Hobart tours

Things to do in Hobart

Nestled beneath the forested slopes of kunanyi / Mount Wellington and framed by the waters of the Derwent River, Hobart is a city of contrasts—where colonial sandstone meets cutting-edge art, and where convict history shares space with vibrant farmers’ markets and waterfront cafés. Whether part of a larger Tasmania itinerary or a day trip from a nearby cruise port, Hobart delivers a compelling mix of nature, heritage, and creativity. With your private guide, you’ll experience Hobart beyond the obvious. Follow your curiosity into quiet laneways, artist-run spaces, and coastal trails. Want to trace your ancestry, meet local makers, or taste oysters straight from the source? Your guide personalizes each moment around your interests and pace—offering the kind of insight and access no group tour can match. Must-See Attractions That Shape the City Hobart’s top sights come alive when shared through local stories. With your guide, even familiar landmarks reveal unexpected layers of meaning and history. Salamanca Place & the Historic Waterfront Wander through 19th-century sandstone warehouses now home to galleries, shops, and cafés. Your guide explains how this once-bustling shipping hub has evolved—and where to find hidden art studios and the freshest seafood. Battery Point Step back in time in Hobart’s oldest neighborhood. Your guide leads you through lanes lined with Georgian cottages, sharing tales of mariners, merchants, and the town’s earliest settlers. Mount Wellington Drive or hike up for panoramic views stretching from the city to Bruny Island. Your guide reveals stories of Indigenous significance, colonial exploration, and how weather shapes daily life in Tasmania’s capital. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) This provocative museum is as much an experience as an exhibition. Your guide helps you navigate its underground galleries, offering context for the bold, playful, and controversial works within. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery From natural history to contemporary Tasmanian art, your guide curates a visit based on your interests—whether that’s Indigenous culture, Antarctic exploration, or convict heritage. Explore Hobart Off the Beaten Path Hobart’s real charm often lies in its quieter corners. Your guide helps you access the places and people you’d never find on your own—where creativity and community take center stage. North Hobart’s Culinary Trail Step into a neighborhood of local favorites. From artisanal bakeries to multicultural eateries, your guide introduces you to the flavors that fuel the city beyond the waterfront. Street Art and Small Bars in Midtown Explore Hobart’s evolving creative scene. Your guide decodes striking murals, points out community-run performance spaces, and introduces hole-in-the-wall bars where locals gather after dark. Indigenous Heritage Walks Learn about the Palawa people, Tasmania’s First Nations communities, through your guide’s stories and interpretation of landscapes, language, and ancient pathways. Local Makers and Market Culture Beyond Salamanca’s famous Saturday market, your guide leads you to weekly produce stalls, artist cooperatives, and makers’ studios that reflect the island’s independent spirit. Rivulet Track and Female Factory Walk a peaceful trail along the old Hobart Rivulet, ending at the Cascades Female Factory—a former workhouse for women convicts. Your guide shares personal stories and historical insight that bring this dark chapter into focus. Day Trip Ideas with Your Guide Tasmania’s compact size means world-class nature, wineries, and heritage sites are all within reach. Your guide can craft an itinerary that combines scenic drives with deeply local encounters. Bruny Island Adventure Ferries, cheeses, wildlife, and wilderness—your guide makes a day on Bruny effortless and unforgettable. Explore rainforests, taste oysters by the sea, and watch for wallabies in the wild. Richmond Village and Coal River Valley Visit one of Australia’s oldest colonial villages, complete with a convict-built bridge. Your guide brings its heritage to life before continuing to nearby wineries or lavender farms in the surrounding countryside. Port Arthur Historic Site This UNESCO-listed convict settlement tells a powerful story. With your guide, explore beyond the plaques—hearing about escape attempts, daily life, and how this haunting place shaped Tasmanian identity. Huon Valley and Tahune AirWalk Journey south through orchards and forested valleys to the treetop walkway above the Huon River. Your guide shares insight into Tasmania’s timber heritage and conservation efforts. Travel Tips for Your Visit Hobart is friendly, walkable, and easy to explore—but local advice from your guide helps you make the most of every moment. Best Times to Visit December to March offers warm weather and lively festivals. Autumn (April–May) brings crisp air and colorful foliage. Winter is quiet, ideal for food and art lovers. Your guide can time experiences to seasonal highlights. What to Wear Tasmania’s weather can change quickly—layers are essential. Comfortable shoes are a must for city walks or nature trails, and a windproof jacket never hurts. Local Etiquette Hobartians are laid-back and polite. Your guide will help you navigate local customs, including how to show respect at cultural sites and how to spot the best pub with locals inside. Getting Around While the city center is walkable, your guide can arrange transport for countryside tours or suggest when to combine ferry, funicular, or private vehicle for a seamless experience. Explore Hobart Your Way Whether you’re drawn to history, wilderness, or creative expression, Hobart offers a uniquely Tasmanian blend of old and new, wild and refined. With your private guide, every walk, taste, and conversation becomes part of a larger story—your story. ToursByLocals ensures your experience is flexible, immersive, and always private. With local insight and thoughtful pacing, you won’t just see Hobart. You’ll connect with it.