Day Trips from Hobart

As the capital city of Tasmania, Hobart is an underrated city that must be on everyone’s Australia bucket list.

As one of the main places to stay in Tasmania, while Hobart is beautiful and has many things to do, there is so much more to do around the city.

Here are four of the best day trips from Hobart.

Port Arthur

Sitting on the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur was once a 19th-century penal settlement and is now one of the best day trips from Hobart, only an hour and 20 minutes from the city.

From 1833 until 1877, Port Arthur was the destination for those deemed the worst of the convicted British criminals.

The main attraction is the Port Arthur Historic Site, where you can learn about Australia’s convict history while you walk past the ruins of a huge penitentiary and the remaining shell of the Convict Church.

You can also take a guided tour of the village to hear and learn what life was like for the prisoners and a short ferry ride along the coastline with a guide

Mount Wellington

Towering 1,271 metres above the city, Mount Wellington is one of the best places for a day trip from Hobart.

Just an hour’s drive from the city centre, Mount Wellington boasts spectacular views of Hobart and the surrounding region.

Some of the best things to do on Mount Wellington include

• Soaking up the views
• Walking The Organ Pipes short walk
• Riding down the mountain on a bike
• Or playing in the snow during winter!

Bruny Island

If you love nature and wildlife, one of the best day trips from Hobart is Bruny Island.

Located south of Hobart off the coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is a must-see. From Hobart, it takes just under two hours to get to the island, but once you arrive, you’ll be blown away by its beauty.

If you don’t have a car to travel around the island, the best thing to do is go on our tour, so it’s easy for you to get around.

While on the island, you may spot echidnas, seals and even white wallabies.

Some of the best things to do on Bruny Island include

• Visiting the neck: The narrow isthmus that joins North and South Bruny.
• Walking to Cape Queen Elizabeth: This 12km return walk is a favourite of many as it takes you through the bush, over dunes and along a remote beach.
• Touring the Cape Bruny Lighthouse: First lit in 1838 and retired in 1996, it is an iconic attraction on Bruny Island, making it a must-see.
• Exploring South Bruny National Park: Here, you can discover giant sea cliffs, walk along remote beaches, and even spot rare and endangered animal and plant species.

Hartz Mountains National Park

Tasmania is known for its rugged landscape and wilderness, so if that’s the reason you’re visiting the state, then you have to visit Hartz Mountains National Park.

Just over an hour’s drive from the city, Hartz Mountains National Park is a great place for a day trip from Hobart because of its jaw-dropping beauty.

While the mountains within the national park are the main drawing card, there are other stunning sights to see that make it a popular destination for hikers.

Hikers can walk past glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls and stand tall on alpine peaks soaking in the stunning views.

Some of the best things to do in Hartz Mountains National Park include

• Embarking on a range of stunning walks, including Arve Falls, Lake Esperance and Lake Osborne.
• Spotting wildlife, such as wallabies and kangaroos, echidnas and platypuses.
• Tackling the harder hikes, including Hatz Peak or Hatz Pass.

With all of the beautiful scenery and wildlife that makes up Hartz Mountains National Park, it’s a perfect place to visit any time of year. Winter brings gorgeous snow and freezing temperatures while spring boasts blossoming wildflowers. No matter what time of year you visit this national park, you’re guaranteed to be blown away.

Will you find this weathered stone and brick at Port Arthur?

From old convict settlements to mountains with breathtaking views and islands full of native wildlife, there are so many fantastic day trips from Hobart.

Which of these places will you visit first on your next trip to Tasmania’s capital city? Looking for something special in Hobart for Kids?