Things to Do in Hobart – Attractions, Markets, Mountains & City Guide

Hobart is a compact harbour city known for its historic waterfront, Salamanca Place, kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Georgian-era streets, galleries, food markets and access to some of southern Tasmania’s best day trips. The city sits between the Derwent River and the mountain, giving visitors a strong mix of city, harbour, heritage and nature experiences.

This guide highlights the best things to do in Hobart, including major attractions, museums, markets, parks, historic areas, family activities, scenic viewpoints and day trips from Tasmania’s capital.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do in Hobart include visiting Salamanca Market, exploring the waterfront and Constitution Dock, walking through Battery Point, visiting MONA, seeing kunanyi / Mount Wellington, exploring the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, relaxing at Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and taking day trips to Richmond, Port Arthur or Bruny Island.

Top Attractions in Hobart

Salamanca Place

Salamanca Place is one of Hobart’s most recognisable visitor areas. Its historic sandstone warehouses now house galleries, shops, cafés, restaurants and bars close to the waterfront and Battery Point. It is one of the best places to begin exploring the city on foot.

Salamanca Market

Salamanca Market is held along Salamanca Place and is one of Hobart’s signature attractions. It is known for Tasmanian produce, crafts, food stalls, art, gifts and a lively waterfront atmosphere. Discover Tasmania notes that the market is held every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm and includes more than 300 stalls.

Hobart Waterfront and Constitution Dock

Hobart’s waterfront is a central part of the city’s identity. Visitors can walk around Constitution Dock, Victoria Dock, Elizabeth Street Pier and nearby harbour areas while exploring seafood venues, historic buildings, boats and views across the Derwent River.

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

kunanyi / Mount Wellington rises west of Hobart and provides one of the city’s most famous viewpoints. The mountain is popular for lookouts, photography, walking tracks and views over Hobart, the Derwent River and southern Tasmania. Weather can change quickly, so visitors should check conditions before travelling.

MONA

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is one of Tasmania’s most distinctive cultural attractions. It is located north of central Hobart and is commonly reached by road or ferry. Discover Tasmania highlights the ferry trip to MONA as one of Hobart’s notable visitor experiences.

Museums, Galleries and Cultural Attractions

  • MONA — major contemporary and ancient art museum north of Hobart.
  • Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery — central museum and gallery close to the waterfront.
  • Maritime Museum of Tasmania — museum focused on Tasmania’s maritime history.
  • Narryna Heritage Museum — historic house museum in Battery Point.
  • Salamanca Arts Centre — galleries, studios and creative spaces in the Salamanca precinct.
  • Theatre Royal — historic theatre and performing arts venue in central Hobart.

Historic Areas and Streets to Explore

Battery Point

Battery Point is one of Hobart’s most atmospheric historic suburbs. Visitors can walk through streets of cottages, heritage homes, small cafés and harbour-facing lanes close to Salamanca Place.

Arthur Circus

Arthur Circus is a small circular street in Battery Point surrounded by historic cottages. It is one of the area’s most photographed heritage spots.

Kelly’s Steps

Kelly’s Steps connect Salamanca Place with Battery Point and are a useful walking link between the waterfront and the historic suburb above.

Macquarie Street and Davey Street

These central streets contain historic buildings, civic landmarks and key traffic routes through Hobart. They are useful reference points when navigating the CBD.

Parks, Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens sit north of the CBD and are one of Hobart’s best-known green spaces. Visitors can explore established gardens, lawns, paths and plant collections within easy reach of the city centre.

St David’s Park

St David’s Park is a quiet green space near Salamanca and the CBD, useful for a short break while walking between the city centre and waterfront.

Queens Domain

Queens Domain is a large open area north of the CBD containing walking routes, sports grounds, gardens and access toward the waterfront and Botanical Gardens.

Long Beach, Sandy Bay

Long Beach at Sandy Bay provides river views, a small beach, walking areas and a relaxed waterside setting south of the city centre.

Waterfront and River Experiences

Hobart’s waterfront is compact and easy to explore on foot. It works well for visitors who want to combine harbour views, dining, historic buildings and cultural attractions.

  • Constitution Dock — central harbour basin and waterfront landmark.
  • Victoria Dock — working harbour and seafood area near the city.
  • Elizabeth Street Pier — waterfront access, dining and harbour views.
  • Brooke Street Pier — ferry access point and visitor precinct.
  • Derwent River views — visible from the waterfront, Sandy Bay and eastern shore.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hobart

  • Explore Salamanca Market on a Saturday.
  • Walk around the Hobart waterfront and Constitution Dock.
  • Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
  • Spend time at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
  • Drive or tour to kunanyi / Mount Wellington for the view.
  • Take a ferry ride to MONA.
  • Visit nearby Richmond for historic streets and family-friendly sightseeing.

Best Neighbourhoods to Explore

  • Salamanca — markets, galleries, dining, sandstone warehouses and waterfront access.
  • Battery Point — historic cottages, heritage streets and harbour-side character.
  • Hobart CBD — shopping, civic buildings, museums and city services.
  • North Hobart — restaurants, cafés and entertainment along Elizabeth Street.
  • Sandy Bay — river views, university area and local cafés.
  • Bellerive — eastern shore village area, beach and views back toward the city.

Day Trips from Hobart

Richmond

Richmond is a historic town northeast of Hobart, known for heritage buildings, the Richmond Bridge, old streets, cafés and a village atmosphere. It is one of the easiest half-day trips from the city.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is one of Tasmania’s most significant heritage destinations and is commonly visited as a full-day trip from Hobart. It is located on the Tasman Peninsula and is best suited to visitors interested in history, landscapes and convict-era sites.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island is a popular day trip south of Hobart, known for coastal scenery, local produce, wildlife, beaches and lookouts. It usually requires careful timing because visitors need to use a ferry connection.

Huon Valley

The Huon Valley offers orchards, river scenery, small towns, local produce and access toward southern Tasmania. It is a good option for visitors wanting a scenic drive from Hobart.

Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is a longer day trip from Hobart and is known for waterfalls, forest scenery and alpine landscapes depending on the season.

Suggested Two-Day Hobart Itinerary

On day one, explore Salamanca Place, Salamanca Market if it is Saturday, Battery Point, Kelly’s Steps, Constitution Dock and the Hobart waterfront. Add the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery if you want a central indoor attraction.

On day two, visit kunanyi / Mount Wellington in suitable weather, spend time at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, then choose between MONA, North Hobart dining or an eastern shore stop such as Bellerive. With an extra day, consider Richmond, Port Arthur or Bruny Island.

Related Hobart Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Hobart best known for?
    Hobart is known for its waterfront, Salamanca Market, Battery Point, MONA, kunanyi / Mount Wellington, historic architecture and access to southern Tasmania day trips.
  • What are the best things to do in Hobart?
    Popular things to do include visiting Salamanca Market, exploring the waterfront, walking through Battery Point, visiting MONA, seeing kunanyi / Mount Wellington and exploring the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
  • Is Hobart good for a weekend trip?
    Yes. Hobart is well suited to a weekend trip because many central attractions are close together around the waterfront, Salamanca, Battery Point and the CBD.
  • What is the best viewpoint in Hobart?
    kunanyi / Mount Wellington is the best-known viewpoint, offering broad views over Hobart, the Derwent River and surrounding landscapes.
  • What are the best day trips from Hobart?
    Popular day trips include Richmond, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, the Huon Valley and Mount Field National Park.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction availability, opening hours, admission fees, market times, road access, ferry services, weather conditions and visitor information may change over time. Verify important details with official sources or individual venues before travelling.