Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania. It’s renowned for its stunning harbour and rich history. The city has a thriving arts and culinary scene. From Mount Wellington (Kunanyi), you have stunning panoramic views of the city and the Derwent River. If you like adventure there are plenty to choose from. Mt Wellington: Hiking or racing down on a bike. On the water: sailing, kayaking or wildlife cruising. 

We explored Hobart. The Waterfront, Mount Wellington, Salamanca Market, Mona Museum of Old and New before visiting Bruny Island

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.

The Hobart Wooden Boat Festival is held every two years. When we were in Hobart during the 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

.Whenever we’re in Hobart, a visit to the Saturday Salamanca Market is a must. With over 300 stalls, it offers everything from fresh produce and artisanal foods to handmade crafts, clothing, and artwork. The atmosphere is wonderful, with street performers and live music. Surrounded by great pubs and beautiful heritage buildings, it’s just a short walk from the waterfront.

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 annual event held at the Bellerive Waterfront. We loved listening to local and international bands while sipping a glass of wine and taking in the beautiful waterfront views. A highlight for us was always watching and listening to “George Washing Machine” and 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

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 rugged, so you need to watch your step. To fully enjoy the breathtaking views, you have to stop.

View of the City, bridge and Casino, Hobart tasmania

The panoramic view from the Organ Pipes trail of the city, the bridge, and the Derwent River.

The organ pipes Mt. Wellington

The Organ Pipes are the vertical columns of dolerite rock shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago.

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 visited Bruny Island for few days, hiking, and the highlight was a 3-hour Wilderness Cruise, exploring the rugged coastline and watching the coastal wildlife. Tasmania

Bruny Island has some nice hiking trails. We hiked there for a few days. The trails are not too challenging, and the scenery is beautiful. As a bonus, we saw a number echidnas and wallabies. The highlight was a thrilling 3-hour Wilderness Cruise along the rugged coastline, where we watched the coastal wildlife

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

Bruny Island 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

During the cruise, we saw sea eagles, albatrosses, and dolphins. However, the real highlight was seeing the Australian fur seals basking in the sun.

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.

The Hartz Mountains National Park is located in the southern part of the Huon Valley.  Within the park, there are well-graded walking tracks that lead through subalpine vegetation to the lakes Esperance, Ladies Tarn and Osborne.Tasmania

During our many trips to Tasmania, we explored Geeveston in the south, just an hour’s drive from Hobart. We stopped by the charming Geeveston Town Hall Visitor Centre before heading up to our beloved Hartz Mountains. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can drive to the Tahune Airwalk, where you’ll be able to walk 50 meters above the forest floor and take in breathtaking views.

Beautiful flora and beautiful views.

The flora of Hartz Mountains National Park is both diverse and unique. Visitors can explore vibrant alpine heath, Button Grass, lush fern gullies, and a stunning array of wildflowers in all colours during the summer months.

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

Although we didn’t reach the summit of Hartz Mountains (1254m), we hiked to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views along the way.

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 one of our favourite hikes. This fascinating 45-minute walk takes you through a rainforest of myrtle, sassafras, and pandani. Along the way, you’ll pass impressive large boulders known as the Devil’s Marbles. The lake itself is stunning, with crystal-clear waters, and ancient King Billy pines lining the edge. It’s the perfect scenery for a photoshoot.

 Duckhole Lake

Not far south of Dover is the tranquil  Duckhole Lake.  The four-kilometre walk passes through the lush green forest, mostly on a boardwalk. We were lucky to see a Platypus.

After visiting Hastings Caves and a dip into the thermal springs, we went to Duckhole Lake. The trail is located just south of Dover, but not easy to find. The 4.2km track, most of which is boardwalk, follows a stream through regrowth forest to the lake. If you are lucky, as we were, you can spot Platypus in the stream.

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

The lake is actually a flooded sinkhole. While enjoying a picnic, we listened to the songs of birds and the croaks of frogs. The water’s surface was like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding trees.

South Cape Bay

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

From Huonville we drove to Cockle Creek, which takes about 1.5 hours, to hike the South Cape Bay trail. When we arrived, we were fortunate to see a spotted-tailed quoll, also known as a tiger quoll near the 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.

The 16-kilometre return hike to South Cape Bay is a moderately challenging walk and the southernmost day hike you can do in Australia. The trail begins with an easy stroll through woodlands and marshlands, much of it on boardwalks. As you approach the ocean, the terrain becomes hillier, adding a touch of challenge. Coming out onto a cliff, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of South Cape Bay, with the striking Lion Rock to the right

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 a section of the Cape Raoul track, soaking in the breathtaking views along the way. With such stunning scenery, we couldn’t think of a better spot to pause and enjoy our 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. At first glance, it appears to be a man-made tiled surface. But it’s a stunning natural formation shaped by geological processes over time.

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

Near Eaglehawk Neck, you’ll find three remarkable natural attractions: the Tasman Arch, the Blowhole, and Devil’s Kitchen.

Tasman Peninsula coastline.

View of Tasman Peninsula coastline.

More from Tasmania: East & West Coast

More from Tasmania: Mt. Field, Cradle Mountains

Home » Beautiful Hobart and a Stunning Bruny Island Cruise