Choose from 55 Fun Things to Do in Hobart
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Henty Sand Dunes
Rising from the coastline of western Tasmania like soft, shapeshifting mountains, the Henty sand dunes are natural wonders on the outskirts of the town of Strahan. Trek to the top of these wind-sculpted pinnacles for sweeping views of the shoreline, and then feel the rush of wind in your face as you race down the dunes on a sandboard. Tall, dusty and with a soft cushion for landing, the largest dunes can create heart-pumping runs as you slide your way toward the shoreline.
Or, to really explore the depths of the dunes as they stretch inland toward the interior, rev the engine of a 4WD quad bike and bounce away from the coast. Along the way you can drink in the views of Tasmania’s largest dune structure, and given the otherwise lush surroundings of the rainforest-laden west coast, you’ll see that the desert-like pinnacles are beautifully out of place. At the end of the day, stick around to watch the sun go down beneath the distant western horizon, and enjoy the isolated, elevated perch from the top of your very own dune.
Practical Info
The Henty sand dunes are seven miles from Strahan, a popular destination on the west coast of Tasmania located 185 miles from Hobart. West coast winters can be rainy and brisk, so the best time to visit the Henty sand dunes is during the summer and fall. There is no admission charge to visit the dunes should you decide to see them on your own. Sandboarding tours and quad bike tours depart from the center of Strahan.
Address: Zeehan Road, Strahan, Tasmania, Australia
From $ 323
Battery Point
This quiet suburb just south of Hobart was established in 1818, and while extravagant houses and luxury homes now dot the landscape of this prestigious town, a walk through its shaded streets offers visitors a look at how Tasmanians used to live.
The old warehouses of Salamanca Place are still visible from atop Kelly’s Steps, a series of hand-carved stairs built in the 1800s. Travelers can explore Battery Point’s colonial past at the Narryna Heritage Museum, then trek to the town’s highest point at St. George’s Anglican Church, built in 1936.
No trip to Battery Point is complete without a visit to Arthur Circus—one of the nation’s first official subdivisions. Today, visitors can wander around the original cottages, which are now some of the most expensive and sought-after homes in the area.
Practical Info
Battery Point is just south of the central business district of Hobart. It is accessible from Sandy Bay Road or Hampden Road. The town is best explored on foot.
Address: Battery Point, Hobart, Australia
From $ 41
Port Arthur
A moving reminder of Australia’s harrowing history, the former convict settlement of Port Arthur was a key part of often brutal convict discipline within the colonial system. Today, the Port Arthur historic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, with museums and memorials devoted to telling the area’s history.
The Basics
Journey back in time on a tour of Port Arthur and explore the vast ruins of the penal settlement, including the Penitentiary, Separate Prison, Dockyard, Port Arthur gardens, Coal Mines Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory, and Gothic church. Prebook a 2-day pass or take a private or small-group tour that leaves from Hobart, often combined with other regional highlights, such as a scenic cruise around Tasman Peninsula, a cliff-top walk to Waterfall Bay, or a Hobart city tour. Two-day entrance tickets to Port Arthur include a guided walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to all sites, except the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, for which guided tours are extra.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Port Arthur historic site is spread across 100 acres (40 hectares), so plan at least a half-day visit.
- Facilities at Port Arthur include a visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, and cafe/restaurant.
- Cell phone coverage is limited at Port Arthur, but free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a raincoat, and plenty of water if you plan on taking a walking tour—weather can change quickly at the open-air site.
- Most of the Port Arthur historic site is wheelchair accessible, and a shuttle buggy service is available for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Hobart. Public buses run from the city, and it’s a 1.5-hour drive along the scenic Arthur Highway, crossing Eaglehawk Neck, the narrow isthmus that joins the peninsula to the mainland. The closest airport is in Hobart.
When to Get There
Port Arthur is open year-round, although hours are extended in summer. The summer season (December to February) is busy so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds. Visiting out of season is generally quieter, but be prepared for changeable weather and less frequent tours.
Port Arthur Tours
The stories of Port Arthur are told in different ways. Interactive displays tell the tragic story of the 12,500 convicts who served time from 1830 to 1877, while after-dark ghost tours explore the site’s haunted buildings. Optional guided tours visit the Isle of the Dead, the final resting place for many of the convicts, and the Point Puer boys’ prison, an experimental prison that housed around 3,000 young boys between 1834 and 1849.
Address: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Hobart 7182, Australia
Hours: Open 9am to dusk
Admission: Adults: AU$39
From $ 81
Convict Trail
From Richmond to Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, take the Convict Trail from Hobart to get a real feel for Tasmania’s history and natural beauty. To get the most out of your visit, take a leisurely approach and spread your tour over a couple of days.
Take a cruise on the water lapping the Tasman National Park, then allow at least a couple of hours to take in the history of the Port Arthur penal settlement. Detour to visit a wildlife park, for a face-to-face encounter with a Tasmanian devil.
Then visit Richmond, an intact Georgian town of lovely houses, restaurants and its famous convict-built bridge over the Coal River. The tiny Richmond Jail pre-dates Port Arthur, with its well-preserved cells and flogging yards.
Along the way, drop into produce stalls and vineyards, antique shops, tearooms and yet more wildlife parks.
Practical Info
Tasmania’s Convict Trail leads from Hobart south to Port Arthur, and north to Richmond and the Midlands towns of Richmond, Ross, Longford and Campbell.
Address: Bridge Street, Richmond 7025, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 98
Constitution Dock
Nowhere is Hobart’s communion with the sea more evident than Constitution Dock, where commercial fishing boats share the harbor with sailboats and luxury yachts. Each summer, Constitution Dock is the ending point for the Sydney-Hobart sailing race, which is generally regarded as one of the world’s most challenging offshore races. Even during other times of the year, however, Constitution Dock is a buzz of activity with visitors and Hobart locals, as fishermen hoist up crates full of fish, and waterfront restaurants serve some of Australia’s freshest fish and chips. When visiting the coastal Tasmanian capital, the dock is the perfect place for a stroll and feeling the city’s pulse. In the area surrounding Constitution Dock, many of Hobart’s historic buildings all line the action-packed waterfront, where buskers, fishermen, merchants, and tourists combine to create an energetic, yet authentic Tasmanian scene.
Practical Info
Constitution Dock is a 10-minute walk from the center of downtown Hobart. It’s within easy walking distance of other city attractions, including Parliament Square, Salamanca Market, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Address: 14 Argyle Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7000, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
From $ 59
Cascade Brewery
With a legacy dating back to 1824, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest continually operating brewery, founded by English settler Peter Degraves. The historic brewery, set in Hobart at the foot of Mount Wellington, welcomes guests to its brewhouse and restaurant, and offers tours and tastings.
The Basics
Beer lovers can peek behind-the-scenes and discover the beer-making process on a guided brewery tour, or take part in a Cascade Beer School workshop and learn more about its historic brews. You can also sample the full range of Cascade beers and ciders, and tuck into delicious seasonal cuisine, at the Brewhouse. Thanks to its strategic location by Mount Wellington, the brewery is also popular with hikers seeking an ideal pre- or post-hike lunch destination.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Cascade Brewery is a must-do for beer lovers.
- Brewery tours are open to guests aged 16 and older, tastings are for those at least 18 years old, and the Cascade Beer School is open to all ages.
- Brewery tours take 1.5 hours including tasting; Cascade Beer School workshops last 30 minutes.
- Brewery tour participants must be covered from the waist down, and shoes must be flat and closed-toe.
- Numbers are limited for brewery tours, so it’s recommended to book in advance, especially in peak season.
- The Brewhouse is accessible to wheelchair users, but due to stairs, the brewery tour is not.
How to Get There
Cascade Brewery is located at the foot of Mount Wellington in South Hobart, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. Buses from central Hobart stop close to the brewery; you can also catch a taxi.
When to Get There
Cascade Brewery is open 10am to 5pm daily year-round except Christmas and Good Friday. The busiest time of year is during the summer months of January and February, when it’s recommended to book tours and tastings well in advance.
Cascade Brewery Beers
Cascade’s beers are brewed on-site using Tasmanian-grown hops and barley, and water sourced from Mount Wellington. Popular brews include Cascade Pale Ale, the original Cascade beer; Cascade Premium Light, the top-selling light beer in Australia; and Cascade Draught, Cascade Bitter, and Cascade Lager. The brewery also produces a range of Mercury Ciders.
Address: 140 Cascade Road, Hobart 7004, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 11
Lake St Clair
Reaching depths of nearly 700 feet, not only is Lake St Clair the deepest lake in Australia, it may very well be the most beautiful. Set at an elevation of 2,400 feet, this cobalt lake and its forest-lined shores make up the aquatic pearl of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The distant peak of Mt Olympus towers above the shoreline as visitors dip their toes in the cool waters,. Though not as tall as the park’s Mt Ossa (which, at 5,400 feet, is the tallest mountain in Tasmania), the jagged spire of Mt Olympus manages to dominate the lakeshore’s skyline.
Besides the lake, the entire area is famous for housing some of the best hikes on the island. The six-day Overland Trail has its southern terminus here at Lake St Clair, and hikers who have just completed the 40-mile trail are often found on the ferry that crosses from Narcissus Bay to Cynthia Bay. Travelers just visiting for the day can spend an hour walking the lakeshore trails or tackle a six-hour backcountry journey into the surrounding Tasmanian wilderness. Since track conditions change frequently, the first stop should always be at the informative Lake St Clair Visitor Center, where not only will you get information on current trail conditions and closures, but also find exhibits on early settlers and original Aboriginal inhabitants. At the end of your hike, fire up the BBQ at the Cynthia Bay campground, wash your feet in the refreshing waters and watch as the fading afternoon sun drapes Mt Olympus in shadows.
Practical Info
Lake St Clair is located 2.5 hours from Hobart and is accessible via the Lyell Highway. A day pass to the park can be purchased for either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle, and multi-day holiday passes are $30 per person or $60 per vehicle. The weather in the Tasmanian interior can often be wet and unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for any weather—including snow—even during the middle of summer. Camping is available at Cynthia Bay, which has the greatest number of visitor facilities available along the lake.
Address: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Admission: Day pass $12 per person, $24 per vehicle
From $ 111
Moorilla Estate Winery
Art, wine, boutique accommodations—with a brewery thrown in for fun—that’s the experience waiting here at this vineyard just north of Hobart, where imposing Mt. Wellington rises in the distance yet you still smell salt on the breeze. Housed at one of Tasmania’s oldest vineyards, Moorilla Estate winery uses tight clusters of grapes that are grown on exceptionally mature vines, and crafts them into Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Nearly 20 different wines in total are produced right here on the vineyard, which is conveniently set right next to MONA—the fascinating Museum of Old and New art that houses Australia’s largest private art collection in its modern, quirky interior. Combine a tour of the museum and vineyard before sitting down for a tasting, discussing the elements of art on display while swishing and sniffing your wine. If the entire experience is too good to leave, the boutique, luxurious MONA pavilions are located right on sight, so you can wake in the morning, enjoy the café, and spend another Hobart day surrounded by art and wine.
Practical Info
90 minute guided tours of the winery and tasting room depart at 3:30pm from Wednesday-Monday. Brewery tours take place on Fridays at 12:30pm.
Address: 651-655 Main Road, Berriedale, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7011, Australia
Hours: Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm
Admission: Wine tasting: $10; Guided tour: $15; Brewery tour: $30
From $ 122
Bruny Island Berry Farm
Bruny Island has a reputation as an Australian foodie paradise, and the Bruny Island Berry Farm is part of the reason why. Here on this family-owned berry farm near the shores of Adventure Bay, locally-grown berries are deliciously transformed into ice cream, scones, jams, cheesecakes, and a wide assortment of desserts. If some of the farm’s 7,000 strawberry plants happen to be in season, visitors have the chance to wander the fields and pick their own berries from the vines. Blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, and youngberries all sweeten a visit to the farm, and even if the berries aren’t currently in season, the rural café is a relaxing spot for a coffee, tea, or scone.
Practical Info
The Bruny Island Berry Farm is open from 10am-5pm daily, but is closed during the winter months of May-late October. From the car ferry it’s approximately a 40-minute drive heading south towards Adventure Bay.
Address: 550 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay TAS, Australia
From $ 133
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Situated on Bruny Island in Tasmania, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse tower in the country, having been first lit in 1838. The structure was commissioned by Governor George Arthur following a series of mishaps and shipwrecks just off Bruny Island and took two years to build by convict labor.
Technological advances in the 1980s and 1990s led to the lighthouse being lit for the last time on Aug. 6, 1996, when it was replaced by a solar-powered light nearby. In December 2000, the lighthouse was declared part of the South Bruny National Park.
Visitors should be prepared for rough roads and a steep walk to reach the lighthouse, although you’ll be well rewarded on arrival; with some fantastic views out to sea, migrating humpback and southern right whales have been spotted from this vantage point.
Practical Info
Casual visitors aren’t usually allowed inside the lighthouse but there is a good museum, which is free.
Address: Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
From $ 11
Mount Field National Park
Tasmania is known for its stunning scenery and wealth of natural beauty, and of the island’s 19 national parks, Mount Field National Park is the oldest of them all. Established in 1916, this area set an hour from Hobart offers tumbling waterfalls, backcountry hiking trails and diverse wildlife that includes the awkward-looking platypus and the famous Tasmanian devil. Of all the sights within the park, Russell Falls is one of the most popular thanks to its ease of access. A 20-minute, paved walk leads to the thundering three-tiered waterfall, and adjoining hiking tracks lead through gum forests and brilliantly green patches of ferns.
During the months of April and June, the upper slopes of the Mount Field National Park are ablaze in the colors of fall. Deep reds and bright oranges blanket the thinning treetops, and there is enough snowfall from July until September to sustain a popular ski lodge. Lake Dobson is another park favorite, located toward the upper reaches of the park, and the hiking trails that fan out from its parking lot take six to eight hours to cover. From the sweeping viewpoints of these glacially carved valleys that look out over the forests, it’s easy to see why Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions.
Practical Info
Mount Field National Park is located 40 miles from Hobart, about an hour’s drive outside the city. There is a daily park fee of either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle, and multi-day visitors can purchase holiday passes for $30 each person or $80 each vehicle. While rain and snow can fall during any month of the year, the summer months of December through March offer the driest and warmest conditions.
Address: Lake Dobson Road, Maydena, Tasmania, Australia
Admission: Daily park fee of either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle.
From $ 96
Gordon River
The Gordon River is as beautifully remote as one could hope a river would be. Beginning in the highlands of the central plateau that dominates inland Tasmania, the riverbank is devoid of any residents along its 117-mile path. Instead, the entire length of this tea-colored river is part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, a forested expanse of raw wilderness found on the western side of the island. Many of the trees set along this riverbank are nearly 2,000 years old, and as if the beauty couldn’t get any more stunning, the rolling profile of the surrounding hills is often reflected in the river waters.
When visiting Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, one of the most popular activities is to spend a day on a Gordon River cruise. Plying the waters of the lower reaches of the river, it’s easy to imagine what it must have been like in the early 1800s, when the nearby prison at Sarah Island housed some of Australia’s most fearsome convicts. Today, however, the Gordon River is as placid and peaceful as the leaves that drift on its waters, and it’s a natural resource that fortifies the beauty of the western Tasmanian coastline.
Practical Info
Gordon River cruises depart from Port Macquarie in the west coast town of Strahan. The month of February is considered the best time to visit because of its high number of clear days, while the autumn months of October and November are often cloudy and wet. Most Gordon River cruises are also combined with stops at surrounding sights, such as Sarah Island, Hell’s Gate or a vantage point for viewing Ocean Beach.
Address: Gordon River, Tasmania, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 69
Mt. Wellington
Standing sentinel over Hobart, Mt. Wellington is known by locals simply as “the Mountain.” The 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) peak offers unbeatable views over the Tasmanian capital, and the surrounding parklands serve as a popular recreational ground for city dwellers.
The Basics
The view from the summit of Mt. Wellington is one of the highlights of a visit to Hobart, and it’s possible to hike or drive to the top. Guided tours often combine a photo stop on Mt. Wellington with other Hobart attractions, such as Richmond Historic Village, Tahune Airwalk, or Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (where you can see Tasmanian devils). Adventurous types can also opt to hike the mountain; it's about a 3-hour hike to the summit lookout point.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring all-weather clothing, even in summer. The weather can change abruptly on the mountaintop, and it’s often chilly even when it’s sunny down in Hobart.
- There is an observation shelter and restrooms at the summit.
- The lookout point is wheelchair accessible with easy access from the parking area.
How to Get There
Mt. Wellington is located just west of Hobart. The main entry point is at Fern Tree, from where the winding 13.5-mile (22-kilometer) Pinnacle Road runs up to the summit. Buses operate from downtown Hobart to Fern Tree, from where it’s also possible to hike to the summit.
When to Get There
Views from Mt. Wellington are most stunning at sunrise or sunset, especially on clear days. While Pinnacle Road is typically accessible year-round, you will need a 4WD vehicle in the winter months and it may be closed during periods of extreme weather.
Outdoor Activities at Mt. Wellington
Mt. Wellington is the grand centerpiece of the gigantic Mt. Wellington Park, where adventure seekers will find plenty to do. Hikers can scale neighboring Sleeping Beauty, Collins Cap, and Cathedral Rock mountains, or enjoy numerous short hikes and bushwalks through the forests and mountain valleys. Alternatively, explore off-road in a 4WD vehicle, go mountain biking or horseback riding along the scenic Pipeline Track, or head to Organ Pipes Cliffs to enjoy rock climbing and abseiling.
Address: Pinnacle Road, Hobart 7054, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Penitentiary
There was once a time when visiting Port Arthur was akin with a sentence to death. Isolated on a scenic peninsula and facing the Tasman Sea, the famous and feared Port Arthur Penitentiary was where the worst of the worst of Britain’s convicts were sent to live out their days. Though not all convicts were sentenced to death, the harsh working conditions and manual labor were enough to drive convicts to literal insanity and commit murder for an early, death sentence exit.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
Practical Info
The Penitentiary building is just one part of the larger Port Arthur Historic Site. Mass renovations in 2014 retained the structural integrity, and the building lives on as an iconic landmark for the area’s convict past.
Address: Champ St, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: $35 Adult, $16 Child
From $ 98
Derwent River
Hobart is set on the Derwent River estuary, which sets it apart as one of the world’s great sailing cities and harbors.
Take a cruise by jet boat or ferry on the Derwent, or cross the water by water-taxi. Cruises go upriver to Moorilla Winery or the Cadbury Factory, or out to Iron Pot Lighthouse near Bruny Island.
The harbor is indented with sandy bays and beaches and crossed by several bridges. From the water you can see Mount Wellington, the docks, botanical gardens and suburbs.
Sea kayaking is another way of experiencing the Derwent, leaving from the Hobart docks and paddling around the city.
Practical Info
The Derwent River rises in Lake St Clair in the mountainous heart of Tasmania, and flows 240 km (148 miles) to reach the sea.
Address: Sullivans Cove, Hobart 7000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 80
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
This all-female prison is one of 11 places that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Between 1788 and 1853 approximately 25,000 women—and even some of their children—were held in one of Cascade’s five structures. High rates of illness and infant mortality, as well as grim conditions led to tragic ends for many of the inmates who were forced to sew and mend to repay their debts to society.
Three of the five original buildings are open to the public, so visitors can see the heavy stone walls and thick metal bars that held so many women captive. The Matron’s Quarters in Yard 4 provides travelers with details about the lives of civilians who were charged with punishing and reforming Cascade’s wayward women. This female factory is a fascinating introduction to Tasmania’s role in convict transportation for Great Brittan.
Practical Info
It’s easy to get to Cascades Female Factory on foot by following the Hobart Town Rivulet path. Visitors can also take the 44, 46, 47 or 49 buses to St Johns Hospital and walk down Apsley Street. Tickets range from $15-$20 and tours are included.
Address: 16 Degraves St, South Hobart TAS 7004, Australia
Admission: $15-20
From $ 41
Lark Distillery
Lark Distillery might not be the first of its kind in Tasmania, but prior to 1992 when Lark Distillery opened, the last time Tasmania had a whiskey distillery was 1839. Though 150 years may have passed, Tasmania still produces ingredients that go into premium whiskey, and as staff will tell you when taking a tour of the Lark Distillery grounds, it’s the premium, fresh, island-grown ingredients that make the whiskey a smashing success. Even if you don’t take part in the tour, Hobart travelers can enjoy a drink at the popular cellar door, where 150 different whiskeys create a premium tasting experience unrivaled by any in town.
Practical Info
The Lark Distillery in on the Hobart waterfront and conveniently located downtown. The three-hour distillery tour begins at the waterfront and then travels 20 minutes to where the actual distilling of whiskey takes place. The distillery is closed on the second Monday of every month, and tour participants must be 18 years old to sample the drinks on the tour.
Did You Know? If you aren’t in the mood for sipping whiskey, the Lark Distillery also serves gin, beer, cider, and coffee.
Address: 14 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Australia
Hours: 10:30am-7pm on Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30am-11pm on weekends
Admission: $75 for a guided tour
From $ 126
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Experts at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary have been nursing some of Australia’s most-beloved creatures back to health since 1981. When the park first opened, its team of passionate volunteers worked tirelessly to provide orphaned wildlife, like its family of 17 Tasmanian devils, with a safe home and adequate care in a near-to-natural environment. For more than 20 years the sanctuary has continued to promote its mission of reducing rates of extinction by raising community awareness.
Visitors to Bonorong get a guided explanation of the sanctuary’s rehabilitation efforts, as well as a real-life lesson on the impact of wildlife conservation while on a tour of the grounds. Guests of the park can also get up close and personal with Australian animals by feeding one of the largest mobs of free-range kangaroos and wallabies in the world.
Practical Info
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is located on Briggs Road in Brighton just off the A1. Guided tours happen daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors can book private night tours for an additional fee.
Address: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030, Australia
Admission: Adult: $25; Child: $11
From $ 67
Bruny Island
Less than an hour from the Tasmanian capital and yet a world away from the busy streets of Hobart, Bruny Island draws a steady stream of weekenders from the mainland. The two islands, joined by a long narrow isthmus, are a wildlife haven of jagged cliffs and golden beaches swirling with seabirds. Both are dotted with sleepy villages and tranquil guesthouses, and main activities are hiking, fishing, and slurping fresh-from-the-ocean oysters.
The Basics
Most visitors opt to cruise in on a guided day or overnight tour from Hobart. Tours typically visit highlights such as the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Mount Mangana rainforest, and Adventure Bay. Food tasting tours are also popular, with guides taking visitors to island hot spots such as the Bruny Island Cheese Company, Bruny Island Berry Farm, and other artisan producers. You’ll also stop at some of the best points for wildlife viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no public transport on the island, and car rentals are only available from the mainland—confirm that your rental insurance covers the island.
- Cell phone coverage can vary throughout Bruny Island, and free Wi-Fi is only available at some hotels and guesthouses.
- Tasmania’s notoriously changeable weather means it’s best to always have a raincoat or umbrella handy, even in summer.
- Some boat cruises, accommodation options, and ferries are wheelchair accessible, but check in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to Get There
Dangling off the southern shore of Tasmania, Bruny Island lies about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Hobart. Car ferries run to Bruny from the mainland town of Kettering, a 20-minute cruise across the Tasman Sea, arriving at the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in North Bruny. The closest airport is Hobart, which offers regular flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and other mainland Australia cities. Once on the island, you’ll need a car or bicycle to get around.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit Bruny Island is summer, when weather is warmer and all the island’s attractions are open. Tours, ferries, and accommodations can be more expensive at this time, however, especially over summer holidays (December to January), and advance bookings are advised. A winter visit can save money, and you’ll get many of the natural wonders to yourself, but check ahead that accommodations and attractions are open.
Bruny Island Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife-spotting opportunities abound on Bruny Island, whether you embark on a wilderness cruise, hike through the South Bruny National Park, or take in the views from Bruny Island Neck. Rare animal sightings include white wallabies, forty-spotted pardalotes, and great white sharks, while more common finds are New Zealand fur seals and southern elephant seals, leatherback turtles, dolphins, penguins, and humpback whales.
Address: Bruny Island Main Road, Bruny Island 7150, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art showcases modern and contemporary art alongside antiquities to create a surreal museum experience.
Opened in January 2011, MONA has quickly become one of Hobart’s top museums. The museum primarily sources its art from the private collection of owner David Walsh. Described as a ‘ghost train for adults,’ MONA is certainly a unique experience. Exhibitions are intense, the experience larger than life.
Exhibitions in MONA change regularly. Currently on display are three exhibitions ranging from 10 to 3 months in length, as well as the permanent ‘Monaism’ collection – described as an evolving exhibition of the highlights of the collection. Recent and future exhibitions include showcases of world theater, an exploration of Lewis Carroll’s The Red Queen character, and the work of specific artists. Themes, concepts and the work of individuals form powerful exhibitions within the building.
Practical Info
MONA is located on the Berriedale peninsula in Hobart, within the grounds of the Moorilla Winery. There’s limited parking on site, but both buses and ferries leave regularly from the MONA Brooke St Ferry Terminal in Hobart. The ferry takes half an hour and gives impressive views of the peninsula on its approach. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for concession, and free for under 18s and Tasmanian residents.
Address: 655 Main Road Berriedale, Hobart, Victoria 7011, Australia
Admission: Adults: $20
From $ 80