Hobart is one of those places that surprises you in the best way possible. You think you know what to expect from a small Australian city, but Tasmania’s capital has a way of pulling you in deeper than you planned. From the best Hobart attractions to unforgettable Hobart cruises, there is no shortage of experiences waiting for you here. Think wild cliffs at the Tasman Peninsula, untouched shores of Maria Island, the legendary peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the picture-perfect waters of Wineglass Bay.
Oh and Bruny Island? Absolutely unmissable. In this guide, we’re taking you through the best of what Hobart and its surrounds have to offer. The landscapes, the adventures, the experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth… Hobart always has something new to show you. Let’s get into it!
Bruny Island
Ever heard of an island off an island, which is off another island? That’s Bruny Island for you! Located to the south of Hobart, it’s one of Tasmania’s most loved wilderness escapes. Dramatic cliffs, abundant wildlife and breathtaking coastal views make this place something truly special. The best part? It’s close enough for a day trip from Hobart!
The star of the show here is Bruny Island tours. Awarded Australia’s BEST Tourist Attraction multiple times, these family-run boat tours take you up close to sea caves, massive rock stacks and natural archways. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, fur seals, seabirds and even Humpback Whales during migration season!
Don’t miss the Neck. A narrow sandbar connecting the two halves of the island, it’s also home to the Trungani Lookout… a deeply significant heritage site with panoramic views across the whole island. The South Bruny National Park is worth exploring too. Think rainforests, challenging treks and rare wildlife like the White Wallaby and the endangered Swift Parrot.
Tasman Peninsula
Located about 90 minutes from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is home to some of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in Australia. Best explored on a Tasman Island Cruise!
Jump on one of the famous yellow boats and get ready for an experience that stays with you. Think vertical sea cliffs, hidden sea caves, cascading waterfalls plunging into the ocean and surreal rock formations like the Tessellated Pavement and Tasman Arch. Then there’s the Devil’s Kitchen… a dramatic coastal chasm where crashing waves foam and churn at the base of the cliffs, looking like something bubbling in a giant cauldron. That’s exactly how it got its name!
Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and marine wildlife along the way. Tasman Island is also home to Australia’s highest operational lighthouse and marks the final stretch of the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race! Best visited between October and April… but pack a warm jacket. Out on the water it gets COLD!
Maria Island
This stunning island off Tasmania’s east coast is one of those places that genuinely has it ALL. Wildlife, history, hiking, caves, marine life and so much more! Maria Island is where to go for a real wildlife encounter. Wander the trails and you’ll come across laid-back wombats, bouncy roos, the elusive Tasmanian Devil and the vulnerable forty-spotted pardalote. A dream destination for wildlife photographers!
But the island’s story goes deeper than its wildlife. Maria Island has a FASCINATING history… evolving from an Aboriginal hunting ground to a penal colony in the 19th century and later, a farming settlement. The Darlington Probation Station still stands today, giving visitors a rare glimpse into its convict past.
The island also offers well-preserved historic ruins, hikes for every fitness level, camping in the heart of nature and stunning coastal scenery. Oh, and it’s completely car-free… so the only sounds you’ll hear are the birds and the breeze!
Wineglass Bay
Consistently ranked among the world’s top ten beaches… Wineglass Bay is a perfect crescent of white sand that meets crystal-clear turquoise water, nestled within Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. About 2.5 hours northeast of Hobart, it’s well worth the drive!
And the name? It dates back to the whaling era, when the bay would turn red with the blood of hunted whales… from the lookout, it resembled a glass slowly filling with red wine. Quite the history!
You can reach the beach only on foot or by boat. The hike to the lookout takes about 1.5 hours, and the views are absolutely UNREAL. Prefer the water? Hop on a Wineglass Bay Cruise instead!
Kunanyi / Mount Wellington
Towering 1,271 metres above sea level, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is Hobart’s most iconic landmark and the dramatic backdrop to the entire city. The summit is just a 30-minute drive from the city centre via Pinnacle Road, making it one of the most accessible alpine experiences in Australia. From the top, views stretch across Hobart, the Derwent River estuary, Bruny Island and on a clear day, all the way to the Tasman Peninsula.
The mountain sits within the 18,000 hectare Wellington Park reserve and offers a range of activities including hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing across its many trails. During winter, snowfall at the summit is common and occasionally extends into spring. Weather at the top can change rapidly, so warm and windproof clothing is recommended regardless of conditions in the city below.
Final Thoughts
From the rugged cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula to the pristine shores of Wineglass Bay… from the wildlife haven of Maria Island to the wilderness of Bruny Island and the towering presence of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, there is something here for every kind of traveller.
It is a city and a region that rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the obvious. Whether you have a weekend or a full week… Hobart and its surrounds will leave a lasting impression.