This is a comprehensive guide to the Hobart region in Tasmania. Here you will discover the many things to see and do in the region. Remember also that you can combine this itinerary with our other regional guides to create an in-depth itinerary for your ideal holiday.
Hobart is Tasmania’s capital city and the second oldest city in Australia. It is widely known for its diverse blend of cultural heritage, vibrant art and relaxed lifestyle. Hobart’s art culture centres on Salamanca Place, where you will find studios and shops displaying a great variety of Tasmanian art and crafts, and the magical Faerie Shop children will love. The famous Salamanca Market is one of the largest weekly markets in Australia and a must do on a Saturday morning. The Kelly Stone Steps will take you up to the historical Battery Point, a great example of some of the oldest and most authentic sandstone houses in the state.
Hobart’s Wharf is a popular place for tourists and locals alike, coming alive especially over New Year’s with dinner cruises, the Taste of Tasmania and fireworks. Some of Tasmania’s freshest seafood can be found at and around the Mure’s Restaurant on the docks. The wharf is also the departure point of many cruises in and around Hobart.
For activities to fill your Hobart stay, try:
Hobart Cruises, Port Arthur Cruises, Bruny Island Cruises, Tasman Islands Cruises, Bruny Wildlife Adventures, Peppermint Bay Cruise, Hobart Paddle, Hobart Ghost Tour, Hobart Historic Walking Tour, Putter’s Adventure Golf, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Elizabeth Street Mall is the main shopping street in the city with Cat & Fiddle and Centrepoint shopping arcades close by. The Cat & Fiddle clock, an animated artwork, performs on the hour. There are several multi-storey carparks in the CBD all within easy walking distance. Outside of the city, Eastlands on the eastern shore and Northgate in the northern suburbs, provide excellent shopping.
The Domain is the hill incline close to the city and home of the Hobart Aquatic Centre, the athletic track, tennis courts and the popular Royal Botanical Gardens. From here you get a great view of Hobart’s Tasman Bridge, which connects the city to the eastern shore and the Hobart Airport.
A short drive from the city centre is Australia’s first Shot Tower, one of only three Shot Towers still existing in Australia. Only a half hour drive from the city is the summit of Mount Wellington, with stunning panoramic views of the city.
In the Northern suburbs is the Moorilla Estate peninsula that houses Tasmania’s new and exciting museum MONA (Museum of Old & New Art). Inside are a wide range of art works from ancient Egypt relics, to modern video artworks. Be warned, some of MONA’s artworks are not for the faint hearted and may not be suitable for children. You will also find the Hobart Showgrounds in Glenorchy that hold a market every Sunday.
On the other end of the city are Sandy Bay and its shopping district. Wrest Point Casino, Australia’s first and oldest casino overlooks the city from here. Sandy Bay is also a great place to dine with many restaurants along the main road to choose from. Another notable and popular dining strip is Elizabeth Street in North Hobart – about a 15 minute walk up Elizabeth Street from the mall.
For history, visit the magnificent St David’s Cathedral and St David’s Park in the city, the historic Penitentiary Chapel on the corner of Brisbane and Campbell Streets and a short drive out to the fascinating Female Factory. The Hobart Historic Tours and the National Trust Heritage Walk Tour are great introductions into the history of Hobart, or for a more eerie look into Hobart’s past, try a Hobart Ghost Tour for a night of ghostly entertainment. You can also tour the Theatre Royal, which will give you a great backstage insight into Australia’s oldest Theatre. The heritage-listed Runnymede in Newtown is also well worth a look, as are the Old Courthouse, St Joseph’s Church and Parliament House. Further afield is Risdon Cove, a place of great historical significance being the first British settlement in Tasmania.
Explore Tasmania’s rich culture and history on display at the Maritime Museum of Hobart and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in the city. Further afield in the suburb of Lenah Valley is the Lady Franklin Gallery, showcasing brilliant artworks, many from emerging artists. The Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Narryna Heritage Museum in the city are also well worth a look.