Australia · 2026 itinerary
Hobart 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Hobart: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A bustling Saturday market along Salamanca Place, with local crafts, produce, and street performers. Free to browse.
🕐 Saturdays 8:30am–3pm
Free entry💡 Arrive before 9am to beat crowds, then grab a scallop pie from the food stalls before they sell out.
Hotels near Salamanca Market →A free museum and gallery covering Tasmanian natural history, Aboriginal culture, colonial artefacts, and rotating art exhibitions. Housed in a historic bond store.
🕐 Daily 10am–4pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day)
Free entry💡 The 'Islands to Ice' exhibition on the top floor is excellent — gives real context to the landscape. Allow 1–2 hours. The gift shop has unusual local art prints, not overpriced tat. Entry is free but some special shows are ticketed.
Hotels near Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) →The Whaler · ££
Shipwright's Arms Hotel · ££
Deeper Into Hobart
A self-guided stroll through a historic neighbourhood of sandstone cottages and colonial architecture, starting at Salamanca Place.
🕐 Accessible anytime
💡 Pick up a free walking map from the visitor centre, or just wander the side streets—look for Arthur Circus, a tiny circular green with 1840s cottages.
A self-guided walk through Battery Point's historic streets, following a trail of public sculptures and heritage buildings. Takes you past colonial cottages, the Narryna Museum, and Kelly's Steps.
🕐 Always accessible
💡 Grab a map from the Salamanca Visitor Information Centre or just follow the bronze plaques on the pavement. The route ends steeply at Arthur Circus — a perfect spot for a quiet picnic. Done properly it's 45 minutes, but allow two hours if you drift into cafes.
A 14-hectare riverside garden established in 1818, with native and exotic plant collections, a conservatory, and a Japanese garden.
🕐 Daily 8am–6pm (summer), 8am–5pm (winter)
💡 Free guided walks run at 11am daily from the visitor centre. The Sub-Antarctic Plant House is unique—bring a jumper, it's kept cool year-round.
A 14-hectare public garden on the Queens Domain, featuring a Japanese garden, Tasmanian sub-Antarctic plant collection, a conservatory, and wide lawns. Well-maintained paths and a small cafe.
🕐 Daily 8am–5pm (summer till 6:30pm, winter till 4:30pm)
💡 The Sub-Antarctic Plant House is unique — it simulates Macquarie Island's climate. Free entry, but the guided tours (small fee) are worth it if you like botany. The cafe's scones are good, but cheaper to bring your own flask. Open daily 8am to 5pm or later in summer.
Metz
San Churro
Final Favourites & Departure
A 1271-metre peak with panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River. Drive or hike up for free.
💡 No entry fee, but parking at the Pinnacle is limited—go early. Bring a jacket even in summer, it's often windy and cold at the top.
A steep but rewarding 6km return walk to the summit of Hobart's iconic mountain. Offers panoramic views over the city, River Derwent, and beyond. No facilities
💡 The Pinnacle Road is open to cars but you can also take the Metro bus (route 448/449) from the city. For the walk, start at The Springs car park — it halves the distance and difficulty. Check the weather: the summit can be 10°C colder than town.
Irish Murphy's
Hog's Breath Cafe
Getting Around Hobart
SkyBus drops you at Elizabeth Street near the bus mall, then it's a 10-min walk uphill to the Welcome Stranger. Take the free Metro shuttle for the last leg. Book online to save $2.
Buy return ticket online for 38 AUD—it's valid for 28 days. Get off at Elizabeth Street stop, then walk 5 mins north to The Elms. No luggage limit, but buses can fill up.
Book 24 hours ahead online. They’ll drop you at the hotel entrance. Best value if you’re solo and have luggage. Cash only for this service, so have exact change.
Use the Metro Tas app for real-time tracking. The 701 and 702 routes go up Liverpool Street, stopping right outside the hotel. Day pass is $5.50 for unlimited local travel.
Buy a Greencard at newsagents for 5 AUD to get 20% off fares. Tap on and off. Walk up Elizabeth Street—it's uphill both ways—but the 19 drops you right outside the hotel.
Book with 13cabs app or call 131008 for fixed-price airport trips. The fare to the Welcome Stranger is usually around $50 if traffic is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Hobart?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Salamanca Market and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Hobart?
See our full best time to visit Hobart guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Welcome Stranger Inn, The Elms, The Quarry Apartments. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.