Hobart is a great place to visit, even when it’s a bit chilly. I loved wandering around the markets by the water, trying out the fresh oysters, and checking out the handmade stuff.

Salamanca Place was cool too, with old buildings turned into trendy shops and cafes. I took a ferry to see the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which was full of weird and wonderful art.

For the best views, I hopped on a shuttle to the top of Mount Wellington – totally worth it.

In the evenings, I hung out in cozy pubs, tasted some local beers, and chatted with friendly Hobartians. It was easy to get around without needing a car.

Want to see the cool city of Hobart but don’t have a car? No problem! Here’s a list of 20 awesome things to do in Hobart without a car. You can stroll along the beautiful waterfront or enjoy eating at fancy restaurants. There’s plenty for you to do.

Best Things to Do in Hobart Without a Car

This guide is made to help you find fun things to do in Hobart without needing a car. You’re all set for a great adventure in Hobart!

1. Wander around the docks, enjoy fish and chips, and visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

I had a great day out at the Hobart waterfront, strolled around Victoria Dock and Constitution Dock, where I got to see some cool fishing boats and yachts. Alos, spotted a few seals, which was a nice surprise. There’s plenty to explore in this area.

Don’t forget to try some fish and chips while you’re by the water. You can get them from boats that serve food or from restaurants close by. The fish is soft inside, and the outside is crunchy. It tastes really good.

After you eat, go to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It’s right across from the docks. The museum shows you what Tasmania is like, with stuff about the people who lived here first and the people who came later.

You can learn about the animals that live here and how people explore the ocean and cold places like Antarctica. They also have art that people make now.

The docks and the museum are easy to get to from the center of Hobart. You can walk, or take a bus, taxi, or bike. Make sure to go here when you visit Hobart. It’s a great place to see.

2. Visit Salamanca Market and explore the surrounding area on foot

I’ve been to Salamanca Market before, and it’s totally doable without a car. Just head there on a Saturday morning, and you can easily walk around to see everything. It’s a great spot to check out.

This famous outdoor market is a place where both locals and visitors love to go. It’s at Salamanca Place, which is known for its old buildings made of sandstone from the 1830s.

When you visit the market, you’ll see over 300 stalls. The people at these stalls sell things made in Tasmania, like wood crafts, jewelry, clothes, and artwork.

Make sure to try some tasty local food and drinks, including fish and chips, crepes, fresh coffee, and homemade ginger beer.

As you walk around, you’ll hear live music and see street performers, which makes the market really fun.

Talk to the stall owners and people there to learn about what they sell and the stories behind them.

You can find special gifts and things to remember your trip by that show what Tasmania is like.

Walking through Salamanca Market lets you really feel the culture and community of Hobart. You can do all of this without needing a car, just by exploring on foot.

3. Book a guided walking tour to see the best attractions in the city

Book a fun walking tour in Hobart to see the city’s top spots. In Hobart, you can join different walking tours to learn about the city’s stories, culture, and special places.

For example, Hobart Historic Tours gives you choices like small group tours or tours just for you and your friends. They’ve guides who really know a lot about Hobart.

You can pick the Hobart Historic Walk to see places like the waterfront and Salamanca Place.

If you want to see even more, try the Grand Hobart Walk, which has everything from the Historic Walk plus cool spots like Battery Point and the Cascade Female Factory, a place with a lot of history.

I really enjoyed learning about the history of Hobart through its old pubs. The Old Hobart Pub Tour was a great experience that highlighted the city’s history with an emphasis on its classic pubs.

It felt like stepping back in time and seeing how these places played a part in Hobart’s past.

Hobart Walking Tours is another company that offers tours in small groups or just for you. Their guides are very professional.

The Hobart History People and Places tour is a lot like the Historic Walk and teaches you Hobart’s history. If you’re into spooky stuff, check out Hobart’s Dark Past tour in the evening.

And if you love old, fancy houses, the Historic Battery Point tour shows off a neighborhood with beautiful homes from long ago.

Websites like Viator and Tripadvisor are also good places to look for and book walking tours in Hobart.

I’ve checked out the different tours you can take in the city. You can go on a quick 2-hour walk, or choose one that includes a museum visit.

There’s also one that dives into Hobart’s convict history. These tours really show you the best spots – even the hidden gems that aren’t well known.

Taking a guided walking tour in Hobart is a great way to really get to know the city and its exciting history and culture.

So put on your comfy shoes and get ready to discover all the amazing things in Hobart.

4. Explore Battery Point on Foot

Battery Point is a charming, historic area in Hobart that’s easy to explore on foot. It’s conveniently located right by the downtown area and the sea.

When I visited, I loved being able to stroll around without needing a car. It felt like stepping back in time, with the added bonus of gorgeous water views.

The area got its name from a big gun called a battery made in 1818 to keep the town safe from sea attacks.

Even though the gun isn’t there anymore, the place turned into a park where you can chill and look around.

This part of Hobart is really old and has a lot of buildings and spots that have been around for a long time.

When you walk around Battery Point, you’ll see cool places like Kelly’s Steps, Arthur Circus, St. George’s Anglican Church, and the Narryna Heritage Museum. These places are like a window to the past and are awesome for people who love history.

Battery Point isn’t just about history; it’s also a great spot for visitors. You can walk by the water and see the amazing harbor and mountains.

There are also coffee shops, stores, art places, and markets in Battery Point, where you can get to know the local life and shop.

It’s easy to get to Battery Point because it’s not far from the center of Hobart. You can walk, catch a bus, take a taxi, or ride a bike to see the neighborhood at your speed.

If you need a place to stay, Battery Point has hotels, apartments, and guest houses.

For anyone visiting Hobart without a car, you should go see Battery Point. With its old-timey feel, pretty streets, and lots of things to do, this neighborhood will make your trip special.

5. Enjoy the Red Decker Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

If you want to see the best parts of Hobart after walking around Battery Point, try the Red Decker Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.

This tour is a great way to see the sights without walking too much. You’ll ride on a big red bus with an open top to get a good view and feel the breeze.

The bus runs every day. From October to April, it goes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and from May to September, it goes from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Buses leave every hour or every hour and a half.

You can get on and off the bus at any of the 20 stops on the tour whenever you want. Or you can stay on the bus for the whole 90-minute trip around the city. Your ticket can be for 24 hours or 48 hours.

When you buy a ticket, you also get the Red Decker’s Official Sightseeing Guide to Hobart for free. This guide has special deals and info about the city.

While you’re on the bus, a guide talks about Hobart and Tasmania in English. There’s also audio commentary in eight different languages.

You’ll learn about the city’s history, culture, and interesting facts. The Red Decker bus is a cool way to check out Hobart’s popular places.

6. Explore the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

I’ve visited the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and it’s a cool place to get to know Hobart’s art scene and past. It’s right by the ocean, which is awesome if you’re into nature and Tasmania’s history like I am.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. You don’t have to pay to get in, but they’re happy to get donations.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has lots of cool stuff to see. You can find out about the first people in Tasmania and the early settlers.

There are also things to learn about the animals and plants in Tasmania and how people explored the sea and the South Pole. The museum even has a special place to see art made by people from Tasmania today.

They always have new things to see, too. For little kids up to 7 years old, there’s a place called mapiya lumi | around here. If you like art, there’s a show called The Power of Change with art by women from Tasmania.

And if you’re curious about the Tasmanian Devil, the animal, not the cartoon, there’s a whole exhibit about it.

You can join a tour to learn more, go to talks and workshops to meet smart people, and enjoy special events that show off Hobart’s art and culture.

If you can’t go to the museum, don’t worry! They’ve tours you can take on your computer, plus podcasts, videos, and blog posts.

7. Experience the local whiskey culture at Lark Distillery

Come to Lark Distillery in Hobart to learn all about local whiskey. This place is famous for its really good single malt whiskey, which is a type of whiskey with a special taste. It’s one of the best things to do in Hobart without a car.

Bill Lark, who many people call the ‘godfather of Australian whisky,’ started Lark Distillery in 1992.

There are two spots you can visit in Hobart. The first is the Davey Street Cellar Door by the water. You can try different whiskeys, buy bottles, and even make your own whiskey blend there.

The second place is the Still Whisky Bar in the middle of the city. This bar has a fancy feel and offers lots of whiskeys, tasty food, and cool drinks.

If you really like whiskey, you should see the new Lark Distillery site in Pontville, not far from Hobart.

They’ve got everything there – from where they distill the whiskey in these huge stills to the malting area, and even a cooperage where they craft the barrels. There’s a warehouse too, where all the magic of aging happens.

The best part? They offer tours, whiskey tastings, and host some really cool events. Trust me, you’ve got to check this place out and experience it for yourself!

Lark Distillery is proud to use local ingredients from Tasmania like barley, water, and peat, which is a type of earth that gives the whiskey its flavor.

They put their whiskeys in different kinds of barrels like ones that used to have bourbon, sherry, port, or rum. This makes the whiskey taste even better.

They’ve won a lot of prizes for how good their whiskey is at big competitions like the World Whiskies Awards, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

8. Enjoy a meal at this iconic seafood restaurant (Drunken Admiral) in Hobart

When you visit Hobart, don’t miss the chance to eat at Drunken Admiral. This famous seafood place started in 1979 and is a favorite among people who love seafood.

It sits by the water, close to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and offers more than tasty seafood.

Inside, you’ll see a fun design with lots of things from the sea, like model ships and old maps. The restaurant feels cozy with a warm fire, a piano, and a bar with lots of drinks.

Drunken Admiral serves fresh, local seafood and has many dishes to choose from. You can eat oysters, scallops, salmon, trout, and lobster.

They also have dishes for people who don’t eat seafood, like meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Make sure you have dessert at the end of your meal!

You can go to Drunken Admiral every day from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (and until 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s a good idea to book a table online or by calling them.

9. Take the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus

Ride the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus to see Hobart from high up! This bus picks you up by the water in Hobart and goes all the way up Mount Wellington. You’ll be 1270 meters up in the air.

At the top, you’ll see amazing sights of the city and the land around it. The round trip takes 2.5 hours and you get 30 minutes to look around the top.

If you want to walk on the mountain, you can get off the bus at any of the five stops. There are cool trails like the Organ Pipes Track and the Zig Zag Track. Your bus ticket can be for 24 or 48 hours, and you get a free guidebook.

While riding, you can listen to a guide talk about Hobart and Tasmania’s history and stories in English or listen to it in eight other languages.

Don’t miss the chance to check out the awesome view of Hobart from Mount Wellington’s top. Take the Mount Wellington Explorer Bus for an adventure!

10. Explore the Botanic Gardens

Want to relax and see some pretty plants in Hobart? Check out the Botanic Gardens! You can get there by bus or ferry with no trouble.

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are a big deal because they’re the second oldest in all of Australia, started in 1818.

They’re huge, spreading over 14 hectares, and you’ll find them on the Queens Domain, which is really close to the water and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

When you walk around, you’ll see old walls and gates that were built by people who were sent to Australia as punishment a long time ago.

There’s also an old house where the gatekeeper used to live and a neat fountain. The gardens show off a lot of cool plants.

In the Subantarctic Plant House, you’ll find plants from cold islands far to the south, and the Tasmanian Collection shows off plants from right here in Tasmania.

They also have a place called the Conservatory with plants from hot, wet places and a Japanese Garden that’s really peaceful and pretty.

The gardens are open every day. They open at 8:00 am and close at 5:00 pm, but in the summer, they stay open until 6:00 pm. It’s all free to visit, but they’re happy if you give a donation.

There’s also a place for visitors to learn more, a shop, a restaurant, and a cafe. Plus, they’ve special tours, talks, classes, and events if you want to learn more or have fun.

11. Take the MONA Ferry

Are you in Hobart and don’t have a car? You can take the MONA Ferry for a cool trip to a big art museum. The ferry is a fast boat that goes from Hobart to where the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is.

It leaves from a place called Brooke Street Pier by the water in Hobart. The ride to the museum takes about 25 minutes.

One great thing about the ferry is that when you buy a ticket, it also lets you into the museum!

MONA has all kinds of art, from really old stuff to brand new things, and it even has art you can play with. It’s open from 10 in the morning until 5 or 6 in the evening, depending on the season.

When you ride the ferry, you can choose a regular seat or a fancier experience. The regular ticket costs $23 for one way or $38 for both ways.

You can sit on the main part of the boat or up top. If you want to feel fancy, you can get the Posh Pit ticket for $60. This gives you a special place to sit with free drinks and snacks.

The ferry itself is fun to look at. It has a cool paint job, seats that look like sheep, and a place to hang out on the roof.

While you’re on the boat, someone will tell you interesting stories about Hobart and Tasmania, and you’ll see great views of the city and river.

The ferry also stops at other places you might want to see, like the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, a big garden, and a place for concerts.

12. Explore the Cascade Brewery

I decided to hop on a bus from downtown and headed over to the Cascade Brewery. It was such a chilled-out vibe there, and I got to kick back with a cold one surrounded by some really stunning scenery.

Totally recommend it if you’re looking for a laid-back afternoon.

The brewery is the oldest one in Australia that’s still making beer. It was started in 1824 by Peter Degraves, who used to be a convict.

You’ll find it at the bottom of Mount Wellington, in a big, old building that many people in the city know.

When you get to the brewery, there are a few things you can do. You can check out the visitor center, buy something at the shop, eat at the restaurant, or have a drink at the bar.

If you want to know how beer is made or learn about the brewery’s story, you can go on a tour. The tours happen every day.

They show you how beer is made and tell you cool facts about the brewery. After walking around, you get to try four different beers.

The tours take about an hour and a half and cost $30 for each person.

Cascade Brewery makes a bunch of different beers, like Cascade Pale Ale, Cascade Draught, Cascade Premium Light, Cascade Stout, and Cascade First Harvest.

They use stuff from Tasmania to make these beers, so they taste special. But if you don’t like beer, they also have cider, ginger beer, lemonade, and sparkling water.

While you’re drinking, you can enjoy the nice views. You can see the Hobart Rivulet, a small stream, and Mount Wellington. It’s really calm and pretty, making it a great place to relax.

13. Take a bus or guided tour to explore Richmond Historic Town

I recently explored Richmond, just a short trip away from Hobart. I hopped on a bus, but you can also join a guided tour if that’s more your style. This town is steeped in history – it’s only about 16 miles from Hobart, yet it feels like stepping back in time.

Walking through Richmond is like wandering through a living museum. Everywhere you look, there are these well-preserved buildings that tell stories from the days when convicts were sent here.

It’s such a cool way to connect with Australia’s past, and I really recommend making the trip if you’re in the area.

The Richmond Bridge is a big deal because it’s the oldest bridge in Australia made of stone. You should also check out the Richmond Gaol, which is the oldest prison still standing in Australia, and the Richmond Courthouse, the oldest one in Tasmania.

If you like old churches, see St. John’s Catholic Church, the oldest one in Australia.

Besides the history, Richmond has shops, places to eat, art places, and museums for all kinds of people.

You can pretend you’re back in old times at the Old Hobart Town Model Village, taste some really good wine at Pooley Wines Cellar Door, enjoy sweets at Sweets and Treats, or have fun in the Richmond Maze and Tea Rooms.

Whether you get there by bus or a tour, don’t forget to stop by Richmond when you’re near Hobart.

14. Quench Your Thirst in Pubs and Bars

If you ever find yourself strolling through Richmond, just a stone’s throw from Hobart, make sure to check out some of the awesome pubs and bars along the waterfront.

Hobart’s bursting with spots to grab a drink and unwind, catering to pretty much any vibe you’re after.

And if you’re a fan of all things vintage, the Hope and Anchor Hotel is a must-visit. It’s steeped in history, being the oldest pub in Australia since it opened its doors back in 1807. Trust me, it’s worth popping in.

At this hotel, you can sip a drink next to a warm fireplace and see cool sea stuff from the past. It even has a museum and rooms for parties upstairs.

For a newer and more fun spot, check out Rude Boy. This bar has a Caribbean theme and makes yummy rum drinks.

You can eat spicy jerk chicken and listen to reggae music like you’re on a tropical island.

Or, if you like surprises, go to Mary Mary. It’s a secret bar that’s hidden behind a bookshelf. They’ve special beers, wines, and other drinks.

Want to watch a live show? The Telegraph Hotel Restaurant is a pub where bands, DJs, and karaoke happen.

Another place called Tom McHugo’s has local music, funny comedy, and games like trivia night.

15. Experience the Taste of Hobart’s Waterfront Restaurants

I’ve got to say, the food scene in Hobart is something else, especially around the waterfront.

There’s a bunch of cozy spots where you can grab a bite and let me tell you, the variety is just mind-blowing.

I stumbled upon this gem called Frogmore Creek – the vibes there are just right for a relaxing meal.

Then there’s Landscape Restaurant & Grill, and honestly, their grill is on point. If you’re in the mood for some Asian cuisine, Me Wah is where it’s at; the flavors there had me planning my next visit before I even finished my meal.

For those who prefer something a bit more classic, Astor Grill serves up some hearty dishes – it’s like a warm hug on a plate.

Aloft, now that’s a place with a view, and their innovative dishes are as impressive as the scenery.

And oh, if you’re looking to splurge a little, The Point Revolving Restaurant is a real treat – it’s not every day you get to dine with a 360-degree view of the city.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on these spots when you’re in Hobart.

People really like these restaurants because they’ve won awards like the Australian Good Food Guide Readers’ Choice Award and the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

At these restaurants, you’ll get to try tasty dishes from Australia, China, France, Italy, and the Caribbean.

They serve yummy food like seared scallops, fresh salmon, duck pancakes, and prawns that are set on fire to cook!

Each restaurant is special, with great views of the water, pretty old buildings, warm fireplaces, fancy sitting areas, and some even spin around so you can see all around you.

Eating at these places isn’t just about the food—it’s also about enjoying the place where you’re eating.

You’ll have a great time eating good food and looking at beautiful sights in Hobart.

16. Take a Ferry to Bruny Island

Awesome trip to Bruny Island from Hobart, and guess what? You don’t even need a car! I hopped on the ferry over at Kettering – it’s this quaint little place about a 30-minute drive south from Hobart.

The ferry itself is super convenient; it took me straight to Roberts Point on the west side of North Bruny.

They’ve got services running every day, all through the year, and there are plenty of trips back and forth each day, so it’s really easy to work into your schedule.

It’s a smooth ride and a fun little adventure on its own!

The ride across the water, called the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, lasts between 15 to 20 minutes.

You can get your ferry ticket online or when you get to the ferry terminal. For a car, it costs at least $38, and for a motorcycle, it’s $23. This price is for a round trip and includes all the people in the vehicle.

The ferry has room for 95 vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, bikes, campers, trailers, and even buses. On the ferry, there’s a café where you can buy snacks and drinks, and there are toilets too.

The trip on the ferry is pretty, with great views of the water and mountains. When you arrive at Bruny Island, you can see the beautiful nature and try some famous Bruny Island oysters.

The island has lots to do, whether you love nature, enjoy trying new foods, or like having adventures. So, getting on the ferry is your start to a fun trip with cool sights and tasty food.

17. Explore the Kunanyi/Mt Wellington

I just got back from an awesome bus trip up Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, and let me tell you, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. Standing at 1271 meters, this mountain is no joke.

The view from the top is incredible! I could see all of Hobart and the sprawling beauty of southern Tasmania. It’s definitely a must-do for anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure mixed with stunning scenery.

It’s perfect for people who love nature, want an adventure, or just like looking at pretty things. The bus gets you to the top, where you can do lots of different things.

If you like to walk, there are many paths on the mountain. You can walk through different kinds of forests and see different plants and animals.

You might see a Tasmanian devil, a small animal called a pademelon, an echidna, or a big bird called a wedge-tailed eagle.

For those who want excitement, you can ride bikes down the mountain, climb rocks, go down ropes, or glide in the air with a parachute.

In the cold months, there’s snow to play in. In the warm months, you’ll see lots of flowers.

Don’t miss this awesome place. Get on a bus and have an adventure you won’t forget on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

18. Visit the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

I just had to choose between catching a bus or hopping on a ferry to reach the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum down in Hobart.

This spot is truly a hidden gem for history buffs like me.

It’s nestled right by the waterfront, a mere stone’s throw from the very spot where the legendary explorer Mawson embarked on his Antarctic journey way back in 1911.

Stepping into the museum felt like traveling back in time. I was right there in Mawson’s Antarctic hut, recreated perfectly in every way.

It was so realistic that I shivered as if the Antarctic cold was seeping in.

This wasn’t just a display; it was like stepping into the boots of those brave explorers who faced the mysteries of the icy south over a hundred years ago.

Seeing this really opened my eyes and made me deeply respect the courage it took to set off into such an unknown wilderness.

The museum is open every day from 10 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon.

Tickets cost $15 for grown-ups, $12 if you have a discount like a student ID, $8 for adults who need extra help, $5 for kids, and it’s free for little ones under 5 years old.

When you buy a ticket, you also get a special guidebook that tells you all about Mawson’s Huts and gives you discounts for local places.

As you walk around the museum, a guide can tell you all the cool stories and facts about Mawson’s adventure and what he and his team did.

If you want, you can also listen to these stories on headphones in eight different languages.

People really love this museum; it’s even been named the number-one museum in Hobart!

If you’re curious about the icy world of Antarctica and the explorers who went there, you definitely should check out Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum.

Wrapping Up: Best Things to Do in Hobart without a Car!!

Hobart is full of fun things to do even if you don’t have a car. You can walk along the waterfront and check out Salamanca Market, where you’ll find lots of cool stuff to see and buy.

I absolutely love picking up new things, and one of the best ways I found to do that was by joining a walking tour in Hobart.

It was amazing to listen to all the tales and history of the city as we strolled along. And oh, if you’re a foodie like me, you’re in for a treat because the restaurants here are fantastic!

I also made a point to wander through Battery Point. It’s this quaint historic neighborhood with the most charming old houses and picturesque streets. Definitely a must-see!

You can also take a ferry to Bruny Island for an adventure or go see the famous Mt Wellington for amazing views.

All these activities are easy to do without driving, so you can have a great time in Hobart on foot. I hope you find the article “20 Things to Do in Hobart Without a Car” helpful.