Things to do in Hobart
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Mures
Mures is the name in Hobart seafood with its own fishing fleet serving this restaurant as well as local markets. On the ground level is the fishmonger, a sushi bar, an ice-cream parlour and the hectic, family-focused bistro Lower Deck (mains $7 to $13), serving fish and chips and salmon burgers to the masses. The Upper Deck (mains $20 to $28) is a sassier affair, with expansive dockside views and à la carte seafood dishes.
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Port Arthur
Port Arthur is the name of the small settlement in which the well-preserved Port Arthur Historic Site is situated. In 1830, Governor Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula as the place where prisoners who had committed further crimes in the colony would be confined in an allegedly 'escape-proof' natural prison. The town is also the site of the tragic April 1996 massacre in which a lone gunman opened fire on visitors and staff, killing 35 people.
Between 1830 and 1877, about 12,500 convicts served sentences at Port Arthur and for many it was a living hell, though convicts who behaved well often lived in better conditions than those they'd experienced back home.
The penal establ…
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Jackman & McRoss
Be sure to swing by this conversational, neighbourhood bakery-cafe, even if it's just to gawk at the display cabinet full of delectable pies, tarts, baguettes and pastries. Early morning cake and coffee may evolve into quiche or soup for lunch.
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Nourish
Nourish is a God-sent cafe for the gluten-intolerant, serving curries, salads, stir-fries, risottos and burgers – all gluten-free, and mostly dairy-free too. Vegetarians and vegans will also be smiling.
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Annapurna
It seems like half of Hobart lists Annapurna as their favourite eatery (bookings advised). Northern and southern Indian options are served with absolute proficiency. The masala dosa (south Indian crepe filled with curried potato) is a crowd favourite. BYO and takeaway available. Also at 93 Salamanca Place.
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Cascade Brewery
The Cascade Brewery, in South Hobart, is a grand gothic edifice. It’s Australia’s oldest brewery, established in 1832 next to the clean-running Hobart Rivulet, and still pumps out superb beer and soft drinks today. Tours involve plenty of stair climbing with beer tastings at the end. Visitors must wear flat, enclosed shoes and long trousers (no shorts or skirts), and book in advance. You can take a tour on weekends, but none of the machinery will be operating (brewers have weekends, too).
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Mount Wellington Descent Cycling Tour departs Hobart
2 hours 30 minutes (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
Rising to a height of 1270 metres, The Mt Wellington Descent is by far the most fun and exciting activity if you only have limited time in Hobart. This three-ho…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$73.19 -
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Island Cycle Tours
Island Cycle Tours, with its office inside the Pickled Frog backpackers, offers a van ride to the summit of Mt Wellington, followed by more than 20km of downhill riding (mostly on sealed roads, but with off-road options) back to sea level. There is also the option of combining a bike descent with kayaking trip - this 'pedal 'n' paddle' outing lasts about five hours and includes a meal.
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Huon Valley and Tahune Forest Airwalk Tour from Hobart
8 hours (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
A Natural Tasmanian Escape! Walk the tree tops of pristine forest at Tahune Forest Airwalk, having traveled the Huon River Valley, a region of tended fields, su…Not LP reviewed
from USD$146.37 -
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Onba
Quirky Onba is a bit of everything – brilliant breakfast cafe, great lunchtime cook-house and happenin’ evening tapas and wine bar. Local art adorns the walls and food-art is done in the kitchen. Buy a coffee (or anything) and get 30 minutes complimentary wi-fi.
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Retro Café
Funky Retro is ground zero for Saturday brunch among the market stalls. Masterful breakfasts, bagels, salads and burgers interweave with laughing staff, chilled-out jazz and the rattle and hum of the coffee machine.
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South Hobart Food Store
A little way out of the city centre – sure – but a trip to the Food Store is well worth the effort. This old shopfront cafe is full of booths, bookish students, brunching friends and kids under the tables.
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Syrup
Over two floors above Knopwood's Retreat, this is an ace place for late-night drinks and DJs playing to the techno/house crowd.
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Sirens
Sirens is Hobart’s best vegetarian restaurant and does creative cuisine that’s much more than just tofu and lentils – try the three-cheese beetroot ravioli in champagne, dill and pink peppercorn cream. The service is excellent and the space is warm, welcoming and full of exotic aromas and happy diners.
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Mt Field National Park
Mt Field National Park is a favourite of both locals and visitors for its spectacular mountain scenery, alpine moorlands and lakes, rainforest and waterfalls. The area around Russell Falls was made a reserve in 1885 and by 1916 had become one of Australia's first national parks. The abundance of wildlife that can be viewed at dusk makes this a great place to stay overnight with kids. When nature sees fit to deposit snow, skiing is also an option.
The park's visitors centre has reams of information on the area's walks, and on the free, child-occupying, ranger-led activities usually held from late December until early February. Also inside are a cafe and displays on the ori…
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Richmond & the Coal River Valley
With more than 50 19th-century buildings and just 27km from Hobart, Richmond is arguably Tasmania's premier historic town. Straddling the Coal River and on the old route between Hobart and Port Arthur, Richmond was once a strategic military post and convict station. The town is surrounded by Tasmania's fastest-growing wine region - known as the Coal River Valley - and there are wineries in all directions.
With the completion of the Sorell Causeway in 1872, traffic travelling to the Tasman Peninsula and the east coast bypassed Richmond. The town remained the focus of a farming community but ceased to grow - in fact, for more than a century it changed very little. It has si…
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Arthur Circus
During colonial times this area was a colourful maritime village, home to master mariners, shipwrights, sailors, fishers, coopers and merchants. The houses reflect the occupants' varying lifestyles, ranging from tiny one- and two-room houses, such as those around Arthur Circus, to mansions. While most houses are still occupied by locals, many are now guesthouses where you can stay and experience the area's unique village atmosphere.
Battery Point's pubs, churches, conjoined houses and narrow winding streets have all been lovingly preserved and are a delight to wander around, especially when you get glimpses of the harbour between the buildings. Highlights of the area incl…
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Salamanca Place
This picturesque row of four-storey sandstone warehouses on Sullivans Cove is a wonderful example of colonial architecture and Australia's best-preserved historic urban precinct. Salamanca Place was the hub of old Hobart Town's trade and commerce, but by the mid-20th century many of these 1830s whaling-era buildings had become decrepit ruins. The 1970s saw the dawning of Tasmania's sense of 'heritage', from which flowed a push to revive the warehouses as home to restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.
Showcasing a vibrant cultural scene, the Salamanca Arts Centre occupies seven Salamanca warehouses and is home to many galleries, studios, performing arts venues and public space…
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Hunter Street
Hunter St has a row of fine Georgian warehouses (including the old IXL jam factory) that have recently been restored and now house the super-swish Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart's new hotspot, plus affiliated restaurants and a couple of art galleries. While this development has remained true to the heritage of the area and retains much of its original façade, not all of the hotel's neighbours can make the same claim.
It's no secret that the design of the large, modern hotel and apartment complex at the corner of Davey and Hunter Sts has few admirers; many Hobartians consider it totally inappropriate for the historic area (and you'd be forgiven for feeling the same way abo…
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Cadbury Chocolate Factory
A must-see for sweet-tooths and Willie Wonka wannabes is the Cadbury Chocolate Factory, 15km north of the city centre. You can enjoy samples, invest in low-priced choc products and watch a chocolate-making video.
Some companies offer day trips and river cruises incorporating the Cadbury tour, or book directly with Cadbury by phone or online and make your own way here on bus 37, 38 or 39 to Claremont from stop E on Elizabeth St.
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Moorilla Estate
Twelve kilometres north of Hobart's centre, Moorilla occupies a saucepan-shaped peninsula jutting into the Derwent River. Founded in the 1950s, Moorilla plays a prominent and gregarious role in Hobart society. Stop by for wine and 'Moo Brew' beer tastings, have lunch or dinner at the outstanding restaurant the Source, or catch a summer concert on the lawns.
To get here catch the Moorilla ferry from Hobart's Brooke St Pier (45 minutes, each way $15). Moorilla is also the driving force behind Hobart's annual MONA FOMA arts and music festival.
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Franklin River Rafting
9 days (Hobart)
Descend one of the world's greatest wild rivers.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,890 -
Franklin River and Frenchman's Cap
11 days (Hobart)
Raft the Franklin River plus climb Frenchman's Cap.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,960 -
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Maritime Museum of Tasmania
Celebrating Hobart's unbreakable bond with the sea, the excellent Maritime Museum of Tasmania has a fascinating, salt-encrusted collection of photos, paintings, models and relics (try to resist ringing the huge brass bell from the Rhexenor).
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Port Arthur Tour from Hobart
8 hours (Departs Hobart, Australia)
by Viator
Do you enjoy historical tours? This full day tour from Hobart has been designed to allow as much time as possible to explore Port Arthur. Formerly a convict sit…Not LP reviewed
from USD$100.51
