Hobart attractions

Nicknamed ‘The Trench’ for its cramped cells and dimly lit tunnels; Hobart Convict Penitentiary is among Hobart’s most notorious convict sites. Built in the 1830s, more than 50,000 male convicts served time at the complex, and a visit to the forner prisons provides a grim insight into Tasmania’s dark past.

Get a lesson in history with a visit to Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), established in 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania. The collection at Australia’s second-oldest museum includes archaeological and colonial relics, Aboriginal artifacts, old photographs, ephemera, and fine examples of colonial decorative arts.

Used by fishing boats and private yachts alike, Constitution Dock is best known as the finishing point for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, which takes place in the week leading up to New Year’s. However, it's a vibrant spot to visit throughout the year, offering good photo opportunities and lots of great spots to grab seafood.

Among the most recognizable features of the Hobart skyline, the massive Tasman Bridge spans almost a mile (1.4 kilometers) from north of the Central Business District out into the suburbs. The bridge drew international news attention in 1975, when a bulk carrier collided into it and then sank, in what was dubbed the Tasman Bridge Disaster.

As an island state, Tasmania’s history is inextricably bound to the water, and the Maritime Museum of Tasmania dives deep into this heritage. Its collections explore how the sea has impacted the populations who have lived here throughout history, from Aboriginal peoples to European whalers to modern-day residents.

Covering much of the southern shores of Bruny Island. South Bruny National Park is a favorite spot for hikers, birdwatchers, and surfers. Located less than an hour's drive from Hobart, the park’s natural landscapes are wild and diverse—rocky coves and deserted beaches line the coast, while dense forests, wildflower fields, and gurgling creeks lie inland.

As its name suggests, the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in southeastern Tasmania isn’t a traditional zoo—it’s an experimental sanctuary that aims to provide the resident animals (and visitors) with the most natural wildlife experiences as possible. Here, you can interact with Tasmanian devils and other animals as they roam unrestricted, free from the pens, cages, and other barriers found at typical zoos.

Follow the journey of pioneer Dr. Douglas Mawson and the Australian Antarctic Expedition, which set sail from Hobart in 1911, at the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum. The museum recreates the huts that’s Mawson and his team lived in during their 2-year adventure and offers insight into life in Antarctica.

High above the forest and Huon River, visitors walk across the Tahune Forest AirWalk, a metal platform suspended in the air. The wind rustles the treetops, and birds chirp around this canopy walkway in the Huon Valley. The Huon and Picton Rivers meet below, and trails and suspension bridges create walking circuits.

Bordering the Derwent River just east of downtown Hobart, the historic docklands of Sullivan’s Cove were the site of the original British settlement in Tasmania. Boats from around the globe still dock at the bustling port and the waterfront district offers a cluster of attractions to tempt visitors to the riverside.

In the heart of the historic town of Richmond, Tasmania, the Richmond Gaol provides plenty of insight into what life was like for imprisoned people in the 19th century. Features include a model jail, a flogging yard, solitary confinement, punishment cells, and even a cookhouse with an old-fashioned oven.

Reaching depths of 560 feet (170 meters, Lake St. Clair is the deepest lake in Australia and one of the most beautiful. Set at an elevation of 2,400 feet (732 meters, this cobalt lake and its forest-lined shores are part of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

Among central Hobart's most recognizable buildings, St. David's Cathedral is a towering Anglican church. It was built in 1868 on a site where previous churches stood (and were subsequently destroyed by windstorms). The church’s neo-Gothic architecture and large organ are among its major draws.

Extending between Richmond and Port Arthur, the Convict Trail traces the history of Australia— which was initially founded as a convict settlement—back to its origin. Learn about how convicts developed the country’s infrastructure as you pass some of the tallest and most-scenic sea cliffs on the planet.

Founded in 1960 by Italian immigrant Claudio Alcorso, Moorilla was among the first wineries to be established on the island of Tasmania. It was acquired in 1995 by gambler and art collector David Walsh, best known as the founder of the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), which sits on the same property north of Hobart.

The Hobart suburb of North Hobart is a popular spot for dining out, particularly along Elizabeth Street. Here you'll find everything from Italian restaurants to cafés to delis slinging Tasmanian produce and artisanal items. It’s a nice area for strolling and shopping, too.

Extending from 30 minutes outside Hobart to southernmost Australia, the scenic Huon Valley is known as Tasmania’s apple orchard. The Huon Highway follows the Huon River through the area, passing vineyards, cider makers, and a series of small villages along the way. Huonville makes a popular base for exploring Tasmania’s far south.

In the heart of Hobart's waterfront area, Lark DIstillery's Cellar Door is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the island's distilling scene. Here, you can sample a flight of specially curated whiskies from Lark's extensive collection or pick up a bottle or two to take home with you.

Macquarie Wharf is one of the primary cruise ship terminals in the Port of Hobart and is considered the gateway to the Southern Ocean. The wharf has three dedicated berths with cruise ship passengers arriving at Terminal No. 2, which, with a waterfront location in downtown Hobart, is within easy walking distance of many city sights.

Aussie’s most memorable creatures and critters can be found at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium, along with exotic animals and rare and endangered species from around the globe. The small family-friendly park is popular among animal lovers and provides the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, koalas, and emus, without leaving Hobart.

Popular for water sports, Tasmania’s Derwent River flows 113 miles (182 kilometers) from Lake St. Clair toward Storm Bay, and shapes the landscape and port of Hobart, situated on an estuary 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the river’s mouth. Along its course, the river cuts through Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park.

At the mouth of the Derwent River, the tranquil coastal neighborhood of Sandy Bay is one of Hobart’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods. Sandy beaches, boat-filled piers and a lively arts community offer a change of pace for travelers escaping the bustle of downtown. It’s also a good choice for rented accommodation outside of the central business district.

Isolated on a peninsula facing the Tasman Sea, the once-feared Port Arthur Penitentiary was where Britain’s most-condemned convicts were sent to endure harsh conditions. Today, the UNESCO-listed site has been restored and preserved to remember Australia’s past; a visit here sheds light on the darker days of Port Arthur.

The leafy residential neighborhood of South Hobart offers a few attractions for travelers and many visitors find themselves passing through en route to nearby Mount Wellington. With its handsome Georgian buildings and green backdrop, it’s a picturesque district and home to the famous Cascades Brewery.

Known for its marine life, reefs, and diverse kelp forests, Tinderbox Marine Reserve in southern Tasmania is an off-shore area of protected waters across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel from Bruny Island. The reserve’s diverse marine ecosystem and proximity to shore make it an inviting destination for recreational diving.

Visiting Truganini Lookout is a highlight of Bruny Island, whether you’re climbing up the wooden staircase at sunset in hopes of glimpsing the island’s resident penguins, or just enjoying the panoramic views. The top of the island’s tall sand mound (known both as the Neck Lookout and the Truganini Lookout) offers spectacular 360-degree views of the island.

Just outside Hobart, Tasmania, Runnymede provides a window into life on the island in the 1840s. This National Trust-run house contains old sailing ephemera, maritime artifacts, period furniture, and historic artwork.

Less than a 2-hour drive south of Hobart will take you to Bruny Island Berry Farm, where you can pick your own berries or purchase pre-picked berries, berry ice cream, berry jam, and other berry-infused treats. The farm is also a beautiful spot to relax while taking in countryside views.

A short walk from the Hobart waterfront, the elegant Parliament House houses Tasmania’s Parliament. It was built in the Georgian style using locally quarried sandstone and was initially designed as a customs house. It’s one of many Hobart buildings designed by John Lee Archer and is worth visiting for its architecture alone.

Perched on a hilltop looking out over Battery Point and the River Derwent, St. George's Anglican Church is one of the neighborhood’s most prominent historic landmarks. Dating back to 1838, it’s among the oldest churches in Hobart and still holds regular services.