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The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is packed with must-visit sights, such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasmanian Museum, and Salamanca Place. It also has a treasure trove of fascinating hidden gems for travelers who prefer to venture off the beaten path. Here are 18 of Hobart’s quieter sights and secret spots to help you beat the crowds and learn more about this popular Australian city.
1. Amarna at the Museum of Old and New Art
- Website: mona.net.au/james-turrell
- Address: MONA, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011
- Opening hours: Sunrise and sunset (check website for exact timings)
Armana is a large-scale art installation situated on the roof of the renowned MONA. It lights up at sunrise and sunset to complement the natural lighting of the sky at these times of day. If you visit during summer when the sun sets after the museum closes, you’ll have to book dinner at MONA’s on-site restaurant, Faro, but doing so will allow you to see two more of Turrell’s impressive works at the same time.
2. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Website: bonorong.com.au
- Address: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton TAS 7030
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for a range of native species, including wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, quolls, and Forester kangaroos. Take a guided tour to learn about the animals and the challenges they face in the wild. Entry includes a bag of feed so that you can befriend the free-roaming kangaroos as you wander around.
3. St. David’s Park
St. David’s Park is not only a fantastic place to escape the city’s bustle but also an important historic site. Between 1804 and 1872, it served as the city’s first cemetery, and headstones from this era remain embedded in the park’s walls. These headstones bear the names of some of Hobart’s earliest European settlers, including the city’s founder, David Collins.
4. Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum
- Website: mawsons-huts.org.au
- Address: Morrison St & Argyle St, Hobart TAS 7000
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
This fascinating museum documents the Australasian Antarctic expedition that Douglas Mawson and his team embarked on between 1911 and 1914. The expedition involved the navigation and study of more than 1,800 miles of uncharted Antarctic coastline. The replica wooden huts give fascinating insights into Mawson’s and his team’s daily lives and routines as they faced extreme conditions in the “windiest place on earth.”
5. Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Website: maritimetas.org
- Address: 16 Argyle St, Hobart TAS 7000
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Seafaring had been a part of Tasmanian life long before the British arrived in 1803. The Maritime Museum of Tasmania shares insights into the role of the sea on the indigenous population, as well as that of early European explorers. This is a great place for maritime and boating enthusiasts to visit.
6. Cascades Female Factory
- Address: 16 Degraves St, South Hobart TAS 7004
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4.30 pm daily
The Cascades Female Factory is a historic penitentiary that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. Between 1828 and 1856, female convicts were forced to work here in terrible conditions. This is one of the best places in Australia to learn about what life was like for women in penal colonies.
7. Brooke Street Pier
- Address: Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Whrf, Hobart TAS 7000
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm Sunday to Tuesday / 9.30 am – 9 pm Wednesday to Saturday
Brooke Street Pier is the longest floating pontoon in Australia, measuring 80 meters long and 20 meters wide. It serves as a ferry terminal and a market, and there are some excellent boutique stores to explore here where you can pick up local produce and artisanal goods, including wine, truffle oil, saffron, and luxury cosmetics.
8. Sullivans Cove
Sullivans Cove was the original landing site and permanent settlement of Europeans in Hobart, and it remains the city’s primary dock area. It’s a lovely area for a leisurely stroll. Observe the yachts and ships moored in the port, take in some of the city’s impressive 19th-century architecture, and drop into the quaint shops and art galleries that line the waterfront.
9. Cradle Mountain
Mount Wellington serves as the backdrop to Hobart and is a popular area for nature lovers to go hiking and biking. Cradle Mountain is a great alternative that lies just under 200 miles northeast of Hobart.
It’s the fifth-highest mountain in Tasmania and offers incredible panoramic views from its summit. You’ll have to spend at least a night or two in the surrounding area to make the most of a trip up to Cradle Mountain, but it’s worth it to experience its exceptional natural beauty.
10. Coal River Farm
- Website: coalriverfarm.com.au
- Address: 634 Richmond Rd, Cambridge TAS 7170
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Coal River Valley is a lush area east of Hobart that is renowned for its wineries and delicious local produce. Coal River Farm is a popular hub for picking up locally-made cheese and chocolate, both of which you can see being produced when you take a behind-the-scenes tour. Look out for Pick Your Own events in spring and summer, where you can harvest delicious fresh strawberries and raspberries.
11. Inverawe Native Gardens
- Website: inverawe.com.au
- Address: 1565 Channel Hwy, Margate TAS 7054, Australia
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm Monday, Thursday & Sunday
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is considered a must-do activity in Hobart, but don’t miss out on the Inverawe Native Gardens. It’s in a beautiful setting that overlooks North-West Bay, North Bruny Island, and Mount Wellington. There are thousands of trees and colorful shrubs set within these scenic landscaped grounds.
12. Hobart Markets
Salamanca Market and Farm Gate Market are two of Hobart’s best-known markets, but there are several more to discover when you venture off the beaten path. Be sure to check out these three markets to pick up delicious Tasmanian produce and crafts made by local artists and artisans.
Cygnet Market
- Website: cygnetmarket.com.au
- Address: Town Hall, 14 Mary St, Cygnet TAS 7112
- Opening hours: First and third Sunday of each month, 10 am – 2 pm
The rural town of Cygnet is populated by a diverse mix of farmers, tradespeople, artists, writers, and activists, which makes its market one of the most dynamic in Hobart.
Brighton Market
- Website: www.onlytasmania.com.au/brighton-market
- Address: 244 Brighton Rd, Pontville TAS 7030, Australia
- Opening hours: First Sunday of each month, 9 am – 2 pm
Brighton Market is a charming, simple, and old-fashioned market set within a municipal memorial hall, and it’s a great place to pick up a bargain.
1390-Hobart Twilight Market
- Website: hobarttwilightmarket.com.au
- Address: 17 Beach Rd, Sandy Bay TAS 7005
- Opening hours: First and third Friday of each month between October and March, 4.30 pm – 9 pm
It gets chilly on an evening in Hobart, but that doesn’t stop locals from making the most of the late sunset during summer months at this popular night market in Sandy Bay.
13. Narryna Merchant’s House Heritage Museum
- Website: narryna.com.au
- Address: 103 Hampden Rd, Battery Point TAS 7004
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday
Narryna was built in 1834 and now offers fascinating insights into the luxurious lifestyle of a typical 19th-century Hobart merchant and his family. The attractive Georgian house showcases a range of rare and unique items and costumes from Tasmania’s colonial era.
14. Street Eats Food Festival at Franklin Square
- Website: streeteatsfranko.com.au
- Address: Franklin Square, 70 Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000
- Opening hours: Fridays between December and April, 4.30 am – 9 pm
Street Eats @ Franko is one of Hobart’s most popular food festivals and one of the best places in the state to enjoy classic Tassie dishes, such as char-grilled barbecue with locally brewed beer. You can expect exceptional food and drink, fantastic live music, and a wonderful atmosphere created by locals and visitors alike.
15. Huon Jet Boats
- Website: www.huonjet.com
- Address: 44 The Esplanade, Huonville TAS 7109
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily
Adrenaline junkies will love the high-speed tours of the Huon River provided by Huon Jet Boats. This experience combines white water rapids with beautiful scenery, along with insights into the Huon Valley and its history from a knowledgeable guide. It takes around 35 minutes to reach Huonville from Hobart, but you easily spend a few hours in this pretty riverside town.
16. Launceston’s Waterways
The city of Launceston lies among rolling valleys and sweeping stretches of farmland in the north of Tasmania. It has a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, and if you’re willing to take the 2—to 3-hour journey, it’s a great spot for a day trip.
The rivers of Tamar, North Esk, and South Esk meet in Launceston, and a kayak tour of the waterways is a fantastic way to see some of the city’s landmarks and appreciate its natural beauty. While you’re in the area, consider visiting some of the wineries along the nearby Tamar Valley Wine Trail.
17. Mount Nelson Lookout & Signal Station
Although Mount Nelson is much smaller than the grand Mount Wellington, it’s well worth a visit to enjoy its epic panoramic views over Hobart, the River Derwent, and Bruny Island.
The Mount Nelson Signal Staton was built in 1811 to relay messages to Port Arthur 60 miles southeast, and it was the first of its kind in Tasmania. During your visit, you’ll learn how semaphore signaling was used to send messages long before the telegraph became commonplace.
18. Maria Island
Maria Island lies off the east coast of Tasmania, and it is both an important historical site and a haven for wildlife. It’s home to Darlington Probation Station, where convicts were put to work, primarily in agricultural roles.
The eastern side of the island is comprised of rugged cliffs where you can watch seabirds and even spot whales. It takes around 90 minutes to reach Maria Island from Hobart, but you can easily make a day of it by spending time wandering the island’s trails and lounging on its sandy beaches. Take the dedicated shuttle bus from Brooke Street Pier to Triabunna Marina, where you’ll board a ferry to the island.
Explore Hobart’s Secret Sights
These must-see hidden gems are not to be missed, so be sure to add them to your itinerary on your visit to the scenic city of Hobart.
