Things to Do in Hobart: A Local’s Guide (and the Easiest Way to Experience More)
6 March 2026
Things to do in Hobart: start simple and then explore further
When people search for things to do in Hobart, they’re often expecting a neat list. Markets, museums, maybe a scenic lookout.
But Hobart is a little different. The city itself is charming, yes, yet some of Tasmania’s most memorable experiences sit just beyond the harbour. A short drive suddenly becomes dramatic coastline, historic convict sites, or a food trail that feels surprisingly local.
Which is why many travellers start in the city, then join a day trip to see more of southern Tasmania without worrying about driving, planning or timing.
That’s where Tasmania Tours comes in.
Browse Hobart day trips here:
Explore Hobart Day Trips
Start with Hobart’s classic experiences
Before heading further afield, it’s worth spending a relaxed morning around the waterfront.
Salamanca Market (if you’re visiting on a Saturday)
Salamanca Market is one of Hobart’s best-known attractions. Local produce, handmade goods, street food, musicians — it’s lively without feeling overwhelming.
If you arrive early, you’ll probably avoid the bigger crowds and have time to wander properly.
You can learn more via the City of Hobart here:
Salamanca Market information
Kunanyi / Mount Wellington
You can see Kunanyi / Mount Wellington from almost everywhere in Hobart. And once you’re up there, the view back across the River Derwent is… well, impressive.
On clear days you’ll see the city, the harbour and the patchwork of hills that make Hobart feel slightly tucked into the landscape.
Track conditions and weather can change quickly, though, so checking the official Hobart City Council page beforehand is sensible.
More information here:
Mount Wellington visitor information
The day trips that really expand your Hobart visit
The interesting thing about Hobart is that some of Tasmania’s most iconic experiences sit within easy reach.
If you’re staying in the city, joining a guided tour can remove a lot of the logistics – transport, timing, ferry crossings, and local knowledge.
And you’ll likely see more than you might on your own.
Explore available tours here:
Browse Hobart Day Tours
Port Arthur: Tasmania’s most powerful historic site
Port Arthur is often described as one of Australia’s most significant historic locations. Walking through the ruins and restored buildings gives a surprisingly personal glimpse into convict life.
But the journey there is part of the experience too.
Some tours combine Port Arthur Historic Site with a Tasman Peninsula wilderness cruise, which means towering sea cliffs, wildlife sightings, and the kind of coastline that feels almost untouched.
Explore Port Arthur tours:
View Port Arthur tours.
Or see this popular option:
Port Arthur Cruise & Historic Site Tour from Hobart
Bruny Island: food, scenery and wildlife in one day
If you ask locals about their favourite Hobart day trip, Bruny Island usually appears in the conversation.
Partly because the island feels wonderfully varied. Beaches, forests, gourmet produce, wildlife and lookouts — all within a relatively small area.
Food lovers often gravitate towards the Bruny Island Traveller Gourmet Day Trip, which includes tastings of local cheeses, oysters and artisan products.
Explore Bruny Island tours here:
Browse Bruny Island Tours
Or view the Bruny Island Adventure Day Trip:
Bruny Island Adventure Day Tour
A simple Hobart itinerary you could follow
If you’re trying to organise a day in Hobart, something like this tends to work nicely:
Morning
- Coffee near Hobart waterfront
- Salamanca Market (Saturday)
- Short walk through Battery Point
Afternoon
Choose one signature Tasmanian experience:
- Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasman Peninsula
- Bruny Island gourmet or adventure tour
- Scenic visit to kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Browse Hobart day tours here:
Explore Hobart’s tours.
Why travellers often book Hobart tours in advance
Planning Tasmania travel can feel a bit different from mainland cities.
Distances look short on a map. But once you factor in ferry crossings, coastal roads and scenic stops, the day can become surprisingly full.
Booking a guided experience through Tasmania Tours simply makes things easier.
You can compare tours, see availability and reserve your place before arriving in Hobart.
Which, if you’re visiting during peak travel seasons, might save some last-minute scrambling.
Ready to explore Hobart properly?
If you’re researching things to do in Hobart, the best experiences often sit just beyond the city itself.
Browse the most popular tours departing from Hobart:
Sometimes the easiest way to experience Tasmania is simply letting someone else handle the logistics.
And then enjoying the scenery.