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We've compiled the best of the best in Hobart - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
About 25 km (16 miles) north of Hobart on the highway toward Launceston, this sanctuary hosts a diverse selection of Australian species—many of which have been rescued—including koalas, wombats, quolls, and the adorable Tasmanian devil. The private dusk tours are highly recommended and provide a rare opportunity to experience Tassie's beautiful nocturnal animals at their most active.
The busy waterfront at Brooke Street Pier is the city's key departure point for harbor and MONA cruises. The translucent building has two bars and two excellent restaurants as well as plenty of tourist information and a trading space for Tasmanian artisans.
This is Australia's oldest and most picturesque brewery, producing fine Tasmanian beers since 1824. You can see its inner workings on the 60-minute tour, which requires lots of walking and climbing, but you're rewarded with three free drinks at The Brewery Bar at the end. Note that appropriate attire (closed-toe shoes only) is required, and reservations are essential. For those more interested in history than beer, a second tour focuses more on the building's backstory and the region's heritage. It's a 30-minute walk from the city center, or regular buses leave from Franklin Square. The hop-on, hop-off Red Decker bus also stops just outside.
Yachts competing in the annual Sydney-to-Hobart race moor at this colorful marina dock from the end of December through the first week of January. Buildings fronting the dock are century-old reminders of Hobart's trading history. Nearby Hunter Street is the original spot where British ships anchored at the time of colonization. There's a multitude of eateries, from fish punts to five-star.
Many of the sandstone warehouses once used by whalers and traders from ships docking at Salamanca Place have been converted into delightful craft shops, art galleries, and restaurants. At the boisterous Saturday market, which attracts all elements of Tasmanian society, from hippies to the well-heeled, dealers in Tasmanian arts and crafts, fresh produce, clothing, rare books, and much more display their wares between 8:30 and 3. Keep an eye open for items made from beautiful Tasmanian timber, particularly Huon pine.
