Visit the phenomenal Tasmanian city of Hobart and plan your stay with our 3 day Hobart itinerary!

Breathtaking views, world-class art, and gastronomic delights – this three-day Hobart itinerary gives you a taste of all the best parts of Tassie!

Many consider Hobart a mere base for visiting some of the Apple Isle’s iconic destinations, like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet Peninsula.

But this small city, tucked between the calm River Derwent and the rugged Mount Wellington, punches above its weight (or more, fittingly, size.) In fact, Travel + Leisure awarded Hobart the best city in Australia in 2023, and rightly so.

Hobart has something for every traveler – the wine connoisseur, the history buff, the art lover, the wildlife enthusiast, or the merely curious.

As the second-oldest city in Australia after Sydney, Hobart oozes with history and an old-school charm that’s almost impossible to find anywhere else.

You’ll feel this rustic vibe as you meander around the historic Battery Point, watch fishing boats at the Hobart waterfront, or shop at the Salamanca Market.

At the same time, Hobart is fascinatingly trendy. After all, it’s home to a dynamic food scene, nightlife, and museums.

One of Hobart’s perks is that it’s compact and easy to navigate. Still, you have loads of interesting things to experience. And three days is just the right amount of time to immerse yourself in the city’s offerings.

With that, let us discover the best things to see and do in Tasmania‘s capital with this Hobart itinerary.

Read next: The 25 Best Things to Do in Tasmania

How To Spend A Perfect 3 Days in Hobart

Spending a few days in Hobart is easy, and there is plenty to explore—from the mountain to the waterfront and throughout the city centre.

Here’s your Hobart itinerary, guaranteed to give you three days of adventure, relaxation, discovery, and delicious food.

Day 1

Your first day in Hobart is best spent learning about the city’s heritage and history, with a dash of nature and nightlife.

From the alleys of Battery Point to the peak of Mount Wellington and the pubs of North Hobart, day one is something you’ll never forget.

Morning: Trails, Markets, and Galleries

Start your day with a stroll on the historic Battery Point, a colonial-era suburb about a 10-minute walk from the Hobart CBD.

Battery Point

The neighborhood started as a maritime village in 1804. The best way to learn about its history is by strolling along the scenic Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

The route links Salamanca Place, famous for its rows of 19th-century sandstone warehouses and Marieville Esplanade, a vibrant waterfront with stunning views of the Derwent Estuary.

The trail winds around historic buildings, many of which are some of the city’s oldest residences. Along the way, you’ll see nine sculptures, each representing a different number and story.

Where to Eat: To fuel your day, grab a hearty breakfast or brunch at the Machine Laundry Cafe.

• Address: 12 Salamanca Square, Battery Point, Hobart Tasmania 7004, Australia

Tip: If possible, schedule your Hobart trip on a weekend, at least the first day. This way, you can experience the iconic Hobart weekend markets.

Markets

Salamanca Market (Saturdays, 8:30AM–3PM). The Salamanca Market is a 50-year-old tradition and a must-do if you happen to be in Hobart on a Saturday morning.

To avoid the crowds, arrive before 10 AM. There are over 300 stalls to browse, selling handcrafted jewellery, artisanal food, local wine, and more.

Farm Gate Market (Sundays, 8:30AM–1PM): Located in the CBD, this vibrant market is the place to sample the best homegrown produce, homemade bread, and unique liqueurs from local distilleries.

Salamanca Place in downtown Hobart

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

After a hearty breakfast, watch the vibrant scenery on the Hobart Waterfront before heading to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Housed in a complex of 19th-century buildings, the museum displays colonial art, contemporary pieces by local artists, rare artefacts, and natural history specimens.

It also pays tribute to the culture and traditions of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people in the Ningina Tunapri Gallery.

Afternoon: Botanical Gardens and Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

After an hour or two at the Tasmanian Museum, head to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, a short walk away.

Established in 1818, the gardens cover 35 acres and house a collection of heritage trees, sub-Antarctic flora, and endangered native plant species.

It would take hours to explore the entire place on foot. But you can see the grounds and gardens on a one-hour buggy tour.

Roughly a 10-minute drive from the gardens, you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Cascades Female Factory Historic Site.

A former prison, the site is now a museum. During its operational years, from 1828 to 1856, it housed about 7,000 women convicts and 2,000 babies.

The prison doubled as a workhouse, where female convicts were employed washing laundry, weaving woolen cloth, or sewing convict garments, thus the term factory.

You can learn more about the lives and stories of the convicts on a self-guided audio tour.

Sunset: Mount Wellington

End your afternoon with a trip to Mount Wellington for spectacular vistas over Hobart and an even more spectacular sunset.

You can drive from the Cascades Female Factory to the mountain summit, which takes around 30 minutes.

Another option is to take the Mt. Wellington Explorer Bus. This 2.5-hour tour includes a quick break at Wellington Park and a 40-minute stop at the summit, where you can ramble around the walking trails while waiting for the sunset.

Views from Mount Wellington overlooking Hobart

Evening: Drinks and Dining in North Hobart (NoHo)

If you’re still up for more exploring, head to North Hobart, a hotspot for dining and nightlife. Check out the bohemian Elizabeth Street, known for its eclectic restaurants, live music, pubs, and cafes.

Alternative: hop-on hop-off bus Sightseeing

If you prefer to have your first day in Hobart pre-arranged for you, book a 24-hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket. This city tour option is also ideal for those who have mobility issues.

Day 2

While in Hobart, you may want to take advantage of the city’s proximity to some of Tasmania’s most popular attractions.

We’re referring to day trip destinations that you can easily access from Hobart. 

You’ll get to see a more rugged side of Tasmania and still have enough time to return to the city for a stroll at the Hobart Waterfront or a nightcap in Salamanca Place.

Morning: Port Arthur

Skip town and go on a day tour to the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula.

It’s only a 90-minute drive from the city centre and one of the most accessible day trip destinations from Hobart.

Port Arthur was a penal colony during the 18th and 19th centuries. It covers 40 hectares and has over 30 buildings, graveyards, and ruins. Each tells a harrowing story of Australia’s convict history.

You can drive to Port Arthur or join a guided tour.

Three to four hours should be enough to see most of the highlights of the former prison site.

Afternoon: Outdoor attractions and culinary delights

Drive 11 minutes south of the prison to see the Remarkable Cave. Carved into a sandstone, this rocky tunnel runs through a sea cliff and leads to a hidden beach.

Around 15 minutes by car from Remarkable Cave is the famous Port Arthur Lavender Farm.

In the summer, December through February, rows of lavenders line the fields. But even when it’s not the blooming season, you can still visit the farm to buy lavender products, such as oil, soap, and ice cream.

There’s also a cafe with a lavender-inspired menu and outdoor seating overlooking the bay.

Six minutes by car from the farm is the Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry. The factory manufactures hand-forged chocolate products.

Here, you can sample all things chocolate, from ice cream and tea to lip gloss and soap.

Continue to Eaglehawk Neck, about 9 minutes from the chocolate factory and 20 minutes from Port Arthur town.

Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow strip of land that connects the Tasman Peninsula with the rest of Tasmania. It boasts a secluded beach and fascinating rock formations.

Its most distinct feature is the tessellated pavement. This ribbon of thin, shallow cracks, caused by centuries of erosion and rock movement, looks like a tiled floor on the shoreline.

Treat yourself to all things lavender at Port Arthur Lavender Farm!

Evening: Cascade Brewery 

After a day of nature and history, head back to Hobart, straight to Cascade Brewery at the foothills of Mount Wellington. 

This historic landmark, established in 1824, is Australia’s oldest brewery. Here, you can try one of the country’s oldest beer recipes and a wide range of homebrews.

If you’re not a beer lover, try non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit syrups, sparkling apple juice, and dry ginger ale. 

You can take a tour to learn about the brewery’s history and how it manufactures beer. 

For something relaxing after beer tasting, lounge in the lush heritage garden while soaking up mountain views.

Alternative Day Trips:

If you’ve been to Port Arthur or prefer a different attraction, here are other day tours from Hobart you can consider:

Freycinet Peninsula: Home to the Freycinet National Park, known for its scenic landscape, particularly Wineglass Bay, and diverse wildlife, including wallabies, whales, and various bird species.

Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes by car

Bruny Island: A popular gastronomic hub specializing in seafood (oysters galore!), artisan cheese, fudge, chocolate, honey, berries, and wine.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car to Kettering ferry terminal, then 20 minutes by ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island

Read our guide to Bruny Island for some inspiration!

Cradle Mountain: A place of exceptional natural beauty and a habitat for the celebrated Tasmanian devil.

Travel time: 4 hours and 30 minutes by car

Mount Field National Park:Famous for its cascades (check out the three-tiered Russell Falls) and rainforests, where swamp gums, Australia’s tallest trees, grow.

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes by car

Experience the magic of Cradle Mountain.

Day 3

On day three, we focus on wildlife and art. Then, spend a relaxing late afternoon at the waterfront (drinking or souvenir shopping) before packing for your next destination or trip back home.

Morning: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Kick off your last day in Hobart with a trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a 40-minute drive from Hobart CBD.

Opened in 1981, the wildlife sanctuary shelters over 200 animals from 25 species, most of which are endemic to Australia.

Bonorong is a great place to take selfies with a koala, see a Tasmanian devil, hand-feed a kangaroo, and learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.

An hour is ample time to explore the sanctuary and see the animals. But if you want to join a tour or get up close with your favourite critter, consider staying another 30 minutes.

Afternoon: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)

From Bonorong, head back to Hobart for a trip to the Museum of Old and New Art.

The thought-provoking and bizarrely creative MONA is a bucket list destination for many art lovers. But whether you’re an art fan or not, MONA is a must-see attraction in Hobart.

MONA is not only known for its three-story otherworldly subterranean architecture but also for its rare Antiquity artifacts and Renaissance pieces.

After seeing the museum’s mind-blowing exhibits, you would probably need a drink or two. Head to the Moorilla winery on the museum grounds for its extensive list of fine blends. For something more casual, Moo Brew, the onsite brewery, offers refreshing craft beer.

If you fancy elevated dining, MONA has some high-end restaurants, including Faro and The Source, known for serving only the freshest local produce. Because of their popularity, you need to book ahead to dine at these restaurants.

You can get to MONA by car, bus, or ferry. We recommend that you take the ferry. This way, you can soak up the striking views of the Derwent River along the way.

The ferry leaves from Brooke Street Pier in Hobart every hour, from 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM daily. It takes around 30 minutes.

Alternative: MONA Wine Tasting Tour

If you prefer an extended art and wine excursion, skip the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and book a MONA full-day tour instead.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Hobart

We assume you booked a late flight? After experiencing Hobart’s rich history, epicurean delights, and natural beauty, it would be hard to leave the city.

End the last day of your Hobart itinerary where it started – at the waterfront. Stroll along the dock, enjoy the fresh air, watch the sunset, or grab a sundowner.

For last-minute shopping for souvenirs, head to Salamanca Arts Centre (open until 5:00 PM daily.)

Hobart is a fabulous place to visit in Tasmania!

Hobart Travel Guide

Now that you know how to spend your three-day holiday in Hobart, let’s look at a few more details to help you plan your trip. Here’s everything you need to know, from the best time to visit to the best places to stay in the city.

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to CAMPING in TASMANIA

When to visit Hobart

If you’re looking for mild weather, lower prices, less crowd, and minimal rain, autumn (March to May) hits the spot. For us, this shoulder season is the best time to visit Hobart.

Summer (December to February) is Hobart’s peak season, offering perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Naturally, hotel rates are generally higher during summer.

Spring (September to November) has its own perks. The gardens are in bloom, and Hobart starts warming up again. It’s a great time to visit the city attractions before the summer crowds arrive.

Winter (June to August) is ideal for budget travel and for those who fancy cozy pub nights and festivals like the Dark Mofo. There might be snow on the mountain. And if you’re lucky, you might see the Southern Lights.

Read next: The Best Time to Visit Tasmania, Australia

Getting Around Hobart

Getting around Hobart is a breeze, thanks to its compact layout and efficient public transportation system.

You can travel by bus, car, taxi, Uber, or bike. Many attractions are within walking distance, and you can explore the city on foot.

Hobart’s public transportation system, operated by Metro Tasmania, has an extensive network of bus routes throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available for more direct travel.

One of the best ways to travel around the city comfortably is by booking a  24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing bus. You can hop on and off at your leisure and visit the attractions at your own pace.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Hobart

Hobart has a wide range of accommodations spread out across the city. There are the boutique hotels in Battery Point, the eco-lodges at the foot of Mt. Wellington, and the budget hostels in NoHo.

For those who want to stay in the busiest part of the city, both Salamanca Place and the Waterfront have a vibrant nightlife, a roster of restaurants, and stunning harbour views.

If you prefer serenity and luxury, the vineyard retreats in MONA are a fantastic option.

The Best Hostel – Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse

Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse, located in Battery Point, is a top choice for budget-conscious travelers. The hostel features shared dormitories and private rooms. Amenities include a fully-equipped common kitchen, cozy lounge areas, and free Wi-Fi.

It’s a short walk to Salamanca Market and about 16 minutes by car to the Hobart Airport.

Best Mid-Range Hotel – Vibe Hotel Hobart

Located in the city center, the Vibe Hotel is a great place to stay for those who want to be in the heart of the action. The hotel boasts well-appointed modern rooms. It also has a fitness center, restaurant and bar, indoor swimming pool, and fantastic sea views.

Best Luxury Hotel – MACq 01 Hotel

Once a shipping shed and wharf market, MACq 01 lies in the heart of the historic Hobart Waterfront overlooking the Derwent Estuary. It features luxurious rooms and suites, each linked to a real character that helped shape Tasmania’s history.

Other amenities include a bar, a fitness center, a restaurant, private parking, and free Wi-Fi.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Източник за тази статия

Наши спонсори са:

Български трактори на добри цени при изключително качество