The 10 things to do in Hobart

Visit Hobart: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Tasmania?

You want to discover Tasmania, small island south of Melbourne in Australia, with fake airs New Zealand ? So this is an excellent choice! Its capital, Hobart, is a dynamic and pleasant city by the water, of almost 20,000 inhabitants, which is worth the detour, and which will be the ideal ground foot to discover the island. Despite a somewhat painful past (former prison colony, former seal and whale trade port) the city, which bears the name of explorer Abel Tasman who discovered Tasmania, is now attractive and rich in authentic activities. The nature of the island, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will leave you without a vote! Are you wondering what to do in Hobart? This is where:

1. Battery Point

If you ask that to do in Hobart, you must already start with a visit Battery Point ! This is the oldest part of the city, from where an incredible charm emerges. Walk along its small alleys and admire the historic buildings that hide. This neighborhood is rather residential, but you can find charming small cafes, restaurants or shops in which to stroll.

2. Mont Wellington

Perched at almost 1,300 meters above the city, the Mont Wellington will be an integral part of your landscape if you go to visit Hobart. Accessible very easily from the city centre, different choices are available to you once you arrive at the foot of the mountain: hiking more or less long, walking or mountain biking, climbing... Once at the top, it is a breathtaking view that offers you! From above, Hobart and Derwent Valley take a different dimension.

3. Downtown

As in many cities, the city center always has a small thing in addition... This is exactly the case here in Hobart. Many things to do or see are located in the city centre, very lively, mainly around the main artery Elizabeth Street and its port area. You will undoubtedly find your happiness, whatever it is, in one of the many shops, small cafes or restaurants typical and full of charm, on Elizabeth Street. It is also here that you can discover the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, or the museum of the Saint David Anglican Cathedral . Unlike the day, in the evening, the city centre becomes very quiet, and the activity is concentrated in other areas.

4. The port of Hobart

In the same area, the port of Hobart, as for him, is a full-fledged attraction, both the city is turned towards the sea and fishing. An unmissable if you're going to visit Hobart? Eat a fish and chips placed on a terrace or simply in a newspaper, on a bench in the sun, along the harbour, admiring the boats.

5. Salamanca Place

Close to the port and the city center we are talking about above, there is a must if you are looking for what to do in Hobart, it is the Salamanca Place ! Ideal for drinking a glass on the terrace on the paved or for lunch in a warm bistro in the 19th century brick buildings. The superb market that takes place every Saturday morning is definitely worth a visit: delicious local products, typical island craftsmen... This is the popular place of the city.

6. MONA

Are you still wondering what to do in Hobart? Take the ferry to the Brooke Street Pier de Hobart to the famous MONA ( Museum of Old and New Art ). It is Australia’s largest private museum. In addition to having an impressive and eccentric collection, its construction is also quite amazing. Indeed, the museum is cut into sandstone cliffs. Know that it is a very controversial, rather eccentric and surprising museum! The majority of the exhibitions in the exhibitions deal with the subjects of sex, death and religion.

7. The Salamanca Arts Centre and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)

If you are going to visit Hobart, know that there are also other museums or exhibitions to discover, such as TMAG ( Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery ) and the Salamanca Art Centre . The latter is in fact a collective of artists and associations that expose in this place their various creations, ranging from painting to crafts. The TMAG, on the other hand, is full of exciting information about Tasmania, its history and its symbols, such as the tiger of Tasmania, or thylacine, whose race turned out in 1936.

8. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, botanical gardens

If you are looking for what to do in Hobart to relax, in a quiet and peaceful place, then head straight to them Botanical gardens City. The smallest of these gardens is that they hold a unique greenhouse in the world, dedicated to subantarctic vegetation, an extreme region, which makes this greenhouse a rare and exciting place!

9. Bruny Island

Located less than 2h drive from Obart, Bruny Island is an immanquable if you are looking for what to do in Hobart! Head to the small town of Kettering , from where you will take a ferry that will take you to the island. Hiking in the national park, tasting of local produce, observation of the penguins "the Neck" in the evening at sunset... You will not be disappointed with your little getaway on Bruny Island!

10. Cascades Female Factory

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient women ' s prison is one of the things to see if you are going to visit Hobart. Open to the public, this place reveals the stigmats of very heavy conditions of detention! It was between 1788 and 1853 that nearly 25,000 women, and some of their children, were held between these walls. Their daily task was mainly sewing, but the conditions and unhealthy location did not leave much chance of survival to its occupants. A beautiful historical visit, full of emotion awaits you.

How to get to Hobart?

To get to Hobart, be honest... It's long! There are no direct flights to Tasmania (or to Australia). Already, you will have to go to Australia, preferably to the South as Melbourne , Sydney or Brisbane. You will necessarily have a stopover, the place of which will depend on the chosen company. Hang on, you have to count more than 20 hours of travel... As far as the price is concerned, a long mail flight necessarily requires a certain price: it is necessary that you consult the offers in advance to get the best price according to your departure dates. Like our partner Ulysses , the comparisons will be your best allies to find your ticket.

Once in Australia, know that some companies offer direct flights to Hobart (between 1h30 and 2h30 flight). Hobart Airport is located 16km from the city centre, which you can reach by shuttle, taxi, or even more tranquillity, car rental .

Another way to get to Tasmania if you arrive in Melbourne (and if you have time), is the ferry. Every day at 7:30pm, the company "Spirit of Tasmania" connects Melbourne to Devonport (north location of Tasmania) in about 10 hours. Once you arrive in Devonport, you will still be 3h30 on your way to the city of Obart by car or by bus.

Where to stay in Hobart?

Australia and Tasmania are places taken by the bacpackers... The hostel offer is therefore omnipresent! However, know that it is a destination or the cost of living is expensive... The price of housing is therefore not spared! From the small hostel, to typical bed and breakfast, to the 5* hotels, whatever your desires, you will find shoe at your foot. If you choose to visit Hobart, you can read our article on neighborhoods where to stay in Hobart and in case you opt for a hotel, visit this site Compare hotels which lists the best housing offers in this area.

No doubt, you will be charmed by this small Australian island, in the world's edge! We challenge you to bring back a picture of the devil of Tasmania, a small marsupial with red ears that doesn’t exist anywhere else! So you still wonder what to do in Hobart?