Are you planning to go to Hobart soon? You have something to look forward to! I was pleasantly surprised by Tasmania‘s capital city. It’s quite a nice city and there are a lot of things to do in and around Hobart.
Tip: If you’d like to stay up to date with my travels, consider following me on Instagram. Also, check out my blog post on must-see places around Tasmania. But for now, keep reading to find out about the things to do in and around Hobart.
Salamanca Market
These outdoor markets are located next to the Hobart Waterfront. The market operates every Saturday (except Anzac Day and Christmas Day) from 8:30am to 3:00pm. With over 300 stalls, including food, jewelry, home decor and much more, there is got to be something for everyone. But even if you don’t want to spend any money, you will be able to spend a long time strolling around and taking it all in.
I was there during the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, which was a cool experience. However, it also meant that it was way too busy to take good pictures (and also to spend a lot of time in the market).
Farmers Market
The Farmers Market Hobart is happening every Sunday from 8:30am to 3:00pm. It is located on Bathurst Street. I liked the markets a lot since the atmosphere was just really nice. Locals came for their Sunday breakfast and lunch, people were chatting, and some music was playing. They even have quite a few vegan options. Read my vegan food guide on Hobart for more information.
Free Walking Tour
This is the perfect thing to do to get an overview of Hobart and hear about its history. You’ll also learn a lot of stories about convicts and Tasmania’s history in general. The tour takes about two hours and will take you around Battery Point and Salamanca.
But the best thing about it? You pay as much as you like. The tour is technically free but a tip for your guide is deeply appreciated. Which is only fair, at least my tour guide – Lilly – was absolutely amazing. I could’ve listened to her for hours.
Mount Wellington
I wish I could tell you more about this. I did go to Mount Wellington on a free tour offered by my hostel. However, the weather wasn’t good so we had no view from the top. That’s why I decided not to walk down but go back on the shuttle.
However, this is a very popular thing to do and the few glimpses of Hobart that I got in between clouds definitely looked like it would be worth to walk Mount Wellington.
Bruny Island
This is a fun day trip destination. While you can get to the island by a public ferry, this is nothing I would suggest if you don’t have a car or don’t go with a tour company. Bruny Island is quite big (it is half the size of Singapore, with only 500 residents though, whereas Singapore has 5.5 million), so you won’t actually see that much without being able to drive places.es
If you do have a car, there are quite a few nice places to go to, though. Have a view of “the neck” from Truganini Lookout or head to Adventure Bay for a walk. You can choose between a short walk to Grass point where you get to see some birds looking like penguins (until they suddenly start flying) or go up the cliffs to Fluted Cape (and maybe be as lucky as we were and see some wallabies on the way). You can even do both walks – head to Grass Point first and then do the Fluted Cape circuit. I would definitely recommend the Fluted Cape walk for some really impressive views (and a little leg workout).
Mount Nelson Signal Station Reserve
This one is, in my opinion, not really worth just going there only. But if you are on your way back to Hobart from the Bruny Island Ferry anyway, it is worth a stop. Mount Nelson Signal Station was the first to be constructed in Tasmania. You can learn interesting facts about its history and the process of signaling from informative panels. Apart from that, you have some nice views of the city.
Port Arthur
This is probably one of the most popular places for tourists to go. Rightfully so, if you ask me. Port Arthur is located at the bottom of the Peninsula, about a 1 ½ hour drive away from Hobart. There are many day tours leaving to Port Arthur from Hobart since this is definitely one of THE things to do in and around Hobart.
Port Arthur is a prison where British convicts were sent to in the 19th century. What is special about Port Arthur is that it was the beginning of a new prison system. While you were still punished brutally for misbehaving, you would actually get a chance to learn a skill when behaving well.
Other fun facts about Port Arthur include that it is the most remote prison on the planet – the only place further South is Antarctica. Also, it was the first place with a separate boys’ prison. I’ll leave the rest of the information for your visit. For 40 AUD (25 Euro), you get entrance to Port Arthur plus a boat tour.
Pro Tip: Apart from your boat trip, make sure you have a look at the Isolation House (and go inside the Punishment Cell, close the door, and cover up the only light with your hand), as well as the Commandant House.
Walk from Devil’s Kitchen to Tasman Arch
Also located a good hour away from Hobart, this beautiful coastal walk includes a bunch of stunning views and impressive places along the way.
Tessellated Pavement State Reserve
This place looks so perfectly shaped, it is actually quite hard to believe that the patterns were not man made but made by nature. This is why there are a lot of conspiracy theories. The rare stone formations occur because of saltwater wearing away parts of the stones.
MONA
This is another one of THE things to do in and around Hobart. Still, I missed out on it because I wasn’t feeling too well during my time in Hobart. The Museum of Old and New Art is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere and known for its unique architecture as well as interesting exhibitions. You can get to MONA by car or by a very special ferry.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to do in and around Hobart. You definitely won’t be bored! Have you ever been to Hobart? Did I miss out on any things to do in and around Hobart?
I would also love for you to tag me in your posts if you go to Hobart and try out any of these things!
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