HOBART & THE SOUTH
Tasmania’s South is a world of dramatic natural beauty and profound history, centered around the charming capital city of Hobart. It’s where the wild Southern Ocean meets ancient forests and a vibrant, modern arts scene.
This region is a unique blend of colonial heritage, world-class produce, and raw wilderness. It’s an unforgettable journey from bustling markets and historic wharves to the edge of the far south.
Most Popular Attractions
Hobart City Core & Arts:
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA): A world-renowned, privately funded museum known for its unique, challenging, and immersive exhibitions.
Salamanca Market: A vibrant outdoor market held every Saturday in historic Salamanca Place, featuring local produce, arts, crafts, and food.
Salamanca Place: A historic waterfront precinct lined with converted Georgian sandstone warehouses, now home to galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Battery Point: A charming, historic suburb with quaint colonial cottages, narrow lanes, and a strong maritime history.
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG): Australia’s oldest museum, showcasing Tasmanian history, art, and natural sciences.
Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum: A full-scale replica of the main hut used by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911–1914.
Farm Gate Market: A popular Sunday market focused on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced Tasmanian produce.
Cascade Brewery: Australia’s oldest operating brewery, set in a picturesque location offering tours and tastings.
Theatre Royal: Australia’s oldest continuously operating theatre, a beautifully restored venue for live performances.
St David’s Cathedral: A historic Anglican cathedral noted for its impressive Gothic Revival architecture.
Nature & Scenic Sites (Easy Access):
kunanyi / Mount Wellington: The majestic mountain that dominates Hobart’s skyline, offering panoramic views from its summit over the city and waterways.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: A beautiful 14-hectare collection of cool-climate plants and historic landscapes on the Queens Domain.
Mount Nelson Signal Station: A historic lookout and signal station offering excellent views of the Derwent River and Hobart.
History & Heritage (Southern Tasmania):
Port Arthur Historic Site: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula, featuring evocative ruins and historic buildings.
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant remaining site associated with the female convict experience in Australia.
Richmond Bridge: Australia’s oldest standing stone arch bridge, located in the charming colonial village of Richmond.
Richmond Gaol: A well-preserved colonial gaol, predating Port Arthur, offering a glimpse into early convict history.
Wilderness & Far South Attractions:
Bruny Island: A stunning offshore island accessed by ferry, famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and gourmet local produce (oysters, cheese, berries).
Tasman National Park & The Tasman Peninsula: Home to dramatic coastal formations like Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and the world-class hiking route, the Three Capes Track.
Huon Valley & Tahune Adventures Tasmania: A fertile region known for its apple orchards and scenic rivers, home to the Tahune AirWalk, a thrilling canopy walk above the forest.
Hartz Mountains National Park: A park in the far south with alpine moorlands, dolerite peaks, and walks to glacial lakes and waterfalls.
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs: Features one of the largest dolomite caves open to the public in Australia and a naturally heated thermal swimming pool.
Cockle Creek & Recherche Bay: The southernmost point accessible by road in Australia, offering pristine beaches and a gateway to the remote Southwest National Park.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA): Take the scenic ferry ride up the Derwent River to explore this subversive, privately funded museum with its provocative and internationally renowned collection of ancient and modern art.
Hike up kunanyi/Mount Wellington: Drive or hike to the 1,271m summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding wilderness. Numerous walking trails start from the mountain’s foothills.
Explore the Salamanca Market: Spend a Saturday morning browsing the stalls at this vibrant market in historic Salamanca Place for Tasmanian-made arts, crafts, fresh produce, and gourmet food.
Take a Bruny Island Day Trip: Catch the ferry to Bruny Island for a day of spectacular coastal scenery, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and sampling gourmet local produce like oysters, cheese, and fudge.
Discover the Port Arthur Historic Site: Journey to the Tasman Peninsula to explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed former penal colony and learn about Australia’s dark convict history.
Go on a Wilderness Cruise: Take a Pennicott Wilderness Journey cruise around the Tasman Peninsula or Bruny Island to see towering sea cliffs, deep-sea caves, and marine wildlife like seals and dolphins.
Sample Tasmanian Whiskey and Gin: Visit one of the region’s many distilleries, such as the famous Sullivans Cove Distillery or the historic Cascade Brewery (Australia’s oldest operating brewery), for a tour and tasting.
Walk the Three Capes Track: For the adventurous, embark on this acclaimed four-day, three-night multi-day walk (or a day-walk to Cape Hauy) along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman Peninsula.
Meet a Tasmanian Devil: Get up close with Tasmania’s most famous marsupial at a conservation sanctuary like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just a short drive from Hobart.
Explore the Huon Valley’s Produce: Drive south through the Huon Valley to visit cider houses (like Willie Smith’s Apple Shed), berry farms, and artisan producers, embracing the region’s “paddock-to-plate” culture.
Wander through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Stroll through the beautiful gardens on the Domain, offering stunning harbor views and a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, including the Subantarctic Plant House.
Hunt for the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights): Head to a dark location south of Hobart, like Cockle Creek or the South Arm Peninsula, during peak times for a chance to witness this elusive natural light show.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is King Outside Hobart: While Hobart’s city centre is very walkable, a rental car is highly recommended for exploring the wider region, including the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, and the Huon Valley. Be aware of windy roads and changing weather conditions.
Public Transport in Hobart:
Metro Bus Network: Hobart has a good public bus system (Metro Tasmania). For better value, purchase a rechargeable Metro Greencard for discounted fares and daily caps.
Ferries: There is a public ferry service on the Derwent River connecting Brooke Street Pier to Bellerive. The MONA Ferry (Mona Roma) is a spectacular way to reach the museum from Brooke Street Pier.
Airport Transfer: The SkyBus shuttle offers a direct and affordable transfer between Hobart Airport (HBA) and key stops in the city centre, meeting most arriving and departing flights. Taxis and Uber are also available.
Driving Tips:
Wildlife Awareness: Native animals are very active between dusk and dawn. Slow down and be extremely vigilant during these times, especially outside urban areas, to avoid collisions.
Fuel: In the far south, fuel stations can be scarce or close early. Keep your tank well above half-full when exploring remote areas like the Far South and Tasman Peninsula.
Embrace the Weather Layers: Tasmania is known for having “four seasons in one day.” Always dress in layers, even in summer. A sunny morning can quickly turn into a cold, windy, and wet afternoon, particularly on kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
The Paddock-to-Plate Culture: Southern Tasmania is a foodie’s paradise. Prioritise visiting local markets (like Salamanca Market and the weekly Farm Gate Market), small-batch producers, and cellar doors. Tasmania is famous for its cool-climate wines (especially Pinot Noir), craft beer, whiskey, and world-class seafood.
Indigenous Heritage: Tasmania’s traditional Aboriginal name is lutruwita. In Hobart, the mountain is officially known as kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Recognising and respecting these dual names is a valued part of the local culture.
Dining Times: Lunch is generally between 12 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts around 6 PM, with many kitchens closing by 9 PM. Bookings are essential for popular restaurants, even mid-week.
Hidden Gems:
Battery Point: This historic neighborhood, a short walk from Salamanca, is filled with charming colonial cottages and small local shops. Walk the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.
Richmond Village: A short drive from Hobart, this picturesque, well-preserved village is home to the oldest bridge in Australia, the Richmond Bridge, and is a great stop for a step back in time.
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs: Head to the far south to explore the largest tourist dolomite cave in Australia and enjoy a relaxing dip in the naturally heated thermal swimming pool.
Cockle Creek: Located in the Far South, this is the end of the public road and the gateway to the Southwest National Park. It’s a truly wild, remote spot for beautiful beach walks and a great place to start the hike to South Cape Bay.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Australia, and local workers earn a fair wage. While appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants or tours, it is never expected.
Top Restaurants
Templo [$30–$50] – A humble and highly-regarded 20-seat establishment in North Hobart, famous for its communal table and a blackboard menu of seasonal, hyper-local, Italian-inspired dishes, particularly house-made pasta.
Landscape Restaurant & Grill [$50–$80] – A premium dining experience in a historic sandstone warehouse on the waterfront, featuring a menu of the island’s best produce (aged wagyu, lamb, seafood) cooked over an Asado grill, surrounded by iconic Australian art.
Aloft [$60–$90] – Hobart’s premier fine-dining experience, this sophisticated attic space on Brooke Street Pier offers stunning water views and a modern Asian-inspired menu that showcases the best hyper-local and native Tasmanian ingredients.
Fico [$60–$90] – An Italian-inspired, yet distinctly Tasmanian, fine-diner in the CBD, known for its “neo-Bistro” style, colorful dining room, and an innovative tasting menu that showcases the best of the season.
Peppina [$40–$70] – Housed within a luxurious Salamanca hotel, this restaurant blends Italian heritage with Tasmanian roots, offering a big-hearted menu of antipasti, handmade pasta, and second-courses made with fresh local produce.
Dier Makr [$60–$90] – An atmospheric, award-winning restaurant in the CBD known for its set menu of inventive, ingredient-focused dishes, a meticulous focus on wine, and a transformative bistro dining experience.
Restaurant Maria [$30–$60] – A stylish, sun-drenched restaurant on the waterfront, blending Mediterranean flavors from Lisbon to Lebanon with a distinct Tasmanian twist, perfect for punchy share plates and a signature limoncello spritz.
The Black Footed Pig [$30–$50] – A local favorite that has relocated to a smart waterfront spot, offering a casual Spanish-inspired menu of excellent tapas, cocktails, and croquettes, drawing on a mix of Mediterranean influences.
Dāna Eating House [$20–$35] – A beloved local spot offering modern Asian cuisine with an emphasis on local produce, known for its vibrant flavors and being a great casual dining experience.
Ogee [$30–$50] – A cozy, corner wine bar in North Hobart that embodies neighborhood hospitality, featuring a seasonal share-plate menu and a wonderful wine list, where you can watch the masters in the open kitchen.
Sonny [$25–$45] – A popular, pocket-sized wine bar and bistro that’s like visiting a friend’s cool house, with vinyl spinning, a selection of unique wines, and a menu of Italian-inspired small plates.
The Waggon [$20–$40] – A popular pub and restaurant in North Hobart committed to showcasing the finest local Tasmanian ingredients with a modern twist on pub classics, offering a blend of comfort and sophistication.
Westside Laundry [$20–$35] – A chic homage to the classic New York-style diner, serving hearty deli staples like breakfast bagels, stacked sandwiches, and comfort food by day, and a different vibe by night.
Old Wharf Restaurant [$40–$70] – A dockside restaurant at the MACq01 hotel where you can watch cray boats drift by while enjoying a menu that focuses heavily on high-quality Tasmanian seafood dishes.
Institut Polaire [$40–$70] – A cool, whitewashed waterfront restaurant and cocktail bar that celebrates the extreme south, offering a seasonally-focused menu and an extensive list of high-end spirits, including its own award-winning Antarctic-inspired gin.
Pearl + Co [$25–$50] – Situated on Victoria Dock, this premier oyster bar and restaurant specializes in premium Tasmanian oysters and other fresh seafood like wild fish ceviche, seafood platters, and house-made scallop pot pies.
Tasman Restaurant [$40–$70] – A polished, relaxed restaurant with stunning harbor views, centered around a menu of fresh Tasmanian produce for a sophisticated dining experience.
The Astor Grill [$40–$70] – A sophisticated, long-standing restaurant in a 1920s Art Deco building, offering casual elegant dining with a focus on contemporary dishes made with local Tasmanian produce.
Manky Sally’s [$20–$40] – A “luxury dive bar” and nano-brewery in Salamanca Place by Moo Brew, serving up delicious craft beers alongside a menu of flavor-filled, quality small plates.
Suzie Luck’s Restaurant & Bar [$25–$45] – A lively spot in Salamanca Square offering a warm and bright setting for Southeast Asian-inspired comfort food that is flavorful and won’t break the bank.
Born in Brunswick [$15–$30] – Found in North Hobart, this stylish café is famous for its exceptional coffee and amazing, creative brunch food, often described as the closest you’ll get to a Melbourne café experience in Hobart.
Ginger Brown [$15–$25] – A popular, unpretentious café in the suburbs known for great coffee and inventive breakfast/brunch dishes, making it a favorite for locals in the area.
Pitzi [$30–$50] – A cozy spot from the acclaimed Fico team, dedicated to the art of aperitivo dining and handmade pasta, perfect for a leisurely lunch or after-work drinks and snacks.
Erda [$20–$40] – A vegetarian and plant-forward restaurant known for its community focus and culinary warmth, offering novel and nourishing flavors in a light and bright Georgian cottage in Battery Point.
Ranita Ramen [$15–$25] – A small but mighty, nine-seat Hobart eatery that is a favorite for its simplicity: handmade noodles and two types of excellent, perfectly-cooked ramen.
Mures Lower Deck [$15–$30] – A classic, casual, and licensed seafood bistro on the waterfront, famous for its fresh fish and chips, oysters, and gourmet seafood share platters.
Mures Upper Deck [$40–$70] – The more sophisticated and ‘posh’ dining option above the Lower Deck, offering a refined ultimate seafood experience with breathtaking waterfront views.
Fish Frenzy [$15–$25] – A very popular, no-frills waterfront spot for consistently fresh fish and chips, hot chowder, and grilled seafood, located right on the dock.
The Drunken Admiral [$40–$70] – A well-known Hobart icon with a charming, rustic, nautical-themed setting that serves traditional, high-quality seafood dishes.
Sylvie Hobart [$40–$70] – An intimate pescatarian restaurant and cocktail bar that focuses on a novel experience, showcasing the very best of fresh and local seafood produce.
Barilla Bay Oyster Farm [$15–$30] – While a short drive from the city, this is a must-visit for lovers of briny bivalves, offering fresh oysters, a café, and the option to take a one-hour farm tour.
AURA Events Space [$60–$100+] – A rooftop restaurant, lounge bar, and event space located high in the sky, offering an elegant, high-end dining experience with spectacular panoramic views between the river and kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Faro Bar + Restaurant [$80–$120+] – Located at the boundary-pushing MONA gallery, this restaurant is a full sensory experience with in-situ art and live performances, serving share plates that are works of art showcasing gastronomic skill and creative whimsy.
The Point Revolving Restaurant [$70–$100+] – Situated seventeen floors above the River Derwent, this classic fine-dining spot offers a French-inspired menu and an unforgettable dining experience as the entire room slowly revolves, providing a panoramic view.
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery [$70–$100+] – Located in New Norfolk (a drive from Hobart), this acclaimed, comprehensive restaurant is a true celebration of Tasmania’s local ingredients, drawing heavily from its own farm and garden, showcasing a real farm-to-table ethos.
Old Kempton Distillery Tavern [$20–$40] – Located outside Hobart in Kempton, this unique spot offers pub fare and a selection of local spirits and beers in the historic atmosphere of a working distillery.
Omotenashi Hobart [$80–$120+] – A meticulous and high-quality Japanese dining experience, hidden in an unexpected location, focusing on precise presentation and a refined menu.
Home Hill Winery Restaurant [$40–$60] – Located in Ranelagh in the Huon Valley, this family-owned winery offers award-winning wines paired with a restaurant focused on a menu of exquisite local produce.
The Kiln [$30–$50] – A unique restaurant experience set in the enchanting Huon Valley, offering contemporary Australian cuisine in a beautiful, rustic setting.
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed [$15–$35] – A popular ciderhouse, eatery, and distillery in an old apple packing shed in the Huon Valley, offering a simple menu of regional products and a wide range of ciders to taste.
Lost Captain Restaurant & Taphouse [$20–$40] – Located in Huonville, this spot captures the spirit of Tasmania’s rugged beauty, offering a menu of Modern Australian dishes and a relaxed taphouse vibe.
The Moorings @ Lady Franklin [$20–$40] – A charming spot in the historic town of Franklin, serving honest, classic pub fare and modern Australian dishes designed to share.
Sirocco South [$15–$30] – Known for its very popular weekly pasta pop-up in Dodges Ferry, offering what many consider to be Tasmania’s best pasta, sauces, and gnocchi, cooked while you wait.
Harvest and Light [$15–$30] – Located in Geeveston, this unique spot is a tasting house that showcases a wide range of Tasmanian wine, spirits, cider, and craft beer, paired with a small-batch picklery and gallery.
Bangor Vineyard Shed [$20–$40] – An award-winning restaurant, cellar door, and farm gate shop that is a short drive from Hobart, known for its cool-climate wines, freshly-shucked oysters, and other local produce.
Driftwood Restaurant [$25–$50] – Located in Lauderdale, this is a great spot for family-friendly dining and special celebrations, offering a Modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Marla Singer [$30–$50] – A beloved neighborhood eatery in Bellerive (Eastern Shore) that focuses on refined yet approachable dishes, using fresh, local ingredients and a curated selection of natural and organic wines for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The Wattle Grove [$20–$40] – A traditional pub and bistro in the small town of Sandford, a favorite for locals looking for a hearty meal and a classic Tasmanian pub atmosphere.
Dover R.S.L. & Ex Servicemen’s Club Inc. [$15–$30] – A very welcoming spot for locals and travelers in the town of Dover, offering all-day bar snacks, a restaurant, and a true local club feel.
Ranelagh General Store & Cafe [$15–$25] – A classic, local general store in Ranelagh that also operates a café, serving simple, honest food and acting as a hub for the community.
Ashcraig Farm, Restaurant and Cafe [$15–$30] – Located in the Huon Valley, this spot offers authentic Thai food for eat-in or takeaway, and also sells its own chem-free produce.
Margate Tavern [$15–$30] – A classic, family-friendly bistro in Margate on Channel Highway, known as a great local spot to refuel with classic pub meals.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Mary Mary: A refined and handsome cocktail and spirit bar located behind a “secret” entrance within the convict-hewn sandstone walls of an old 1840s hospital in Salamanca Place. They focus on imaginative cocktails using local fruits and indigenous botanicals.
Evolve Spirits Bar: A luxury, award-winning lounge bar in the MACq 01 Hotel on the Hobart waterfront. It boasts a vast collection of rare global and premium Tasmanian spirits, showcased alongside an extraordinary collection of ancient fossils.
Society Salamanca: Situated in the popular Salamanca Place, this warm, welcoming underground venue elevates the Hobart bar scene. It’s famous for its stunning spirit wall, accessed by a sliding ladder, and its extensive selection of local gin and whisky.
Gold Bar: A cosy speakeasy-style bar tucked away in an old flour mill on Hobart’s waterfront. It highlights Australian spirits and malt whisky, offering a daily cocktail special featuring local drops.
The Den: Found on the popular Salamanca strip (part of The Salamanca Whisky Bar complex), this moody bar serves delicately balanced cocktails in its mood-lit sandstone surrounds.
Rude Boy: Standing out in the CBD on Elizabeth Street, this bar embraces tropical, Caribbean vibes with pastel-coloured décor, old-time Havana murals, and a focus on killer rum-based cocktails.
Pablos Cocktails & Dreams: A jazz club and bar in the CBD that evokes a lavish, elegant, Prohibition-era “Speakeasy” ambiance, perfect for enjoying classic and creative cocktails.
Sonny: A popular hole-in-the-wall bar in the CBD on Elizabeth Street, known for spinning vinyl, its mystery tour of natural wine, and delicious, communal Italian-inspired bar snacks.
Lucinda: A stylish bar in the CBD with an impressive and carefully curated wine list, which can be paired with their excellent seasonal bar snacks.
Institut Polaire: A glamorous, snowflake-white bar and distillery door in the CBD celebrating all things cold and frosty. It is the place to order a signature Sud Polaire Antarctic dry martini.
Gin(bar) By Forty Spotted: Located in the CBD, this bar is an ode to Tasmanian gin, sporting the full Forty Spotted Gin range and offering gin-blending workshops alongside its selection of rare gins and cocktails.
IXL Long Bar: The in-house drinking haven of the Henry Jones Hotel on the Hobart waterfront, stocked with fine spirits and liqueurs, offering live jazz, craft beers, and ciders in a heritage atmosphere.
The Story Bar: Situated inside the MACq 01 Hotel on the Hobart waterfront, this lovely spot is great for a pre-dinner drink, offering draught beer, cocktails, and stunning water views.
Bar Wa Izakaya: A neon-lit Japanese-inspired izakaya in the CBD that serves ramen, sake, and Japanese whisky, with an eclectic cocktail menu to match its late-night bar scene.
South Wine Bar: A delightfully cosy and welcoming local bar and restaurant in South Hobart, focusing on a proud celebration of Tasmanian distillers, vineyards, and makers in its drinks menu.
The Grand Poobah: A popular, late-night nightclub in the CBD that offers a large dance floor and a wide range of music, from techno and hip-hop to local and touring DJs, often open until the early hours.
Flamingos Dance Bar: A friendly and inclusive, dedicated gay and alternative bar in the CBD known for its glitz, glamour, pumping tunes, and sequin-filled themed nights.
Republic Bar & Cafe: Located in North Hobart, this large, raucous pub is a long-standing supporter of live music, featuring nightly gigs from top Tasmanian and touring bands, often drawing large, lively crowds.
In The Hanging Garden: A vast, eclectic, open-air cultural and entertainment precinct in the CBD with food, drink, and live music. It features The Cathedral, an unholy beer garden and sheltered live music venue.
Preachers: Tucked away in the backstreets of Battery Point, this trendy bar in a historic cottage features Hobart’s beloved beer garden, complete with a full-size bus you can sit in, a great relaxed vibe, and an open fire for winter.
Twisted Lime: A groovy, relaxed dive bar in the CBD on Liverpool Street, popular with a younger, alternative crowd, known for cheap drinks, cruisey vibes, and pool tables.
Syrup Nightclub: A double-story nightlife hotspot in Salamanca Place that fires up 70s, 80s, and 90s tunes every night, creating a fun, nostalgic, and sweet party atmosphere.
Telegraph Hotel: Affectionately known as ‘The Tele’, this restored pub in the CBD near the waterfront features a rooftop bar with stunning views of Sullivan’s Cove and is a destination for late-night partying and karaoke.
Wrest Point Casino: Located in Sandy Bay, Australia’s first casino offers various gaming options, but also features the Birdcage Bar and Casino Bar which provide late-night entertainment and a more sophisticated night out.
Manky Sally’s: MONA’s micro-brewery and “fancy-pants dive bar” located in Salamanca Place. It features 14 taps of Moo Brew’s beer, along with cocktails, wine, and a quirky decor for a lively and art-filled night.