Best Day Trips from Hobart

Hobart is not only Tasmania's capital and the island's largest city, it is also the epicentre of the region's colonial past and the site of some of the state's best attractions. However, it's also a popular destination to use as a base for touring the surrounding islands, which are largely noted for their natural wonders and fantastic scenery.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include touring nearby sites such as Mount Wellington, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, picturesque Wineglass Bay and the surrounding Freycinet National Park, historic Port Arthur with its penal colony and Bruny Island, which is crowned by the lighthouse and is noted for its flora and fauna.

If during your trip to Hobart you want to discover Mount Wellington beyond the panoramic views of the city, you can take an organised tour from the city centre. Located just 30 minutes from the city centre, this natural wonder stands as a beacon of the island's wild beauty. The excursion will take you on a picturesque, unspoilt route that will take you out of civilisation and into the jungle.

As you reach the summit of Mount Wellington, situated 1200 metres above sea level, you will witness unparalleled panoramic views. The mountainous landscape will offer you a unique perspective of the island and you will have time to explore the meandering trails that reveal the rich flora and fauna of the region. In addition to the hiking trails, you can also enjoy the tranquillity of a picnic or relax in the fresh air.

Mount Wellington is recognised as one of Tasmania's most iconic natural destinations, and it's not hard to see why. Its natural splendour, combined with its proximity to the city, makes it a perfect getaway for those looking to soak up the island's beauty, so it's no wonder it's often found as the most visited destination on Hobart's best tours.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: they are guided by an expert local guide.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they offer an intensive tour, so you will not have much free time to explore the site on your own.

One of the best things to do from Hobart is to discover the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife conservation gem located just 30 minutes from the heart of the city. This sanctuary is much more than just a zoo, as it is also a haven dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Tasmania's native wildlife, which has long been under serious threat.

On a tour of this site, which is ideal for children if you plan to visit the island's capital with the little ones, you'll come across kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils and native birds. Bonorong also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving these endangered species by participating in interactive experiences, such as feeding the animals, and learning about their individual stories of rescue and rehabilitation.

Therefore, this sanctuary is not only a destination for animal lovers, but also for those looking to contribute to conservation and environmental education. Every visit to Bonorong is an investment in the protection of Australia's wildlife, and getting up close to these species will allow you to discover the unique biodiversity found in Tasmania, the southernmost of Australia's territories.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 71 euros per person.
• Duration: around 4 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these tours: an ideal experience to share with children around Hobart.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While you will be able to interact with the animals, not all species are available for this experience and during some times of the year you may not encounter some of the animals, especially in winter, due to their circadian cycle.

If you want to see one of the most picturesque places around Hobart, you can't miss Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet National Park that surrounds the bay. Located about 2.5 hours from the capital, you'll discover some of the island's best scenery, ranging from rolling hills to rugged coastline.

Upon arrival at Freycinet National Park you'll be greeted by the iconic Wineglass Bay, famous for its inverted cup shape and crystal clear waters. During these experiences you will be able to explore the bay through trails that wind through native vegetation, offering unforgettable panoramic views. The hike will take you to strategic points from where you can admire the complex intersection of land and sea, a masterpiece of nature.

However, the experiences at this site are not limited to the mainland, as at Wineglass Bay you can also choose to participate in a scenic flight to discover the geography of this bay from the air. You can fly over Freycinet National Park and the surrounding area, appreciating the magnitude of this natural wonder from a unique perspective.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 85 euros per person.
• Duration: between 11 and 12 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get to see one of Tasmania's most striking natural sites, especially if you complement this experience with the scenic flight, allowing you to discover the perfect geography that gives the bay its name.
• Disadvantages of these tours: These are full-day experiences and may not work well with a short stay in Tasmania.

One of the best ways to learn about Tasmania's history is to tour Port Arthur. Located just an hour and a half drive from Hobart, this peninsular site stands as a testament to Australia's colonial past and has been recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site. More than just a tourist destination, this site offers a window into life in the prison colony that opened in the 19th century.

In Port Arthur you'll discover not only stunning natural sites and panoramic views, but also the history of the penal colony at the Penitentiary Museum, which is one of the best museums in and around Hobart. Here you can tour the buildings that once housed British prisoners, from the individual cells to the control and punishment structures that still stand today.

The Tasmanian Penitentiary in Port Arthur represents not only a dark chapter in Australian history, but also an opportunity to reflect on the British colonial past, which installed 11 such prisons across the country. During your visit, you can effortlessly imagine life in this remote prison colony and appreciate the legacy it has left in shaping Tasmania's identity.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 92 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will get to see one of Tasmania's most iconic sites.
• Disadvantages of these tours: does not include a guided tour of the Isle of the Dead, the site of the penitentiary cemetery, although you will have some free time to explore it on your own.

If you prefer natural experiences, then organised tours to Bruny Island could be a good alternative. Bruny Island is a destination that captivates visitors with its unspoilt beauty and unmissable experiences. Just a short ferry ride from the capital, Bruny Island offers a serene and picturesque getaway that showcases the essence of Tasmanian nature.

On Bruny Island you will have the opportunity to explore the white sandy beaches and hike the trails surrounded by native forests, but you can also take part in penguin and seal sightings as the island has a unique biodiversity. You can also visit the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and rugged cliffs, making it the perfect backdrop for photographs.

Bruny Island is also known for its exquisite cuisine and famous local produce. During your visit, don't miss the opportunity to sample fresh seafood and artisan cheeses that reflect the culinary spirit of Tasmania.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 143 euros per person.
• Duration: about 11 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get to see one of Tasmania's most important nature refuges and marvel at the local biodiversity.
• Disadvantages of these tours: The price of the tour does not include tastings or food tours, so you will have to explore the local food sites on your own during your free time.

Richmond, located on the outskirts of Hobart, is a historic town that allows you to explore the traditional life of the area and also sample the famous Tasmanian scallop cakes. On these full-day tours, you'll not only get to see this destination, but also the natural wonders along the way between the two destinations.

So, with the company of an expert local guide and on the Hobart to Richmond itinerary, you can also visit Mount Wellington, famous for marking one of Tasmania's highest points and providing panoramic views of the region. You will also have the opportunity to visit Mount Field, which is famous for the Russell Falls, one of the largest and fastest flowing waterfalls on the island.

Immersing you in the region's natural diversity and local cultural heritage, these experiences will also take you to Bonorong, where you'll meet one of Tasmania 's most distinctive creatures, the Tasmanian devil.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 108 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see some of the island's most outstanding natural sites on a full-day excursion.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you won't have much time to explore the sites on your own and they are very intense experiences, not recommended for the elderly or people with reduced mobility.

Whether you buy in advance online or decide to book once you're in Hobart, the options for exploring the island are varied. If your visit is scheduled for the peak summer season, I advise you to secure your place on tours in advance. This will guarantee availability and give you access to more favourable rates, as prices tend to be dynamic.

As well as securing your place, booking in advance gives you the advantage of designing a personalised itinerary, allowing you to optimise your Hobart experience to the full. You can combine explorations of the city's environs and nature trails with cultural immersions in Hobart's best museums or take part in guided tours of the city centre, where the colonial architecture provides a picturesque backdrop.

Also, if you plan to participate in longer experiences, such as the more organised multi-day tours of Tasmania, you will need to book in advance as these are not available for last minute bookings.

On these exciting Hobart tours you'll see sights and experiences that capture the local essence. From the omnipresence of Mount Wellington to the rich history of Port Arthur Penitentiary, each destination offers a window into the island's diversity.

At Mount Wellington you'll be treated to panoramic views that stretch across the region, from the heart of Hobart to the vastness of the surrounding wilderness. The Bruny Island tour, on the other hand, will take you past white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and the opportunity to spot local wildlife, all while enjoying the culinary authenticity of the region.

If you choose to explore Port Arthur, you can discover Australia's colonial history by touring historic buildings and learning about life in the Tasmanian penitentiary. You can also experience the island's natural diversity, from its national parks to the penguins, whales and seals that inhabit the bay.

Hobart offers a gateway to Tasmania's unique wilderness landscapes and experiences. To get the most out of your trip, as a first step, I advise you to plan ahead and put together an itinerary so that you don't miss anything during your trip.

Also, always remember to check the weather conditions before you leave, as the weather in Tasmania can change quickly and affect the normal running of many tours, especially those involving cruise tours in Hobart, which usually take place on the Derwent River.

On the other hand, during historical tours, such as the Tasmanian Penitentiary Museum, which is one of the best museums in and around Hobart, be sure to join guided tours so you don't miss any details and, where possible, learn a bit of information about the site in advance to optimise the experience.

Finally, for an even more complete experience, consider exploring the Coal River Valley wine region, known for its vineyards and exquisite wines. While organised winery tours are not as common, you can travel on your own and go wine tasting to discover the distinctive flavours of the region while enjoying the serene surroundings.

A tour from Hobart is highly recommended because of the many different experiences Tasmania has to offer. Hobart also serves as a strategic starting point for exploring some of the island's most striking natural landscapes, making it an opportunity not to be missed.

The rich history that surrounds Hobart and the surrounding area is also fascinating. Places like Port Arthur offer an in-depth look into Australia's colonial past, allowing visitors to soak up unique historical narratives and explore the well-preserved 19th century architecture.

In addition, the city itself is a melting pot of culture and cuisine, and an excursion from Hobart will give you the opportunity to enjoy the local arts and culinary scene. Salamanca Market, located on the outskirts of the capital and off the city's hop-on-hop-off tour bus routes, is the perfect place to sample fresh produce and buy local arts and crafts.