3 Sep 2019
One of Australia’s most beautiful cities, Hobart is nestled on the Derwent River with Mount Wellington as an unforgettable backdrop. Full of culture, nature, history and delicious produce Hobart is a true feast for the senses. As locals to the area here are our top picks for things to see and do in Hobart.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania's most popular wildlife park. At Bonorong you will see native animals which are extinct everywhere but Tasmania such as the famous Tassie Devil, Tasmanian Bettong, Eastern Quoll and Tasmanian Pademelon. You will also see favourites like wombats, koalas, kangaroos, possums, lizards, native birds and so many more.
Salamanca Market is one of Australia’s most vibrant and loved outdoor markets. It's a new adventure every Saturday. Conveniently located at historic Salamanca Place, next to the Hobart waterfront and with over 300 stallholders it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. On a smaller scale than Salamanca, the Farm Gate Markets are held every Sunday morning and distinguish themselves by being only open to local producers and is worth a visit for fresh produce.
For a market of a different type but an equally essential part of the city’s social and food culture is the Street Eats @ Franko held every Friday night in Franklin Square. Created by the team behind the Farm Gate Market you'll find food trucks and stalls lining the paths as musicians play on the stage and locals and visitors stake out a spot at the tables around the park.
Tour the historic Cascade Brewery and celebrate a beloved Tasmanian product. Immerse yourself in Cascade’s proud heritage as Australia’s oldest brewery as you learn about beer-making and check out the Visitor Centre’s displays. You can sample beers and ciders in the garden or enjoy a meal from Cascade’s café.
Looking at art used to be boring but at Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, it's an experience. Located just up the river from Hobart, Mona's subterranean architecture showcases the highlights of David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities, as well as hosting a busy exhibitions program.
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Australia's second-oldest established in 1818. These gardens are home to the largest collection of mature conifers in the Southern Hemisphere and it also has the only subantarctic plant house in the world.
Travelling a bit further on, Port Arthur is just over an hour from Hobart. With well-preserved penal colony buildings, the dark history of the area contrasts with the beauty of the surrounding area. Full of powerful stories of hardship and loss, it's one of Tasmania's most rewarding travel experiences.
Just 10 mins from our Park is the Hobart Convict Penitentiary. The courtrooms, cells and gallows at 'the Tench' had a hellish reputation in the 1800s, and every convict in Tasmania passed through here. The barracks are all gone, but the red-brick chapel remains solidly intact and is worth a visit.
Ready to book your next getaway? Stay at Discovery Parks - Hobart
