Hobart in 7 days

A historic harbour capital under Mount Wellington, home to the wild MONA museum. Best time to visit: December-March. Average daily budget: $110 to $190 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Salamanca & the Waterfront, Sandstone warehouses, the Saturday market, harbourside dining.

Morning: MONA by ferry. Australia's most provocative museum, reached by a camo-painted catamaran up the Derwent.

Afternoon: Explore Salamanca & the Waterfront, Sandstone warehouses, the Saturday market, harbourside dining.

Evening: Salamanca Market (Saturday). Hundreds of stalls of Tasmanian produce, craft and food in the sandstone precinct.

Eat: Bruny Island oysters and cheese

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Battery Point, The historic village - colonial cottages, narrow lanes, harbour views.

Morning: Summit kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Drive or hike to the top for views over the city, estuary and beyond.

Afternoon: Explore Battery Point, The historic village - colonial cottages, narrow lanes, harbour views.

Evening: Explore Battery Point. Wander the colonial cottages and lanes of Hobart's oldest neighbourhood.

Eat: Tasmanian salmon, scallops and crayfish

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: North Hobart, The food and culture strip - restaurants, cinema, live music.

Morning: Day trip to Bruny Island. Oysters, cheese, cliffs and wildlife on a short ferry south of the city.

Afternoon: Explore North Hobart, The food and culture strip - restaurants, cinema, live music.

Evening: The Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest, at the foot of the mountain.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Salamanca Market produce and food stalls

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: MONA / Berriedale, The riverside art museum precinct, reached by a dedicated ferry.

Morning: Kelly's Steps and the quiet end of Battery Point for harbour views.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore MONA / Berriedale, The riverside art museum precinct, reached by a dedicated ferry.

Evening: The Female Factory convict site for a sobering, lesser-visited history.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Cool-climate Tasmanian Pinot Noir and sparkling wine

Day 5, Day trip

Base: kunanyi / Mount Wellington, The 1,271m peak above the city - drive or hike to the summit.

Morning: Sunset from the Wrest Point or Mount Nelson lookouts.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore kunanyi / Mount Wellington, The 1,271m peak above the city - drive or hike to the summit.

Evening: Dinner at Bruny Island oysters and cheese, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

Eat: Bruny Island oysters and cheese

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Salamanca & the Waterfront, Sandstone warehouses, the Saturday market, harbourside dining.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Salamanca & the Waterfront, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Salamanca & the Waterfront, Sandstone warehouses, the Saturday market, harbourside dining.

Evening: Dinner at Tasmanian salmon, scallops and crayfish, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Salamanca & the Waterfront.

Eat: Tasmanian salmon, scallops and crayfish

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Battery Point, The historic village - colonial cottages, narrow lanes, harbour views.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Battery Point, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Battery Point, The historic village - colonial cottages, narrow lanes, harbour views.

Evening: Dinner at Salamanca Market produce and food stalls, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Battery Point.

Eat: Salamanca Market produce and food stalls

Hidden gems

The Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest, at the foot of the mountain.
Kelly's Steps and the quiet end of Battery Point for harbour views.
The Female Factory convict site for a sobering, lesser-visited history.
Sunset from the Wrest Point or Mount Nelson lookouts.

Getting around

Central Hobart is walkable. The MONA ferry runs from the waterfront. A car is best for the mountain, Bruny Island and wider Tasmania, though buses cover the city. The airport is about 20 minutes east of the centre.

Safety

Very safe and quiet. The weather is the main factor - it can shift from sun to cold and wind in minutes, especially on the mountain, so always carry layers. Tasmanian sun is strong. Bushwalking requires preparation and checking conditions.

Hobart in 3 days | Hobart in 5 days | Full Hobart guide