+, but include the works: lunch, guides, wildlife, views. Whether you’re in it for convict history, devils, or dark art, there’s something here to match your vibe — and your budget.