8 Great Day Trips from Hobart, Australia

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These 8 great day trips from Hobart will show you some of the best sights and scenery on the beautiful island of Tasmania. Drive, take a tour or catch a bus to explore Australia’s southernmost state. Day trips in Hobart involve discovering the art, culture and rich colonial history of Australia’s smallest capital city.

But when you’ve had your fill of galleries, museums and cafes, it’s time to look further afield. Beyond Hobart, there are historical sites to explore at Port Arthur and Richmond and in the National Parks, there are ancient forests, waterfalls and pristine beaches. All are within easy reach on a day trip from Hobart.

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Base Yourself in Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s largest city and it’s a great place to base yourself for easy access to some of the best attractions in the south of Tasmania with all the comforts and services you’ll need while you explore.

With so many amazing things to see and do in Hobart, you can spend a few days enjoying the sights. There are some fabulous day trips from Hobart that will keep you entertained.

There’s a good selection of hotels and you can enjoy some wonderful restaurants and cafes.

Where to stay in Hobart

I loved staying at the Shipwrights Arms, an old restored pub in the older part of town, at the charming Edinburgh Gallery B&B and at the Astor Private Hotel, a quaint older hotel near the waterfront. I loved feeling surrounded by history in Hobart.

Other popular options are:

Budget:  Montacute Bunkhouse.

Upper Mid Range: The Moss Hotel 

Luxury: Henry Jones Art Hotel 

Where to eat in Hobart

How to travel to Hobart

Fly to Hobart from any major city in Australia, or take the ferry across from Melbourne to Devonport. From there travel directly to Hobart and Launceston by bus or hire a car at the airport.

I took my car to Tasmania on The Spirit of Tasmania and drove to Hobart from Devonport (3.5 hours). I loved having my car with me and it was a very flexible way to get around and made taking day trips from Hobart easy.

But you don’t need a car to see the main sights and attractions in Hobart. There are plenty of popular tours and day trips from Hobart and getting around is uncomplicated. Tasmania is well-connected by buses.

Make Hobart your base for a week or two, and you can avoid the hassle of changing hotels, and sleep comfortably in the same bed throughout your stay.

8 Great Day Trips From Hobart

When you’ve seen the sites of the city and you feel ready to venture a bit further afield, there are lots of day trips to choose from. These are some of my favourite day trips from Hobart:

1. Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of the best day trips from Hobart and is located on the stunning Tasman Peninsula. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Tasmania. Port Arthur is a 90-minute drive from Hobart and there are lots of things to see and do along the way.

It’s worth stopping to enjoy the scenic walks and the impressive natural rock formations on the Tasman Peninsula, including the Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen, the Blowhole, and the Tessellated Pavement. Before arriving in Port Arthur you’ll drive across the Eagle Hawk Neck, the site of the infamous dog line. Ferocious dogs were kept here to keep the prisoners from escaping. And from the lookout, you can enjoy sweeping views of Pirate Bay.

Port Arthur Historic Site

At the fascinating Port Arthur Historic Site, you’ll learn about the grim lives of the convicts in this secondary prison colony. The worst of the convicts were sent here and you can explore their cells in the ruins of the penitentiary. There are solitary confinement cells and the shell of a church is still standing up on the hill. A short ferry ride around the harbour is included in the Port Arthur Entry Ticket which must be purchased in advance online.

Drive on a bit further to Remarkable Cave and the Maingon Lookout. Stand at the lookout and watch the huge waves crashing against the sea cliffs on this wild and rugged coastline. Then take the stairs down to visit the Remarkable cave.

Other attractions nearby include the Unzoo and the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. At the Unzoo you can see Tasmanian Devils and hand-feed wild kangaroos. Another great place to stop off on the road from Hobart is the Devil’s Corner Winery. Sample the local wines, have a meal or a coffee and enjoy the lovely view.

TIP: Discover the dramatic scenery of the Tasman Peninsula by hiking the Three Capes Track. This multi-day walk takes you through the wilderness of the Tasman National Park. The coastal scenery is incredible and the walk begins at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

How to get to Port Arthur from Hobart

The easiest way to get to Port Arthur is to drive. But if you don’t have your own transport you can catch a bus directly to Port Arthur or join a day tour from Hobart.

On a tour, you’ll stop off along the way and see more of the sights of the Tasman Peninsula making this day trip from Hobart worthwhile.

Hobart Day Trip Tours to Port Arthur

The Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site is a day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour wilderness cruise exploring the spectacular coastline near Port Arthur looking for seals, whales, birds and dolphins. You’ll also spend the afternoon discovering Tasmania’s colonial history at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Visiting the Lavender Farm and the Port Arthur Historic Site is a lovely day trip from Hobart.

Or choose the Tasman Island Cruise and Tasmanian Devils day trip from Hobart to see endangered Devils and hand-feed wild kangaroos while you’re in Port Arthur.

On a Hobart day trip to Port Arthur, you’ll see the Historic Site but I would recommend staying a bit longer. With an extra day or two, you’ll have time to explore the Tasman National Park. There are lots of walking trails to enjoy and some stunning scenery on the beautiful and wild coastline of the Tasman Peninsula.

Where to Stay in Port Arthur

Budget: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

Mid Range: Port Arthur Villas or Stuarts Bay Lodge

2. Richmond

Historic Richmond is Australia’s oldest Georgian village and it’s one of the most popular day trips from Hobart. It takes about half an hour to drive there. In Richmond, you can enjoy the colonial atmosphere of restored heritage buildings, pretty Georgian cottages, art galleries and antique shops. Sample Tasmania’s fine wine, whiskey and gin and shop for souvenirs or gifts.

Don’t Miss the historic Richmond Bridge, built by convicts and still in use today. Visit the old colonial gaol, built before Port Arthur in 1825. It’s the main attraction in Richmond and one of the best-preserved convict-era buildings in Tasmania. At the Richmond Gaol, you’ll get a real sense of the harsh lives of prisoners in the 19^th century.

I stopped for lunch at the Richmond Bakery and enjoyed a fresh pie and some live music. A local harp player was busking in the sunny courtyard and it was a very pleasant stop on my day trip from Hobart.

Getting There

Richmond is located just 27 kilometres away from Hobart and is one of the closest day trips from Hobart. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a bus from Rosny Park or take a Hobart Day Tour.

The  Mount Wellington, Mount Field, Bonorong and Richmond day tour promises an unforgettable visit and is a great choice of day trips from Hobart. Strolling the streets of historic Richmond, exploring beautiful waterfalls in Mount Fields, enjoying stunning views from the top of Mount Wellington, and seeing endangered Tasmanian Devils at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary are highlights.

3. Mount Field National Park & Russel Falls

Pack your walking shoes and get ready to enjoy the lush, green wonderland of Mount Field National Park. It’s one of the best day trips from Hobart. At Mount Field, there are waterfalls, forests of tall trees, glaciated mountains and lakes to explore.

Mount Field is one of Tasmania’s oldest and most loved National Parks. It’s an easy day trip from Hobart, just a 90-minute drive through the picturesque Derwent Valley. Call in at the Westerway Raspberry Farm to stock up on fresh berries on the way. It’s not far from the entrance to Mount Field National Park.

Russell Falls

Russell Falls is a major drawcard for visitors to Mount Field. The walking trail begins near the National Park Visitor’s Centre and the wheelchair-friendly path follows the sparkling stream. It passes moss-covered trees and green ferns before reaching the lovely Russell Falls. If you climb the stairs to the top of the Falls you’ll find more waterfalls and a forest of giant flowering ash trees.

To see all the highlights of this section of the park, walk the Three Falls Circuit trail. It takes 2 – 2.5 hours to complete the trail and you’ll see Russell Falls, Lady Baron Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Tall Trees. You can take a picnic lunch or eat at the café at the National Parks Centre.

Salmon Ponds

On my day trip from Hobart, I stopped for a late lunch at the Salmon Ponds on the return journey. I had an enjoyable meal in the restaurant overlooking a lovely garden. Salmon Ponds is the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere. You can feed the huge trout in the fish pond, enjoy the heritage buildings and wander through the lovely gardens.  

Another lovely stop on the return trip is Hobart’s Royal Botanical Gardens. It’s on the Tasman Highway about 3 kilometres before Hobart. The Botanical Gardens make a lovely day trip in Hobart and you can catch a bus there if you don’t have a car.

** You’ll need a Tasmanian National Parks Pass for entry to Mount Field National Park. You can buy your Pass at National Park Centres or online.

If you don’t have your own transport you can book a day tour to Mount Field National Park. It includes all the highlights of this Hobart day trip.

Where to Stay

Mid Range: The Old Colony Inn is a quaint heritage Inn and a gorgeous place to stay. It’s packed with history and is located in New Norfolk, about half an hour outside Hobart and about a 45-minute drive from Mount Field National Park and Russel Falls.

4. Bruny Island

Bruny Island is one of the most scenic day trips from Hobart. A popular destination for beachgoers and foodies, Bruny Island has a wild and dramatic landscape, pristine beaches and delicious local produce. Bruny consists of two islands joined by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck. Don’t miss the fabulous views across The Neck from Truganini Lookout.

If you like walking you’ll enjoy the lovely coastal trails and the lighthouse at Cape Bruny.

There’s a seal colony off the coast and you can search for fur seals on a Bruny Island wilderness eco-tour. It’s likely to be a highlight of your visit and you may also see other native wildlife too if you’re lucky.

Bruny Island is well known for its local produce. There’s fresh seafood, oysters, artisan cheese, chocolate, fudge, honey and berries on offer so make sure you try the local specialties while you’re there.

You can take your car across from the mainland on the ferry. It’s a short 40-minute drive from Hobart to Kettering and the ferry crossing takes about 20 minutes. It’s a lovely Hobart day trip!

Bruny Island Tours

If you don’t have your own transport you won’t miss out, there are some excellent day tours from Hobart. 

On the Food Lighthouse and Sightseeing tour, you’ll enjoy gourmet food on beautiful Bruny Island with cheese, honey, chocolate and oyster tasting. You’ll visit Adventure Bay, and Cape Bruny and tour the lighthouse with opportunities to see local wildlife along the way.

The Bruny Island Gourmet sightseeing tour is also very popular and an ideal choice for foodies.

A wilderness cruise along Bruny Island’s rugged coastline in search of regional wildlife is also a great choice for nature lovers. You’ll have time to explore the island after the cruise.

5. Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park

Idyllic Wineglass Bay is further away from Hobart but it is possible to visit in a day. I suggest staying on the Freycinet Peninsula a bit longer if you can though. It takes 2.5 hours to drive there so you’ll need to leave Hobart early to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the pristine beaches and the beautiful bush walks on this favourite Hobart day trip.

Wineglass Bay is considered one of the best beaches in the world and the coastal scenery nearby is simply breathtaking. Visiting Wineglass Bay is one of the most scenic and popular day trips from Hobart. The Freycinet Peninsula is relatively remote and people come here to enjoy outdoor activities like bushwalking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing.

The national park is home to a wide variety of native Australian wildlife like wallabies, quolls, possums, echidna, wombats, black swans, sea eagles, seals, and if you’re lucky, Tasmanian Devils. In winter months whales swim past the coast and there are some great lookout points for whale watching.

Wineglass Bay Lookout

Don’t Miss the popular walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout (1 -1.5 hours return) It’s the best walk to do on a Hobart day trip. The walk to Wineglass Bay is a moderate grade with steep sections and the track is well-maintained. From the Wineglass Bay lookout, the trail continues steeply down to the pristine Wineglass Bay Beach and it takes 2.5 -3 hours to return the way you came.

In fine weather, the steep and difficult hike to the top of Mount Amos offers unrivalled 360° views of Wineglass Bay and Coles Bay. It’s a 3-hour return hike that involves climbing and scrambling to get to the top of the mountain. Check in with the National Parks Centre about the safety of this trail before you go and buy your National Parks Pass.

Where to Stay near Wineglass Bay

If you fall in love with Wineglass Bay and want to stay longer there are a variety of accommodation options for all budgets in Coles Bay and inside Freycinet National Park. Book ahead in peak periods like summer, Easter and school holidays.

Budget: Big4 Iluka on Freycinet

Upper Mid Range: Edge of the Bay Resort

Luxury:  Eagle Peaks at Freycninet, Coles Bay

6. The Hartz Mountains

The Hartz Mountains National Park is world heritage-listed wilderness and perfect for a day trip from Hobart, The National Park is only 1.5 hours southwest of Hobart, past Geeveston. One of Tasmania’s great short walks, the 7.4-kilometre hike to Hartz Peak takes around 4 hours and delivers spectacular views from the top of the mountain.

Beneath the peak is beautiful Hartz Lake. This walk is best attempted in fine weather for the best views and walking conditions. The trail is steep in places and can be subject to severe weather so be prepared and check the weather forecast before you go.

**Access to the Hartz National Park is on unsealed roads and a Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required. You can buy your Pass at National Park Centres or online.

7. Tahune Airwalk

Stroll above the treetops along a steel walkway over the Huon River and enjoy beautiful views of the Tahune forest. The Tahune Airwalk is located in the Huon Valley southwest of Hobart past Geeveston, and it takes about 90 minutes to drive there.

8. Maria Island

Located off the east coast of Tasmania, Maria Island (pron.: Mar-eye-ah) offers beautiful walks and breathtaking scenery. Maria Island is a wildlife sanctuary and a quiet place to retreat to with dramatic coastal scenery and historic ruins to explore. There’s an easy circuit walk around the island that takes around 90 minutes to complete. Visiting Maria Island is a lovely day trip from Hobart.

The Maria Island cruise and guided walk tour will take you to Maria Island but it leaves from Triabunna on the coast.

A passenger ferry leaves from the Triabunna wharf and it takes 30 minutes to get to the island. Itriabunna is a 90-minute drive from Hobart.

**A Tasmanian National Parks Pass is required to visit Maria Island

Final Thoughts – Day Trips from Hobart

This selection of day trips from Hobart focuses on the southern part of the island. But on the other side of Tasmania, Launceston is also worth visiting with the lovely Cataract Gorge and the nearby Tamar Valley wine region to enjoy.

Further inland there’s the wilderness of Cradle Mountain to explore and on the northwest coast, Stanley offers a beach holiday with penguins. Strahan on the west coast and the Bay of Fires, St Helen’s and Bicheno south of Wineglass Bay on the east coast also offer gorgeous coastal scenery.

I loved visiting Tasmania on a 2-week solo road trip and can recommend spending some time here. Tasmania has much to offer visitors who venture so far south in Australia and taking day trips from Hobart is the perfect way to see Tasmania without driving.

Travel Essentials

#1. A Travel Guide for Tasmania or Australia. I rarely travel without my trusted Lonely Planet Guide.

#2. I always use Travel Insurance so I can concentrate on enjoying my trip without worrying about something going wrong.

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