At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Welcome to Australia's second oldest capital city after Sydney, Hobart. Lying on the Derwent River, this small and charming city features a dynamic food scene, colonial-era architecture, historic sites, friendly locals, astonishing nature, and the renowned Salamanca Market. A two to three days itinerary is a perfect amount of time to explore this picturesque city.
Where should you visit in Hobart?
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Travel with peace of mind
By choosing TravelEssence, you can travel with security and feel completely at ease.
- Experience exceptional hospitality due to our strong relationships and extensive local network.
- Benefit from our flexible booking options
- Avoid costly mistakes with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry
- Enjoy smooth processes and efficient systems from over 15 years of operation
- Feel secure with a holiday that is protected by ATOL
- We are there for you every step of the way with our 24/7 emergency number
- An average client rating of 9.4 from over 2000 reviews
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Salamanca Market
Salamanca Market is one of Hobart's biggest attractions and is open every Saturday between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. With over 230 stallholders, there is no shortage of local goodies to be found here. Enjoy local coffee, handmade products, fresh and locally grown produce, and much more. The market is located at Salamanca Place on the Hobart waterfront between Montpelier Retreat and the Silos.
You can also buy fresh produce at the Farm Gate Markets which is held every Sunday between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm. The market is located on Bathurst Street and you can find the best seasonal produce here. An ideal place to sample the best locally grown Tasmanian produce.
Battery Point
Battery Point is a suburb of Hobart, a ten-minute walk from the Hobart City Centre. Once a poor part of the city, today, Battery Point is one of the most fashionable places to live in Hobart. This historic village is bursting with charm and many of the cottages found in Battery Point have been renovated. The main part of Battery Point is Hampden Road, which is home to some of the best cafes in Hobart. You can also find an assortment of guest houses, gift shops, artisan bakeries, tea houses, and much more.
"The high quality of the beautiful accommodations really added to the experience and the hosts always gave us a warm welcome. A big thank you to TravelEssence for their great care and help in making changes. We are happy that we have come to this great itinerary with TravelEssence, with its beautiful destinations."
Family van Holland, TravelEssence clients
Food & wine
Are you a foodie and a wine lover? Hobart is an ideal destination to savour local Tasmanian produce. From Tasmanian truffles, blue warehou fish, Tasmanian beef, Roaring forties blue cheese, Tasmania pepper, Tasmanian oysters, and more. There are plenty of restaurants showcasing Tasmania's finest produce, as Hobart is quickly gaining a reputation for being a must-visit foodie destination.
Surrounded by wineries, the Morilla Estate is located approximately 12 kilometres north of the city of Hobart in the suburb of Berriedale. Here, you can take a private guided tour of Moorilla winery and experience a tasting. Do you prefer beer? The Cascade Brewery is Tasmania's oldest brewery and offers tours and tastings. Enjoy a beer in the beer garden together with the locals!
Would you like to learn more about Hobart?
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowFamily-friendly
Hobart is an ideal destination for families and is bursting with plenty of fun things to do and see. If you would like to have a close encounter with unique Australian wildlife, visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo for a close encounter with rare animals.
Take a wander through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Or explore the harbourside dock area of Hobart, Constitution Dock. Take a wilderness cruise around Tasman Island and discover the unique and rugged landscape. Spend the day at the beach: Long Beach, Nutgrove Beach, Taroona Beach, and Hinsby Beach to name a few.
North Hobart is known as Tasmania's most lifestyle-friendly suburb. Here, you can visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary Historic Site, go kayaking, or enjoy the local food scene at a large range of restaurants and pubs. Salamanca Place is Hobart's historical and creative precinct with many restaurants, galleries, craft shops, and more to discover.
Museums & art galleries
Filled with culture and history, there are 14 museums to visit in Hobart. Here are some of our favourites to visit in case you have a lack of time.
- The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
- MONA - Museum of Old and New Art
- Mawson's Hut Replica Museum
- Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Salamanca Arts Centre
- Narryna Heritage Museum
- Lady Franklin Gallery
- Tasmanian Transport Museum
Activities
Enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals. Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what are the best activities for you. There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on for years to come.
Mount Wellington
During your visit to Tasmania, be sure to take a self-drive to Mount Wellington/ Kunanyi. Located approximately, 21 kilometres drive from Hobart, it is one of the best things you can do in this part of Tasmania. The journey to the summit is beautiful and not to be missed. Pass through temperate rainforest, glacial rock formations, and sub-alpine flora. An ideal destination for hiking and cycling, all surrounded by world-class nature.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a small town and historic site in southern Tasmania. Lying on the Tasman Peninsula, approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Hobart. Here, you can visit the World Heritage-listed convict site of Port Arthur which was once a 19th-century penal settlement and today an open-air museum. The Port Arthur Historic Site is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day except Christmas day. The site covers over 40 hectares with over 30 buildings and ruins to explore.
Bruny Island
If you are visiting Hobart, a trip to Bruny Island is a must-do! To reach Bruny, you will first need to drive to the town of Kettering. From here, you can take a cruise with a tour company or hop on the ferry which takes 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy a three-hour lunch cruise or a full-day tour and discover a place where the Tasman Sea meets the Southern Ocean.
Bruny Island is a special part of Australia and is home to fur seals, fairy penguins, albatross, and wedge-tailed eagles. But the most unique wildlife found here is the white wallabies. Make sure you stop at the 'Neck', this is where North and South Bruny are connected by a thin stretch of land - on one side there is a quiet channel and on the other side is the rough ocean.
Wineglass Bay
Wineglass Bay is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Hobart and is one of Tasmania's bucket list destinations. At Wineglass Bay, you will find a lookout that boasts one of Tasmania’s most photographed views. There are a variety of walking tracks to explore, suitable for all fitness levels. Some trails lead to secluded bays, squeaky-clean beaches, and bird-filled lagoons. Or get closer to nature and discover the area from another vantage point, in a kayak.
Huon Valley
Huon Valley is a haven for foodies and is located approximately 30-minutes from Hobart. Extending to the southernmost part of Australia, there is so much to do and see here. A charming place that is known for apple growing, craft cider makers, boutique winemakers, salmon producers, and other homegrown produce. During your visit, be sure to try the fresh cherries, pears, apricots, plums, apples, and mushrooms.
Where to stay
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Hobart and beyond. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
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Why book with us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.