Bucket List: Top 10 Best things to see and do in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Known for its sweeping views and a plethora of beautiful dining and shopping choices, Hobart, Tasmania is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. The city also has a rich culture and history thanks to the countless establishments that give people a chance to appreciate art and culture. Hobart is the perfect place to be if you want to relax and walk around the city because you can witness the beautiful sight of the ports along River Derwent, the sandstone buildings, and the majestic backdrop of Mount Wellington.

Apart from its breathtaking sceneries, Hobart is also known for having some of the best-tasting gastronomic delights in the world. The restaurants and cafés around the city serve delicious meals such as Tasmanian Truffles, Blue Warehou, and the famous Tasmanian Beef. The best part? You can enjoy all of these irresistibly delectable treats with a romantic view all around the city. Now that’s what it means to be a world-class tourist destination! And Hobart, Tasmania is undoubtedly one of them.

Are you planning to visit Hobart any time soon? Well, join me and let me help you as we both discover the 12 Best Things to do in this magnificent city!

Go Shopping at the Salamanca Market

The first and probably the most popular thing to do in Hobart is shopping at the iconic Salamanca Market. This huge outdoor market is located at Battery Point where you can find anything and everything made in Tasmania. That’s right! Whether it’s artworks, apparel, souvenirs, fresh produce, breakfast and lunch options, or even coffee, you’ll definitely have fun shopping around Salamanca Market.

The market is only usually open during Saturdays where more than 230 stalls are open to offering anything you want. There are plenty of beautiful handmade gifts and crafts here in Salamanca Market so it’s a perfect place to buy souvenirs, too!

Hike Atop Mount Wellington

One of Hobart’s iconic tourist destinations in the very backdrop that engulfs the beautiful city, Mount Wellington. With an elevation of 1,271 meters, this mountain has become a haven for hikers and tourists. Mount Wellington has plenty of observation decks where you can enjoy magnificent sights from surrounding landmarks.

The most popular observation deck is no other than the Sunlit Platform which is the perfect place to overlook the entire city of Hobart! From this vantage point, you can also clearly see the beautiful bay nearby and the South Pole itself!

Fall in Love with Sullivans Cove

Aside from being one of its iconic tourist destinations, Sullivan’s Cove also holds a large historical and sentimental value for the city of Hobart. Located adjacent to the mesmerizing River Derwent, the cove became the site of initial European settlement that ultimately founded the city itself. Tourists consider Sullivan’s Cove the perfect place to spend your vacation in Hobart thanks to plenty of accommodation choices offering world-class services and breathtaking views. Oh, and it’s also a convenient place to access most of the city’s must-visit destinations!

Visit the Iconic MONA

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Hobart is known for its rich culture and history. One of the reasons why is the Museum of Old and New Art, also known as MONA. This art museum is the largest privately-funded museum in the entire Southern hemisphere, how crazy is that?! Well, that gives us an idea of how extensive the art collection in MONA truly is! The museum houses several generations of ancient, modern, and contemporary art.

One of literally the biggest attractions in MONA is Sydney Nolan’s Snake mural which is a giant Rainbow Serpent composed of a mind-blowing combination of 1,620 paintings. Wow!

Explore the Maritime Museum of Tasmania

Hobart is known for its close association with the seas and ports throughout history. After all, it is located near the River Derwent and houses some of the most beautiful ships in the world. Therefore, tourists should definitely visit the Maritime Museum of Tasmania located in Sullivan’s Cove.

Inside the museum, you can witness a huge collection of significant artifacts throughout the maritime history of Tasmania.

Check Out the Famous Constitution Dock

Another historical landmark you should definitely check out in Hobart is no other than the Constitution Dock. The dock is famous for housing countless motorboats, yachts, and fishing boats that are just a spectacular sight to see. Moreover, the Constitution Dock is also located adjacent to some of Hobart’s famous landmarks including Sullivan’s Cove, Battery Point, and Salamanca Market.

The dock also serves as the rallying point for the participants of the annual Sydney to Hobart Race which is also a must-see event in the city! The event starts from Boxing Day until the yachts complete their journey, so be sure not to miss out!

Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

More than its exceptional establishments allowing tourists to appreciate art and culture, Hobart’s true edge as a world-class tourist destination is its breathtaking natural wonders. One of those places is no other than the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Feel free to walk around the huge 14-hectare area of the gardens where you can find historic plant collections and significant trees!

For the best experience, you should try their 50-minute walkaround tour where a friendly tour guide will help you explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and take in all of its highlights!

Have a Drink at the Cascade Brewery!

Established in 1824, Cascade Brewery not only serves as a must-visit tourism landmark in Hobart but a historical institution as well. Having a drink of their Cascade Premium Lager is made extra special because of the fact that they’re the oldest brewery in Australia. Amazing, huh?

Some of their must-try alcoholic beverages include Premium Light, Pale Ale, and Blonde. Aside from offering their heavenly beverages, Cascade Brewery also offers tours and tastings that are perfect for enjoying a day or two in Hobart!

Meet the Lovely Animals of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Another best thing to do in Hobart is to meet the lovely animals of the famous Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary works on its genuine and passionate cause of saving Australia’s endangered wildlife. Some of the lovely animals you’ll get to meet here are koalas, wombats, birds, and Tasmanian Devils.

To enjoy the full experience offered by Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, it is recommended that you join one of their daily guided tours where you can learn interesting stories and facts about their lovely animals!

Try the Sightseeing Tour on Bruny Island

Bruny Island houses some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking sights where you can clearly witness the tropical paradise it boasts of. The island is famous for the isthmus called The Neck separating the North and South Bruny Islands. This small strip of land is home to abundant native wildlife as well as the towering cliffs where you can clearly see the jaw-dropping beauty of the sandy beaches, lush greenery, and turquoise waters.

Score Great Deals at the Farm Gate Market

Ah, from the name itself, expect to score extremely great deals from the famous Farm Gate Market of Hobart. This little farmer’s market offering the freshest produce you can find in the city is certainly a must-visit destination for tourists! Farm Gate Market has a wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as delicious treats and delights of Tasmanian cuisine!

So if I were you, I definitely wouldn’t miss the chance to go and visit the Farm Gate Market. Take note, they’re open on Sundays. Be sure to drop by!

Go on an Adventure at Wineglass Bay & Freycinet

Ah, finally! Last and definitely not the least of the best things to do in Hobart is visiting the stunning natural wonders of Freycinet and Wineglass Bay. Freycinet is known for its majestic pink mountain ranges called the Hazards where you can spot breathtaking views surrounding the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

And just located nearby is the mesmerizing Wineglass Bay which is considered to be one of the world’s top ten beaches for its raw beauty and glamour. Wineglass Bay is known for its pristine turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and majestic mountains surrounding it. The fact that it is the Most Photographed View in the whole island state is enough reason already for you not to miss it!

Our Top Hotel Picks for Hobart

• The Henry Jones Art Hotel [rates and availability] – Overlooking Hobart Harbour, this industrial-chic hotel in a former factory is an 11-minute walk from Salamanca Market and a 4-minute walk from Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
• Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart [rates and availability] – Overlooking Hobart Harbour, this polished hotel is a 12-minute walk from the Salamanca Market and 15 km from Mount Wellington.
• MACq 01 Hotel [rates and availability] – In the style of a shipping shed that was once on the site, this slick hotel with decor inspired by local history overlooks Constitution Dock. It’s a kilometre from the Tasman Highway.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Hobart and nearby cities? Check out our list of cheap Hobart hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking.

Hobart Travel and Tour Packages

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