Hobart Activities

Worth getting out of bed for

Viewpoint

At a knee-wobbling 1270-metres high, Mount Wellington and its surrounding parkland guarantee dazzling photos for even the least camera-capable. Head for the top if you dare and admire the incredible view. Layer up though – there’s a bone-battering wind chill on gusty days.

Arts and culture

Historians should head to Port Arthur and examine the craggy remains of Australia’s first penal settlement (www.portarthur.org.au). Hobart also has a rich hop growing history, so visit the nearby Derwent Valley’s timber oast houses. Hops are still grown in the area; in autumn, the valley turns an intense amber gold, bathed in light. There are plenty of art galleries dotted around Salamanca Market, or take the half-hour drive to the serene suburb of New Norfolk and browse the antique shops (www.newnorfolk.org).

Something for nothing

Wander down to Hobart’s harbour and breathe in the fresh sea air (and the smell of fish and chips). The harbour is a great place to admire the heady heights of Mount Wellington and to lap up local life. To experience the harbour at its most romantic, stroll by at dusk: admire the boats, listen to the whispering waves and study the stars.

Shopping

Hobart’s Salamanca Market is the best place to peruse beautiful locally produced arts and crafts and edible artistry: jams, honey, relishes, smoked fish, meats and delicious cheeses are all there for the tasting. Sample scallop pie – a Tasmanian speciality – from the Flatheads stall. Held every Saturday, from 8.30am–3pm, Salamanca is ideal for gifts and souvenirs. The market is framed by historic Georgian warehouses filled with wonderful galleries, bars and coffee shops, so allocate an entire day to potter around the area and admire the dockside setting (www.salamanca.com.au).

Daytripper

Take the short drive to the historic, sandstone village of Richmond where Australia’s oldest bridge spans the pretty Coal River. The bridge was built in the early 1800s by – you’ve guessed it – convicts. Browse the antique shops, art galleries and boutiques. Finish off with a tasting of Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines in one of the wineries, set in the beautiful Coal River Valley wine region. Meadowbank Estate (www.meadowbankwines.com.au) produces fabulous wines and has a restaurant where you can linger over delicious shared platters and vineyard views.

Perfect picnic

In the Margate area of Hobart, Bicentennial Park has spectacular coastal views, rolling expanses of open grassland and playgrounds for the nippers. There are also picnic and barbecue facilities, walking trails and secluded seating areas – admission is free.

Walks

Tasmania’s spectacular landscape is a walker’s dream. Choose from Mount Field, Lake St Clair, the Styx Valley (home to some of the world’s tallest hardwood trees), Tasman National Park and the spectacular Wineglass Bay, named for its curving shoreline (www.parks.tas.gov.au).

Children

To give your kids their very own golden ticket, take them to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory in Claremont. Its daily tours explain the history of chocolate and how it’s made (Monday to Friday, 8pm–4pm). There’s a chocolate shop at the end, if you’re feeling indulgent (1800 627 367). If your little ones prefer wildlife to Wonka, take them platypus spotting. These elusive, bizarre-looking creatures are best seen in the morning or early evening when they are feeding. For a guaranteed sighting, head to Something Wild, a sanctuary for orphaned and injured wildlife. Here you’ll not only see platypus but also Tasmanian devils, wombats, koalas and other cuddly (looking) native Australian creatures (+61 (0)3 6288 1013, www.somethingwild.com.au).

Activities

Hire a bicycle and explore magnificent Mount Wellington. Brake Out Cycling Tours (+613 6239 1080) has a range of bikes and even provide a lift (in a van) to the top. The scenery on the way down is stunning and you barely need to pedal. Feeling thirsty? Head to the HQ of Premium Beer brewers Cascade (+61 (0)3 6224 1117), for their guided tours and tastings. The brewery is set in a beautiful historic building surrounded by the gorgeous Woodstock gardens; drink in the view, as well as the brew. Tours last one and a half hours, booking is essential and children under five aren’t allowed. Bored of being a land-lubber? Take a luxury cruise from Hobart along the scenic waterways past North Bruny Island.