Hobart, Bruny Island and exploring South Tasmania

We love Tasmania and have visited it many times. Hobart is never boring. There is always something to do: the waterfront, the market, festivals, and Mount Wellington. This time, we went hiking in the Hartz Mountains and the Tasman Peninsula. Then we discovered the fantastic wildlife on Bruny Island.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, an island state. It’s famous for its stunning harbour, rich history, and thriving arts and cuisine scene. Mount Wellington provides stunning views and outdoor activities.

It’s always fun for us to spend a few days exploring Hobart. Wondering what to do first in Hobart? Well, you can head to the Waterfront, go for a hike at Mount Wellington, browse through the Salamanca Market, or visit the Mona Museum. And if that’s not enough, you can also check out the Botanic Garden, the Wooden Boat Festival, or the Clarence Jazz Festival.

When we were in Hobart during the Wooden Boat Festival, we enjoyed the historic tall ships, classic yachts, and all the other wooden boats.

Every two years, there is a Wooden Boat Festival, a show of wooden boats, including historic tall ships, classic yachts, and a wide range of wooden boats. During the festival, there are sailing competitions, exhibitions, and lots of entertainment. Hobart, Tasmania

The show includes sailing competitions, exhibitions, and live music. It’s a lot of fun!

Salamanca Market is the most popular tourist attraction in Tasmania and runs every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm. There are over 300 stallholders, and the market includes products from local growers, many gift ideas, and plenty of handmade products. There is also a good selection of food and nearby pubs and restaurants. Hobart, Tasmania

Then, on Saturday, we went to the Salamanca market. Over 300 sellers offer local products, homemade items, and a range of food options. Several restaurants and pubs are nearby.

The Clarence Jazz Festival is a five-day fun event at Bellerive Waterfront. Tasmania, Australia

The Clarence Jazz Festival in Hobart is a five-day fun event at Bellerive Waterfront. George Washing Machine with his band.

The Organ Pipes Circuit, 4 grade, 10 km, is our best-loved walk around Hobart. From The Springs, it is an easy walk to Sphinx Rock and Junction Hut, then a very steep climb to the Chalet, Organ Pipes track, and back to The Springs via Pinnacle track. Tasmania Australia

Our favourite hike in Hobart is the Organ Pipes Circuit, which is 10 km long and graded 4. From the Springs, it is an easy walk to Sphinx Rock and Junction Hut, then a very steep climb to the Chalet. Once there, take the Organ Pipes track and return to The Springs via the Pinnacle track.

Please stop walking before enjoying the view because the Organ Pipe Track is very rough. View of Hobarts bridge, Tan Bruny Island Tasmania, Australia

The path is rough, and you can’t walk and enjoy the incredible views because it’s too dangerous; you must stop walking to enjoy the view.

View of the City, bridge and Casino, Hobart tasmania

The view from the Organ Pipes of the City, Bridge, and Casino.

Look at the organ pipes, Mt. Wellington.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island consists of two islands: North Bruny and South Bruny. They are connected through a long, narrow, isthmus called The Neck. It’s a half an hour drive from Hobart to Kettering and then a short ferry ride. A wonderful place for hiking and or indulgent delicious local food

We hiked on Bruny Island for a few days, but the highlight was a 3-hour Wilderness Cruise along the rugged coastline, watching the coastal wildlife.

Bruny Island has a spectacular coastline with large caves carved into the high cliff.

Bruny Island also has a spectacular coastline with large caves carved into the high cliffs.

A colony of Australian Fur Seals sunbathed on the rocks on Bruny Island

We saw a lot of wildlife from the boat, but the ‘Australian Fur Seals’ sunbathing on the rocks of Bruny Island were the highlights.

Bruny Island had a population of about 200 albino Bennetts wallabies, who are prone to cancers and have poor eyesight, but still survived because there were no predators.

Bruny Island is home to around 200 albino Bennetts wallabies, which are prone to cancer. They have poor eyesight but have managed to survive due to the lack of predators in the area.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Hartz Mountains National Park is a stunning wilderness area located around 80 km south-west of Hobart. The park is famous for its breathtaking alpine scenery, ancient forests, and glacier lakes. There are several wonderful hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.

During our Tasmania trips, we love hiking in Hartz Mountains National Park, which is in the southern part of the Huon Valley. The park has well-graded trails through subalpine vegetation. Furthermore, three walks lead to lakes: Esperance, Ladies Tarn, and Osborne.

The Hartz Mountains have lush flora and stunning views.

We didn't make it to Hartz Peak, 1254m, but we had a beautiful view. Could even see Bruny Island

We didn’t reach the summit of Hartz Mountains (1254m), but we did hike for the breathtaking panoramic views.

The Lake Osborne trail is a short walk that takes 45 minutes and goes through a rainforest with myrtle, sassafras, and pandani. Ancient King Billy pines surround the beautiful glacial lake. Tasmania

The Lake Osborne trail is a 45-minute hike through a rainforest with myrtle, sassafras, and pandani. The stunning glacial lake is surrounded by ancient King Billy pines.

Duckhole Lake

Duckhole Lake, located just south of Dover, can be accessed via a beautiful and easy four-kilometre walk, mostly along a boardwalk.

The Duckhole Lake is a sinkhole that has been filled by rainwater. Tasmania, Australia

View at Duckhole Lake, which is a sinkhole filled with rainwater.

South Cape Bay

South Cape Bay is the southernmost point in Tasmania. Take the road to Cockle Creek and hike the 8-kilometre trail (one way) to the bay. It is a great walk to the rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and untamed beauty.

We were lucky to see a Spotted-tailed Quoll—Tiger Quoll at Cockle Bay Creek.

We were fortunate to spot a spotted-tailed quoll, also known as a tiger quoll, at Cockle Bay Creek.

From Cockle Creek, we did the South Cape Bay Track, which is a 4–5 hour (15.4 km) hike that starts at the end of Australia's most southerly road and is part of the South Coast Track to Port Davey. View of the wild Southern Ocean and Lion Rock.

After visiting Cockle Bay, we hiked the 15.4-kilometer South Cape Bay Track, which usually takes 4-5 hours to complete. This track is part of the South Coast Track that leads to Port Davey, and it offers stunning views of Lion Rock and the wild Southern Ocean. We were close to Tasmania’s most southerly point during the hike.

Tasman Peninsula

The Tasman Peninsula is a beautiful area roughly 90 kilometres from Hobart. It’s a popular site for both nature and history lovers. The Tasman National Park is famous for its high sea cliffs, rock formations like the Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, and scenic hikes.

We did part of the Cape Raoul track, Tasmania,walked until we had majestic views, and enjoyed our lunch. Why walk further?

We hiked along part of the Cape Raoul track, enjoying magnificent views, and then stopped for lunch. Why go any further?

The TESSELLATED Pavement near Eaglehawk Neck. Tasman peninsular, Tasmania

While exploring the Tasman Peninsula, we came across the TESSELLATED Pavement. It looks to be a man-made tiled pavement, but it is natural.

Nearby are the Tasman Arch, the Blowhole, and Devil's Kitchen.

Near Eaglehawk Neck are The Tasman Arch, the Blowhole, and Devil’s Kitchen.

View of Tasman Peninsula coastline.

More from Tasmania: East & West Coast

More from Tasmania: Mt. Field, Cradle Mountains

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