The best 13 Must Do One Day Itineraries for Around Hobart
If you only have a brief time in Hobart & wish to get the most out of your visit. We have put together a list of our top, 13 must do one day itineraries around Hobart for you.
Being the capital of Australia’s island state it is often the most visited city in Tasmania. Though don’t be fooled by the size, the state has plenty to see. Our must do one day itineraries around Hobart only scratch the surface of what is on offer in Tasmania. If you are unsure whether to fly or catch the ferry (float). We can help, giving you information so you can decide whether to fly or float.
Many of our ‘must do one day itineraries around Hobart’ can be mixed for extended stay in the Capital of the state. Alternatively, if travelling further than just Hobart, some of these must do one day itineraries can be the start of your adventure.
For example Port Arthur can be the start of an East Coast trip. New Norfolk & Mt Fields can be used as a gateway to the West Coast. As well as using our Richmond & Bonorong Sanctuary one day itinerary as the start of a trip up North.
Furthermore a day trip can be made of the drive between Hobart & Launceston. Visiting in all the small towns along the way.
Whilst in Hobart we choose to stay around the CBD & our travel style runs from comfort to luxury. If you are looking for best luxury accommodation whilst in Hobart read further our 13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart.
*Disclosure: We may have affiliate links with one or more of these companies mentioned & may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosures for further information.
Preview – 13 must do one day itineraries around Hobart
Our preview briefly highlights what you will discover in our 13 must one day itineraries around Hobart. These itineraries have been developed so you can do one in its entirety or blend one or two. Alternatively, you could be daring, use them to start creating your perfect itinerary, & our Travel Checklists to keep track.
- Walking Tours & City Museums – a collection of walking tours & museums available around Hobart’s CBD.
- Sullivans Cove & Salamanca Place – brief historical overview, including a selection of activities on offer.
- MONA & Royal Botanical Gardens – a concise background of each, opening times, directions & access.
- Kunanyi/Mt Wellington – summary of access, best transport available & surrounding activities.
- Cascade Female Factory & Brewery – tour Australia’s oldest Brewery & longest running female factory.
- Coal River Valley Region – trip around the region, for some of the best cheese, wine, cider breweries & whisky.
- Richmond & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – history rich, activities for young & old, with the wildlife sanctuary 20 min away.
- New Norfolk – On the River Derwent, steeped in history, now filled with artisan produce & more, just 30 mins away.
- Mt Field National Park– Be at home in nature, here you can explore to three-falls circuit, & towering trees walk.
- Huon Valley – An area known for its apples & the magnificent Huon pines, now filled with local specialists.
- Bruny Island – two island joined by the Neck/Truganini, abundant in local artisan produce, nature & history.
- Tasman Peninsula & Tasmanian Devil Unzoo – full of historic sites, natural splendours, fine local produce & a unique unzoo.
- Port Arthur – the penal settlement of the penal colony Port Arthur grew from a small timber station to house many the impressive sandstone structures.
Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have.
These make a great inclusion as a great way to create your perfect itinerary.
Checklists for:
- Your destination DO List
- before you travel
- see and do notes
- carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
- checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
1. Walking Tours & City Museums
To start your Hobart adventure, wander around the history rich streets is an experience in itself. Whether you are drawn to the Urban art in the CBD, historic areas of Salamanca & Battery Point. Maybe one of the museums will have you enthralled. You will find each has an abundance on offer & are definitely must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Each walks & museums take approximately 1-3 hours to view. These can be mixed with any of our other suggestions in our must do one day itineraries around Hobart to fill your day.
Urban Art Walk – Map
A walk around the streets of Hobart CBD where experienced & emerging artists use the walls as canvases. Creating an inner-city landscape that celebrates high quality urban art. The walk takes between 1-1.5hrs in its entirety & you may discover pieces not yet listed as we did.
In addition to the urban art surrounding Hobart streets, Bathurst Street is home to Farmgate market. Which is held every Sunday between 08:30 – 13:00 & home to some of the best produce Tasmania has to offer.
Sculpture Walk – Map
The sculpture trail celebrates the heritage, the links that tie the shoreline & harbour. Achieved numerical sculptures interpreting some of the stories of Battery Point. Visited in Jan 2022, this is a lovely area, walk & exceptionally signed some of the public artwork, missing or ill cared for. Whilst not my intent to deter or disparage anyone. I am only documenting our experience & relating to you, my reader.
More information is available at the Hobart City Community Page.
In Bobby’s Footsteps – Battery Point History Walk – Map
This self-guided walk is not the complete historical walk of Battery Point. However, it does take you around the land originally granted to Rev. ‘Bobby’ Robert Knopwood in 1805. Representing a good portion of Battery Point at the time, showcasing how people lived in colonial times & includes Narryna. Which is a must to include in a must do one day itineraries around Hobart in itself. This walk has some steep inclines & can be completed in 1.2-2.0 hours. More information can be found at Battery Point Walk.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
Both a museum & art gallery, with extensive history, science & art collections. A contemporary redevelopment, integrated beautifully with the museum’s heritage building. In addition to an Antarctic display & natural history collections, the museum holds a range of nationally significant archaeological material.
As well as an eclectic art collection from Tasmania’s s of Australian & International artists. Furthermore, several limited exhibitions can be viewed during your visit. Admission is free
Open Daily: 10:00 – 16:00, 26 Dec – 31 Mar, then 10:00 – 16:00, Tues to Sun 1 Apr -24 Dec.
Maritime Museum of Tasmania & Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum
Two smaller museums located close to the waterfront. The former housing a new exhibition featuring Indigenous watercraft, European exploration & navigation, convict transportation & much more. In addition to displaying navigational instrumentation ustilised for discovery of shipwrecks around Tasmania.
Whilst the latter provides insight into Mawson’s expedition to Antarctica in 1911 & an awareness of conditions of daily life. (Both attract an entry fee of $12)
These two museums are a must for a lover of the sea to include in your must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Sullivans Cove & Salamanca Place
The waterfront precinct of Hobart is steeped in history. Many of the buildings surrounding the Sullivans Cove & Salamanca Place are original sandstone structures. At the time the area housed a combination of wharf buildings, warehouses & pubs. The Hope & Anchor, was the first pub in Hobart opening in 1807. Frequented by waterfront workers & prominent colonists alike, with the Rev. Knopwood said to have stopped by for a drink.
I never get tired of wandering about this area and even though we have been numerous time. This always makes it into one of my favaourite must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Sullivans Cove
Risdon Cove whilst the initial landing site & first settlement in Tasmania, was deemed unsuitable. The settlement moved to Sullivans Cove in 1804. The waterfront area provides a picturesque walk surrounded by original buildings now filled with restaurants, museums, bars & boutique shops.
Including Constitution dock a marina area & final destination of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
Additionally, Elizabeth Pier at the cove houses a 4.5 star hotel & quality restaurants. Whilst the Brooke Street Pier a short distance away, is a busy hub for tourists. With a collection of stalls specialising in Tasmanian produce, as well as booking kiosks for the MONA ferry, Peppermint bay cruises, Red Decker & GrayLine tours.
Furthermore, it is one of the sites you will find the Hobart Twighlight Market operating.
Salamanca Place
Salamanca Place took shape in the 1820’s as the influx of trade became too much for the Old Wharf. It’s cobblestone streets once home to the dock area for whalers & lined with warehouses. Now house a vast number of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants & bars. Certainly a perfect place to while away the morning or afternoon. As well as being home to the famous Salamanca Market held every Saturday between 08:30 – 15:00.
Furthermore the Salmanca area includes Princes Wharf, a premium events area. Featuring events such as Dark MOFO & more recently Taste of Summer. If visiting for these events consider viewing some of our other must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) & Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (RTBG)
MONA
Housed on the extensive Moorilla winery, over 3 floors of subterranean architecture, extending to the surrounding grounds. The museum houses one of the largest private collections of modern art & antiquities in the world, which is continually growing. In addition to the private collection assorted exhibited from emerging & established artists can be view.
Finally if that isn’t enough a selection of experiences are available Fri-Mon. Whilst some art may be viewed controversial, in my opinion it is well worth the trip.
Taking a ferry out to MONA is certainly something that makes the ‘must do one day itineraries around Hobart’ list.
Opening hours: Thurs-Mon – 10:00-18:00. MONA Catamarans are found at the Brooke Street Pier to transport along the Derwent River you right to the site.
RTBG
Some of the ground the RBTG presently occupies was initially land granted to an ex-convict & his wife, where they created a productive farm. These grounds were later reclaimed to established the colonies main source of fresh fruit, vegetables & crops. The gardens were officially established as the RTBG in 1818, second oldest gardens in Australia.
The RTBG now comprises of over 6,000 species, varieties & cultivars, both indigenous & exotic to Australia & Tasmania.
Distributed across the gardens in 11 main collections. Including a specially designed climatically controlled exhibit of a selection from the Sub-Antarctic islands.
Plan out your visit with the convenient visitors map. Opening hours: 08:00-18:30 – 5 mins by car though parking is limited, taxi/uber 5 mins, walk 20-30min, bus 15-20mins + 10 minute walk
The gardens are a perfect foille to MONA and a great way to start or finish the day. Is it any wonder these got a spot in our ‘must do one day itineraries around Hobart’.
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington & Strickland or O’Grady Falls
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, overlooks Hobart & the summit of the Wellington Range. The mountain is within Wellington Park reserve & can be accessed by Pinnacle Road. Driving to the summit & wandering about, is possible when the road is open. The Kunanyi/Mt Wellington explorer offers a shuttle service, that has exclusive access to the mountain when the road is closed due to snow. Offering return or one-way trips.
Bookings are recommended.
Alternatively, you can go on one of the several walks in Wellington Park reserve. For those more experienced hikers ascending to the summit of the mountain is also possible.
Strickland & O’Grady Falls
At the base of the mountain on the Hobart side you will be able to easily access two of Tasmania’s numerous waterfalls. Strickland Falls, a 5 min, Grade 3 accessed at the end of Strickland Avenue, South Hobart. O’Grady Falls, the second of the two falls is a 40 min, Grade 2 walk on Betts Vale Track. Again this track can be accessed via rivulet track on Strickland Avenue, South Hobart.
Our travel checklists, are the first step to start your independent travelling. Start building your own Destination ‘DO’ List, or prioritise the one you have.
These make a great inclusion as a great way to create your perfect itinerary.
Checklists for:
- Your destination DO List
- before you travel
- see and do notes
- carry on packing list – warm and cold climate
- checked in packing list – warm and cold climate
Cascade Female Factory & Cascade Brewery
Both these historic site play pivotal roles in Tasmania’s history & why we included them in our ‘must’ do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Cascade Female Factory
When building of commenced in 1823 of what is now known as the Cascade Female Factory. It was originally destined to be a T.Y. Lowes & Co. Distillery. However, through a series of unfortunate circumstances & bad timing the, distillery was doomed to even eventuate.
The first female prisoners were transferred in 1828. Within days of their arrival the women were segregated into three distinct classes & restricted from communicating between classes. The class system extended to both clothing worn & duties performed by the women.
Several tours are run at the facility including an audio guide with site entry, Convict womens tour, Factory Tales a great way to get the kids involved & The Proud and The Punished a dramatised tour centred around Sarah Mason’s story.
Cascade Brewery
Cascade Brewery was originally establised in 1824, selling it’s first beer in 1832. Making it the oldest continually running brewery in Australia.
Historian Greg Jefferys discovered whilst undertaking research for his Masters Peter Degraves originally thought to be the founder, falsified brewery records. His research showing Hugh MacIntosh was in actual fact the major partner for the brewery.
Today you can enjoy a meal & a beer at the brewery bar, before taking a tour around the brewery.
A Cascade Brewery Tour is one of our highly recommended one day itineraries for around Hobart.
The Cascade Female Facility & Cascade Brewery are on the Red Decker route.
Beyond the guide for the 13 Must Do One Day Itineraries Around Hobart
Our next suggested, must do one day itineraries around Hobart, are not based in the CBD. With the closest being 20mins by car. Whilst these have been design as stand alone one day itineraries around Hobart & beyond. It is possible to extend & stay overnight in the area. Alternatively, they can be used as a building block, if travelling further around the state.
These one day itineraries are meant to be lazy day trips, that allow you to stop & start as you please. As an example you can pick & choose those things that you wish to do & leave the rest. Even if you don’t have a car or just don’t want to drive.
You can still do one of these day tours contact the lovely people at Apple Isle Wine or Drink Tasmania. They will have a tour, take you on one of our must do itineraries around Hobart or you can put together one of your own.
I feel, it should be added here, these next itineraries are based around one or more of the following: Food, Artists, Waterfalls, Whisky or Wine…
Coal River Valley, Cambridge & Beyond
Coal River Valley
The coal river valley, thus named as it was found to be an abundant source of coal, forever intertwined with Richmond. In addition to being one of the earliest settled areas in our colonial history. Is definitely one of your must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
This area is only 20 mins from the CBD, & close to the airport. Making it a perfect must do itinerary for around Hobart when you land or just before you leave our fair state.
The area promotes a relaxing day trip stop & start as you please. Tour a distillery, or an oyster farm (even take some home). With more than three exceptional wineries, where you can choose to lunch al-la-carte at one or picnic on the grounds of another. In addition to a cheese farm, where you are treated to cheese & chocolates, or spoil yourselves with ‘High Cheese’. All this is available before moving on to pick your own berries (seasonal) & try some Jam Gin. In my opinion it tastes exactly like strawberry jam.
From Cambridge you can take a journey to Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage area.
Enjoy a day in the Wilderness and explore this untouched natural area. Discover remote waterways and wilderness on a boat cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch, made from local Tasmanian produce. It is truly a once in a lifetime trip to remember.
Richmond & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Richmond
Richmond part of the Coal River Valley area is just 30 mins away from Hobart CBD. Alternatively, it’s a further 5 mins when continuing on from the Coal River Valley itinerary. Here you’ll discover more wineries & a distillery scattered around the village. In addition to some of Tasmania’s rich history, filled with structures constructed in the early 1820’s. Richmond has one of Australia’s oldest pubs that commands centre stage. As well as highlights such as boutique shops, a sweet shop beyond compare & a very unique museum. Also a tasting house with an impressive range of Tasmania’s boutique wines, cider, whisky, gin & crafted beverages. Making it a must do one day itineraries around Hobart for everyone.
Though it’s only a small village I could spend a couple of days wandering about. We always seem to be rushed when visiting here, so my advise is take some time. ‘Just Breathe’ & wander around the village, shopping eating & drinking at many of the boutique cafés & shops.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
A tourism enterprise open to the public, however it is not a zoo. The focus at Bonorong is that of a sanctuary, run to rescue & provide sanctuary for injured & orphaned wildlife. Whilst the aim of Bonorong is returning these animals back to the wild once healthy, this is not always possible. Each animal has its own tale to tell, & the staff are more than happy to tell it. There you meet an ever-changing menagerie of wombats, devils, quolls, native birds, koalas, lizards, snakes & emus.
Opening hours: 09.00-17:00 (7 days) – Ticket price includes park tour with animal encounters extra. The sanctuary is 15 min drive from Richmond or a 30 min drive from Hobart CBD.
Alternatively you can visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary First then move on to Richmond.
New Norfolk
New Norfolk
A small town 30 mins from Hobart overlooking the River Derwent. On the drive to New Norfolk at Granton, you can choose from two award winning wineries. Stefano Lubiana Wines, here the family has been growing wines for five and six generations. The family and their descendents have grown grapes and tended vineyards in both Australia and Italy, which is another incredible destination for wine lovers. Lubiano’s is also Tasmania’s first certified biodynamic vineyard & Osteria Vista within the vineyard offers a set menu lunch Thurs-Sun.
Derwent Estate is another amazing vineyard on the way to New Norfolk. Offering tastings of their award wining wines in Rathbone Cottage (Circa 1820).Whether you choose sitting by the fire, on chilly days or out on the verandah overlooking the Derwent River, it’s divine. Alternatively, wander the grounds of the vineyard, before moving to The Shed Restaurant for snacks, cheeses or something more filling off the menu. These two vineyards are definitely not to be missed must do one day itineraries around Hobart.
Upon arriving in New Norfolk there are several options to fill in your day. You will find a selection of specialty shops & cafés. That offer a range of home goods, stationery, antiques, local artisan produce & crafts. Arrive on a Saturday & go to the friendliest market (self named – ha ha). Filled with smiling faces, live music, local artisan products & fresh produce.
In addition to having craft breweries & a disitillery specialising in spiced rum & liquers. You will find the renound Agrarian Kitchen & kiosk set on the grounds of Willow court. You can take a historic tour aroundWillow court one of the grounds of the the oldest continually run asylums. Or if you dare take one of the paranormal tours after dark.
Get back to nature & take a paddle down the River Derwent in a kayak or on a stand up paddle board. Venture 5mins up to Pulpit Rock or 10mins down the road you have the Salmon ponds, the oldest hatchery (1861) in the Southern Hemisphere.
You really need a day to explore all New Norfolk have to offer.
Mt Fields National Park
Getting there: Mt Field National Park is approximately a 3-hour return drive from Hobart, going via New Norfolk. You will require a parks pass to enter, our Come Explore Tasmania page has more information. The National park is home to three-falls circuit, which includes the towering trees walk. The circuit is 6km & takes approximately 2-3 hours, we recommend going clockwise via Lady Barron falls first. You can enjoy lunch at the Waterfalls Café, within the visitor’s centre.
Alternatively, you can explore a bit, lunching at The Possum Shed Café, on the Tyenna River. (Open Daily 10:00 – 17:00 & Public Holidays – 10:00 – 16:00). Finally on your way back call into Westerway Raspberry Farm for some local produce. If lucky enough to be travelling in berry season you can pick your own berries. (Open Daily 09:00 – 17:00).
Note: if travelling on to Pedder Lake, Strathgordan (Gordan Dam) or West Coast this is a great place to break up the journey.
Huon Valley & Cygnet
The area is approximately a 1 hour, 30min return drive from Hobart. This is one of the must do one day itineraries around Hobart that is indeed a gastronomical pleasure.
Huon Valley
Settled by colonists in 1820 the Huon Valley area, is historically known for pines (huon), fruit & apples.
Just before reaching Huonville known as the gateway to the Huon Valley. You will discover apple sheds (Willie Smiths) with trees planted in 1844 & a wonderfull museum. Heading into Huonville you will come across the Honey pot, collecting nectar from hives moved around the blossoming trail. The Huon Valley has two renowned wineries Kate Hill Wines at Huonville & Home Hill Winery at Ranelagh. As well as being filled with wonderful cafés & produce shops.
Cygnet
A small town in the beautiful Port Cygnet bay under 15 mins from Huonville, is truly a wonderful spot to stop. Lunch at the old cannery where you will find a restaurant, take away pizza, coffee roaster & biltong company. Originally was founded (1938) by a group of farmers frustrate over the high pricing of processing their produce.
Visit the small batch distillery, with special commissioned bottles showcasing a local studio potter. Or, one of Tasmania’s small boutique craft ciders, made from whole fruit. In this small appearingly sleep town there is a hive of activity boutique clothing shops, an abundance of artists, cafés & restaurants.
Bruny Island
I am not going to lie, Bruny Island is here because everyone wants to visit the island. In my honest opinion, Bruny Island should be at minimum overnight (2 full days) or if you have the time 3-4 days. Though I get it & why we put together the must do one day itineraries around Hobart. I have to add here, in respect Bruny Island it is a ‘must’ do.
Firstly, the ferry, their timetable shows regular sailings from Kettering 30-45mins from Hobart.
Secondly, there are some options & decisions on which you type of one day itinerary to choose for your day.
Option one – Independent Food forage –
You can spend the whole day or more foraging around the various producers on Bruny Island. However, some of the producers of Bruny Island are seasonal. For example Black Devil Tasmanian Cherries & the Bruny Island Raspberry Farm, you can find them on facebook. Apart from the fruit & farm produce you are free to eat your way around the island. Indulge in whisky, gin & oysters. Before sampling artisan produces such as cheese & beer. As well as honey collected from approximately 400 hives spread around the island.
Take a break at the Neck/Truganini lookout, with amazing views. Coming back at sunset on your way out, for the penguin parade viewed from the deck. Moving on to South Bruny, towards Adventure Bay, you discover handmade chocolate, with a not so secret distillery on site. You may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Albino Wallaby. Alternatively go towards Lunawanna for a great selection of wines & cider. Where everything is handpicked & immediately pressed.
Note: South Bruny is a national park & requires a National Park, parks pass.
Alternative Bruny Island must do one day itineraries around Hobart
Our next options are available as organised tours or you may choose to do these independently.
Option two – Bruny Island Wilderness Coast Eco Tour – This tour can be done as a cruise whilst staying on the island. Alternatively, you can take a full day tour leaving from Hobart or Kettering, including ferry crossing. Leaving from Hobart at 7:45 returning 17:30, alternatively meeting at Kettering at 08:30, returning 16:45. An exceptional tour down & into the Southern Ocean (when seas allow), visiting sea cliffs & blow holes.
Option three –Bruny Island Gourmet Traveller – This tour is from Hobart to Bruny Island & return including ferry crossing, leaving at 07:30 returning 18:00. On this tour, you will experience some of the options from the independent Food Forage. Including cheese, oysters, beer, honey fudge & mead. You will also be treated to a rainforest & beach walk. A set lunch is included & a visit to the Bligh Museum at Adventure Bay.
Option four – Lighthouse & Food – This tour includes return transport from Hobart, including ferry crossing. Once on the island you will be guided on a tour of The Cape Bruny lighthouse, first lit in 1838. You will be treated to a morning tea on the beach & a picnic style Bruny Island produce tasting. As well as, stopping at the chocolate & honey shops including tastings & visiting the cheese & oyster producer.
Finally, option five – My favourite… stay longer & do it all, as there are many walking tracks to discover.
Our 3-5 day itineraries are coming soon – sign up to find out more.
Tasman Peninsula & Tasmanian Devil UnZoo – must do one day itinerary
The Tasman Peninsula
Another must do one day itineraries around Hobart, where one-day just isn’t enough, if possible, stay longer & enjoy the area. This area can also be used as the start of your east coast journey. The peninsula area is connected by a small strip of land (Eaglehawk Neck), 60 min southeast of Hobart. Making it the perfect home for a penal settlement, is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty.
Encircled by the ocean & bays & approximately 108-square-kilometre of National Park to explore. The peninsula contains some of Australia’s most historic sites, breathtaking natural splendours, walks, waterfalls & creators of fine Tasmanian produce. Including hand forged chocolates, Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery, & lavender farm, with some unusual products.
In addition to the natural delights, & Artisans of food, wine & spirits. Many cafés & restaurants providing local produce are scattered around the area.
Tasmanian Devil UnZoo
Another ‘must’ do place where you can experience & learn about the balance between animals, plants & ecosystems. The majority of creatures at the ‘Unzoo’ are wild, living in their natural habitats. There are guided presentations that take you through the different habitats, here you can see lots of devils up close. A botanic garden with over 150 varieties, a visitor centre where you can get guide maps & checklists to explore.
If you indeed only have that ‘one day’ we recommend the Tasman Island cruise. You are able to do this as a 3-hour tour or incorporate with another ‘must see’ place.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur is another one-day itinerary that can be stand alone or, it may be a visit on your way to the East Coast. Though, it is definitely on the ‘must do one day itineraries around Hobart’ list. Port Arthur is on the Tasman Peninsula & a 90 min one-way from Hobart.
You can spend hours just wandering about this historic site. The impressive sandstone structures that make up Port Arthur penal settlement grew from a small timber station built in 1830. In 1833 the Isle of the Dead at Port Arthur was selected as the cemetery for the settlement. There 1100 burials between 1833 & 1877 when the settlement closed.
By 1840 the settlement had a population of 2000 including, convicts, soldiers, free officers & families. Once transportation ended in 1853 the number of convicts declined. However, any ex-convicts who were, too poor, old or ill to work were sent to Port Arthur.
By 1877 there were too few men to man the settlement & too expensive to run. Remaining men convict or ex-convict were disbanded to either Willow Court Asylum, welfare institution or the gaol in Hobart.
If you don’t have a car but would still like to visit & don’t want to do an organised tour. You can get a shuttle bus runs from Hobart, & entry ticket to the site.
Optional tours are available on site once you arrive, which can be completed during your days visit. These include the Isle of the Dead Cemetery, the Commandant’s tour, Escape from Port Arthur & the Wheel of Fate.
If you the Ghost tour or the after dark package are of interest, we recommended arranging your own transport for the day. Alternatively have an extended stay in the area to discover more. Before you go you can read a bit about the history of the site, convicts & landmarks.
Our next options include guided day visits to Port Arthur Site including return transport to Hobart.
Whilst there are slight variations in all these tours the common features are return transport from Hobart, site entry, a harbour cruise & a professional guide. The last two indicated as ‘Day Trip’ also indicate these are small group tours, one with an option to be dropped at the airport.
Other articles that may help you plan your trip to Tasmania.
Come explore to Tasmania all you need to know.
Coming to Tasmania, should you fly or float?
7 Essentials to Pack for Cold Climate Destinations
13 Best One Day Itineraries around Launceston
15 Best Tamar Valley wineries a must to visit
11 Best Luxury Stays in Launceston
13 Delicious Restaurants around Launceston
4 Stop Devonport to Launceston Road Trip
13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart
13 Must Do One Day Itineraries around Hobart
13 Delicious Restaurants Around Hobart CBD
Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for Cradle Mountain
4 Great stops on the Hobart to Launceston Road Trip
6 steps to Create YOUR Perfect itinerary
You always provide so much detailed and valuable information. You couldn’t ask for anything more. Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions!
Thank you and I am glad this has assisted and is informative for you….
You covered so many things to do in Hobart and the photos are amazing. I must visit soon, specially that it is close to Sydney. Thank you.
Thank you, I tried to cover something for everyone, and you won’t be disappointed it’s a great place to visit.
How fabulous is Hobart! And this post shows off all the great things. And makes me want to head back!
I know I do love visiting so much to do and see….
This is such a great in depth guide to the area. The Cascade Female Factory sounds especially interesting.
Thank you…and I agree it has just reopened and is fascinating, sad and absolutely heart breaking in parts…but a good half day trip
So many things to do and see from Hobart. Port Arthur is on my bucket list – hoping to get there soon.
Thank you… the whole Tasman Peninsula is beautiful…take some time to look around
I would love to see the Strickland & O’Grady Falls as well as the Wildlife Sanctuary!
The wildlife sanctuaries around Tasmania are amazing, many of the old zoo’s have been converted which is great…
What a great post. I was in Hobart years ago and missed a lot!
Thank you, I think that’s the same no matter where you go…I am glad you liked the post… and now you have inspiration for your next trip
Wow! There is so much to do in Hobart and you gave excellent information about everything that you can do around. Thanks!
Thank you I am glad you thought so… I did try to add plenty of quality information
I love how detailed your itineraries around Hobart are! Thank you for all the great recommendations Jeanine! Your Guide makes me want to go! 🙂
Thank you, I am glad you love it…You are welcome these really just scratch the surface of things to do…
Love this!
Thank You..
These is a treasure chest of itineraries! Thank you for sharing:)
Thank you I am so glad you think that
WOW! Australia has always been on my bucket list and now that we are getting back to normal life the desire to visit has grown exponentially.
Thank you for so many wonderful suggestions.
Thank you…it is a wonderful place and I am glad I have further inspired you…
I would love to visit Tasmania! It seems to have a little bit of everything. Stunning nature and wildlife, interesting historical sights, and great food and wine! I could spend months there.
As the second oldest city in Australia it has some fantastic historical sites and all that you say…biased I may be but the amount of historic sites here seems to be more or maybe it’s just they are condensed in a small state…
Tasmania is a bit near to Sg and I would love to visit Hobart to see these places.
Being in Sg you can actually travel to Australia and Tasmania and the flights are only 6hours so great for you as Sg is for us
This is a great list! I’d love to visit Tasmania soon – I live in New Zealand, and we are just starting to open up to the world again, after two years of the pandemic.
I’ve always wanted to go to Tasmania, I’ve heard it’s similar to NZ, but also very Australian. Port Arthur looks like a fascinating place to visit.
Thank you so much, it is very similar to New Zealand in climate and terrain, maybe not as bad as the road down to Milford Sound but it’s not freeway roads which is great I think. There is so much to explore make sure its a long trip ha ha…
Australia has always been on my travel bucket list. Your list of travel ideas in Tansmania is wonderful!!
Thank you… I hope you get to DO this as it is a wonderful country as is yours which is on my DO list
Oh wow! I am planning a trip to Tasmania soon and this post is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for sharing!
I am so glad it helps, if you have more than a few days explore more than Hobart… little place but has big heart…
Wao!! So many things to do in Hobart! Will definitely keep this on my list when I travel to Australia.
Ha Ha & that’s just Hobart…It is hard to pick a favourite if I only had one day though…
This is an extensive and detailed guide with doable itineraries. I spent 5 hours at MONA and still didn’t get to see everything. MONA is an absolute must-see.
Thank you, I did try… I know what you mean about Mona we were there for 4 hours & I could have stayed a lot longer . It definitely could be a day trip all by itself I think…
Wow! There is so much to do! I would never have guessed on such a small island!
I know and that’s just Hobart there are so many other places to visit… We are still discovering great places to visit
I hope to get over to that side of the globe in the near future. Would love to visit Hobart! Thanks for the great information!
You will love it and glad the information helped there is so much packed into the island it’s hard to choose sometimes…
This is a really thorough post on all the things to do around Hobart. Thanks for including so many options!
Thanks Glad you liked it I did want something for everyone.
This is so informative! Thanks for sharing!
thank you so much glad you liked it & you are welcome.
I love your posts! You show me a beautiful part of the world I still hope to visit one day!
Thank you I am so glad you like them & hope to see you down here one day…
Wow! So much to do and see. I hope to visit some day. This information is super-helpful 😊
So glad you found it helpful & yes there is so much to see, we are still finding places…make sure its a long visit…
So many things to do and there’s something for everyone! I will read your post again when I make it to this part of the world.
I loved the Urban Art Walk and I would definitely visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, the Unzoo (I loved that term), and the botanical gardens.
We do love wandering around discovering all the new art, the botanical gardens are lovely & yes I agree Unzoo is a great term… We have a lot of Sanctuaries here for orphaned native wildlife but they are still in pens.