Hobart is the gem of Tasmania besides its capital city and Australia’s second oldest city. Nestled in the Derwent River’s estuary, Hobart was established as a harbor; but today, it is a hub of several attractions and scenic activities attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe. With diverse things to do in Hobart, this tourist destination is now no less than a retreat where vacationing as well as frolicking has a different definition.
Hobart enjoys four distinct seasons – summer from December to February, winter from June to August, autumn, and spring. Although any month of the year is just fine for a trip to Hobart, the best time to visit is anywhere between November and March. In short, you need to decide the time as per your convenience.
Before I share with you some exciting things to do in Hobart, I will like to mention that getting around in Hobart is possible by bus, private car, bike, or on foot. Since the city is small, biking is always preferred. No train service is available here. And yes, on Saturday, do not travel by car in the Salamanca area.
One of the most fascinating things to do in Hobart is to take up the tour of Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory. Here, you will know about how chocolate is made along with the Cadbury’s history. On your tour, you will also come across a chocolate shop, café, and a souvenir shop. As a visitor, you can be lucky enough to obtain a chocolate gift or participate in a monthly draw making you win a hamper of $250. The tour rates are $5 per adult (15+). The tour is not available on weekends and that the timings are from 8 am to 4 pm.
Nobody can miss an expedition to Mount Wellington on whose peak one can enjoy the great vistas. Just catch a bus for reaching ‘Fern Tree’ followed by a steep walk on a meandering track to be on the summit. Alternatively, you can also drive up to the summit. Walking trails are of all levels here. Just ensure that you carry warm clothes even if it is summer as the temperature can be around 4°C. Just be away from the prickly icicles dropping from the mobile phone tower and be alert because of the plenty of wildlife.
Who does not like cruising? Well, just enjoy the Peppermint Bay Cruise – an opulent passenger yacht offering you a tour around the bay. Before reaching the Peppermint Bay, you will be introduced to the various attractions such as Salmon Farms, sea creatures, and geographic creations. At the bay, you are given a sea-food treat in a beautiful restaurant decorated with glass walls for amazing scenery. I would suggest to look for something new in other restaurants at the bay for adding some spice in your trip. This is hardly a day. Call for bookings at 1300 137 919 and that tickets are available at the Hobart Cruise Centre. Most of the cruises start from Sullivans Cove’s Brooke Street Pier at 11.30 am from May to September on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and weekends.
Do visit Salamanca in the heart of the city, which is full of old warehouses. Currently, it is known for its myriad of shops, galleries, and cafes. Ideally, come here on the weekends for best deals. Coming to food, you will all varieties ranging from budget to expensive. Machine Laundry Café is good for breakfast, especially for its banana pancakes. You will end up spending $8 to $15 here. Vegetarians will surely adore Sirens Vegetarian Cuisine on the Victoria St as well as Thai Veggie Hut for dinner. If you want to have coffee, then I would recommend Villino Espresso in CBD, which is really good.
Some of the ideal accommodations in Hobart are Zero Davey Boutique Apartments for AUD 198, Salamanca Inn for AUD 205, Mercure for AUD 122, Wrest Point Tasmania for AUD 145, and Salamanca Terraces for AUD 181. Although to be avoided, if you are looking for last minute booking, then go for the Riverfront Motel, Waterfront Lodge Leisure Inn, and Hobart Airport Hotel.
