Are you planning a trip to Tasmania? I have rounded up 13 epic day trips from Hobart visitors should experience.
Hobart is a place that is on many itineraries when visiting Tasmania. Tasmania’s capital city and Australia’s second oldest is a destination you can enjoy for several days. There are many amazing things to do in Hobart without venturing outside of the city.
If you have more time (which I recommend) then Hobart is also the ideal hub. Explore the surrounding areas through day tours or self-drive day trips. The region surrounding Hobart has a diverse range of activities and sights which caters for all interests.
In this article, you can read how you can explore self day trips around Hobart. Some locations may be half a day, while others are full-day trips. Being the capital city, many amazing tours also depart from Hobart. If you would prefer someone else take the lead on your next adventure then I have also listed some of the best Hobart day tours.
My aim for this guide was to provide some inspiration for what to see outside of Hobart. Continue reading as I’m sure you will find a place to add to your next Tasmania adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
Featured Image: Kunanyi/Mt Wellington © Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy
Table of Contents
Getting Around Hobart
Depending on your accommodation, Hobart does have the option of public transport. Yet, on all our trips to Hobart, we have found hiring a car the best option. It gives the freedom of visiting attractions within and outside the city.
For car hire, Inspire Family Travel recommends Bargain Car Rentals. They are an Australian-owned and operated company (founded in Hobart, Tasmania) with 14 locations and a wide range of vehicles.
Their focus is on exceeding customer expectations, value for money, and exceptional service.
Pro Tip: Always book your car in advance as this is the best way to avoid disappointment, and it will save you time and money. Bargain Car Rentals has kindly offered you a discount code. Simply use the code FAMTRAVEL when you make a booking and this will save you 5% on their best rates.
National Parks Pass
Many of the locations below will require you to have a valid National Parks pass. This can be purchased at many visitor centres or ticket offices around Tasmania. We found buying one in advance online the most convenient.
Day Tours From Hobart
If you would prefer to relax and let someone else drive you to your destination while you enjoy the sights then a day tour may be the best option. There are many day tours available to experience Hobart and the surrounding areas. To save you money and time, I have included in this guide links to all the top-rated tours.
Popular Hobart Day Trips
Find below a quick guide to the top day tours from Hobart
| Tour Name | Reviews | From A$ | Book Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Hour Return kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus | 5 star l 520 reviews | $40.00 | Book Here |
| kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour & Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | 5 star l 124 reviews | $70.00 | Book Here |
| Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond | 5 star l 352 reviews | $169.00 | Book Here |
| Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks | 5 star l 502 reviews | $270.00 | Book Here |
| Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart | 5 star l 428 reviews | $145.00 | Book Here |
| Bruny Island Produce Sightseeing and Exclusive Lighthouse Tour | 5 star l 2,020 reviews | $240.00 | Book Here |
| Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart | 5 star l 553 reviews | $235.00 | Book Here |
| Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart | 5 star l 312 reviews | $245.00 | Book Here |
| Wineglass Bay & Freycinet NP Full Day Tour from Hobart via Richmond Village | 5 star l 244 reviews | $139.00 | Book Here |
| Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay | 4.5 star l 806 reviews | $155.00 | Book Here |
The Best Day Trips from Hobart
Richmond Tasmania
Distance from Hobart – 30 minutes
Once Tasmania’s 3rd largest town, the historic village of Richmond is a popular tourist destination only 30 minutes from Hobart. The historic Georgian buildings along the main street are filled with tea shops, craft boutiques, and galleries.
Take a walk around the charming town, making sure to stop at Sweets and Treats, an old-school style lolly shop filled with old and modern-day sweets. The variety would make Willy Wonka’s eyes bulge.
One of the most photographed landmarks within the town is the Richmond Bridge. Australia’s oldest surviving large stone arch bridge, completed in 1825.
One of the places to visit is Richmond Gaol – one of the best-preserved colonial gaols, built in 1825. Richmond was established as a military staging post and convict station that linked Hobart and Port Arthur. The Richmond Gaol offers insight into the life of the men and women who served their time during the convict era.
If you are looking for an animal experience, Zoodoo Wildlife Park is only 6 km’s outside of Richmond.
Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Zoodoo has over 400 zoo animals and their focus is conservation and educating the community to protect our planet and biodiversity. One of the highlights of the park is its engaging daily keeper presentations. It also offers the chance to get up close to some of the animals by booking an animal encounter.
Day Tours to Richmond Tasmania
Richmond Village Shuttle From A$35.00
Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Richmond Village Tour From A$70.00
Richmond Historic Afternoon Tour from Hobart From A$98.00
Roundtrip Shared Bus Transfer to Zoodoo Zoo From A$35.00
Bonorong Wildlife Park
Distance from Hobart – 30 minutes
If seeing a Tasmanian Devil is high on your Tasmania bucket list then you can find them at Bonorong (“Bon-a-rong”) Wildlife Park. Known as Tasmania’s most popular wildlife park, Bonorong is a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife.
With an army of volunteers, they operate Tasmania’s largest 24/7 Wildlife Rescue Service which is funded by the entry fees to the park. Bonorong is one of the popular family day trips from Hobart.
What makes this wildlife park special is you can meet animals that only exist in the park’s refuge as they are extinct in the wild. The small business has an uplifting philosophy. Focusing on native wildlife rehabilitation, care, conservation, and protection.
Some animals that find themselves in the refuge include Tasmanian Devils, quolls, native birds, wombats, lizards, emus, and snakes.
Included in the general admission is a bag of kangaroo food and access to the 30-minute tours. Guides will introduce you to the local wombats, devils, and echidnas. For an additional experience, you can have a short personal animal encounter, join feeding time, or visit Bonorong in the evening for a night tour. These encounters are subject to booking and fees do apply.
Bonorong’s food hut opens during the day (timing can vary but between 10 am – 2.30 pm) serving 100% plant-based food. They are also happy for visitors to BYO food as they have picnic tables throughout the park, along with a BBQ area (bookings recommended).
Practical Information: Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The daily tours are at 10 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm
Day Tours and Tickets to Bonorong Wildlife Park
Bonorong Wildlife Park Entry Tickets and Popular Day Tours from Hobart From A$33.00
Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart From A$117.00
Mount Wellington l kunanyi
Distance from Hobart – 35 minutes
Mount Wellington is one of the main sights and best places to visit in Tasmania. Standing at 1,270 metres high the mountain is impressive and can be seen from nearly everywhere in Hobart. Being only 30 minutes from Hobart the Mount Wellington Summit is the cream on the cake and what you will venture up the mountain to experience.
What you will see at the summit is dependent on the weather. On a pristine day expect to have an incredible view over Hobart, Bruny Island, and the Tasman Peninsula. On a cloudy day, the summit may be literally in the clouds. During winter the snow-topped mountain is picture-perfect and draws the attention of locals and visitors.
There are a few boardwalk tracks on the summit for some short walks. Wellington National Park is an 18,011-hectare reserve. It is full of remarkable cliff faces, waterfalls, fern glades, boulder fields, and amazing rock formations.
If you love the great outdoors Wellington National Park has a treasure trove of activities. Make the most of the sublime natural environment by bushwalking, horse riding, bike riding, and rock climbing.
Practical Information: The weather on the mountain can be unpredictable so it is best to prepare for all temperatures. Layers will be the best option, particularly during cooler months and do not forget a hat and protective clothing for hot days.
Getting to Mount Wellington
Always check the road conditions and monitor the weather conditions before venturing up the mountain. This is particularly important when there is snow and ice. The conditions can be very different atop Mount Wellington so please be safe.
If you do not have a car, opt for the Explorer Bus, which offers transfers between the summit and Hobart.
Tours from Hobart to Mount Wellington
2-Hour Return kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus From A$40.00
kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour & Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus From A$70.00 – Combine two sightseeing tours in one day.
Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens
Distance from Hobart – 45 minutes
If you take a day trip to Mount Field National Park (mentioned below) then one of the stops on the route is the Salmon Ponds located in the Derwent Valley.
The Salmon Ponds is the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere with European migrants introducing the first live salmon and trout eggs in 1864. Around the grounds, you will discover some original historic buildings. These buildings include the Angling Hall of Fame, Historic Trout Hatchery, as well as the Museum of Trout Fishing. The museum has memorabilia that showcases Tasmania’s angling history.
The Salmon Ponds site is still operational with it stocking Tasmania’s lakes and dams with over a million trout each year. If you have a spare $2 there is a coin-operated food dispenser that will provide you with food to feed the fish. The fish include many variations of trout and Atlantic salmon.
The gardens at the Salmon Ponds are what you could expect from a 19th-century English-style park. The garden has several trees over 100 years old with the feature in the gardens being the six ponds full of different fish species. The Plenty River borders the park and is a lovely place for a stroll and if you are lucky, you may even spot a local platypus.
There are BBQ facilities within the grounds for a BYO picnic lunch or drop into the onsite restaurant, Pancakes on the Ponds. Specialising in savoury and sweet pancakes with a view overlooking the ponds and gardens.
Important Information: The ponds do not have guard rails or fences around them so please always keep an eye on your children.
Practical Information: The park is open daily from 9 am – 4 pm (closed Christmas Day) and admission fees are $22 for a family pass.
Multi Location Day Tour from Hobart
Mt Field National Park and Russell Falls including a visit to the Salmon Ponds From A$165.00
Mount Field National Park
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 10 minutes
Mount Field National Park is the home to Russell Falls, known to be a photographer’s delight and so picturesque that is featured on one of Australia’s first postage stamps.
The walk to Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s 60 great short walks. Accessible to all abilities the sealed pathway is a 1.4 km return walk. Stroll through a mixture of rainforests comprising of swamp gums, and flora you will find in cool temperate and wet rainforests.
If you only come to visit Russell Falls you will not leave disappointed. Stand on the wooden platform created to give you the best view to witness the water cascading over three levels of rock as it pours into the basin. If you are travelling from Hobart, it is worth exploring the beauty past Russell Falls into one of Tasmania’s oldest and most diverse national parks.
Three Falls Circuit is approximately 6 km’s. Continue past Russell Falls as you move deeper into the World Heritage Wilderness area. Expect to find beautiful streams, the world’s tallest eucalypt trees (Tall Trees Walk), and two more waterfalls (Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls).
Pro Tip: The Three Falls track is much easier to walk clockwise. This will see you visiting Lady Barron Falls first and Russell Falls at the end. You will encounter a lot of steps on this walk and clockwise will save you the burn of climbing up them.
Another option is to break up the walks. Along Lake Dobson Road is a parking area where you can start the Tall Trees 1 km circuit. These trees have been known to reach over 100 metres in height! It is quite a remarkable sight to behold.
If you want to explore Mount Field National Park further the Pandani Grove circuit starts from the Lake Dobson car park. The green oasis is a 1.5 km circuit around Dobson Lake. The pandani can be found growing here and are one of the subalpine plants that can only be found in Tasmania.
Practical Information: The visitors’ centre has a café and public toilets. There is information on the walks and you can also buy a national park pass with is required.
Day Tours to Mount Field National Park
Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond From A$169.00
Eaglehawk Neck
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour
Eaglehawk Neck is a small town on the Tasman Peninsula and the gateway to the Tasman National Park. Like Bruny Island, it has a narrow isthmus, known as The Neck. The Neck was a crucial part of convict history being only 20 kms north of Port Arthur. The Neck stationed a military outpost to prevent convicts from escaping Port Arthur.
Eaglehawk Neck is now a hub for nature lovers who want to explore the Tasman National Park and witness incredible geological formations.
Two of the things to do in Eaglehawk Neck are:
See the Tasman Blowhole
The Tasman Blowhole is lovely, but it is not quite what we imagined. The Blowhole is a former sea cave and tunnel. It is quite timid and you will likely only see some spray when the seas are rough and are flowing in the right direction. Nevertheless, it is nice and very easy to visit with a car park within close walking distance.
Visit the Tessellated Pavement
The Tessellated Pavement is a geometrically patterned wonder that is well worth visiting. This tiled-like natural phenomenon is only found in a few places on Earth. Created over millions of years the seawater has carved cracks and lines into the rock surface representing pavement.
Not far from the car park, there is a lookout point giving you a bird’s eye view of the pavement. Or, continue down the path to the stairs that descend onto the pavement for a closer look.
When to visit: The best time to visit the Tessellated Pavement is at low tide. This is when you will see the area in all its glory and be able to walk on the pavement.
Practical Information: Even though we found it safe enough to walk around at low tide we stayed well away from the ocean edge. Please be aware of rouge waves, tides, and slippery rocks especially if you have young explorers with you.
Tasman National Park
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour
Tasman National Park hugs the Tasman Peninsula coastline. It features rock formations such as arches, sea caves and massive cliffs. These geological wonders have been formed over thousands of years by the ocean waves.
To enjoy a bird’s eye view, stop at Tasman National Park lookout. This lookout is a great little detour if you are travelling to Port Arthur or a stop on your way to Eaglehawk Neck. The incredible views overlook the coastline and towering sea cliffs that soar some 300 metres in height.
Spend some time relaxing and soaking in the vistas before continuing to admire the spectacular coastal landforms up close.
Find below some of the top things to do in Tasman National Park.
Visit Tasman’s Arch and Devils Kitchen
Both these impressive natural features are a testament to the power of nature. The Tasman Arch is a natural bridge that has been carved over time by the ocean. Devil’s Kitchen has been created the same way, yet instead of a bridge, the Tasman Sea has formed a deep trench between two enormous cliff faces.
Go for a Bushwalk or Epic Hike
This wild and accessible national park is 107.5 square kilometres with many walking tracks. Choose from a short walk to much longer hikes. Some of the most well-known tracks are the Three Capes Track which is a multi-day hiking trail covering 48 km’s.
For a shorter walk, but with similar scenery, the ever-popular Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul are standouts. For a shorter walk again and one that is well suited to children, we enjoyed the peaceful Waterfall Bay Walking track. One of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks.
Waterfall Bay Walking Track
The 3.4 km return walk begins at the car park near Tasman’s Arch. From there follow the signs to Devils Kitchen and continue south onwards to Waterfall Bay. You will need to return on the same track. But this will allow you to stop at the lookout points again or take in more of the national park which borders the track. The path itself is well-kept and follows the cliff edges along the Tasman Peninsula.
The lookout points along the walk offer magnificent views of enormous jagged cliffs, archways carved by furious seas, and incredibly blue water. As the name suggests once you reach the end of the walk you will see a waterfall that drops over a sheer cliff more than 100 metres into the ocean.
Port Arthur Historical Site
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 25 minutes
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Historical Site will take you back in time to the convict era. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is an educational history lesson that is confronting and fascinating.
The site itself is huge with over 40 hectares of manicured grounds to explore. Dotted around the grounds are over 30 historical buildings that share stories of inmates and what living at Port Arthur entailed.
You can choose to explore at your own pace with a self-guided audio experience. Downloaded as a podcast you gain an insight into the stories, characters, and main landmarks at Port Arthur. Throughout the day you will also find guides located in various locations giving talks. Also included in the entry tickets is the 20-minute harbour cruise that sails around The Isle of the Dead.
If you are interested to find out more about Port Arthur including what you can expect on your visit read my full guide to a day trip at Port Arthur.
Practical Information: Port Arthur is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm and closed on Christmas Day.
Tickets to Port Arthur
Entry Tickets to Port Arthur From A$47.00
Port Arthur Ghost Tours From $A$35.00
Tahune Adventures
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 30 minutes
On the edge of South West Tasmania is Tahune Adventures. Located alongside the Huon River in the middle of Tahune Forest Reserve there are activities here suited to everyone.
One of the most popular features is the Tahune Airwalk. Rising 30 metres above the forest floor the 619-metre walkway gives you spectacular views of the forest. The final section of the walkway is 50 metres above the Huon River. It offers views not only of the mountains in the distance and Tasmania’s wilderness area but where the Huon and Picton Rivers meet.
For a change of pace for those who want to get their heart rate pumping there is an eagle hang gliding activity. Strap yourself into a cable-controlled hang glider that sends you soaring across the Huon River. For an activity on the water, Tahune Adventures works with King River Rafting where you can raft or kayak the Huon and Picton Rivers.
To become more acquainted with the area up close take The Huon Pine Walk. A short 20-minute walk through the picturesque forest. This walk is suitable for all abilities and is wheelchair and stroller friendly. For a closer inspection of the Huon River (without getting our feet wet) is the Swinging Bridges Walk. The 1-hour circuit will see you crossing two swinging bridges that cross both the Huon and Picton Rivers.
Day Tours to Tahune Adventure
Tahune Airwalk & Hastings Cave Active Day Tour from Hobart From A$170.00
Maria Island
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 10 mins to Triabunna + 30-minute ferry ride
One of the popular places to visit on an East Coast Tasmania Road trip is Maria Island. A common theme in Tasmania is many places offer a combination of history and incredible natural scenery. Maria Island is one of those locations!
The Darlington Probation Station is a good starting point if you want to catch up on the history of the island. A World Heritage Convict Site that was established in 1825. The island was infamous for convict escapes and it was abandoned in 1832 with Port Arthur being the preferred location for convicts. Over time Maria Island was home to farming and fishing communities with some remaining on the island as historical evidence of that era.
You can choose to explore the island on foot with several short, day or overnight walks. To explore the island at a quicker pace, hire a bike and head for the tracks in the north of the island. As there are no cars on Maria Island getting around on a bike is a great way for a family to see further afield if you are only visiting for the day.
A major highlight on Maria Island is the Painted Cliffs which are a 4.3 km return walk from the docking area at Darlington. An impressive rock formation! The patterns have been created by groundwater filtering down through the sandstone and staining the rock. Creating wonderful patterns and amazing colours. The sea spray and waves have carved the cliffs over millions of years and created interesting features in the rock.
Tip: The best time to see the Painted Cliffs is two hours before and after low tide.
Getting to Maria Island: There is a passenger ferry from the town of Triabunna that travels to and from Maria Island four times a day. The ferry will take around 30 minutes. You can buy tickets to the ferry here or see the best day tours to Maria Island below.
Transfers from Hobart and Day Tours at Maria Island
Maria Island Ferry Connection (Hobart to Triabunna Round Trip) From A$35.00
Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks From A$270.00
Hastings Cave and Thermal Springs
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 45 minutes
Located in Huonville Tasmania is Hastings Caves State Reserve. For travellers exploring the southern end of Tasmania, a stop here offers a few experiences. Swim in the thermal pools, explore the area on short walks and take a guided tour of Newdegate Cave.
The Newdegate Cave started forming over 40 million years ago and is the largest dolomite cave open in Australia for visitors to explore. Hiding beneath thick forest and ferny glades the spacious cave system is a maze of chambers. It provides you with a chance to witness an ancient environment that is ever-changing.
Back on top of the ground relax in the therapeutic thermal swimming pool that is a beautiful 28 degrees celsius year-round.
There are also some lovely short nature walks in the surrounding forest. The Platypus Walk will take around 10 minutes and is wheelchair suitable or the Hot Spring Walk is a 30-minute circuit.
Practical Information: The cave tours are run by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife staff and take around 45 minutes. The cave tour tickets include access to the thermal pools. Bring appropriate clothing for the cave tour, such as sturdy shoes and warm clothing. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife advise this tour would not be suitable if you are mobility impaired. Even though the caves are spacious the light level is low and there are 250 stairs each way.
Facilities at Hastings Caves: You may find you spend a good part of your day at Hastings Caves if you choose all the activities. There are picnic facilities and barbeques available at the thermal pools. While snacks and coffees are available from the visitor centre.
Tickets to Hastings Caves
Bookings are essential to access the caves and BOOK IN ADVANCE to avoid missing out! You will need to purchase tickets for the cave tour which includes access to the thermal pools. If you decide not to take the cave tour there is a small thermal spring entry fee that includes access to the walks as well.
Day Tours including Hastings Caves
Hastings Caves, Tahune and Huon Valley Full Day Guided Tour From A$198.00
Bruny Island
Distance from Hobart – 1 hour 50 minutes
Tasmania is not short on spectacular bushwalks, amazing natural scenery, and delicious fresh produce. One of the places you can find all three is Bruny Island.
A short 20-minute ferry ride connects Bruny Island with Kettering on the mainland. Fifty kilometres in length, North and South Bruny are joined by a narrow isthmus of land called, The Neck. Climb the wooden stairs to the viewing deck where you can witness 360-degree views.
For another brilliant viewpoint visit the southern point of Bruny Island. This is where you will find the Bruny Island Lighthouse. You can opt to take a lighthouse tour or explore the area yourself.
Bruny Island is a food lovers’ paradise. Some of the Bruny Island tours will visit delicious food shops or make a pit stop on your self-guided drive around the island. Some of the products you can expect to find on Bruny Island are fresh seafood, creamy cheeses, delicious chocolates, and local honey.
Read More: A Bruny Island Day Trip Guide: Things to Do and How to Get There
Day Tours and Tickets to Bruny Island
It is often asked how long do I need to spend on Bruny Island? The answer is. It depends on how much time you have. If you only have a day then make the most of seeing everything you want on a self-guided drive of Bruny Island or join one of the below guided tours.
Day Tours to Bruny Island from Hobart
Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart From A$145.00
Bruny Island Produce Sightseeing and Exclusive Lighthouse Tour From A$240.00
Bruny Island Traveller – Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart From A$235.00
Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart From A$245.00
Wineglass Bay
Distance from Hobart – 2 hours 40 minutes
Wineglass Bay is one of the locations on the East Coast of Tasmania that is not to be missed. A dramatic coastline, spectacular blue water, and sublime award-winning beaches. There is so much to love about this part of Tasmania.
The Wineglass Bay lookout is one of Tasmania’s most famous views. A 2.6 km return walk will take you through coastal woodland with the prize being the lookout platform. It is a steep uphill walk on your way to the lookout with many steps. You will be rewarded at the top with views of mountainous peaks, the curved white beach of Wineglass Bay, and spectacular blue waters. If this is a little adventurous there are other short walks in the area.
If you have more time, I would highly recommend taking some time to explore the east coast by stopping over instead of opting for a day trip. The drive itself will take close to three hours and with the number of things to do and see in this area, you will only scratch the surface.
In saying this, if you only have the opportunity of a day trip then start early and choose one activity or place to visit and enjoy that experience. It will be a great taste tester and will open your eyes to the possibility of more places to visit on your next Tasmanian adventure.
Day Tours including Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay & Freycinet NP Full Day Tour from Hobart via Richmond Village From A$139.00
Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay From A$155.00
Where to Stay in Hobart
Are searching for accommodation in Hobart? Read here my top 10 choices for the best accommodation in Hobart.
I hope you found this guide to be helpful with planning your itinerary for day trips out of Hobart. You may also be interested in reading the top things to do in Launceston with kids, popular things to do in Strahan, things to do in Tasmania with kids, and a 14 day itinerary for Tasmania.
Do you have a question about these day trips? Ask in the comments below.
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