If you’re going “down under” and want to go beyond the usual destinations like Sydney or Melbourne, Hobart is a great choice. Here, you can experience a blend of heritage and culture with a modern lifestyle. The city is nestled amongst Mt. Wellington’s foothills and is located right at the mouth of River Derwent. You can go hiking and cruise along the waterfront while enjoying the international gourmet experiences, or just dance the night away in the lively pubs. In short, your one day in Hobart is bound to be a great one.
What’s the best time to visit Hobart?
The best time to visit Hobart is undoubtedly the period from December to February because that’s when you get the best weather here and most festivals take place. The temperatures are pleasant but never too high, so walking the city’s streets is quite a treat.
One of the main things to look out for is MONA FOMA, a festival curated by Brian Ritchie, held here every year in January. There are, however, many other great events you can visit, such as the Falls Music & Arts Festival, Taste of Tasmania (a must for foodies!), Ten Day On The Island and more. Quite literally something for everyone.
A Few Facts about Hobart
Hobart is the capital city of the state of Tasmania in Australia. It is the oldest capital city in the country after Sydney. However, Hobart is much smaller in size than other capitals like Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney (there are approximately 222,000 people in the Greater Hobart area).
Nevertheless, this city comes with a vast captivating history that goes back almost 35,000 years. Hobart used to be a penal colony, but today is a thriving city that also serves as a base for exploration of the Antartica.
One day in Hobart Itinerary
If you are driving or flying through on a cheap multi city flight with an app like Hopupon, then you’ll need to move quickly to see as much as the beautiful Hobart as you can. Below are some great suggestions on what to do.
Drive up Mt. Wellington
The drive up to Mt. Wellington’s summit passes through temperate rainforest, subalpine flora, glacial rock formations and ends with an expansive view of Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula.
There isn’t any other view like this in any other part of Australia. The total drive up is about 21km and goes up on a very narrow road, so drive carefully, but the reward is huge.
Explore the Salamanca Place
When you come back from the hike, go to Salamanca Place, a cobblestone square in Sullivans Cove, on Hobart’s waterfront, a five-minutes’ walk from the city center.
In Salamanca Place, you can explore local galleries, check out local theatres, hit up some craft shops, and go to some of the city’s best restaurants. The market starts at 8:30 in the morning, so getting a room at Salamanca Inn is a great move to make.
Check out Mona – Museum of Old and New Art
MONA, i.e. the Museum of Old and New Art, is a museum that doesn’t take itself too seriously. At Mona, you can get drunk, hear some music, look at some art or all of the above. Mona contains a diverse collection from David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities as well many restaurants and bars including Moorilla Winery, The Source Restaurant, Faro, Moo Brew (off-site brewery).
Walk through Battery Point
Battery Point is a quaint suburb of Hobart that was once home to the battery of guns that defended Tasmania’s coast. This suburb dates back to the early 1800s and still has fragrant rose bushes, winding roads, an array of independent boutiques, and cute cottages.
Drink some wine in Coal River Valley
Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania’s major wine-producing areas located just a 20-minute drive from Hobart. The area is full of modern wineries, cutting edge restaurants, and fine artisanal foods, including tons of wood-fired pizza.
Take a cruise to Peppermint Bay
If you have the time, enjoy a day cruise from Hobart to Peppermint Bay. It’s a great way to end the day, and you get to see the city harbor, beachside towns, and wildlife.
Then stop at the hotel in the bay and enjoy a lunch with a stunning view of the d’Entrecasteaux Channel to Bruny Island. Nothing like taking it easy like this and savoring every moment.
Grab a great dinner and just chill
There are many fine restaurants here where you can enjoy an excellent meal when you finish sightseeing. Peacock and Jones is the best place in the city to enjoy the delicious Tasmanian cuisine, for example, and Kosaten is a Japanese restaurant at the famous Battery point.
Craving some authentic Greek recipes? Your answer is the much-loved and quite popular Urban Greek. Or you can just head to Born in Brunswick, one of the best cafes in Hobart, although this is more of a brunch/lunch kind of place. In any case, the opportunities are very numerous indeed.
Where to Stay in Hobart?
MACq 01 Hotel
18 HUNTER ST, 7000 Hobart
If you really want to live it up when you come to Hobart, MACq 01 is the place to go. The view from the top is superb, and a nice touch is the fact that every room here is linked to someone from Tasmania’s history. The rooms are, of course, luxurious and fantastic, and the service is nothing short of impeccable. You can’t do much better than this!
Salamanca Inn
10 Gladstone Street, 7000 Hobart
Salamanca Inn is a great place to stay because it’s close to many attractions Hobart has to offer. However, it’s also a splendid hotel with excellent rooms and suites that come with kitchens. The Inn’s restaurant is fantastic, however, and the bar serves some pretty interesting drinks. All in all, a great place to stay!
Customs House Hotel
1 Murray St, 7000 Hobart
Should you like to stay in the city center at an affordable rate, Customs House Hotel is an absolutely perfect choice. You are within walking distance from many important places, and the large rooms have plenty of things to offer in terms of equipment. The hotel’s restaurant is famous for its seafood, plus the staff takes really good care of you. What more could you want?
Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
1 Stowell Ave, Battery Point, 7004 Hobart
Probably the best hostel in Hobart, Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is located in a mansion from the 19th century. Not bad, huh? The location is excellent as you are close to the waterfront and many bars and restaurants, but the hostel allows you to stay there and have a great time, too. Grilling equipment in the garden, a nice balcony, and two adorable bulldogs will certainly make your day.
Extra Trips when visiting Hobart
Hobart has an airport that is a 20-minutes’ drive from the city. People coming to Hobart from other continents can take a multi-city flight to Hobart with stopovers at Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne. You can also reach Hobart by sea because Tasmania is an island and is well-connected with the mainland through ferries from Melbourne.
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