Hobart & Around
Everything below is within two hours of the city. Most people are surprised how much is so close. All of these work as a day out before or after a longer camping trip.
Under 1 Hour from Hobart
These are the ones worth doing on the way out of the city or as a quick afternoon stop.
A small Georgian town with Australia oldest stone arch bridge still standing. The main street is lined with colonial sandstone buildings, a few good cafes, a bakery, and independent shops. Takes about two hours to see properly. Richmond Gaol is worth visiting if you are interested in convict history.
What to know
Gets busy in summer, especially weekends. Go early or on a weekday. The Richmond bakery is legitimately good, stop there before the bridge.
Home to Russell Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia and a genuinely easy 20 minute return walk from the car park. The alpine plateau above (Lake Dobson area) is a different landscape entirely. A full day gives you both the waterfall circuit and the Lake Dobson plateau.
What to know
Parks Pass required. The road to Lake Dobson can be icy or closed in winter so check before you go. Wildlife watching at dusk is excellent here.
1 to 2 Hours from Hobart
These are fuller day trips. Leave by 8am and you will have time to see them properly and be back for dinner.
Take the Kettering ferry (20 minutes, no booking needed for cars) and you are on a different island with a dramatically different character. Bruny is quiet, wild, and full of good food, like oysters, cheese, whisky from the roadside stalls. The Neck lookout gives you ocean views on both sides. Adventure Bay on South Bruny has a beautiful beach.
WHAT TO KNOW
Ferry queues get long in summer on weekends, arrive at Kettering by 8:30am to avoid a long wait. South Bruny National Park requires a Parks Pass.
One of Australia most significant convict heritage sites, a UNESCO World Heritage property. The ruins of the penitentiary, church, and guard tower sit on a harbour that is beautiful in an unsettling way. Budget at least 3 to 4 hours. The harbour cruise is worth adding on. Combine with Fortescue Bay (20 min away) for a perfect full day.
WHAT TO KNOW
Entry includes a harbour cruise and guided tour. Book ahead online to skip the queue. Separate from the Tasmanian Parks Pass, this is its own ticket.
Drive south from Hobart through apple orchard country, with the Huon River running through the valley. Willie Smith Apple Shed at Grove is a great lunch stop, like cider, food, and a small museum. Continue to Hartz Mountains National Park for a short alpine walk if the weather is clear.
WHAT TO KNOW
Best in autumn (March to May) when the orchards are in full harvest and the valley colours are at their best. Hartz Mountains requires a Parks Pass.
A 600 metre steel walkway through the Huon pine forest canopy, 20 metres above the rainforest floor. The Huon pines beside the walkway are some of the oldest living things in the southern hemisphere, some are over 2,000 years old. The walk takes about 90 minutes.
WHAT TO KNOW
Entry fee applies, check tahune.com.au for current prices. The forest floor walk beside the river is free and worth doing too.
⛺ Any of these can become an overnight trip
Ready to explore?
Pick up in Hobart with everything you need already packed. Car and camping gear ready to go.
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Hobart & Around
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