Take in the mix of heritage, nature, art, and food in Hobart by following our Local Guide to the 10 Best Things to do in Hobart.

Explore historic waterfront precincts, globally-recognised museums, renowned dining options, and unmissable lookouts.

Whatever type of traveller you are, these recommendations are perfect for both weekend getaways and longer stays.

In this article

Salamanca Place and Salamanca Market

Salamanca Place in Hobart, showing historic sandstone buildings, market stalls, and Mount Wellington under cloudy sky

The recognisable precinct of Salamanca Place is situated along the waterfront, near Battery Point. Lined with Georgian sandstone warehouses from the 1830s, Salamanca Place was once used for storing whale oil, grains and goods that arrived at the port. Today, visitors to the area will find cafes, galleries, bars, and boutiques within the heritage buildings. The best time to visit Salamanca Place is on a Saturday when the area plays host to the famous Salamanca Market. This is one of the most iconic outdoor markets in Australia with over 300 stalls. Peruse Tasmanian produce, handmade crafts, art, jewellery, street food and more. Live music and buskers are also dotted amongst the stalls.

Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

Long walkway and underground architecture at MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart.

Located along Derwent River, MONA is 15 minutes north of Hobart and is Australia’s largest privately-owned museum. Built underground into the sandstone cliffs, MONA is designed to be explored from the bottom up via an immersive journey through each gallery. The collection of artwork includes ancient artefacts, modern pieces, and contemporary art. Visitors are encouraged to interpret the artworks in their own way, with no traditional wall labels included.

Views from Mt Wellington

Man in yellow jacket overlooking Hobart from Mount Wellington summit

More than 1,200 metres above Hobart is Mount Wellington. The summit dominates the city skyline, accessible by a 30-minute car ride. Explore the multiple lookout points along the way which showcase views across Hobart, Bruny Island, southern Tassie, and the Derwent River.

Battery Point

White cottage with blue shutters and a white picket fence in Battery Point, Hobart

Uphill from Salamanca Place is Battery Point, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Hobart. Now known for its preserved cottages and narrow streets, a walk through Battery Point feels like a step back in time. Kelly’s steps connect the area to Salamanca Place, with plenty of cafes and stores for a relaxed visit.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Lush fern trees and green path winding through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Covering 14 hectares just outside the Hobart CBD is the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Among Australia’s oldest botanical gardens, these gardens feature a wide range of place collections from native to exotic species. Our favourite includes the Subantarctic Plant House – a recreation of the conditions found on Tasmania’s remote southern islands.

Constitution Dock & Franklin Wharf

Constitution Dock and Franklin Wharf showing fishing boats in Hobart's waterfront

Constitution Dock and Franklin Wharf are hand-in-hand attractions at the centre of Hobart’s waterfront. Take a load off at the harbour and watch as fishing boats offload their daily hauls. In December, visit during the Sydney to Hobart yacht race for a true spectacle.

Derwent River Cruise

Derwent River cruise showing the Tasman Bridge and Hobart's surrounding hills under a clear sky.

Cruising the Derwent River is a great way to see another side of Hobart. Take a short trip through the harbour, or a longer journey past vineyards and iconic historic sites.

Discover Local Tasmanian History

Waterfront view of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart CBD with boats and kayakers.

In Hobart CBD, The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery exhibits the natural history of Tasmania, plus Aboriginal culture, colonial settlement, and exploration of the Antarctic. For heritage attractions, the Hobart Convict Penitentiary and Cascades Female Factory offer great insight into the convict past of Tasmania and how Hobart has been shaped.

Fresh Tassie foods and drink

Bustling street scene in Hobart, showing outdoor dining, shops, and leafy trees, conveying local charm.

The food scene in Hobart is expansive with lots of local produce including seafood, cheese, wines, and whisky. There are a number of waterfront restaurants to work your way through that showcase oysters, salmon and locally-caught fish. Some of the inner-city restaurants provide a farm-to-table dining experience alongside award-winning distilleries and wine bars.

Local Beaches and Parks

Bellerive Beach, Hobart, showing people swimming and relaxing on a sunny day with blue skies

There is easy access to stunning beaches and parks in Hobart. We recommend Bellerive Beach which is located across the river from the city. This beach is the perfect spot for swimming and trail walking. If you’re after a park in the CBD, St David’s Park is a great spot filled with paths and monuments.