About Hobart

Framed by the mighty peaks of Mt. Wellington, the free-flowing Derwent River, historic lanes and colonial architecture, Hobart is brimming with culture, history and entertainment. There is absolutely no shortage of exciting things to enjoy here, but Hobart cruises are a must-do. This is a laid back city where you can savour a delicious brunch at a charming neighbourhood, visit a world-class museum, conquer the summit of a mountain and come back in time for one of the best Hobart river cruises.

Hobart has preserved its history through convict-built buildings, historic sites and museums. Explore places like Battery Point, Salamanca Place, and the Cascades Female Factory (where female convicts were housed) to delve into the city's intriguing past. Port Arthur is a World Heritage-listed site located on the tip of the Tasman Peninsula. A place that was once used to sentence Tasmania's infamous convicts is now a popular attraction among tourists!

The city offers a diverse culinary scene with a focus on fresh local produce. Hobart also serves as a gateway to some of Tasmania's most remarkable natural wonders. From the stunning landscapes of Bruny Island and Wineglass Bay to the World Heritage-listed national parks like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain, there are endless opportunities for adventure. Check out Hobart boat tours to experience the best of these gems.

And thanks to its deep-water port, Hobart also possesses a rich seafaring tradition – sailing is still a popular pastime! We have an excellent collection of private charter boats if you’re interested. Explore all this and more when visiting this iconic capital city.

Hobart Cruise Experiences

Derwent & Huon River Cruises

12 Cruises

From $28

Bruny Island Cruises

3 Cruises

From $170

Lunch Cruises

4 Cruises

From $55

Flight + Cruise Day Trips

2 Cruises

From $699

Dinner Cruises

1 Cruise

From $75

Featured Cruises

19 Cruises

2Hr Hobart Dinner Cruise

An unforgettable dining experience on Derwent River, complete with a scrumptious 3-course Tassie dinner, live commentary, and breathtaking views!

Duration 2hr

From $75

5Hr Peppermint Bay Lunch Cruise

Scenic cruise on a luxury catamaran followed by a regionally-inspired lunch at Peppermint Bay Hotel. Views of D’Entrecasteaux Channel & Bruny Island.

Duration 5hr

From $165 $170

1.5Hr Hobart Lunch cruise

Hobart’s most popular lunch cruise down Derwent River on the ‘Spirit of Hobart’. Choice of main course, licensed bar, scenic views & live commentary.

Duration 1hr

From $55

2Hr Pennicott Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise

A small-group cruise down Derwent River on a brand new vessel to see Australia’s oldest lighthouse, Mt. Wellington & to circumnavigate Betsey Island.

Duration 2hr

From $140

7.5Hr Pennicott Wilderness Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Cruise

See a fresh catch of rock lobsters, oysters, abalone & sea urchins turned into a seafood feast just for you. Paired with local produce & Tassie wines.

Duration 7.5hr

From $690 $800

1Hr Hobart Afternoon River Cruise (South Route)

Discover River Derwent's southern route on an afternoon cruise with live commentary. Cruise by Battery Point, Wrest Casino and other landmarks.

Duration 1hr

From $28

3Hr Pennicott Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise

Exciting wilderness cruise along the stunning coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck to see the highest vertical sea cliffs & native wildlife.

Duration 3hr

From $175

3Hr Pennicott Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

LIMITED PERIOD OFFER! Join an award-winning wilderness cruise to discover towering sea cliffs, deep sea caves, the Breathing Rock and Bruny Island on an eco-friendly boat.

Duration 3hr

From $170 $185

1Hr Hobart Morning River Cruise (North Route)

Exclusive sightseeing tour with commentary along inland River Derwent, passing by Botanical Gardens, Government House, Tasman Bridge & Rose Bay.

Duration 1hr

From $28

10Hr Pennicott Bruny Island Tour From Hobart

A hassle-free full-day tour departing Hobart – enjoy a guided bus ride, a scenic ferry crossing, and a Bruny Island wilderness cruise with tea & lunch.

Duration 10hr

From $275

10Hr Tasman Island Day Tour + Devil Park

A full-day Tasman Peninsula tour with an exciting pit-stop at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. Guided bus tour, wilderness cruise & lunch included.

Duration 10hr

From $285 $310

10Hr Tasman Island Day Tour + Port Arthur Historic Site

A Tasman Island wilderness and wildlife journey that includes a guided bus tour, scenic coastal cruise, 3 hours at Port Arthur Historic Site & lunch.

Duration 11hr

From $310 $350

8Hr Hobart To Southwest Wilderness Flight Tour & Cruise

Triple the fun on this Southwest Wilderness tour that combines scenic flights, a boat cruise, guided bush walk, national park visit & a Tassie lunch.

Duration 8hr

From $699

9Hr Hobart To Gordon Wild Rivers Flight & Cruise Tour

Fly over Tasmania’s lush highlands towards the wild west, before joining an award-winning Gordon River cruise through the Heritage-listed wilderness.

Duration 9hr

From $995

1.5Hr Morning Tea Huon River Cruise

Discover the stunning Huon Valley with a morning cruise on the classic Wooden Motor Cruiser, ‘La Drone’. Small group tour with Captain’s commentary.

Duration 1hr

From $139

1.5Hr Relaxing Afternoon Huon Valley Cruise

Join this small-group tour on the classic timber boat ‘La Drone’ on a guided cruise down the picturesque Huon River, framed by the Wellington ranges.

Duration 1hr

From $145

4Hr Deep To Dish Tasmanian Seafood Experience

Feast on this seafood extravaganza, including rock lobsters, as you cruise down to Bruny Island. Live cook station, Tassie wines and coastal views.

Duration 4hr

From $505 $545

8Hr Pennicott Bruny Island Tour From Kettering

A convenient full-day tour with pick-up at Kettering. Guided bus ride, scenic ferry crossing, and a Bruny Island wilderness cruise with tea & lunch

Duration 8hr

From $190

10Hr Tasman Island Day Tour From Hobart

Full-day tour to Tasman Island complete with round-trip transfers, award-winning wilderness cruise, lunch & more. See cliffs, sea caves, wildlife etc.

Duration 10hr

From $265

See All Cruises

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Hobart would be during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November). During these periods, you can enjoy pleasant weather, lighter crowds, and potentially more affordable accommodation options. However, each season offers its unique charm, so consider your interests and preferences when planning your trip.
 

Public Holidays

Monday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Friday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 29 March: Good Friday 
Saturday, 30 March: Easter Saturday 
Sunday, 31 March: Easter Sunday 
Monday, 1 April: Easter Monday
Thursday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:

Wednesday, 10 January*: Devonport Cup
Monday, 12 February*: Royal Hobart Regatta
Wednesday, 28 February*: Launceston Cup
Tuesday, 5 March*: King Island Show
Monday, 11 March: Eight Hours Day
Tuesday, 2 April**: Easter Tuesday
Friday, 3 May*: AGFEST
Friday, 4 October*: Burnie Show
Thursday, 10 October*: Royal Launceston Show
Friday, 18 October*: Flinders Island Show
Thursday, 24 October*: Royal Hobart Show
Monday, 4 November*: Recreation Day
Friday, 29 November*: Devonport Show

*Regional observance only
**Restricted public holiday in Tasmania. Observed by some awards/agreements and the State Public Service

Events & Festivals

Dark Mofo
Dark Mofo is a captivating winter festival in Hobart, Tasmania. Experience thought-provoking art installations, mesmerising performances, and intriguing cultural events.

Taste of Tasmania
Visit Taste of Tasmania, a renowned food and wine festival in Hobart. Indulge in gourmet delights, sample exquisite wines, and experience the vibrant atmosphere. Discover the nation’s culinary treasures and enjoy live music, entertainment, and a festive celebration of local flavours.

Salamanca Market
Salamanca Market is a top tourist destination popular for its vibrant and eclectic shopping experience. Explore stalls filled with local produce, arts, crafts, and unique finds. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, enjoy live music, and savour delicious food from various vendors.

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Tasmania: 13 April to 28 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Tasmania: 6 July to 21 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024
Tasmania: 28 September to 13 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2024 - 2025
Tasmania: 20 December 2024 to 6 February 2025

Accommodation

Hobart’s major hotels and apartments center around Constitution Dock. Whether you choose to stay in the city center, near the waterfront or the surrounding suburbs of Battery Point, you’ll easily find accommodation that suits your budget and style. All you need to keep in mind – check what’s on before booking to avoid peak dates when the rates are high.

Some events in Hobart which may affect the hotel rates are Dark Mofo, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race & Taste of Tasmania.

Dining

Hobart takes center stage in the thriving restaurant scene of the state. The city's top dining establishments skillfully blend international influences with a strong commitment to local producers. These restaurants showcase seasonal menus, featuring ingredients sourced directly from Tasmania's fertile land and bountiful seas. They offer not only top-quality cuisine but also a distinctive and inviting ambience, often with picturesque views of Hobart.

Transport

To plan your route, utilise either the Trip Planner tool or the Hobart Network guide, as most buses within the Metro network generally initiate their departures from either Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

When it comes to ridesharing only Uber is active in the capital, alongside the local GoCatch. There are also hop-on-hop-off double-decker buses, which are perfect for tourists to see the city’s top attractions.

Hobart Tourist Information

Public Conveniences

Hobart maintains a number of public toilets and changing facilities throughout the city. You can find the public toilet map on the internet, which can guide you to your desired location.

Franklin Square offers free wifi-service to the public.

Shopping & Market Hours

Hobart’s art and culture is strong. Every Saturday at Salamanca Market, you can find the nation’s top artists, designers, and purveyors selling everything from trendy clothing to leather goods, handcrafts, photographs, specially-distilled gins & more. They also have great food!

For souvenirs that celebrate the nation’s nature and wildlife, head to Wild Island Tasmania, where you can find jewellery, paintings, stationery, clothing, and other products.

Medical Services

Major hospitals in Hobart are Royal Hobart Hospital and Hobart Private Hospital.
000 is the number to call for ambulance, police or fire services.

Blogs & Articles

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Down The D'Entrecasteaux Channel To Bruny Island

In 1792, the ship of the French explorer Bruni D'Entrecasteaux graced the shores of Hobart. During his time there, he began charting and naming various local natural features, including bays, rivers, and islands.

Fall In Love With Hobart’s Great Outdoors

The best thing about Hobart is that you don’t have to travel far to immerse yourself in the wilderness; nature spills into this beautiful city and blends seamlessly with the old-town charm it boasts.

Top Hobart Sights You Can See From Mt. Wellington

The city of Hobart unfolds at the foot of Mt. Wellington/kunanyi. No matter where you are in the city, the snow-capped summit waves hello from a distance.