Best Things To Do In Hobart – An Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide To

ByEric James Updated on

You’ve seen the pictures of Hobart: a charming harbour city nestled under a towering mountain. But you’re not looking for just another city break. You’re an explorer at heart, and you see Hobart for what it truly is—the ultimate basecamp for some of Australia’s most rugged and breathtaking adventures.

This isn’t your average tourist guide. We’re cutting through the noise to bring you the best things to do in Hobart from an outdoor adventurer’s perspective. Forget generic bus tours; we’re talking about lacing up your boots, checking your map, and getting your hands dirty.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to tackle the iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington, explore the wild sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, and find the best spots to provision your rig before heading into the wilderness. You’ll get a complete Best things to do in Hobart guide packed with practical tips on gear, safety, and sustainable travel, so you can explore Tasmania’s wild capital with confidence.

Conquer kunanyi/Mount Wellington: Hobart’s Majestic Backyard

Looming 1,271 meters over the city, kunanyi/Mount Wellington isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a massive adventure playground. For any outdoor enthusiast, spending a day on its slopes is non-negotiable. The mountain offers everything from gentle walks to challenging rock scrambles.

Choosing Your Ascent: Trails for Every Skill Level

While you can drive to the summit for a quick photo, the real reward comes from earning the view. The mountain is crisscrossed with trails, so pick one that matches your fitness and experience.

  • For Beginners: The Zig Zag Track is a local favorite. It’s a steady, well-maintained climb that offers increasingly stunning views of Hobart and the Derwent River. It’s a great way to acclimatize to Tasmania’s trails.
  • For Intermediate Hikers: The Organ Pipes Track is a must-do. This trail takes you directly beneath the iconic dolerite columns that dominate the mountain’s face. It’s a rocky, spectacular path that feels a world away from the city below.
  • For a Challenge: Combine multiple tracks for a full-day summit hike. Start from Fern Tree Park and link trails like the Pipeline, Pinnacle, and Zig Zag for a serious leg-burner with maximum rewards.

Essential Gear and Weather Safety

Tasmanian weather is notoriously fickle, and kunanyi creates its own microclimate. It can be sunny in the city and snowing at the summit. This is one of the most common problems with Best things to do in Hobart—travelers arriving unprepared.

Always pack layers. Start with a merino wool base layer, add a fleece mid-layer, and carry a reliable waterproof and windproof shell jacket, like a Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Also pack a beanie, gloves, and a headlamp (like a Petzl Actik Core) even for a day hike. Conditions can change in an instant.

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Explore the Tasman Peninsula: Sea Cliffs, Seals, and Epic Hikes

Just a 90-minute drive from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is home to the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. This is where you’ll find some of Tasmania’s most famous coastal hikes and a raw, untamed landscape that will leave you breathless.

World-Class Hiking: Three Capes and Beyond

The peninsula is famous for the multi-day Three Capes Track, but you don’t need a booking to experience its magic. Several day hikes offer a massive dose of the same epic scenery.

  • Cape Raoul Track: This 14km return hike takes you out to a dramatic cape of dolerite columns plunging into the sea. You’ll see seal colonies on the rocks below and get panoramic views of the wild coastline.
  • Cape Hauy Track: A challenging but rewarding 9.4km return hike with lots of stairs. The payoff is an incredible view of the “Candlestick” and “Totem Pole” sea stacks, famous among rock climbers.

Logistics for RV and Vanlife Travelers

The Tasman Peninsula is well-suited for self-sufficient travelers. The Fortescue Bay campground inside the national park is a stunning spot to base yourself, with sites for tents, campervans, and RVs. Book well in advance, especially during peak season. There are also several free and low-cost camps in the wider area for those exploring on a budget.

Salamanca Market & The Waterfront: Your Adventure Basecamp

While it might seem like a purely urban activity, Hobart’s waterfront and its famous Saturday market are essential stops for any adventurer. Think of it as your forward operating base for provisioning and planning.

Stocking the Pantry and the Pack

Salamanca Market is the perfect place to stock up on fresh, local produce before a multi-day hike or a week of off-grid camping. Grab artisan bread, local cheeses, and fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s one of the benefits of Best things to do in Hobart—access to incredible supplies right at the edge of the wilderness.

The waterfront area is also where you’ll find outdoor gear shops. If you forgot a fuel canister for your MSR PocketRocket stove or need to grab a better topographic map, this is the place to do it. Don’t rely on finding specific gear in smaller towns.

Bruny Island: A Wilderness Escape Just a Ferry Ride Away

Bruny Island offers a concentrated dose of everything that makes Tasmania special: incredible food, stunning coastlines, and abundant wildlife. A short ferry ride from Kettering (about 35 minutes south of Hobart), it’s an ideal destination for a two or three-day trip in your van or RV.

Self-Driving and Exploring Bruny

The best way to see Bruny is with your own vehicle. The vehicle ferry runs regularly, but it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long waits. Once on the island, you’re free to explore at your own pace.

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Don’t miss The Neck, the narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny. Climb the stairs to the lookout for one of Tasmania’s most iconic views. This is also home to a penguin rookery, so you can watch them return to their burrows at dusk (remember to use red light torches only).

Hiking and Camping on the Island

The Cape Queen Elizabeth Track is a fantastic coastal hike that takes you past unique rock formations and along pristine beaches. For camping, the sites at Cloudy Bay in South Bruny National Park are hard to beat for a true off-grid experience right on the beach.

Your Guide to the Best Things to Do in Hobart: Practical Tips for the Trail-Ready Traveler

Knowing where to go is only half the battle. This Best things to do in Hobart guide is about helping you explore smarter and safer. Here are some best practices for your Tasmanian adventure.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Best Practices

Tasmania’s ecosystems are precious and fragile. Adopting eco-friendly Best things to do in Hobart practices is crucial. Always follow the Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in, stay on marked trails, and never feed wildlife.

Also, be mindful of biosecurity. Before heading into national parks, make sure your hiking boots and gear are clean to prevent the spread of soil-borne diseases like root rot, which can devastate native plant communities.

Common Problems to Avoid on Your Hobart Adventure

A little planning can help you avoid common pitfalls. The biggest issue travelers face is underestimating the weather. Always have warm and waterproof gear ready to go. Another problem is not booking ahead—campsites, iconic hikes, and the Bruny Island ferry can fill up weeks or months in advance, especially from December to February.

Essential Gear for Hobart Adventures

Beyond the basics, here’s what you should have in your kit:

  • Waterproof Hiking Boots: Trails can be muddy year-round. A sturdy, waterproof boot like the Salomon Quest 4 or Merrell Moab 3 will keep your feet dry and supported.
  • Navigation Tools: Don’t rely solely on your phone. Carry a physical map and a compass, and know how to use them. A GPS device or a satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach Mini is also a wise investment for remote hikes.
  • National Parks Pass: You will need a Parks Pass for entry into all of Tasmania’s national parks. You can buy one online or at major visitor centers. An 8-week pass usually offers the best value for travelers.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Hobart

When is the best time to visit Hobart for outdoor activities?

The summer months (December to February) offer the warmest and most stable weather, but it’s also the busiest time. For fewer crowds and stunning autumn colors, consider visiting between March and May. Just be prepared for cooler temperatures.

Do I need to rent a 4WD for these adventures?

No, a 4WD is not necessary for the majority of these activities. A standard 2WD vehicle or campervan can access the trailheads for kunanyi/Mount Wellington, the Tasman Peninsula, and the ferry to Bruny Island. Roads are generally well-maintained.

What are some good free or low-cost camping spots near Hobart?

Tasmania is quite friendly to self-contained campers. Apps like CamperMate and WikiCamps are invaluable for finding designated free camps. The area around the Huon Valley and further south often has great options, but always check for the latest regulations and respect any “no camping” signs.

How can I practice sustainable Best things to do in Hobart?

Beyond Leave No Trace, focus on supporting local businesses. Buy produce from farm stands, eat at small-town pubs, and purchase locally made goods. Conserve water, especially during dry summer months, and stick to designated roads and tracks to protect the fragile landscape.

Hobart is more than a destination; it’s a gateway. It’s the perfect launchpad for adventurers ready to experience the wild, rugged spirit of Tasmania. By planning ahead, packing smart, and traveling responsibly, you can go beyond the typical tourist trail and create an unforgettable outdoor journey.

Now, get out there and explore confidently. The mountains are calling.

Eric James
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