Things to Do in Hobart 3 days

Our top things to do in Hobart will take you a jam packed three days to complete, but you will have a fabulous time! Hobart is the perfect spot for a mini-break or long weekend, so perhaps add it to your wish list for when the opportunity comes by.

Welcome to Hobart, Tasmania – a city bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty just waiting to be explored! Our adventure begins at the Salamanca Wharf Hotel. Here we stayed in the most gorgeous loft apartment. We were lucky enough to receive the penthouse and had amazing views over Hobart’s vibrant waterfront.

Salamanca Wharf Hotel

This hotel is conveniently located in the historical area that served the port of old Hobart Town previously called “The Cottage Green” but renamed in 1812 to Salamanca Place.

The area is home to rows of beautifully preserved four storey sandstone buildings which were previously used as warehouses for the port. Careful restoration has seen these buildings returned to use as restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, and boutique shopping.

Salamanca Place is a lovely mixture of historic buildings, ultra modern developments and leafy green open spaces. This gives the area a chic and sophisticated feel. Coupled with the relaxing water view, I can’t imagine staying anywhere else in Hobart.

Our loft apartment had 5 metre high pitched ceilings, with a full height window making is super light and airy. Hubby opened the sliding doors and let himself onto the private balcony, while I flopped on the sumptuous king sized bed. My body went to jelly as I sunk into the billowy goose down doona. So comfy… maybe even more comfortable than our bed at home!

The next morning I struggled to drag myself from my blissful bed to start exploring this charming city.

Itinerary – Day 1

Tasmania, has a rich convict heritage and some of the oldest buildings in Australia. Day one takes advantage of Hobart’s natural beauty and historic past .

Mt Wellington

Start your morning with by ascending to the summit of Mount Wellington, where panoramic views of Hobart and its surrounding stretch into wilderness. The mountain air was crisp and although the weather began with blue skies and sunshine in quickly clouded over and I found myself running for shelter.

The view is framed by rugged cliffs in one direction and lush cold weather forests in the other. For the adventurous souls, hiking trails and even mountain bike trails might tempt you to wander further into the natural beauty of the Hobart area.

Salamanca Markets

After descending from the heights of Mount Wellington, we made our way back to the historic Salamanca Markets for lunch and a wander. The markets take place every Saturday bringing the area alive with local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and live music. We took a walk through the cobblestone streets, taking in the atmosphere and delicious aromas before deciding on some gourmet pies for lunch.

You could choose something from the market or take advantage of one of the many cafes that line the street.

Cascade Brewery Tour

Located at the base of Mount Wellington, just 5 minutes from Salamanca Markets, Cascade Brewery stands as Australia’s oldest brewery. Built in 1824, it’s history spans two centuries.

The Brewery operates from 10am to 5.0ppm and offers guided tours every day of the year except Christmas. We had booked for an afternoon tour. The tour takes in each productions step behind the beer making process then concluding with a beer tasting. Hubby was keen to learn all about the ingredients and brewing process, I was just interested in the history!

The guide was fabulous and shared interesting stories as we were shown around this historic factory.

Although photography is not permitted inside, I took so many photo’s of the majestic exterior building and grounds from various angles. It was all so picture perfect, reflecting a time long past.

Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a lover of history, Cascade Brewery is a Tasmanian landmark and well worth an inclusion on the itinerary.

Itinerary – Day 2

Farzi Cafe – Breakfast

We chose to breakfast at Farzi’s which is the cafe below our apartment. I enjoyed a very warming Chai Spiced Porridge with candied walnuts, toasted coconut and fresh apple whilst hubby was in love with the Zucchini Fritters with spinach smoked salmon, poached egg and creme fraiche.

Sorry no pictures, we were too hungry!

Once breakfast was complete we knew some walking was in order. We were both feeling very full so we took to sight seeing on foot. Battery Point is a nice walk from the Salamanca Place. Walking along the now familiar cobblestone streets and up Gladstone Street we passed amazing examples of Georgian architecture. We moved out of the commercial area and onto Hampden Road where we found gorgeously restored cottages with beautifully manicured gardens. So many beautiful old fashioned roses were on display, the whole scene looking exactly as it may have in years gone by.

We continued to stroll along to Battery Point and then to Hobart’s waterfront, where maritime history comes to life. The walk comes fukl circle and we are returned to our starting point outside our accomodation.

With our walk complete it’s time to go a little further afield and delve into two more of Tasmania’s Heritage Sites.

Richmond Bridge

Just 25km outside of Hobart is the oldest stone bridge in Australia, the Richmond Bridge. It was built by convicts, and completed in 1825, nearly 200 years ago. The bridge is still used by cars, and busses and stands as a glimpse into Tasmania’s engineering heritage. We took a walk over the bridge and then down the stairs and crossed under the walkway. The stone work formed perfect arches that traversed the river, standing strong through the years that had gone by.

We had planned to have lunch on the banks of the river but after our hearty breakfast it wasn’t needed so we continued our walk.

Apart from the bridge being a heritage site, the village also has a large number of heritage protected buildings that have been restored to their former glory. I couldn’t help but walk around smelling the roses. The scent was mesmerising, one rose smelt exactly like Turkish delight it was such a deep rose aroma.

If you have convict ancestors you may be interested in doing a tour of the Richmond Historic Gaol. We walked around the grounds but as we planned to go the Cascades Female Factory we had to give the Gaol Tour a miss.

Cascades Female Factory

The Cascade Female Factory was how the woman’s prison was known. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers insight into Tasmania’s harsh past. The factory was only open for 28 years from 1828 to 1856 and was one of 5 in Tasmania, but the only one available to tour.

The experience is shocking, during the tour we were told horrible stories of individual prisoners. We learned that the mortality rate of the women and children was high due to poor sanitation, overcrowding and the disease that followed. Female prisoners often gave birth in the prison, with their babies dying due to the cold. The factory was built on swamp land so it was damp and inhospitable.

The Cascade Female Factory tours run for 40 minutes and take place daily, on the hour from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.

Itinerary – Day 3

Tasman Arch

A trip to Port Arthur is the final item on my list of things to do in Hobart. Although it’s not exactly in Hobart it’s only a 90 minuted drive and makes a fabulous day trip.

This is a very scenic drive with Tasman Arch, The Blowhole and The Devil’s Kitchen along the way. We made these stops and took pictures of the natural rock formations along the way. Our trip took a little longer than Googles estimate of 90 minutes but they were well worth the stop.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur, is another of Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is steeped in convict history. The gaol is built on the most picturesque landscape which is in contrast to its history of hardship.

Entry to the site requires a ticket which is valid for 2 days. The cost includes a harbour cruise, a self-guided audio experience, and complimentary site talks. The tour narrative is told through the eyes of the convict and we follow various convicts lives, getting to know what they were imprisoned for and what became of them at Port Arthur.

Whilst all that is left of some buildings are haunting ruins, other buildings are said to be haunted! Port Arthur delivered physical and mental punishment resulting in many prisoners losing their mind or their life. As such, the site has many area’s that are said to experience high levels of paranormal activity. If this is something that interests you there are ghost tours which operate of an evening.

Otherwise just do as we did and explore the sprawling grounds of the Port Arthur Historic Site taking advantage of cruise and self guided tour.

As the sun sets on day three I feel we have cover the top things to do in Hobart.

With any luck you have discovered a few of the amazing restaurants and enjoyed the local wine and cheese of an evening. Although there is so much more to see and do in Tasmania 3 days is a perfect to get a taste of this island state.

So I hope you pack you bags and take a mini-break to Tasmania.

If you do take a mini-break I would love to hear your thoughts. Perhaps you have already visited. Use the comments section below to tell me what’s your favourite thing to do in Hobart.