This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Planning a trip to Hobart, Australia? You’re in for something truly special!
Hobart blends rugged wilderness with a creative, historic city center, giving you a little bit of everything—mountain views, world-class museums, incredible food, and easy access to Tasmania’s most iconic day trips. From gazing out over Mt. Wellington to exploring MONA’s wild, thought-provoking exhibits and tasting your way across Bruny Island, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences packed into this compact capital.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate 3-day Hobart itinerary, highlighting the best tours, scenic spots, and dining moments you won’t want to miss. Just follow along, enjoy the flavors and views, and let Hobart surprise you at every turn. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Bruny Island sightseeing tour! This day combines Bruny Island’s top sights with its amazing food culture, so you’ll taste your way around the island and learn a ton as you go.
Check out the 2,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Hobart is one of those cities that feels effortless to explore from the moment you arrive. The historic waterfront area is extremely walkable, and it’s also the best place to stay, with cafés, shops, restaurants, and harbor views right outside your door.
When you need to go farther, getting around is just as easy. Ubers are reliable, and ferries are a fun, scenic way to reach places like MONA or Bruny Island. With everything close by and the city built for slow, scenic wandering, you can enjoy Hobart at a relaxed pace while still seeing a lot.
Here’s a quick look at how to spend three unforgettable days in Hobart:
Day 1: See Hobart and Mt. Wellington on a full-day combo tour, then spend the evening tasting local whisky at The Still and enjoying fresh seafood at Drunken Admiral.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in the incredible exhibits at MONA, followed by a relaxing Derwent River dinner cruise with a three-course meal and stunning harbor views.
Day 3: Take a full-day Bruny Island food and sightseeing tour packed with tastings and coastal views, then finish your trip with dinner at Bar Wa Izakaya and dessert at Honey Badger Dessert Café (or drinks at Gold Bar).
Day 1
Full day – Explore Mt Wellington and historic Hobart
For those short on time but eager to see everything Hobart has to offer, this full-day combo tour packs in the best of the city and its stunning surroundings. Start your day bright and early with the 9:30 am Mt. Wellington (kunanyi) explorer bus, a two-hour return trip that takes you from the Hobart waterfront to the mountain’s 1,270-meter (4,200-feet) summit.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush fern gullies and alpine forest before reaching panoramic views stretching across Tasmania’s east coast and the World Heritage wilderness to the west. You’ll have 30 minutes at the top to take photos, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and maybe follow the short Zig Zag Track for even better vantage points.
The explorer bus allows optional stops for short walks, like the Organ Pipes Circuit Trail, where you can admire the mountain’s dramatic dolerite columns, or Fern Tree Park for a gentle stroll to Silver Falls.
After descending, switch gears and hop aboard the Hobart Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, your ticket to discovering the city’s highlights at your own pace. With 20 convenient stops and live commentary, you’ll cruise past Salamanca Market, Cascade Brewery (a great lunch stop), Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
Whether you’re exploring museums, enjoying a cold brew, or soaking up the harbor views, this flexible itinerary gives you the freedom to see it all. Plus, the final stop at Brooke Street Pier places you right back on the waterfront—perfect for dinner or a relaxing stroll to wrap up your day.
For the best experience, plan to spend the full day enjoying both parts of this tour—the buses operate until around 4:30 pm, so there’s plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery, giving you a real sense of what makes Hobart so special.
Book this Mt Wellington Tour & Hobart tour here and let the adventure begin!
Evening – Taste locally made whisky at The Still
Depending on when you finish the hop-on hop-off tour, you can either pop back to your hotel for a quick rest or head straight to The Still, just a short 7-minute walk from the final bus stop. Tasmania is world-renowned for its whisky, and Hobart’s waterfront is the perfect place to sample some of the island’s finest drams.
The Still is one of Lark Distillery’s signature bars, a cozy, laid-back spot where you can enjoy a tasting flight or simply sip a glass of their smooth single malt. While most distilleries are located outside the city, this tasting room brings the experience right to the heart of Hobart. It’s open until 10 or 11 pm, so whether you visit before or after dinner, you’ll have time to linger, chat with locals, and soak up the warm, rustic atmosphere.
Dinner – Drunken Admiral
After your whisky tasting, take the 10-minute walk to the Drunken Admiral, one of Hobart’s most beloved seafood restaurants. This lively, nautical-themed spot sits right on the waterfront and has been serving fresh Tasmanian seafood for decades. The menu changes with the catch of the day, but favorites like the seafood chowder and scallop mornay are hard to beat.
It’s a popular spot with both visitors and locals, so making a reservation is a great idea. After dinner, spend some time walking along the harbor—the historic buildings glow beautifully under the night lights, and it’s the perfect way to end your first day in Hobart.
Day 2
Breakfast – Dandy Lane Cafe
If you’re staying in Hobart’s historic center, start your morning at Dandy Lane Café, a cozy spot known for its hearty breakfasts and excellent coffee. It opens bright and early at 7 am on weekdays (9 am on Saturdays and closed on Sundays), making it easy to grab a delicious meal before heading out for the day’s adventure.
The menu features plenty of comforting options—think fluffy pancakes, eggs on sourdough, smashed avo, and breakfast bowls, so there’s something for every type of traveler. It’s a popular café with both locals and visitors, but service is quick and friendly, making it a stress-free choice when you’re getting an early start.
If you’re staying outside the historic center, no problem! Hobart has tons of great breakfast spots. Just pick something convenient near your hotel, especially since today’s main activity takes you about 20 minutes north of the city by car, or roughly 30 minutes by ferry. Staying flexible with breakfast will help you get to your next stop right on time.
Morning – Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
A visit to Hobart isn’t complete without spending time at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), one of Australia’s most talked-about museums and an experience that’s as weird, wonderful, and thought-provoking as everyone says. While you can see the museum in half a day, most people tend to stay much longer. So, if you love museums, plan for a full day here. Even if you don’t typically gravitate toward galleries, MONA’s immersive exhibits and playful, provocative installations make it a standout that almost everyone enjoys.
To get to MONA, you can either drive or take the ferry. Driving takes about 20 minutes from the city center and is the most flexible option, but the MONA Ferry is the recommended way to arrive. It departs from Brooke Street Pier and is an experience in itself—the museum was actually designed to be entered from the water.
The ferry has two ticket levels: standard seating or the Posh Pit (the VIP lounge). Both options include access to onboard bars, and some seats are shaped like quirky tigers and sheep, adding to the fun. Standard return ferry tickets are $30 AUD, and it’s best to book the 9:15 am ferry from Hobart and the 4 pm return ferry to give yourself plenty of time before your evening activity. If you finish early, you can always hop on an earlier return boat.
Museum entry is $39 AUD, and there’s far more to do than just wander the galleries. MONA has additional exhibits, tastings, and experiences throughout the grounds, many of which require pre-booking, so check out all of the activities and exhibits here in advance.
For lunch, plan to eat on-site. The Source Restaurant, located at the top of the museum, offers a more upscale experience with beautiful views, while Faro Bar + Restaurant leans experimental and artistic, serving dishes that feel like part of the exhibit. Both are on the pricier side, but dining here is very much part of the MONA experience. There are also bars, outdoor spaces, and plenty of areas to relax if you need a break between exhibits.
Before you go, download The O (MONA’s app). It’s packed with quirky descriptions, audio, and maps that help you get the most out of your visit—and honestly, it makes navigating the museum way more fun, too!
Dinner – Take a historic dinner cruise
After a full day exploring MONA, unwind on the water with this Derwent River cruise, one of the most relaxing ways to experience Hobart’s harbor and shoreline. These cruises run throughout the day, but the late afternoon and evening departures are especially scenic as the light softens across the river.
Book the 6 pm option for a relaxing 2-hour sail along the Derwent, plus a three-course meal and a complimentary drink. Note that the dinner cruise requires at least eight guests to operate, so it’s worth checking availability ahead of time—especially during quieter seasons.
You’ll enjoy live commentary from the captain as you drift along the river, passing some of Hobart’s most iconic waterfront landmarks. Depending on the evening’s route, you might cruise north past the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and Government House, slipping under the Tasman Bridge before skimming across to Rose Bay and Montagu Bay.
Other nights, the cruise heads south, offering a different view of the city as you glide by Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and the Casino, eventually looping toward Bellerive Bluff and Kangaroo Bay on the eastern shore.
Wherever the boat takes you, the combination of gentle river views, soft evening light, and Hobart’s skyline in the background makes this a beautifully relaxing way to close out your second day. And if you’re still on the fence, just take a look at the HUNDREDS of five-star reviews here—travelers absolutely love this cruise, and it’s easy to see why once you’re out on the water!
See why travelers love this experience and book this dinner cruise here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Full-day – Visit Bruny Island with a food and sightseeing tour
Bruny Island is one of the top places to visit near Hobart, and this full-day food and sightseeing tour is easily the most enjoyable way to experience it.
The day starts early with a 7 am departure from Hobart, followed by a scenic drive to Kettering, where you’ll board the ferry, but you’ll need to arrive a little early to check in. Keep an eye out for seals and penguins as you cross the D’Entrecasteaux Channel—this short ride sets the tone for a day filled with both wildlife and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Once on the island, your guide takes you to The Neck and Truganini Lookout for sweeping views over North and South Bruny. Morning tea follows at Adventure Bay, where you’ll enjoy warm wood-fired bread, award-winning cheeses, and fresh local oysters. From there, the tour continues through ancient rainforest, with chances to spot wallabies, echidnas, and native birdlife, before arriving at the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse for an exclusive guided tour of Australia’s southernmost lighthouse.
By lunchtime, you’ll settle in at the Bruny Island Hotel, choosing from hearty regional dishes like seafood chowder, slow-cooked lamb, braised local meats, seafood platters, vegetarian plates, and more. The afternoon is a food-lover’s dream: tastings at Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island Fudge & Chocolate, Bruny Island Honey, and the famous Bruny Island Cheese Company.
You’ll return to Hobart around 5 pm, full, relaxed, and completely blown away by how much beauty and flavor Bruny Island packs into one place. Curious what others think? Just scroll through the THOUSANDS of five-star reviews here—this is truly a tour everyone raves about!
Spots fill up fast—book this popular island tour here so you don’t miss out!
Dinner – Bar Wa Izakaya
Even though the tour to Bruny Island is full of food, it’s a long day, and we were ready for dinner by the time we got back! Take some time to get refreshed at your hotel before heading out to Bar Wa Izakaya, one of Hobart’s most recommended Japanese restaurants. This warm, bustling spot is known for its creative share plates, great seafood, and cozy izakaya-style atmosphere that makes you want to linger. The oysters are especially good, so is the ramen, but the grilled meats, karaage, and small plates are just as worth trying if you’re hungry after a full day of touring.
Because this place is popular with both locals and visitors, making a reservation ahead of time is a good choice, especially on weekends or during peak travel seasons. It’s the kind of restaurant that feels both fun and comforting—perfect for easing into your final evening in Hobart with great food and a relaxed vibe.
Evening – Grab dessert at Honey Badger Dessert Cafe
Once you’re ready for something sweet, hop in an Uber and head to Honey Badger Dessert Café, open until 9 pm (closed on Mondays) and known across Hobart for its decadent waffles, crepes, and ice cream creations. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Bar Wa Izakaya, so you’ll have just enough time to get there before they close for the night.
If you prefer to linger a bit longer over dinner, or you’d rather end your night with something stronger, swap dessert for a drink at Gold Bar (open Wednesday through Saturday), a cozy waterfront spot known for its craft spirits and creative drinks. Either way, you can use the rest of your evening to stroll along the piers, enjoy the harbor at night, and soak up the final moments of your Hobart getaway.
Where to Stay in Hobart
Now that your Hobart itinerary is sorted, it’s time to pick the perfect place to stay. All the hotels below sit right in the historic waterfront area—the best, most walkable part of the city, and close to nearly everything you’ll be doing. Whether you want luxury, something mid-range, or a budget-friendly base, there’s an option here for every traveler. Just note that waterfront hotels fill up quickly in peak season, so if you see availability for your dates, it’s a good idea to book right away.
Luxury – $$$
MACq 01 Hotel is one of Hobart’s most unique luxury hotels, set right on the historic waterfront and just a short stroll from Salamanca’s shops, restaurants, and harbor views. Every room is styled around a real Tasmanian character—think explorers, inventors, and even a few rogues—blending storytelling with modern comfort. Guests love the spacious rooms, balconies with water views, onsite dining, and easy access to Hobart’s best attractions.
Rooms range from around $300–$900 AUD per night, and you can book right here on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is a fantastic waterfront stay with sweeping views of the Derwent River and Constitution Dock, all just steps from Salamanca and the CBD. Guests love the indoor pool with Mount Wellington views, the modern fitness center, and the on-site bars and restaurant overlooking the harbor. Rooms are spacious and warm, featuring Tasmanian timbers, contemporary furnishings, and either mountain or harbor panoramas.
Prices usually fall between $180–$400 AUD per night—find your dates here on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Best Western Hobart is a solid budget-friendly stay right in the city center, just a quick walk from the CBD, Salamanca Place, and the waterfront. Rooms are bright and comfortable, many with balconies and pillow-top beds, plus handy amenities like high-speed WiFi, large HD TVs, and climate control. The onsite Embers bar-pizza-grill serves wood-fired pizzas and hearty breakfasts, and there’s convenient parking and EV chargers available.
Rooms start at about $150 AUD per night, making this one of the best-value stays in central Hobart. Check availability here on Booking.com.
Looking for more options? You’ll find the full list of Hobart hotels listed here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code “DTRAVEL15”
What’s an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you’re visiting — no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.
In simple terms, it’s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.
We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
🔥 Hot Tip: Choose the Oceania-wide eSIM! It works across 8 countries, so you can hop from New Zealand to Australia to Fiji without ever losing connection. One download, endless adventures.
Bonus: We’ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:
Thanks for reading!
Hobart is truly such a unique city and highlights Tasmania’s history, outdoor beauty, and incredible culinary scene! Three days is just enough time to tick off the major sights, sample whisky, and sink into Hobart’s culture. You can follow this itinerary exactly or pick and choose your favorite activities – regardless, we know it will be an amazing time!
If you need help planning the rest of your trip, check out all of our Australia blogs! We have more city itineraries, as well as where to stay guides, lists of top things to do, and our local favorite spots to help you plan an epic vacation. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
Where to Stay in Melbourne, Australia: 7 Areas & Hotels
10 Things to Know About the Phillip Island Penguins
How to Spend 5 Days in Sydney – The BEST 5-Day City Itinerary