Best Cruises in Hobart

Hobart is a port city located on Australia's southernmost island, so one of the best ways to enjoy its attractions is to opt for a cruise excursion. These experiences will give you the opportunity to see a different side of the Tasmanian capital and also to explore the local history, which is closely linked to fishing and trade through the nearby rivers and seas.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include taking a cruise on the Derwent River, a boat tour of the legendary Iron Lighthouse, a ferry ride to Bruny Island, a cruise around Maria Island and taming the surrounding tricky waters on a sailing excursion.

If you want to experience the harbour city of Hobart from a profile that distinguishes its history, you can't miss a cruise tour on the Derwent River. On these experiences you can discover the local scenery, but you can also take part in a traditional activity that reflects the importance of this destination in Australian fishing and trade.

The Derwent River is Hobart's most important river, and also one of Tasmania's main rivers, due to its vital contribution as an outlet waterway for vessels docking in the island's ports. Moreover, from the river, the city and its distinctive colonial architecture come alive from a different perspective, so it's no surprise that this tributary features in some of Hobart's best excursions.

What's more, Hobart's cruising tradition is rooted in the city's intrinsic connection to the sea and its maritime heritage. Locals and visitors alike often enjoy these experiences, whether at sunset, when the sky is tinged with warm hues, or during the day, when the light highlights the natural beauty of the region.

These Derwent River cruise excursions, then, will allow you to pay tribute to Hobart's maritime identity, providing you with the opportunity to experience the rich tradition of this port city and the beauty of its picturesque surrounding landscapes.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately €19 per person.
• Duration: Between 1 and 2 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get to partake in one of Hobart's signature experiences and experience the city's skyline from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: They do not include stops along the way, nor do they include combination experiences such as kayaking adventure tours.

One of the most beautiful and historic sites you can visit in Hobart is the Iron Pot Lighthouse. The Iron Pot Lighthouse is one of the main sites to discover the maritime heritage of this port city and is located in one of the southernmost points of Australia.

You'll also learn about the role the lighthouse played during the 19th and 20th centuries in guiding ships steadily through dangerous waters, forging a reputation that has contributed to Hobart's reputation as Tasmania's most important international trading port.

On board the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn the story of the brave lighthouse keepers who, over the years, have kept the flame that illuminates the seas and has marked the safety of sea crossings at this strategic point in the southern hemisphere burning , long before it was an automatic, solar-powered lantern, as it operates today.

On the other hand, the experience of sailing to the Iron Lighthouse will not only allow you to discover its history, but will also give you a different perspective on the challenges faced by sailors on what is considered one of the most dangerous routes in the world.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: Around 2 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You'll get to see a Tasmanian landmark that contributes to the island and its capital's reputation as an international trading port surrounded by tumultuous waters.
• Disadvantages of these tours: During the summer these tours are often postponed or cancelled due to rain and bad weather.

Around Hobart you'll find some of the most beautiful and distinctive natural sites in the region, and among those sites is Bruny Island. This archipelago is a natural treasure that offers many adventure tourism options as well as incredible scenery, which you can discover on the best tours from Hobart.

These experiences consist of a ferry ride from Hobart to Bruny Island, and once there, you'll discover everything from sheer cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters to long white sandy beaches - a range of landscapes hard to find elsewhere in Tasmania. There's also a diverse wildlife scene here, from seabirds to seals, whales and penguins.

However, it's not just a natural wonderland that stands out, because you'll also find some unique gastronomic experiences here. Local produce, from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses, is very common here and offers an immersion into Tasmania's culinary culture.

Interesting details

• Price: Approximately 143 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 11 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to see one of Tasmania's most famous protected natural sites, characterised by its extensive biodiversity.
• Disadvantages of these tours: As a protected site, they tend to be expensive experiences and you won't have much free time to explore the site on your own, as you'll have to be accompanied by a licensed guide.

Maria Island isn't on the traditional circuit of the best tours to do from Hobart, but that doesn't mean it's not a place worth visiting. Located about 10 kilometres from the capital, Maria Island is an island paradise known for its scenic beauty and unique biodiversity, offering visitors an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city on a leisurely cruise.

Once on Maria Island, you'll have the opportunity to stroll along white sandy beaches, swim in crystal clear waters and take in the natural scenery. The island is home to a varied ecosystem that includes a rich bird life, with colonies of seabirds that find refuge in its cliffs. There are also seal and dolphin sightings and kayaking adventure tours.

Another highlight of Isla Maria is its National Park, a nature reserve that covers much of the archipelago and offers hiking trails that wind through native forests and stunning coastal scenery, but its main attraction lies in the cliffs that surround it.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 170 euros per person.
• Duration: Around 8 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You get to see one of the least explored places around Hobart on a boat tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: The island doesn't offer many activities off the beaten track, so ideally choose a tour that includes lunch.

If you want a different kind of trip to discover the Derwent River and experience the challenges of its tumultuous waters first hand, you can join a half day sailing trip. These experiences will allow you to take on the challenges of sailing on one of Hobart's most iconic rivers and also discover the local scenic beauty.

During these excursions you will see the city from a unique perspective, admiring the historic architecture and iconic landmarks that line the banks of the river. As the boat cruises along, you can enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings and the panoramic views of the riverside landscape that demonstrate the contrasts of Tasmania as you move away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

However, sailing the Derwent River is not only a scenic ride, it is also a navigational challenge due to the shifting currents and unique topography of the river. Sailing enthusiasts will find this an exciting opportunity to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of navigating challenging waters, and novices will be able to gain experience in a paradigmatic location for sailors.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 107 euros per person.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: You'll be able to combine a nautical sporting experience with a scenic tour of Hobart's coastline.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While suitable for all levels of sailing, this is a tour that could be a little challenging for novice or inexperienced sailors.

You can book any of these tours in advance online or book them once you're in town, although if you want to secure your place on the best Hobart tours I advise you to confirm your booking before you arrive in the city. This will not only avoid last minute changes or you missing out on the experience due to lack of space, but it will also save you money as you will freeze the rate, which is dynamic.

Also keep in mind that if you plan to visit the city during the summer, which is the peak season in Tasmania's capital city, places on tours may sell out quickly, forcing you to make changes to your itinerary. In that case, I would also advise you to book in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.

On these cruise excursions you will discover a visual spectacle ranging from the seascapes to the rich history of the region, as you have the opportunity to marvel at the panoramic views that unfold along the way, but you can also marvel at the serenity of the ocean from Hobart's city skyline.

In addition to the natural beauty, these tours often include exploration of iconic sites and points of interest along the coast. Historical monuments, centuries-old lighthouses and cultural sites will present themselves before you as you sail, giving you a deeper understanding of Tasmania's maritime and land-based history.

Nor should you underestimate the marine life, which also takes centre stage on these voyages. From whale and dolphin spotting to seabird watching in their natural habitat, every cruise on the high seas is a good excuse to discover the biodiversity of this site located in the southern part of Oceania.

When embarking on a cruise excursion, it is essential to keep in mind a few tips that will enhance your experience and allow you to make the most of every moment. Firstly, consider checking the temperature in Hobart before you set off, as this destination can have abrupt changes in weather conditions, so make sure you dress appropriately and always carry clothing that is adaptable to possible weather alterations.

On the other hand, I advise you to book excursions in advance, especially if you plan to visit the city during the high season. This not only guarantees your place on board, but may also offer you more favourable rates. Also, be aware that some city tours, such as the Hobart hop on-hop off sightseeing bus, often offer discounted rates on these types of experiences. Keep this in mind to save money.

During the cruise, keep an eye out for the guide or captain's commentary. These professionals will not only share with you relevant facts about the places you visit, but will also provide important information about marine life and points of interest along the way. Use this opportunity to learn more about the region's rich maritime history and to capture details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Finally, don't forget to take pictures! From panoramic views to unexpected encounters with marine wildlife, you'll find ideal scenes to immortalise with your camera or mobile phone.

Taking a cruise excursion not only allows you to take part in some of Hobart's best tours, but also allows you to soak up the natural and historical richness of this harbour city. These excursions often offer unmissable panoramic views of the Tasmanian capital and the surrounding area. From the deck of the cruise ship, you can enjoy these views.

Hobart also has a rich maritime past, and a cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore the historic monuments and centuries-old lighthouses that mark the coastline. If you want to delve deeper into the region's harbour history after this experience, you can visit the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, which is considered one of Hobart's best museums.

Also, if it's nature experiences you enjoy, marine biodiversity is a major feature of these excursions. From whale watching to encountering seals, penguins and seabirds, you'll come across a variety of native species in and around Hobart.