The Top Things to do in Hobart

Location: Wellington Park, West Hobart, Tasmania

One of Hobart's most obvious highlights also ranks amongst its best, and there are few spectacles that can compare with Mount Wellington in Tasmania – both in terms of the view from afar and offered atop it. Sitting just to the west of central Hobart, the mountain makes for an impressive sight, with its seasonally snow-dusted peak making for a wonderful contrast with the greenery of its slopes.

The summit of Mt. Wellington – and its incredible lookout points – can be reached via a roughly 25 minute drive from the city CBD, with both tours and regular shuttle buses making the trek from the centre of Hobart on a consistent basis via its main Pinnacle Road.

The trip to the top is well worth the time investment, as upon reaching the summit and disembarking you'll be presented with one of the most awe-inspiring vistas in Australia; Hobart's famously clear skies couple with near-360 degree views to form a panorama that's truly impressive.

The view covers a variety of landscapes including Hobart itself, the boat-covered harbour extending to the Southern Ocean, the waters of the Derwent River and the vibrant green of the Derwent Valley, and makes for perhaps the best overall photography point in the region.

There are a variety of quality lookout points on offer at the top, all lead to by stable, scenic boardwalks that each provide their own aspect on the landscape, all wrapped up in a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The environment at the top is entirely different to that below, with the vegetation changing the closer you come to the summit; largely a result of the decidedly different climate to be encountered high up.

"The view covers a variety of landscapes including Hobart itself, the boat-covered harbour extending to the Southern Ocean, the waters of the Derwent River and the vibrant green of the Derwent Valley, and makes for perhaps the best overall photography point in the region."

And what a difference this climate is; the summit of Mt Wellington sits at an official altitude of 1271m above sea level, and as a result the temperature difference at the summit compared to the base can be drastic. In the colder months of the year, it's not uncommon to have a temperature gap of 10 degrees or more compared to that down below!

Thus, it's important to dress appropriately warmly even if you're feeling comfortable at the base; you don't want to have the views and walking tracks spoiled by a lack of warmth.

The greater ranges of Mt Wellington and its surrounding national park also offer a bevy of other outdoor things to do if you're the active type, and those looking to partake in a spot of hiking, mountain biking, bush walking, or even horse riding will all be presented with such options.

If you're looking to see all of its essentials in the most efficient and convenient way possible, tours – with both half and full day options – of Mt. Wellington are available for reasonable prices that take you directly to the lookout points while also encompassing other regional highlights on the itinerary.

Whether you're grabbing a snapshot of it from ground level or ascending to the top for a scenic experience unmatched anywhere else in Hobart, Mount Wellington is likely to be one of the focal points of your trip to Hobart – and one of the strongest lingering memories of your time spent there.

Location: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Tasmania

If there's a single item that's done a significant amount to put Tasmania on the international map in recent years, this is it. One of the newest - and most highly-acclaimed - additions to the "must-do in Hobart" list is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) which has received international attention for its progressive and sometimes controversial exhibits and exhibitions.

Perched on the shore of the Derwent River and featuring some of the most prominent and up-and-coming artists of today, the Museum of Old and New Art has been listed by multiple respected media and travel outlets from around the world as one of the true must-visit spots in Australia for both 2013 and beyond.

Much more than a simple old-time art gallery, MONA is a slick, modern display that expertly blends both the old and the new into a visually stunning yet minimalistic package that seamlessly incorporates technology to enhance the visit as well.

Most first-time visitors to MONA who aren't sure exactly what to expect describe the experience as “confronting”, and with good reason: the art on display here isn't afraid to cross the line over to risque and controversial, so if you're the overly-conservative or easily-offended type you may want to give it a miss.

There's a definite fascination with the human body, with nudity sometimes on display as well as occasionally violent imagery. If you're willing to come with an open mind, however, you'll find some of the most inspiring and talented examples of art created in Australia that will be sure to leave an imprint on your memory for a lot longer than visits to many other museums or galleries.

"If there's a single item that's done a significant amount to put Tasmania on the international map in recent years, The Museum of Old and New Art is it."

Aside from the many impressive works on display, the overall architecture and theming of the gallery itself is an adventure - creative, exciting and utterly vibrant, it's sure to leave you with an impression that will last a long time if buildings are something that strikes your interest.

As MONA sits on the waterfront, getting there is done by ferry transfer several times a day, and it's a popular choice to combine a MONA visit with a general Hobart tour to get a comprehensive sightseeing experience of the city's core highlights at a reasonable price.

For a truly world-class experience in what otherwise might be quite an unexpected place, be sure to pay visit to the Museum of Old and New Art.

Location: 56km south of Hobart, Tasmania

Bruny Island is another immensely popular natural highlight in the greater Hobart area, so much so that it was voted one of the Top 100 Greatest Trips in the World and Australia's best tourism attraction for the years 2008 - 2011.

As a prime example of coastal Tasmanian wilderness, it's the prime spot for various wildlife and sightseeing cruises that allows you to get up close with the likes of seals, dolphins, albatross and even whales during their annual migratory period all set amongst a stunning oceanic backdrop that remains relatively untainted from human influence despite its popularity.

These various kinds of marine life thrive along the rocky and wild Bruny Island coastline and is a must if you're travelling to Hobart - just a little bit of effort to get there comes with a whole host of visual and natural rewards. The wildlife is great to be sure, but the island itself is also nothing to sneeze at, with amazing natural rock formations jutting out of the water and plenty of on-shore offerings to keep visitors occupied as well.

The island isn't some tiny speck in the ocean, either; at nearly 100km long, it's home to plenty of attractions such as its iconic lighthouse at Cape Bruny, its newly-opened art gallery at Dennes Point in the north, and accommodation offerings that allow guests to immerse themselves in one of Australia's true wilderness retreats.

"As a prime example of coastal Tasmanian wilderness, it's the prime spot for various wildlife and sightseeing cruises that allows you to get up close with the likes of seals, dolphins, albatross and even whales during their annual migratory period all set amongst a stunning oceanic backdrop."

Getting to Bruny Island is done by boat, with transfers available from Hobart if necessary. Cruises are available with operator Bruny Island Cruises that will take you out onto the waters surrounding Bruny Island that come in both slower and adrenaline-pumping high speed varieties, with the turbo-jet powered engines allowing you to experience a combination of thrills and sightseeing all amongst one of the most unique environments in all of Australia.

Akin to being “4WD vehicles of the sea”, these specially-designed vessels allow memorable twists and turns through rocky outcroppings between water and coast that have to be experienced to be believed, and encountering geological formations from the water will give you an entirely new perspective on this rugged and untamed part of Tassie.

Breathtaking rock blended with spectacular wildlife, great wines, picturesque coastline and more – that's just some of what makes Bruny Island a must-visit.

Location: Bonorong: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton, Tasmania; ZooDoo: 620 Middle Tea Tree Rd, Richmond, Tasmania

Wildlife is always an enjoyable go-to entertainment option when visiting a new destination - particularly if you're bringing kids along - and Hobart is no exception in this regard as its greater area is home to two quality wildlife facilities that come highly recommended: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and ZooDoo, each of which offers something slightly different.

Tasmania is home to a wide array of diverse and fragile wildlife, and both of these facilities to an admirable job of showcasing creatures from all over the animal kingdom while keeping both conservation and a reasonable price in mind wherever possible.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary lies just to the north of Hobart (roughly a 30 minute drive) and is one of Tassie's premier animal attractions, home to plenty of Aussie animals and with a focus on hands-on experiences – such as feeding – that adults and children alike will love.

The passion of the sanctuary's staff is obvious here, and they go the extra mile to entertain and educate about the animals and their habitats. What truly sets Bonorong Sanctuary apart, however, are their outstanding night tours – as the vast majority of the most intriguing animals on offer are nocturnal, it's a great and intimate way to see some of these natural beauties at their most active.

"Tasmania is home to a wide array of diverse and fragile wildlife, and Bonorong Sanctuary does an admirable job of showcasing creatures from all over the animal kingdom while keeping both conservation and a reasonable price in mind wherever possible."

Extraordinarily cute creatures such as sugar sliders, Tawny Frogmouths, possums and – of course – Tasmanian Devils all take on a whole new life at night, and are all done with a sense of delicacy and care that you simply don't find often at larger and more commercial facilities.

Tickets to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary start from $30 per adult and from $15 per child, which is more than reasonable given the quality of the facility, while night experiences require prior bookings and come at an additional cost.

ZooDoo, meanwhile, sits slightly east of Bonorong Sanctuary and offers a wider arrange of exotic animals, leaning more towards the typical “zoo” rather than the “wildlife sanctuary” end of the scale. It's here that you'll want to head if you're more interested in the likes of lions, tigers, llamas and more all set out amongst an expansive property that sits somewhere between a farm and a savannah/safari type theme.

Safari bus tours – which are included in the cost of entry – run throughout the day and take visitors around the grounds to see all the various animals in the open air, which is a nice touch and helps alleviate tired legs from walking from one animal to the next.

Hand-feeding the big birds and cats is always a joy and a favourite with children, with optional face-to-face animal encounter experiences available at an extra charge.

So which Hobart wildlife park is best for you? They're both quality facilities, and given their similar distance from the Hobart CBD it will largely come down to personal preference: If you're wanting to see examples of rarer Aussie wildlife at their best, particularly Tassie Devils, then Bonorong is your choice.

If, however, you're after a more standard zoo-like day out with a more international-animal flavour, then you can't go wrong with ZooDoo, either (and there's nothing preventing you from visiting both!).

Location: Lower Domain Rd, Queens Domain, Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmania's greenery is without a doubt one of its calling cards that helps separate the state from its northern brothers, and its botanic leanings are reflected in few better places than Hobart's Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens.

Lying on the city's eastern side, the gardens are impressive, even by the high standards set by botanic gardens in some of Australia's larger capitals and has continually been refined and meticulously groomed throughout its nearly 200-year-long history.

The gardens cover an expansive 13.5 hectare area featuring over 6,500 diverse species of plants, flowers and all other aspects of the floral kingdom, with the overall gardens divided up into various individual themed sections highlighting advanced gardening styles from all across the globe.

Everything here emanates a world-class level of quality and care, from the arrangement to the facilities to the maintenance to the attitudes of the grounds staff.

The gardens are laid out over the side of a hill that provides glimpses of the Derwent River, and provide numerous open spaces for relaxation and contemplation that are the perfect spot for a quiet picnic or to kick back and enjoy a book surrounded by nature.

Those who appreciate plants will be in awe here, as the overall arrangement is diverse; from tropical plants all the way up to those from sub-Antarctic areas, there will no doubt be species here that even the most seasoned botanist hasn't seen.

In terms of individual gardens, the Japanese and Chinese Gardens are incredible, boasting architectural and landscaping designs straight from the source – Springtime brings out their best as cherry blossoms, irises and more give way to dazzling colours of changing leaves in the autumn all while integrating water and ponds throughout.

"Everything here emanates a world-class level of quality and care, from the arrangement to the facilities to the maintenance to the attitudes of the grounds staff."

“Tranquil” would be the best world to describe the atmosphere here, and moving on to other areas like its iconic Veggie Patch, Conservatory, Memorial Fountain and more provide alternative yet no less intriguing looks at the greenery and sculptures on offer.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens boasts several walking tracks that take you on meandering walks through different sections of the grounds, with all of these well-marked and curated, detailing each of the plant and flower species for the uninitiated.

Volunteers are also happy to provide narration and commentary on each of the gardens and their plant life and histories – all of which is entirely FREE, although a donation is requested upon entry that goes towards the continued maintenance of the grounds.

The gardens are also home to a small restaurant and cafe with food and drinks at reasonable prices, which can make an extended stay here a great way to spend half a day in Hobart.

Kids won't be left whining for something to do here, either; there's plenty at the gardens to keep them occupied – duck feeding, abundant run-and-play space, and plenty of other little quirks that round out the experience.

While reaching the gardens via walking from central Hobart is doable, it can be fairly steep in places and the distance isn't the easiest of walks, so riding a bike or driving come recommended if you're planning a visit. If you're looking for relaxation for free in Hobart, the Botanic Gardens should be at the top of your list.

Location: 140 Cascade Road, Hobart, Tasmania

While only a small state, Tassie sure does a great job of producing some wonderful beers, with perhaps the most famous of these being Cascade Lager produced locally at the historical Cascade Brewery. It's much more than just a simple beer-production facility however; the brewery is over 150 years old and is the oldest running brewery in Hobart, with a stunning setting amongst lovely surroundings and immaculately well-kept gardens.

It's also an impressive example of older, colonial-style architecture in itself. As with many other places in Hobart and Tasmania in general there's a familial atmosphere here despite the brand's size, and it's enjoyable to simply grab a brew and relax in the bar while having a chat either with the friendly staff or other locals and fellow travellers.

There's more than just drops of the tasty amber stuff on offer at the Cascade Brewery too; it's a downright pleasant place to eat, and many menu items are designed to couple well with the various brews and cider flavours on offer to produce a nice drink-and-meal combo for everyone. Spend an afternoon in the sun relaxing in the picturesque gardens while enjoying a bite to eat and a beer? Yes please!

"It's much more than just a simple beer-production facility however; the brewery is over 150 years old and is the oldest running brewery in Tasmania, with a stunning setting amongst lovely surroundings."

Regular, informative tours are also available that will allow you inside to see the inner workings of Cascade's pride and joy, with visitors getting the chance to learn more about how beer is produced, packaged and sent and perhaps visit the gift shop to pick up some interesting trinkets and purchase a few of your own brews to take home.

Tours last roughly 90 minutes and are great value for money compared to many similar offerings around the world, and when coupled by the great environment it's located in and some free samplings at the end make this tour a great choice. If you've got even a passing interest in tasting a drop of the good stuff while in Tassie, then a visit to the Cascade Brewery is a must if you're in the greater Hobart area.

Location: 375 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart Tasmania

Another historic local favourite – albeit with an entirely different focus – is Hobart's State Cinema, an iconic venue that has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years. The place to go if you're after a dose of enjoyable culture and the chance to view the type of films you simply won't find in mainstream cinemas, the building itself is almost as much of a star as its offerings that can be found within.

It's a lovely, art-deco style facade that belies the culture to be encountered inside, with its own sophisticated book shop and cafe providing the perfect pre-or-post viewing relaxation for visitors attending a show. The State Cinema boasts an intimate feel, with each of its theatres only seating a small number of people in plush, comfortable chairs that give the viewing experience a much more engaging atmosphere than can be found elsewhere.

Decor used throughout is also suitably quirky, soft yet modern, and intelligently laid out with a sense of warmth and spacing that add to the overall “snug” feeling of the cinema.

Most movies on offer here differ greatly from standard shooting-and-explosions Hollywood fare (although several bigger budget movies are also typically available), and in true “arthouse” style are not afraid to embrace some taboo or challenging topics. Human dramas play a large role, and the quality of acting and investment of the performers is obvious.

The number of films on show is also usually quite large, so there will likely be some tagline or plot point to tickle your fancy. Guests are also welcome to drink alcoholic beverages, so kick back with a wine or two or grab a cup of coffee or other hot drink and settle in as the screen comes to life.

"The State Cinema boasts an intimate feel, with each of its theatres only seating a small number of people in plush, comfortable chairs that give the viewing experience a much more engaging atmosphere."

The cinema has even begun running summer “Rooftop Viewing” sessions to take advantage of the weather during the warmer months, which on a clear night only serves to add to the sense of community and magic.

Blankets are BYO, so grab the family or significant other, come along and snuggle up outdoors for a movie-watching experience that's truly refreshing and different.

Located on the northern end of Hobart's main restaurant strip, it's a great way to package together a complete evening with a meal followed by a stroll down to the State Cinema for a bit of drama-or-comedy-infused fun.

Location: South-East Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmania in general has a charming, old-world feel to most of the state outside of the more urban parts of Hobart and other larger cities, and this is exemplified in full by Hobart's suburb of Battery Point. Located to the South-East of the city towards the waterfront, visiting Battery Point is akin to stepping back in time – it's a truly historic area with many buildings which remain intact since their founding back in 1830.

Dotted throughout with colonial-style and stone buildings and various charming little coffee shops and restaurants, it's easy to immerse yourself in yesteryear and is best explored simply by taking a stroll through its streets. Fine examples of period-specific architecture abound here – possessing a strong hint of obvious 1800s British influences – and walking guides are available from the local Post Office which highlight points of interest that are worth taking in for first-timers.

And highlights there are aplenty – those with a passion for architecture will be in their element here, as examples of most kinds of building from the era can be seen remarkably intact.

Key spots include St. George's Anglican Church with its iconic stone facade, Arthur Circus and its array of quaint cottages (many of which once served as homes for army officers upon Hobart's initial settlement), and various other high-end houses and hotels that are still in use today – and fetch a jaw-dropping price on the market due to the prestige residency in the suburb carries.

This prestige price carries over into other offerings in the area as well, and many of the restaurants are quite exclusive and carry high price tags for the privilege of dining, however other, more budget-conscious options are available with great cafe-and-pub offerings that have an intimate and friendly feel.

"Highlights there are aplenty – those with a passion for architecture will be in their element here, as examples of most kinds of building from the era can be seen remarkably intact."

The suburb grants great views of the waterfront, with the huge ships and other vessels that dot the waters providing a great backdrop while grabbing a bite to eat and adequately reflecting Hobart's strong maritime culture.

Some choice dining options along the waterfront include the Shipwright's Arms Hotel (intimate, old-world pub-style fare), the Prince of Wales Hotel (a great place to sample the fresh local seafood), and the widely acclaimed Ball and Chain Restaurant.

Add to the architecture and dining with some lovely, well-maintained parks and the popular Salamanca Markets which run on Saturdays and provide the chance to pick up all sorts of goodies and trinkets, and Battery Point is much more than one of Hobart's more interesting suburbs – it's an outright attraction in itself.

Arty, historic, peaceful and intriguing, if you're visiting Hobart for the first time then there's no reason to miss spending a few hours on a lazy day around Battery Point.

Location: Lot 1, White Hill Road, Tasmania

For an alternative take on the typical Hobart sightseeing experience, horse riding makes for a great way to take in the beauty of Hobart and its surrounds that is particularly popular with children and teens.

With local horse riding operator Horse Riding Tasmania, there are are several options available in and around Hobart to ride through scenic trails and enjoy spectacular views of the coast, rainforest, mountains or bush land as well as semi-aquatic experiences along the beachfront.

The intelligent, beautiful animals make the exploration adventure feel more unique and enjoyable than regular bus-style touring ever could, and while some may have confidence issues to overcome if it's your first time on horseback, the majority of the horses on offer are typically calm and exceptionally well-trained.

Horse Riding Tasmania offer a variety of experiences - with everything from on-farm pony rides for the kids up to multi-day epic adventures - that can be tailored to suit both your interests and ability levels. Ride through bush, jump over fallen branches, canter up hillsides and take in the spectacular Tasmanian scenery in one of the most natural ways possible, all under the guidance of experienced, friendly guides.

"Ride through bush, jump over fallen branches, canter up hillsides and take in the spectacular Tasmanian scenery in one of the most natural ways possible, all under the guidance of experienced, friendly guides."

A focus of the company is on keeping the entire adventure as eco-friendly as possible – a philosophy that extends to their Hidden Lake property which serves as both home to the horses and other farm animals as well as the launching point for the horse riding journeys.

Accommodation is also offered here, and guests looking to truly “unplug” and get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life can stay for several days amongst rustic yet comfortable dorm-style facilities.

Lessons are also on offer for those wanting to either pick up or improve on their riding skills, rounding out the options available for visitors.

There are few better ways to get the true feeling of "getting back to nature" that Tasmania's pristine greenery offers then leaving the petrol-powered machines behind and embracing one of the oldest forms of transport known to man, and Horse Riding Tasmania excel at maximising this experience to the fullest for both beginners and advanced riders alike.

Location: 115 Kennedy Drive, Cambridge, TAS

Hobart and its natural surrounds are charming and beautiful enough in and of themselves, however the region takes on a whole new aspect when viewed from the air.

The majesty of Mt. Wellington, the harbour and more can be even more fully appreciated from this vantage point and that's where local operator Par Avion come in, offering travellers the chance to get a new lease on Hobart itself as well as a variety of trips further afield to other iconic Tassie locations such as Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island and more.

The Hobart city flight makes for a highly memorable way to take in all of its essential landmarks – boarding a seaplane and taking off from the surface of the Derwent River, once up in the air you'll be able to see the likes of Government House, the Botanic Gardens, the Tasman Bridge and more before continuing further along a spectacularly scenic route.

Heading down along the coastline, the flights soar above the landscape and out over the spectacular, wildlife-rich waters surrounding nearby Bruny Island; keep your eyes peeled during the flight as it's possible to spot dolphins and even whales during their annual migratory season.

"Whether you're a first-time visitor looking for one of Hobart's ultimate sightseeing experiences or a local looking to get a new perspective on your lovely hometown, a flight with Par Avion checks all the boxes."

It's an excellent chance for keen photographers in particular to come away with some unmatched aerial shots, and along the way their flights are accompanied by commentary that is detailed without being intrusive – which is enhanced by their specially-designed, noise-cancelling headsets that make commentary from and communication with the pilots very clear; a welcome addition.

It's little touches like this that go a long way to enhancing the experience beyond the wonderful sights themselves; service here goes above and beyond the usual requirements to make everyone feel special from booking through to landing.

Other benefits – such as smooth flights and landings due to the pilots' extensive degree of experience and knowledge of the local area, accompanying flights with snacks including delicious Tasmanian-style cheeses and wines, and a reasonable cost per person compared to similar offerings round out the experience here.

Whether you're a first-time visitor looking for one of Hobart's ultimate sightseeing experiences or a local looking to get a new perspective on your lovely hometown, a flight with Par Avion checks all the boxes.