Hobart, TAS - Aus

Hello Hobart!

With both my adult sons now living in Hobart and having had so many updates from them on the things they've seen and done since living there, I was excited to visit - and finally got down there for the first time in July 2026 for my birthday. I can see why they love living there!

I was looking forward to playing in some snow while I was there and I had packed my winter woolies, but it was relatively mild - and of course only snowed about a week before I went and then again about a week after, so I missed it this time. Average temps here sit as low as 3-5 deg on the coldest Winter days, up around an average of 23 deg in Summer - with extremely hot days exceeding 30 deg! Needless to say - it pays to pack a bit of a range of clothing, depending on what time of the year you go.

I immediately loved the vibe in the city - the mix of well-preserved and well-restored historical buildings that fill the CBD are stunning - all tucked in behind the sheltered harbour where fresh seafood can be purchased directly from moored fishing boats or the restaurants on the Marina.

There's so much to see and do - and I've only scratched the surface - so I'll definitely be back - and will add more to this page as I go.

For the few days I was there in July, I rented a gorgeous Airbnb cottage right in the CBD. At $870AUD for a 2-bedroom cottage right in town - with a secure parking space an everything we needed - it was the perfect base for a few days - and cheaper and more private than a hotel. I can't link it here now unfortunately, as it has now sold and is no longer online 😬

Greater Hobart is home to just over 250,000 people and sits at the South-Eastern edge of Tasmania. Sprawling across the coastline there, against a hilly backdrop, so many of the residents are lucky enough to enjoy views of one of several beautiful bays, the harbour, or the hills beyond.

Kingston Beach is close to home for the boys, so we enjoyed a great night out with dinner at their favourite local there one night - The Salty Dog. Beachfront dining and drinks with a warm, relaxed 'local' vibe. There are other great cafes and coffee spots at Kingston Beach and it's a quiet little bay at the Southern end of the city - well worth a look.

Not too far further South of Kingston Beach is Huonville. Considered part of greater-Hobart and located at the heart of the fertile Huon Valley - famously producing world-class cool-climate fruits (think apples, pears, stone fruit & berries). It naturally follows then, that Vineyards and little country stores selling honey & fresh produce can also be found dotted around the region. The boys showed me their work base there, then we ventured on for a delicious fireside lunch at the Lost Captain Restaurant & Bar. There are plenty of other little gems around the area if you're traveling around. We got to Summer Kitchen Bakery and picked up a few things to take home with us, and a stop in at The Kiln on the way through neighbouring Ranelagh revealed a cleverly restored 'oast house' (hop kiln) that has been transformed into a restaurant and store - selling locally produced honey, preserves and sauces. The homewares store sitting adjacent to The Kiln - called Ninapatina - is one of those great roadside finds that is hard to leave empty-handed.

A trip to the infamous, subversive Mona Museum was a must-do while there. Think state-of-the-art underground Art bunker. Opened in 2011 by professional gambler & art collector David Walsh, it houses Australias' largest private collection of art and antiquities. Some of the displays are possibly a bit on the R-rated side - or at least best suited to the most open-minded visitors.

We took a drive one day approx. 90 minutes South of Hobart to the Hastings Caves State Reserve. The primary cavern is open to the public and is famous for being the largest dolomite cave in Australia. The short walk through native bush to get to the entrance is a nice addition to the trip. There is also a hot spring in the park for swimming that we didn't get to .. maybe next time?!

About an hour of our time was taken strolling around The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens - the second oldest botanical garden in Australia. As a mid-winter destination, it offered a serene landscape, but I imagine in the Spring and Summer months it would be a mass of colour and a great place to stop for an al-fresco lunch.

Mount Wellington / Kunanyi is the main mountain and primary viewpoint overlooking Hobart and is another must-do while here. At 1,271 metres (4170 feet) - the views are of course epic.. just wear something VERY warm and hope that the clouds don't roll in just as you're ready to take pictures! (we got lucky on that front!)

The Salamanca Markets are legendary - as Tassies MOST visited tourist attraction! Held every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3pm along the historic Salamanca Place down near the harbour - you have to visit - and I suggest arriving hungry and ready to spend a few dollars on some locally crafted treasures.

The Honey Badger Dessert Cafe was the perfect place to finish our evening, after celebrating my birthday with a dinner at The Astor Grill - which I also highly recommend (especially for a special occasion, or if you're not on a budget!)

And that's pretty much a wrap on Hobart for Round One! I can't wait to get back!!