Historic harbour city blending wilderness, art, and fine food
Hobart is Tasmania's compact, charming capital, nestled between the Derwent River and the dramatic peak of kunanyi (Mount Wellington). Founded in 1804, it is Australia's second-oldest capital city, retaining much of its sandstone colonial architecture alongside a thriving arts and culinary scene.
The nearby suburb of Cambridge sits just east of the city near Hobart Airport, offering easy access to the Tasman Peninsula and the Coal River Valley wine region. Together, the greater Hobart area packs an outsized punch for a city its size, drawing visitors with world-class museums, wild landscapes, and some of the best seafood in the country.
- •MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) — provocative, world-renowned private art museum on the Derwent River
- •Salamanca Market — vibrant Saturday market in a historic sandstone precinct
- •kunanyi/Mount Wellington — stunning panoramic views over the city and beyond
- •Battery Point — beautifully preserved colonial village perfect for a leisurely stroll
- •Port Arthur Historic Site — haunting UNESCO-listed convict settlement an hour's drive away
- •Cascade Brewery — Australia's oldest operating brewery set against a stunning mountain backdrop
Getting around: Hobart's Metro Tasmania bus network covers the city centre, suburbs, and Cambridge, though services can be infrequent outside peak hours. Taxis and rideshare apps (Uber is available) are reliable for shorter trips. The MONA ROMA ferry is a scenic and popular way to reach MONA from the Brooke Street Pier. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider region, including the Huon Valley, Tasman Peninsula, and Coal River Valley wineries near Cambridge.
Best time: Summer (December to February) offers the warmest weather and long daylight hours, and coincides with the festive MONA FOMA festival and the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Local food: Don't miss fresh Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, Pacific oysters from Bruny Island, abalone, and locally made whisky and cool-climate wines from the Coal River Valley.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.