Plan a small trip to Hobart, which is Australia’s second oldest capital city, bursting with activities, restaurants, and much more to keep everyone entertained. Hobart is not just about national parks and coastal resorts, but it has an abundance of historic sights, stunning natural scenery, and lively neighborhoods. However, if you just have 24 hours in Hobart, it is best to focus on the highlights.
With our detailed Hobart guide, plan your day trip itinerary wisely to maximize your time. You can even rent a car to ensure you do not miss anything. Your one day in Hobart will include exploring historical landmarks, museums along with mountains, national parks, and sampling delicious fresh produce. Hobart has a diversity of popular sites Hobart that attracts visitors each year to a city that fuses old world charm with a modern-day lifestyle.
01 Have Breakfast/Lunch at Salamanca Market
The Salamanca Market is Hobart’s most visited tourist attraction. This huge farmer’s market has over 300 stallholders and operates every Saturday. Like in main Australia, brunch is a kind of religion in Hobart. You can head to one of the cafés near the waterfront for coffee with a view or grab breakfast to go while exploring Tasmania’s biggest selection of locally made products. Some of them include organic produce, hand-worked glass, Tasmanian timbers, stylish clothing, gifts, jewelry, etc. You can not spend a day in Hobart without shopping at the Salamanca Market.
02 Climb Up to Mount Wellington
Rising 1272m above the sea level, Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) is an essential experience of Hobart with a spectacular backdrop. Locally, it is also known as the mountain, and since it is so high, the mountain is often covered in snow. Take in the famous pristine Tasmanian air at the pinnacle of the mountain and enjoy some incredible views in all directions. Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities here that includes hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horse riding. A picnic can also be enjoyed here with lots of walking trails. You can drive yourself up as it gives you time to explore on your up top. In case you don’t have a car, book a ticket on the private hop-on or hop-off Mount Wellington bus that heads up and down the mountain many times a day.
03 Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
The Museum of Old and New Art was established in 2011 and is the largest privately-owned museum in the southern hemisphere. Known for its quirky and strange art, the museum exhibits modern and contemporary art along with antiquities. In just a few years from its establishment, MONA has become one of the most popular museums in Australia. Apart from its ancient, modern, and contemporary art collection, the museum also offers restaurants and bars that showcase their wine and Tasmanian produce. Every year, many exhibitions take place in the museum. Monaism is the only exhibition that takes place annually and showcases the highlights of the museum’s collection. Spend some time wandering around this amazing world-renowned museum of old and new art.
04 Stroll Around Battery Point
Wander around the historic Battery Point- One of the lovely and well-preserved areas in Hobart’s oldest suburb. The site was originally home to the military defenses, but now it is one of Hobart’s most desirable neighborhoods with guest houses and a popular café scene. The region is full of quaint historic cottages, narrow streets, and delightful gardens. You can walk the streets on your own and explore many of the historic sites. Kelly’s Steps is one of the historical landmarks in this area. Surrounded by lush green grass, colorful flowers, and large shady trees, it is a perfect place to relax.
05 Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will find some of Australia’s most popular creatures, such as kangaroos and wallabies. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary was opened in 1981, and since then, it is providing shelter to some of the most endangered species in the country. Here you can hand-feed kangaroos and get up close and personal with all the unique Tasmanian Wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian Devil. There is a lot to see and learn about wildlife conservation and rehabilitation while meandering through the park. The animals at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are kept with adequate care close to nature.
06 Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, located on Hobart’s historic waterfront, is the second oldest museum in Australia that is worth checking out. The museum was established in 1846 with its origins in the collections of the country’s oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania. The museum is one of the free things to do in Hobart as there are no entry fees to visit and features the various collections on display. The museum is dedicated to offering a range of interactive exhibits and hands-on programs to attract every one of all ages, whether you are a history buff and want to learn about Tasmanian history, searching for an educational activity, or want to admire the artwork.