Things to Do in Hobart

Gardens

If walking through beautiful gardens and enjoying exotic plants that few others have ever seen then Hobart has a rare treat for you. With world class gardens right within your reach you will soon be strolling along and enjoying all the gorgeous sights and delightful smells.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Hobart

Located just outside the city center, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a sight to behold. Covering an area of roughly thirty four acres, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens were established in Hobart in 1818. TOURS ARE AVAILABLE. Find out more about the Royal Hobart Botantical Gardens.

Beaches

Hobart has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia just a stones throw from the city center with crystal clear water & white sands. Find out more about Hobart Beaches

Buildings & Architecture

If beautiful buildings and magnificent structures appeal to you then a trip around Hobart can be very rewarding indeed. With structures that are a hundred years old or even older Hobart has a deep and rich architectural history. From the many churches to a bridge that unites the city you will find great beauty in Hobart's architecture.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church predates St. Mary's Cathedral and has been around for 160 years having seen many changes and restorations where visitors of all denominations are welcome. St. David's Cathedral has been around for over 150 years and is located deep in the heart of Hobart. The bells of this church can be heard across the city calling all to enter freely. St. Peter's Lutheran Church is a beauty to behold. Firmly entrenched in Tasmanian and Australian society, the Lutheran Church was introduced to Australia in 1838 by missionaries working with the Aboriginal people. Twenty years later the synod was brought to Tasmania and has become an important part of Tasmania's ecumenical history.

The Tasman Bridge is a magnificent long-span bridge that crosses the Derwent River estuary. Opened on August 17, 1964, the bridge links the city center and the eastern suburbs as well as all areas of the North-East Coast. The Tasman Bridge is the only direct connection between Hobart Airport and the city center. When crossing the bridge visitors can glance up the gorgeous river and out to the sea. The bridge had to be rebuilt in 1975 when a ship rammed it. The bridge collapsed and twelve lives were lost. Until the bridge could be rebuilt ferries carried commuters across. With many other architectural gems around Hobart you will be able to spend your time enjoying the rich history that is tied into the growth and development that made Hobart what it is today.

Shopping

Whether you are looking for that perfect souvenir to take home to someone or finding something special for yourself Hobart has the right shop for you. From the many shopping arcades and stores that are located in the city center to those located along the waterfront, a world of treasures awaits the avid shopper in Hobart's shopping scene.

Some of the streets that are home to a good portion of the shopping in Hobart include Elizabeth Street, Liverpool Street, and Murray Street. Collins Street is home to the Cat and Fiddle Arcade as well as the Centerpoint Arcade.

The Cat and Fiddle Arcade one Collins Street is one of Hobart's busiest arcades. The arcade walls feature figures from many popular nursery rhymes. One of the main attractions is the gem-cutting workshop that is offered and beautiful jewelry is available for purchase.

Centerpoint Arcade is home to many different types of shops from music vendors to baby clothes.

Salamanca Place, which was named after the Battle of Salamanca (1812), was built sometime between 1835-1860. A lively street full of beautiful warehouses, it is now home to many antique dealers and souvenir shops. With wandering street musicians and a craft market held every Saturday, Salamanca can be a shopper's paradise. The waterfront is home to vendors that sell a selection of everything; from beautiful glass works, jewelry to locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tours

There are a large number of city tours as well as sightseeing trips that are offered for Hobart and the surrounding area. Anytime during the main holiday season which runs from December to the end of April holiday makers can choose from several different packages that include Port Arthur, Launceston, Mount Wellington, the Hasting Caves, Richmond, the Derwent valley, and more.

Whether you try your hand at fishing with Alistair's Trout Fishing and Adventure Tours or decide to try your hand at horse riding with Riding High, there are tours for everyone to enjoy.

Fishing tour providers will happily take you out and show you some of the best local fishing holes you can imagine while giving you tips to catching your own prize winning fish. Most carry their own tackle for you to use and will provide the necessary licensing as well.

If horseback tours are more to your liking then any one of several equestrian centers around Hobart can help you with the tour of your choice. From learning to work cattle runs to a peaceful leisurely ride along the beaches, no matter what interests you most about horse riding Hobart has it all.

For the chocolate lover in you there is the Cadbury Tour as well. Lasting over four hours and culminating with a tour through the Cadbury Factory shop this tour is one that many chocolate lovers could not resist.

For the historian amongst you, a visit to Port Arthur, a short hop from the city centre is a must see. Port Arthur is one of Tasmania’s oldest convict settlements. Built in 1830 you can explore the grounds through the lives of the prisoners while experiencing the rich history of Tasmania’s convict past. For the more daring person, step into the smallest prison cell, measuring just 1m by 1m by 1m! Enjoy a short cruise around the harbour of Port Arthurs and sample the café’s local produce or enjoy a picnic in the picturesque grounds.  

No matter what sort of tour tickles your fancy rest assured that Hobart can more than deliver.

Outdoor Activities

If you love the outdoors and are looking for something to do in that vein then there are many activities to be found. From city parks to breath-taking Mount Wellington there is no end to the outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends, or all alone.

With the city set against it, Mount Wellington provides the perfect backdrop offering many wonderful views and enjoyable hikes. Some of the hikes are rather easy but others can be quite difficult. If a hiker is in decent shape and experienced then they should be able to make it to the summit and back from the city center within a day. With shorter hikes and walks available it is no wonder that Mount Wellington draws visitors from around the world.

If you have small children and are looking for a special spot to take them then you might consider Caldew Park which is located in suburban West Hobart. The biggest draw for this park is a real railway train which, since being retired, has been changed into a giant piece of playground equipment for the kids. With everything from fireman's poles to slides and more children love to “drive” the train and let their imaginations run wild.

A short day trip to the South of Hobart, will lead you deep within the Tasmania wilderness, where you can experience the Tahume Forest Reserve. A metal platform constructed high within the tree tops, with suspended sections, will allow you to experience the beautiful and very peaceful Tasmania wilderness. Looking out over the winding river and the masses of Huon Pine trees, if this is not your idea of fun, enjoy the short walks leaving from the Visitor Centre. With these activities and so many more it is no wonder outdoor enthusiasts enjoy all that Hobart has to offer.

Visit the Harbour

Along Hobart's waterfront you can stroll along the docks and admire the boats that make Hobart their home port or hoping aboard a cruise and learning more about the rich Maritime history. No matter which direction you turn you will find plenty of ways to pass the time along the waterfront.

Aboard the Incat Shipbuilders Cruise you will not only have a fun jaunt out to open water, but you will also get to visit the shipbuilding company itself. Famous for their top notch catamaran designs Incat produces passenger ferries that are sold world wide. Cruise passengers get a first hand look at ship construction from beginning to end. A visit to Dead Man's Gold is not likely to be forgotten. From learning about life as a whaler to finding out the truth about pirates, visitors will soon find themselves loading the cannon or paying a visit to the “head” (toilet). Adults may enjoy a visit to the Gasworks Complex in what used to be part of old Hobart Town's “red light” district from its colorful past. Cleaned up and restored, it now houses a Distillery Shop, a restaurant, and a small museum on site. No matter where you choose to go along the waterfront you are bound to find something that will shiver your timbers or tickle your fancy.

Take in the Entertainment

For the most part when you go on a holiday it is because you are looking for a way to relax. Many of us do that through some form of entertainment. Whether it is splashing around in an aquatic center or hitting the lanes in a game of bowling there is always something entertaining going on in Hobart.

At the Moonah Bowling Centre the entire family can enjoy a game or several. With a snack bar, a pro shop and a games room there is something for everyone. The center is even equipped to hold birthday parties for youngsters.

If swimming is your favorite activity then a visit to the Tattersalls Hobart Aquatic Complex may be in order. Totally enclosed the complex can be enjoyed no matter what the outside conditions are like. With a whale slide and water jets the center easily keeps little ones amused. The complex features an Olympic sized pool and several diving boards as well as a full sized waterslide for the big kids at heart.

Also for the young or young at heart is Rosny Mini Golf. With two 18 hole courses the serious mini golfer will surely putt to their hearts content. Whether you enjoy mini golf, water parks, or bowling there is plenty of entertaining pastimes available in Hobart for those who are ready for a little excitement in their lives.

Festivals

If you are in Hobart at the time one of the many festivals or fairs are taking place you will find many exciting events happening. From races to pageants there are gatherings to suit everyone's hobbies and interests. Most all the festivals have free admission as well making them easy on the pocketbook.

The Sydney to Hobart yacht race is the oldest yacht race in Australia. Leaving from Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day (December 26) and arriving in Port Hobart approximately 2-3 days later, with a record of 1 day and 18 hours (2005) are a part of the Hobart Summer Festival. This festival is a food and wine festival that begins right after Christmas and doesn't end until the middle of January. Another part of this festival is the Taste of Tasmania. Locals and visitors can wander around and taste excellent local and international wine and food.

Taking place in Hobart during the spring is the annual Tulip Festival that is held at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Also, held annually every April since 1991, the Targa Tasmania rally car event finishes in Hobart. For those who love art there is the 10 Days on the Island festival which is a biannual international arts festival that hosts the bulk of its festivities in Hobart. Bi-annually Hobart celebrates the Australian Wooden Boat Festival which celebrates the history behind wooden boats. This festival coincides with the Royal Hobart Regatta which was started back in 1830 which makes it Tasmania's oldest sports event. With many more festivities going on at different times of the year around Hobart it is not difficult to find one that suits your tastes.

Museums

If you are looking to learn more about Hobart's past then you are in luck. With several museums around the city there is a world of information waiting for you. By visiting one of Hobart's museums you will soon feel a connection to the peoples that settled this area and turned it into the thriving city it is today.

With several different museums to choose from the hardest part will be deciding where to start. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is housed in Commissariat Store, the oldest building in Hobart, which dates back to 1808. It holds exhibits that cover the convict history of Tasmania and also the indigenous people as well. With the doors open from 10am until 5pm and admission being free, you will find yourself spending a good bit of time getting immersed in Hobart's history.

At the Military Museum of Tasmania you will learn more about the Anglesea Barracks which were built by colonial authorities early during the time of Van Diemen's Land settlement and are still used today. This qualifies the Anglesea Barracks as the oldest military buildings in Australia that have been continuously occupied. Part of the complex itself, the museum documents Tasmanian military history and its involvement in conflicts ranging from the Boer War to Vietnam. While very fascinating you must plan ahead for a visit as it is only open one day a week currently.

With other exhibits around the city ranging from Hobart's Maritime heritage to the Antarctic Exploration teams that leave from Hobart regularly you will not be at a loss for a delightful way to pass your time in this history rich city.