Things to Do in Hobart: 7 Fall Bucket List Spots

1Visit MONA National Museum

The Museum of Old and New Art is the crown jewel of the city. Housed in a cliffside cave, it houses a private collection of contemporary and classical art. Book tickets online in advance, as they sell out weeks ahead. Allocate at least three hours for the main galleries and the adjacent Arty Machina exhibition. The entry fee is roughly $60 AUD, but it is worth every cent for the unique experience. Don't miss the free shuttle from the city center, which runs every 15 minutes.

2Drive the Bruny Island Loop

Take the ferry from the North West wharf to Bruny Island. The drive from the top to the bottom of the island is a 200-kilometer loop that offers some of the best coastal views in Tasmania. Stop at Cascade Brewery for a beer and the Bruny Island Oysters. The drive takes about three hours without stops, but plan for five to enjoy the viewpoints. The ferry costs about $30 AUD per person and takes 40 minutes.

3Explore Salamanca Place

This cobblestone square is the heart of Hobart's heritage. In the evening, the Salamanca Market fills the area with food stalls, live music, and artisans. Visit on a Thursday night for the largest market, or any weekend for a smaller version. The architecture is a mix of Georgian and Victorian styles, perfect for photography. Many of the buildings now house cafes and boutique shops. It is a free activity, but budget for food and drinks.

4Walk the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Located on the banks of the Derwent River, this garden is one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is free to enter and offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The best time to visit is late afternoon when the light hits the trees. The gardens cover 40 hectares and feature a wide variety of native and exotic plants. It is a great spot for a picnic or a quiet walk.

5Tour the Cascades Female Factory

This historic site offers a sobering look at the convict era in Tasmania. The tours are guided and last about two hours. The building is the only intact female convict prison in the world. It is located in the suburb of Cascades, a short drive from the city center. The tour fee is around $35 AUD. It is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the dark side of Australian history.

6Sample Local Seafood at the Farm Gate Market

The Farm Gate Market is a weekly event that showcases the best of Tasmanian produce. It is held on Saturdays at the Old Hobart Post Office. You can try fresh oysters, salmon, and berries directly from local farmers. The market is free to enter, but you will pay for the food. It is a great way to experience the local culture and support small businesses. Go early, as the best stalls sell out by mid-morning.

7Sunset at the Bridge of Wharves

This pedestrian bridge offers a stunning view of the Derwent River and the city skyline. It is the best spot in Hobart for sunset photos. The bridge is free to access and is located near the waterfront. Many locals gather here to watch the sun go down over the water. It is a romantic and peaceful spot, perfect for ending your day. Bring a jacket, as it can get windy on the water.

Hobart is a photographer's dream, with its mix of heritage architecture, natural beauty, and modern art. Here are three spots you should not miss if you want to capture the essence of the city.

• Sandy Bay Lookout: This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the city, the Derwent River, and the surrounding mountains. It is located at the top of the hill in Sandy Bay, a short drive from the city center. The best time to go is at sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and golden. The view is especially beautiful in fall, when the trees are changing color.

• Cascades Bridge: This bridge connects the city to the North West and offers a great view of the river and the city skyline. It is a popular spot for cyclists and walkers. The bridge is illuminated at night, which makes it a great spot for night photography. The view is especially stunning when the city lights are on.

• MONA Cliffside: The cliffside where MONA is located offers a unique perspective of the museum and the surrounding landscape. The rock face is dramatic and adds to the mystique of the museum. It is a great spot for photos of the museum building itself. The light in the late afternoon is particularly good, as it highlights the texture of the rock.

For more background on the area, see Hobart on Wikipedia.

Choosing where to stay in Hobart depends on your budget and what you want to do. The city is compact, so most areas are within walking distance of the main attractions. However, some neighborhoods are better suited to certain types of travelers.

• Central Hobart (CBD): This is the heart of the city and is the best place to stay if you want to be close to everything. It is home to the Salamanca Place, the Botanical Gardens, and many of the city's best restaurants and bars. It is also the most expensive area to stay, with hotels ranging from $150 to $300 AUD per night. It is a good choice for first-time visitors who want to explore the city on foot.

• North West: This area is located across the river from the city center and is home to the North West wharf, which is the departure point for the Bruny Island ferry. It is a quieter area than the CBD, with a mix of hotels and apartments. It is a good choice for travelers who plan to drive or take the ferry to Bruny Island. Hotels here range from $100 to $200 AUD per night.

• West Hobart: This area is located on the western side of the city and is known for its boutique hotels and cafes. It is a more upscale area than the CBD, with a focus on luxury and comfort. It is a good choice for travelers who want a more relaxed and refined experience. Hotels here range from $200 to $400 AUD per night.

• Budget Options: If you are on a budget, consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. There are several options in the CBD and North West, with prices ranging from $30 to $60 AUD per night. These are a good choice for backpackers and solo travelers who want to save money.

The best time to visit Hobart is during the fall season (April to June). The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 18 degrees Celsius. The crowds are smaller than in the summer, and the prices are lower. The autumn foliage along the Derwent River is a beautiful sight, and the city is less busy, making it easier to explore.

You need at least three days to see the main attractions in Hobart. This includes time for MONA, the Botanical Gardens, and the Salamanca Place. If you want to take a day trip to Bruny Island or the coast, you should plan for at least five days. A week is ideal if you want to explore the city at a relaxed pace and visit some of the nearby towns.

For more insights on when to visit other Australian destinations, check out our guide to the Best Times to Visit Australia.

Hobart is easily accessible by air, with regular flights from Sydney and Melbourne. The Hobart International Airport is located 15 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to the city. A taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around $50 AUD. A rental car is the best option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas, such as Bruny Island or the coast.

Getting around Hobart is easy and convenient. The city is compact, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can also use the public bus system, which is affordable and efficient. A single bus fare is around $3 AUD, and a daily pass is $10 AUD. The bus network covers the city and the nearby suburbs, making it a good option for getting around without a car.

If you are staying in the CBD, you can walk to most of the main attractions, including the Salamanca Place, the Botanical Gardens, and the city center. If you are staying in the North West, you can take the bus or a short taxi ride to the city center. The city is also a great place to cycle, with several bike paths along the river and the coast. You can rent a bike from several shops in the city, for around $20 AUD per day.

For more tips on exploring other Australian destinations, read our guide to Things to Do in Kangaroo Island.