Is exploring Hobart, Tasmania on your weekend getaway list? If so, this travel guide may give you a few ideas of things to see and do while you are in Hobart.
At first glance, Hobart, Tasmania gives the impression of a large country town but don’t let her low key looks deceive you. There is much to see and do in this vibrant city and its surroundings. Hobart offers fantastic food, a lively art scene, rich colonial history, and incredible natural beauty; so, basically something for everyone. During a recent long weekend, we visited Hobart, so I’ll share our experiences of our stay.
Where to Stay in Hobart
Henry Jones Art Hotel
This is an eclectic art hotel set in one of the oldest warehouses in Hobart and located in the port area close to the city and amenities. The Henry Jones Hotel, and the surrounding buildings, is rich with history and art, and a delightful place to stay. So book a standard room with a view of the courtyard and you’ll find a relaxed and friendly base for your weekend.
Image source: Henry Jones Art Hotel
Where to eat in Hobart
A fun part of exploring Hobart is the food. There is so much great food here and its often locally sourced. Here are some of the restaurants and cafes we enjoyed.
Landscape restaurant and grill: Located in the old IXL jam factory, and next to the Henry Jones Art Hotel, this restaurant has an extensive wine list coupled with a delicious menu featuring local Tasmanian and Australian ingredient. You’ll dine in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by the landscapes of John Glover.
The Glass House: A cocktail bar and restaurant set at the end of the pier with a gorgeous view of the river. The food is terrific and the kitchen is open from lunchtime until late; convenient for flexible meals and drinks in between sightseeing.
Peacock & Co: Found next to the Henry Jones Art hotel, this restaurant features the best of Tasmanian food. After a very early flight, we had a glass of wine and shared a selection of small plates as a light meal before an early night. Perfect.
Machine Laundry Cafe. A quirky cafe in Salamanca, great for breakfast, a light meal and coffee right in the middle of town.
Things to do in Hobart for a weekend
There’s such a wide variety of thing to explore in Hobart that you’re spoiled for choice. Here are some suggestions:
- Visit the Modern Museum of Old and New Art, otherwise known as MONA. This was an absolute treat and such a wonderful experience. I loved every minute of it but as a non-traditional art gallery, it can be polarising. I’d recommend visiting by ferry, which you pick up in the city pier and enjoying the short ride there and back to the gallery. The exhibitions change and you’ll find MONA a unique and thought-provoking experience.
The MONA walkway overlooking the Derent River. 
A light exhibit at MONA 
An exhibit over 2m high of lead and glasses leaves 
Another light exhibit 
A carpet of indigo pigment 
A coloured walkway towards an new exhibit to explore 
Another example of the stunning use of colour
- Visit local Art Galleries like Art Mob, specialising in Australian indigenous art or Bett Gallery, who feature numerous Tasmanian artists.
- No visit would be complete without a trip to the Saturday Salamanca Markets to enjoy the food and art and craft stalls.
- Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It’s a small museum but well worth the trip; plus don’t miss the Tasmanian tiger exhibit.
Dinosaur skeleton exhibit 
A special exhibit on dinosaurs having feathers 
Lepidoptera display
Things to do just outside Hobart
Drive, or take a bus down to Port Arthur, a historic site rich with convict history in a stunning location. Make sure you catch the introductory walking tour which gives you a vivid sense of life at the Port Arthur penal colony and sets up your afternoon to explore the grounds. You get a sense of how grim life and conditions were in the colony.
The Penitentiary 
The Penitentiary 
The Asylum 
A view from The Penitentiary to the old Port 
Port Arthur church ruins
A photograph of the original settlement 
Interior colonial life in Port Arthur 
Another glimpse into colonial life at Port Arthur
So if you are planning a weekend getaway or a visit to Australia, consider exploring Hobart, Tasmania. It’s well worth the time because the city and its surroundings have so much to offer.
If you’re interested in more travel tips and guide, be sure to check out other travel posts. Or signup to my newsletter for the latest news.
I’m Australian and still haven’t been to Tasmania – shame!
Enjoyed the write-up and photos…think I’ll have to make the effort to get down there when I’m back.
I think you’d really enjoy it – so much creativity and great food.