Hobart City

Overview

Set between a stunning harbour and the shadow of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart blends history, nature, and creativity like nowhere else in Australia. It’s Tasmania’s capital, but it doesn’t feel like a city in the traditional sense — think heritage buildings, waterfront cafés, mountain views, and a strong local spirit that’s easy to fall in love with.

Wander through Salamanca’s cobbled streets, jump on a ferry to MONA, or sip cool-climate wines at a riverside cellar door. Whether you’re into art, food, hiking or history, Hobart’s charm is slow, scenic and wonderfully surprising.

Explore Hobart Your Way

At The Road Trip Oz, we help you get the most out of Hobart, no matter how you like to travel.

• Self-Drive Tours – Perfect for those who love to explore at their own pace. We’ll give you a custom route plan with all the must-see stops — and a few hidden gems only locals know about.
• Private Guided Tours – Want the insider experience without having to navigate? One of our expert guides can show you around, tailoring each day to your interests.
• Small Group Tours – Travel with other like-minded explorers on a fully planned Hobart itinerary. Relax and let someone else take care of the details while you enjoy the ride.

Seasonal Highlights in Hobart

Each season brings something new to Hobart’s waterfront, mountain trails and food scene.

Summer (Dec–Feb): Buzzing with events and long daylight hours

• Explore Salamanca Market on a sunny Saturday
• Hike to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington for epic views
• Enjoy outdoor dining and live music along the harbour
  

Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp air and golden colours

• Drive through the Derwent Valley as the leaves turn
• Visit vineyards at harvest time for tastings and festivals
• Wander the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens as they change colour
  

Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool, cosy and full of character

• Experience the Dark Mofo festival’s fire, art and wild energy
• Sip whisky by the fire in a cosy local bar
• Ride the Wellington Explorer through snow-dusted mountain scenery
  

Spring (Sep–Nov): Blooming gardens and fresh mountain air

• See tulips and wildflowers in full bloom at nearby parks and gardens
• Catch spring exhibitions at MONA or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
• Enjoy warming days and fewer crowds before the summer rush

Best Things to See & Do in Hobart

Iconic Attractions

• MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) – One of the world’s most controversial and captivating art galleries, reachable by a scenic ferry ride from the city.
• Salamanca Place & Market – Historic sandstone warehouses turned into galleries, boutiques and eateries, plus Tasmania’s most iconic Saturday market.
• kunanyi / Mount Wellington – Take in panoramic views from the summit or explore one of the many trails that wind through the mountain forest.
• Battery Point – Hobart’s most charming neighbourhood, with heritage cottages, leafy streets and great cafés.
• Constitution Dock – A buzzing spot to watch fishing boats, grab fresh seafood, or simply stroll the waterfront.
• Cascade Brewery – Australia’s oldest operating brewery, nestled beneath Mount Wellington — take a tour and enjoy a tasting in the garden.
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – A peaceful escape with everything from rare plant collections to Japanese gardens.
• Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) – Explore Tasmania’s natural and cultural history, all under one roof.
• Ferries and Cruises – Whether you’re heading to MONA or taking a wildlife cruise, Hobart’s harbour is the gateway to some stunning adventures.
• Lark Distillery – Sample some of Tasmania’s best single malt whiskies at this iconic local distillery.

Photo Hotspots

• Mount Wellington Summit – Unmatched views over the city, Derwent River and beyond
• Salamanca Place – Cobblestones and historic buildings glow in the morning light
• MONA Ferry Ride – Snaps of the city skyline from the water
• Battery Point – Quaint cottages and colourful gardens
• Constitution Dock at Sunset – Reflections of boats and soft pastel skies

Hidden Gems

• Battery Point Sculpture Trail – A quiet walk through one of Hobart’s oldest neighbourhoods, with charming cottages and history-rich markers

• Truganni Reserve & Sandy Bay Foreshore – A peaceful local beach and picnic area, just minutes from the city but rarely crowded

• Runnymede House – A beautifully preserved 19th-century home with heritage gardens and fascinating maritime history

• Knocklofty Reserve – A forested hill with walking tracks, native birds and sweeping views back over the city

Where to Stay in Hobart

Mid-Tier Comfort

• Hadley’s Orient Hotel – Historic hotel in the heart of the city with old-world charm
• Salamanca Inn – Spacious, apartment-style rooms right near the waterfront
• The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel – A great base for families or longer stays
  

Luxury Stays

• MACq 01 Hotel – A storytelling hotel with waterfront views and premium comfort
• The Henry Jones Art Hotel – Luxury meets heritage in this iconic art-filled space
• Islington Hotel – Boutique stay with mountain views and stunning gardens
  

Choosing the Right Rental Car for Self-Drive Adventures

Hobart is an ideal base for exploring Tasmania by car, with scenic routes leading in every direction — from the Huon Valley to the Tasman Peninsula and up to Cradle Mountain. Roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, though some rural stretches can be winding or steep.

• Compact car – Perfect for couples or solo travellers exploring Hobart and nearby day trips

• SUV – Ideal if you’re heading into national parks or carrying extra luggage

• Luxury car – A smooth, stylish option for scenic drives through wine country and the coast

• Campervan – Great for flexible, extended trips with built-in accommodation

We’ll help you choose the right vehicle based on your route, season and travel style — so your self-drive adventure is stress-free from the moment you land.

Add Hobart to a Bigger Tassie Escape

Hobart is the perfect jumping-off point for southern Tasmania. From here, you can easily head to Bruny Island for a gourmet coastal getaway, the Huon Valley for forest adventures and fresh cider, or the Tasman Peninsula to explore dramatic sea cliffs and convict history. We’ll help you link it all together in one seamless journey.

Why Travel with The Road Trip Oz

Hobart is full of history, creativity and coastal charm — and we make sure you experience the best of it. Whether you prefer a private guided tour, a self-drive itinerary, or a small group experience, we take care of the details so you can focus on the experience.

• Private guided tours – Sit back, relax, and let an expert show you the best of the city and beyond.
• Self-drive tours – Explore at your own pace with a fully planned itinerary, custom route notes, and insider tips.
• Small group tours – A fun, social way to take in all the highlights without the hassle of organising a thing.

We know the best spots, the best times to visit, and the hidden gems most travellers miss.

Book Your Hobart City Escape

Want to experience the perfect mix of city, mountain and waterfront? Let’s make it happen.

Contact The Road Trip Oz today and we’ll start building your personalised Hobart adventure.