Weekend in Hobart

A bustling Saturday market along Salamanca Place, with local crafts, produce, and street performers. Free to browse.

Tip: Arrive before 9am to beat crowds, then grab a scallop pie from the food stalls before they sell out.

A free museum and gallery covering Tasmanian natural history, Aboriginal culture, colonial artefacts, and rotating art exhibitions. Housed in a historic bond store.

Tip: 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.

A museum covering Tasmanian history, art, and natural science, housed in a historic bond store. General entry is free.

Tip: Skip the paid temporary exhibitions unless you're keen on the topic—the permanent collection is the highlight. Don't miss the thylacine displays.

A sprawling Saturday market along Salamanca Place, selling local produce, crafts, art, and street food. Good people-watching and harbour views.

Tip: Go early (before 9am) to beat the crowds. The food stalls near the Princes Wharf end have the best coffee. If you're on a tight budget, avoid the souvenir tents and stick to the fresh fruit stalls.

A self-guided stroll through a historic neighbourhood of sandstone cottages and colonial architecture, starting at Salamanca Place.

Tip: 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.

Tip: 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.

Tip: 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

Tip: 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.

A 1271-metre peak with panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River. Drive or hike up for free.

Tip: 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 en route.

Tip: 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.