Hobart is Australia's smallest capital city, but it's packed with experiences you can't find anywhere else — from MONA, the museum that put Tasmania on the world map, to Salamanca Market buzzing every Saturday, to a mountaintop that looks out over the whole city through the morning mist. The city is easy to explore on foot, the fresh seafood from the Tasmanian sea whets the appetite, and the cool, comfortable air lasts all year round.
#1 Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) · Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
The largest private museum in Australia and the single place that put Tasmania on the contemporary art map. Built by gambling millionaire David Walsh, it's buried beneath a cliff by the river, and inside you'll find art that argues and provokes — beautiful, haunting and thought-provoking all at once. It's not suitable for children, as some of it has adult content, but for grown-ups this is a museum experience like nowhere else in the world.
- Take the MONA ROMA ferry from the Salamanca dock to MONA — it takes 25 minutes and is an experience in itself, with the price included alongside admission.
- Use the O app (The Art Museum App) instead of wall labels — it's far better, with both an academic mode and an argue-with-it mode.
- Admission is AUD 30-35 for adults. Open Wednesday-Monday, closed Tuesday. Plan for at least 3-4 hours.
#2 Salamanca Place and Salamanca Market · Salamanca Place and Salamanca Market
The best-preserved row of 1830s sandstone buildings in Australia, now home to galleries, restaurants, bars and local shops. Every Saturday morning, Salamanca Market opens the space to more than 300 vendors selling fresh food, Tasmanian produce, handmade crafts and live music. It has been the heart of Hobart community life for more than 40 years.
- Salamanca Market is open every Saturday 8.30am-3pm only, no other day. Come before 9am while the fresh produce is still fully stocked.
- Try Tasmanian cheese, smoked salmon and Tasmanian chocolate straight from the stalls — much cheaper than ordinary shops.
- The Kelly Steps stairway sits at the end of Salamanca Place; walk up it and you're straight into the Battery Point district.
#3 kunanyi / Mount Wellington · kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Hobart's signature mountain, visible from every corner of the city. The name 'kunanyi' comes from the language of the Muwinina Aboriginal people. The 1,271-metre summit gives a 360-degree panorama of Hobart, the mouth of the River Derwent and the Derwent estuary. The walking trails range across several difficulty levels, and you can drive straight to the top — but watch out, the weather changes very fast, and even in summer the summit may have snow.
- The air at the summit is 10-15 degrees colder than in town; always pack a warm jacket and a rain jacket, even on a fine day.
- The Pinnacle Track climbs up from Fern Tree in about 2-2.5 hours, passing through forest whose landscape shifts dramatically the whole way.
- We recommend driving to the summit at sunrise — on some days the clouds sit below the peak, giving you the feeling of standing above the clouds.
#4 Battery Point — Historic Colonial District · Battery Point
The best-preserved colonial-era residential district in Australia, where sandstone and timber houses in pastel shades from the 1800s line narrow streets that still keep their original layout. Once a village of sailors and fishermen, it's now a highly sought-after neighbourhood with small cafes, galleries and old taverns still open. You can comfortably explore it in half a day.
- Start your walk from Arthur Circus, a small circular square at the heart of the district that still looks the same as it did in the 19th century.
- The cafe Jackman and McRoss on Hampden Road is known for its pies and pastries — stop in before or after your walk.
- The district runs up and down hills, so wear comfortable shoes and explore at your own pace, no fixed plan needed.
#5 Constitution Dock and Hobart Waterfront · Constitution Dock and Hobart Waterfront
The hub of Hobart's waterfront life, lively from early in the morning. This old fishing dock still works for real, lined with fresh seafood stalls and waterfront restaurants. Every year-end it's the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which draws crowds that fill the dock. The waterfront atmosphere is free to wander all day long.
- The floating fish punts moored beside the dock sell fish and chips fresh straight off the boats — cheaper and fresher than the street-side shops.
- You can walk the waterfront from Constitution Dock to Elizabeth Street Pier in under an hour, but there's somewhere to stop every hundred metres.
- If you're here in late December to early January, don't miss the atmosphere of the Sydney-Hobart boats crossing the finish line.
#6 Port Arthur Historic Site · Port Arthur Historic Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important historical place in Australia. A former 19th-century British convict colony, it holds the ruins of the prison, the church, the warders' houses and a penal system once considered the most modern in the world. The atmosphere is heavy and emotionally affecting, but the night ghost tours are also hugely popular. It's a fit for anyone who loves history.
- Buy tickets online in advance, AUD 45 for adults, including the walking tour and a harbour cruise.
- Plan for a full day, at least 4-5 hours on site, including the guided tour and the exhibition in the Separate Prison.
- The night Ghost Tour runs every evening; advance bookings are high in the tourist season. It's a different and very interesting experience.
Where to stay in Hobart for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Hobart — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
MACq 01 Hotel
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The Henry Jones Art Hotel
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Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
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Hadley's Orient Hotel
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Tours, tickets & activities in Hobart
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Hobart — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Hobart is at its most beautiful in autumn and winter (March-August), when the air is cool and comfortable and there are fewer tourists. The Dark Mofo festival in June and Taste of Tasmania at year's end are highlights worth planning around. Plan 3-4 days to cover every highlight, including a day trip to Port Arthur.