Jane always knew she wasn't destined for a desk job... She has travelled all over the world and is passionate about noodles, sloths and her hiking boots! When she isn't busy adventuring around the world, you can find her reviewing travel gear and dishing out travel tips to all the places she's visited.
Sitting in the state of Tasmania is Hobart, the southern most city in Australia. Besides being practically in the South Pole, Hobart is a major hub for culture, history, and natural landscapes, making it a killer vacation spot. While it isn’t a particularly large city, it’s the most populous area in Tasmania, drawing people in from far and wide to enjoy the splendor that’s guaranteed with a visit to Hobart.
There’s a ton to do in Hobart, no matter what you’re interested in.
Spend sunny days strolling around the city streets or make your way into the mountains for a natural getaway. Adrenaline junkie? Hobart is the place for you with a whole world of adventure activities right at your fingertips. Even art lovers are able to find their place as there are always innovative exhibitions and interesting displays throughout the city!
If you’re considering a trip to Hobart, you’ll generally have the best weather between January and April. Temperatures should be warm with lovely sunny days, perfect for enjoying a little taste of island life.
Although the city is not overly touristy, there are plenty of options when it comes to Hobart accommodation, no matter your budget. On your hunt for a place to stay, you’ll find that you have a fair choice of hip hotels, homey guesthouses, and spacious apartments all available for booking!
When looking for holiday deals, check out Hotels.com for a wide range of Hobart accommodation, with prices to suit all budgets.
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After your get your accommodation settled, you’ll probably be looking for the best things to do in the city.
Here are seven awesome things to do on a visit to Hobart. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to make your holiday a memorable one!
Do Some Art Appreciation at MONA
Rather than a name, MONA actually stands for the Museum of Old and New Art and it has a wildly interesting collection. No matter if you’re an avid art lover or a total novice, you’ll find that this high-tech museum has something to keep you entertained all day long.
One of the most notable points about this museum is that there are no labels or information sheets throughout the galleries. Instead, you’ll receive a small device and headset that provides you with facts as you wander the halls.
Besides the art, a trip to MONA means taking in insanely cool modern architecture, gorgeous surrounding views, and of course unbeatable food from the nearby restaurants.
Stroll Along Hobart Harbor
Hobart’s main harbor isn’t a particularly busy one, but it’s a gorgeous place to walk along as you take in the sights of the wide range of boats. Your eyes will feast on the likes of sailing yachts, fishing boats, and giant commercial vessels all in one place.
Besides walking down the boardwalk, stop by Constitution Dock for the freshest fish and chips of your life, or hop in a kayak to paddle around the harbor yourself. If you find yourself in this area on a Friday evening, swing by the Henry Jones Art Hotel for live jazz music and cocktails.
Wander Around Salamanca Market
One of the best parts of Hobart is the huge market culture in the city! Hobart, and Tasmania as a whole, is becoming well-known for individuals growing and producing their own food. This is immediately apparent once you see over 300 stalls set up on a Saturday morning at Salamanca Market.
The market begins at 8:30am and lasts until around 2.00pm, so it’s best to arrive early. It’s an extremely popular weekly event that draws serious crowds, all looking to buy produce, artisan products, local crafts, clothing, and delicious morsels to eat. You’ll even be entertained by the many live musicians playing throughout the market!
Grab a bunch of prepared foods, and then head to the waterfront or nearby parks to sit down and enjoy it.
Devour Street Eats @ Franko on Friday Night
Like I said, Hobart is big on markets and Street Eats is another awesome example. Every Friday night in Franklin Square from 4.00pm until 9.00pm, food trucks and local vendors set up their stands around the large fountain in the center and gear up for a night of food festivities!
You can find pretty much anything you could ever dream of eating at Street Eats, from fresh oysters, to wagyu beef, paella, cheeseburgers, doughnuts and more! And did I mention they serve alcohol too?
Besides the food, this weekly event is really about getting together with friends and loved ones, enjoying time outside, and being social. Listen to the musicians playing as you eat, wander between stalls, and hang out on the grassy area. You really can’t go wrong here!
Enjoy the Outdoors at Mount Wellington
If you’re looking to get out of the city a little bit and explore some of the stunning nature in the surrounding areas, a trip to Mount Wellington is a must.
Mount Wellington sits just behind Hobart and can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city. It’s a stunning 1,271 meters above sea level and from the top, there are insane views of the city and water below.
Just keep in mind if you make it up that far, you may find yourself trudging through snow, even during the summer months!
If you’re not into hiking, there are plenty of other activities around Mount Wellington like mountain biking, shuttle tours and horseback riding.
Insider Tip: If you’re hoping for the best views from the top of Mount Wellington, be sure to go on a super clear day! Even with a few clouds in the sky, you may find the entire view blocked out once you reach the top.
Explore Battery Point
Battery Point is a historical suburb of Hobart, and makes for one of the best places for aimless wandering. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through this area with the most lovely, colorful houses you’ve ever seen.
Besides homes, you’ll find plenty of rose gardens in the area (stop and smell the flowers!), as well as charming local cafes and shops. If you’re particularly interested in the historical significance of the area, make stops at St. George’s Anglican Church and Arthur Circus.
Insider Tip: There are tons of guided tours around Battery Point if you’d rather explore the area with a knowledgeable local guide!
Visit Cascade Brewery for Some Beers
If you’re a beer lover, a trip to Cascade Brewery is an absolute must. As the oldest operating brewery in all of Australia, this 1832 building is jam-packed with both history and malty beverages. Before entering, take a moment to soak in the massive colonial architecture that seriously stands out against the backdrop.
You have your choice of two tours here. The Brewery Tour is a great option if you’re interested in learning how the beer is brewed, the most popular beers, and the history behind Cascade.
Alternatively, you can take the Heritage Tour which takes you all around the brewery’s surrounding area to sites like Woodstock Gardens and the Cascade Museum.
No matter which tour you choose, you can bet there will be an ice cold one waiting for you at the end.
These tours are popular, so it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance. But even without a tour, it’s still worth visiting; simply opt for their tasting paddle of four beers or ciders and you’ll be sorted!
As you can see, Hobart offers visitors a really interesting mix of things to do. Whether you’re a foodie looking for the perfect bite, a history buff eager to learn about Tasmania’s past, or just looking for a divine place for some fresh air, Hobart will not disappoint.
This list of things to do barely scratches the surface, but just know that you’ll never be bored on a visit to Hobart, I can guarantee you that!
This article was written in collaboration with Hotels.com
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