waterfront city is now Tasmania's cultural hub, drawing foodies and
nature lovers from all over the world.
Tasmania’s capital city is steeped in history. Settled by the British in 1804, Hobart was mostly populated by convicts and soldiers. Gradually the town developed on the backs of the whaling and boat building industries. The city’s Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, sandstone warehouses and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which date back to 1818, are a legacy of the wealth these industries generated.
Downtown Hobart is based around the original settlement site at Sullivan’s Cove on the Derwent River, and is easy to navigate by bus or bike, or on foot. On a Saturday, catch the free HobartHopper shuttle bus from the city centre and head to the markets at Salamanca Place. Drawing tens of thousands of people, these markets offer fashion, crafts, art, gourmet food and locally grown produce. Salamanca Place is also an arts hub, so on any day of the week there’s always something to see and do in its galleries and theaters.
Gone are the days of meager convict rations; Hobart today offers some of the most innovative cuisine in the country and the quality of its local produce, beer and wine is prized throughout Australia and the Asia Pacific.
The city also has a thriving theater community, with two historic theaters running seasons of plays, opera, live music and cabaret. Tour the Theatre Royal and learn about those who have graced its stage, from Laurence Olivier to Hugo Weaving.
Spend a day exploring history on the waterfront in the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery where the living culture of Tasmania’s indigenous people comes alive through artifacts, stories and displays. Learn about the tragic conflicts between these people and the early settlers, and the lives of indigenous people in Tasmania since then.
Board a vintage ferry and cruise down the incredibly scenic Derwent River. Learn more about city’s connection to the water at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. You can also get a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), renowned internationally for its provocative and imaginative displays.
Discover Hobart’s natural side at Mount Wellington where there are hiking and biking trails, and incredible views over Hobart and the water. Outside Hobart there are other walking tracks following the coastline and river, offering great spots from which to watch the sun go down.
Hobart Travel Guide Video
Top hotels in Hobart
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
4.5 out of 5
1 Davey St, Hobart, TAS
HK$904
per night
Feb 9 - Feb 10
Located in Hobart Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps away from Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Constitution Dock. Salamanca Market and ...…Located in Hobart Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps away from Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Constitution Dock. Salamanca Market and ...WWW…
4.6/5Wonderful! (3,147 reviews)
"Staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Location is fantastic. Walking around the cove and city n Salamanca markets was also convenient. Would definitely stay here again."…""Staff were friendly, helpful and professional. Location is fantastic. Walking around the cove and city n Salamanca markets was also convenient. Would definitely stay here again."WWW…"
Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Salamanca Place, Salamanca Market and Constitution Dock. Hobart Cruise Terminal and Mount ...…Situated on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Salamanca Place, Salamanca Market and Constitution Dock. Hobart Cruise Terminal and Mount ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (2,029 reviews)
"It was in a great location. Great room size. Very friendly & courteous staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Kev."…""It was in a great location. Great room size. Very friendly & courteous staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Kev."WWW…"
Located in Hobart Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of St. David's Cathedral, Franklin Square and Australian Army Museum Tasmania. ...…Located in Hobart Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of St. David's Cathedral, Franklin Square and Australian Army Museum Tasmania. ...WWW…
4.2/5Excellent! (1,046 reviews)
"Very happy overall. Clean and well kept room, polite and professional staff, and close proximity to main destinations such as Salamanca and Battery Point."…""Very happy overall. Clean and well kept room, polite and professional staff, and close proximity to main destinations such as Salamanca and Battery Point."WWW…"
Hobart’s remarkable Museum of Old and New Art has a surprising mix of thought-provoking installation art, modern paintings, sculptures and ancient artefacts.
History seeps from the stones on Hobart’s waterfront, where colonial buildings are now galleries and where you can eat fresh seafood and watch a famous yacht race.
Bruny Island Premium Food, Sightseeing & Lighthouse Tour
HK$828
Enjoy a relaxing fully guided tour with all foods, attraction and entry fees included. Discover everything that makes Bruny Island amazing with this outstanding sightseeing, food, and lighthouse tour.
Bruny Island Traveller - Tasting Trail Day Tour from Hobart
HK$934
Bruny Island is home to spectacular landscapes and local artisan produce, all of which can be experienced on this full-day tour. Savor delicious cheese, oysters, honey, chocolate, wine, beer and bread all grown, made and harvested on the island while touring the native bush and rainforests found here.
Full day Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula Tour from Hobart
HK$670
Take an activity-packed day trip from Hobart that showcases the best of the Tasman Peninsula. Depart Hobart in the early morning to start your Port Arthur day trip with the drive to the stunning Tasman Peninsula, home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs.
Arguably Tasmania's best day trip! At the end of this day, you will understand why the tourist numbers have doubled in the past 4 years! Bruny Island has a little bit of everything mainland Tasmania has - world class beaches, national parks, rugged coastline and native wildlife matched with the finest local produce from the ocean and the land.
Upon arrival at Institut Polaire, settle into the snowy, luxe interior taking a seat at the marble bar, or private tasting room for larger groups. Our cellar door team will guide you through 6 wine samples.
Plenty of places to visit in the area (with transport).
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Apr 26, 2019
Choice of good restaurants around the harbour
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Apr 26, 2019
The museums, Morsons cabin, port Arthur, mona, fish and chips, fresh air, we will be back.
Natalie at Grand Chancellor desk was so helpful.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Apr 26, 2019
Caught the shuttle bus from the TIC to Mount Wellington and it was great value, we also walked down the mountain which was hard work but well worth it. Wear decent trainers or walking shoes though. The Salamanca area was just lovely.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Mar 10, 2019
Our day at Port Arthur was more than we expected. Eye opening.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Feb 27, 2019
A trip on tour bus a must let’s you see all the things Hobart has, the Saturday market is good too. We went for 3 days but really needed a week so much to see.
