The allure of Hobart is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, hiking, and family-friendly activities.
Hobart is a hub for museums and art galleries, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery existing as the center of it all with a range of permanent exhibitions, including displays on Australia's Aboriginal and colonial history, an extensive coin collection, as well a great exhibition on Tasmania's relationship with Antarctica. The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is also worth a visit, as is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) which features traveling exhibitions from international artists. A number of smaller galleries are located in the district of Salamanca Place, some of which include the Despard Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre, Handmark Gallery, and the Colville Street Art Gallery.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a sight that brings visitors a little closer to nature. Established in 1818, these historic gardens cover almost 35 acres with its most unique attraction being a Subantarctic Plant House. The climate-controlled environment is home to plant and animal species that thrive in the wet, cold conditions of subantarctic islands.
Other nearby attractions include Port Arthur on the wild Tasman Peninsula, Mount Wellington just behind the city, wine country, whiskey distilleries, and a number of offshore islands.
Beyond shopping, dining, and gallery-going, Hobart provides easy access to a number of outdoor activities. From the base of Mount Wellington, visitors have the option to take a short walk, long hike, or mountain bike up to its rocky summit for views overlooking the city and valley below, especially beautiful at sunset. Then, on the water side of things, Tasmania's scenic coastline is a great place to kayak or cruise amidst more than 300 offshore islands. You might spot sea caves, rock formations, and even wildlife like seals, dolphins, and whales.
Tasmania is also a center for whiskey distilleries and wineries for those looking to indulge in the sampling scene. It is home to the award winning Sullivan's Cove Whisky, as well as Tasmania's finest whisky distilleries, Nant Whisky Cellar and Lark Cellar Door. Richmond, just 30 minutes away, is a gateway to some of Tasmania's finest wine-growing areas.
For a nice day trip, Bruny Island is about 45 minutes from Hobart's city center, via a car ferry from Kettering. Here, there is plenty to indulge in from ice cream and whiskey to local wine, cheese, and oysters. Some highlights of the island include an abundance of wildlife, a cheese factory, and a number of museums. Here is a guide to how to get to Bruny Island from Hobart. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys also organizes cruises along the stunning coast of South Bruny National Park.
Museums and Attractions:
Hobart stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.
Hiking:
The hiking paths in the vicinity of Hobart are superb. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.
Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Hobart. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Easy Bike Tour - Mt Wellington Summit Descent & Rainforest Ride for $94 details
- Hobart's Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour for $177 details
- 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour for $281 details