Explore Hobart’s Coastline
The area around Hobart has some beautiful coastline to explore with the largest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere providing habitat for seabirds and seals. On the water, it’s not uncommon to see Dolphins, Whales and Sea Eagles. We were even lucky enough this year to see a pod of Orcas in the Derwent River. The best way to explore our coastline is via a cruise or on a kayaking tour with plenty of options available for both.
Enjoy our Food and Wine
Hobart is home to some of the best local producers in the country with some of the worlds best whisky, wine and cheese produced locally. If you are planning on going for a drive you will find small artisan producers in almost every small town around Hobart and most have a cellar door or farm gate allowing you to purchase directly. If you don’t want to drive and just want to enjoy yourself there are also plenty of food and wine tours allowing you to enjoy yourself without worrying about breaking the .05 blood alcohol limit.
Head up Mt Wellington
Mt Wellington stands at over 1200m and provides some of the best views anywhere in Tasmania. From the summit of Mt Wellington you can see right over Hobart and south down the Derwent to the Southern Ocean. During summer the summit and springs are often 10 degrees cooler than the CBD making this a great spot to cool off when it’s hot. If you are a photographer the summit and various lookouts provide some of the best vantage points in Tasmania for sunset and sunrise shots.
If you are looking for something more adventurous jump on a bike and go for a ride on the 14km North-South Track which links up with the Glenorchy MTB Park. Mt Wellington is also home to some of the best rock climbing in Australia with the Organ Pipes rock formations providing a number of challenging routes.
Explore the Huon and the far South of Tasmania
The Huon Valley produces some of the best food, wine and cider in Tasmania with plenty of places to pull off and try some of the local produce. On the channel side, you can find the town of Cygnet which has some amazing shops and cafes to explore. Heading into the far south past Geeveston you will find places like Cockle Creek which has some beautiful beaches and some of the best camping in Tasmania. If you are looking for things to do make sure to check out Hastings Caves as well as the Tahune Airwalk which will take you out into the forest canopy over the Huon River.
On your way back to Hobart make sure to drop into the Apple Shed and try some of the local ciders.
MONA and MOFO
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is one of Hobart’s most popular attractions. The museum houses a private art collection that will both shock, entertain and stimulate all at once. Getting to MONA is easy with a regular ferry service departing from the Hobart Waterfront as well as regular bus services on the MONA ROMA.
The MONA Festival of Modern Art or MOFO for short happens every January and features a huge lineup of Australian and Overseas artists and performers. Tickets sell out quickly so it’s worth getting in asap.
Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula makes a great day trip from Hobart being only an hours drive South East. The Port Arthur Historic Site is the main attraction and well worth spending a full day exploring. If you are looking to do some walking or explore the amazing sea cliffs along the peninsula then there are a number of options available. The new Three Capes Track Walk allows you to explore the southern end of the Peninsula on a 3-day walk staying in specially built huts along the way. This walk has spectacular views especially from Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. If you want to get closer to the water then we highly recommend doing the Tasman Peninsula Kayak trip which will take you to icon spots such as the Candlestick and Totem pole.
Head up the East Coast and visit Maria Island
The East Coast is the perfect Tasmanian destination for a road trip and well worth spending a week exploring on its own. If you are staying in Hobart and looking for a day trip option then it’s well worth heading to Triabunna and across to Maria Island.
Maria Island is a National Park and is only accessible via boat. There is a regular ferry service and once on the island, the only way to get around is on foot or by bicycle (byo or hire). Accommodation on Maria Island is limited however there is plenty of camping if you plan to spend the night. The Island has some amazing walks to do and there is a good chance you will spot local wildlife such as the adorable wombats along the way.
Visit the South West of Tasmania
The South West of Tasmania is becoming more and more popular each year as a tourism destination in part due to just how remote the area is. The only way to get there is by boat, on foot or by air with daily scenic flights available that take you along the coast line of Bruny Island and then south to Melaleuca.
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