Situated between the mountain tops of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and the winding Derwent River, Hobart offers an idyllic escape with markets, nature, acclaimed restaurants and breweries and wonderful sandstone heritage. The perfect place to spend a couple of days escaping from the rush and pull of everyday life. There are plenty of things to do in Hobart - here’s our Hobart itinerary to keep you busy for a memorable and relaxing 48 hours in Australia’s second oldest city.
Day 1: Explore Hobart
Highlights
- Grab a specialty brew from Somewhere Coffee Bar
- Explore the Salamanca Market
- Take the ferry to MONA for a unique art experience.
- Dine at Pitzi or experience the flavours of Suzie Lucks.
Cafes and Markets
Hobart is brimming with cafes to help you kickstart a day of exploration. The Somewhere Coffee Bar is a cosy little gem known for some of the best coffee in Hobart (enjoy with one of their croissants), or for a hearty bite and specialty brew head to Hobart Coffee Roasters who have you sorted with toasties and breakfast rolls. For local treats and more, one of the most popular Hobart attractions is the Salamanca Market. Held every Saturday in historic Salamanca Place, this iconic event brings together producers, artists and designers. Take some time to sample some Tasmanian truffles and browse stalls with everything from art and clothes to books and vinyl.
Art at MONA
A visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a ‘must see in Hobart’ experience. Just upriver, the thirty minute trip by Hobart ferry to MONA (or half an hour’s drive) offers sweeping views - and the museum itself is wildly unique. Home to live music, library, food, wine, beer, bars, restaurants, winery and cellar door and rock-carved corridors that transport you between all these worlds. Of course, there’s also plenty of old and new art at MONA in Hobart - built from the largest private collection of art in the southern hemisphere.
Waterfront dining
Wondering where to eat in Hobart? Not far from the ferry, Constitution Dock is another one of the top Hobart attractions, with some of Hobart’s most popular seafood restaurants, great fish and chips Hobart style, galleries and shopping. Tucked into the historic Battery Point area, Farzi is where you can indulge in fresh Tasmanian produce in a seasonal menu. Another one of the best places to eat in Hobart is Suzie Lucks, where the bold Asian inspired menu and signature cocktails - try the slow-cooked Wagyu beef massaman curry or indulge in tempura eggplant drizzled in chilli-lime caramel.
Day 2: Nature and heritage
Highlights
- Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast at Pigeon Hole Cafe
- Explore historic Battery Point.
- Visit spectacular Bruny Island.
- Savour a whiskey at Sullivans Cove Distillery.
Big breakfast and local heritage
One of the best ways to swing into a Hobart day is with a farm-to-table breakfast. Pigeon Hole Cafe cooks up a range of heart feeds, including the big breakfast, chai spiced french toast and anchovy scrambled eggs. Top up before taking a deeper excursion into Hobart’s historic Battery Point. The historic Kelly's Steps were built in 1839 as a shortcut between Salamanca Place and Battery Point, a short walk that takes you to wonderfully preserved 19th-century sailors' cottages and colonial home, including a Georgian two-storey mansion – now a museum named Narryna The Merchant’s House – built by the seafaring Captain Andrew Haig in the 1830s.
Day trip to Bruny Island
Another Hobart attraction is a day trip to Bruny Island. Only a short drive and a ferry ride south of the city, Bruny Island is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife (keep an eye out for white wallabies and fur seals). You can also spend a relaxed afternoon indulging in some acclaimed local treats - sample some succulent oysters, fresh seafood and delicious local cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. For something sweet, pay a visit to Bruny Island Chocolate on Adventure Bay Road.
Whiskey o’clock
If you have the time, a great way to close the weekend with a celebratory dram of some of Hobart’s finest. Close to the dock, Gotham at The Still is an atmospheric nook with Tasmania's finest distillers, and Lark Cellar Door is the place to go for a whisky tasting Hobart experience - take a tour and taste three distinctive malts. Known for putting Tasmanian whisky on the world stage, Sullivans Cove Distillery offers a rare peek into their traditional production with the passionate distillers. For the beer lover, stop by Manky Sallys. One of the best bars in Hobart, this ‘luxury dive bar’ is filled with retro 70s decor and plenty of Sally’s own brews.
If you’re travelling with kids the Tamworth Regional Playground is right next to Hopscotch, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch. Considered one of the best playgrounds in regional Australia, this is where kids can explore a skywalk, play in the splash pads, tear up the bike trails or enjoy a thrill on the massive slides - a great option keeping kids entertained while you enjoy a bite.