Hobart

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

TMAG

Established in 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania, TMAG is an impressive natural history museum, art gallery and herbarium in one. It boasts various exhibits with Tasmanian, Australian and International themes. Displays include wildlife collections, the history of Tasmania, medal and coin collections, indigenous collections, contemporary art and classical art galleries. Islands to Ice is an exciting permanent exhibition of Antarctic natural history, exploration and science that also gives an insight to what it is like to live and work in some of the most inhospitable climates on earth. It is a must see for all Antarctic enthusiasts.

Daily 10AM-5PM · Free, special exhibits may require paid entry · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Established in 1818 within the grounds of The Domain. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens showcase 6,500 species, including over 400 Tasmanian species. One of the most popular displays here is the Subantarctic Plant House, which contains subantarctic plant species collected by staff from Macquarie Island and is climate controlled to mimic cold high latitude environments. Other collections include traditional Japanese and Chinese gardens, a rain garden, a lily pond and the Tasmanian Fernery.

Daily, Oct-Mar: 8AM-6:30PM, Apr-Sep: 8AM-5PM · Entry by donations

Cascades Female Factory

This site operated as a female factory between 1828 and 1856, which was intended to reform female convicts and segregate them from the "temptations" of Hobart. The ladies of this female factory were often completing many chores, such as needlework and laundry. The factory is now one of 11 penal sites that make up the Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A daily Heritage tour runs several times daily and an additional show, title Her Story, runs daily at 11AM.

Daily 9:30AM-4PM · Entry: $5; entry + tour: adult $15, child $10; Her Story show: adult $20, child $12.50

Australian Army Museum Tasmania

It's within the grounds of the historic Anglesea Barracks, which were established in 1811. This museum covers Tasmania's military history. While the barracks remain an active Australian Defence Force base it is open to the public, and has interesting displays of weapons and several historically significant monuments. These include the only war memorial to have been erected by the many British Army units which undertook garrison duties in colonial Australia. They also offer a guided tour of the barracks on Tuesday at 11AM.

Tue Thu Sat 9AM-1PM · Adult $5, child $1

Theatre Royal

Hobart's famous theatre, and Australia's oldest, that opened in 1837 and has been saved from demolition on countless occasions. The interior fittings of the theatre contrast striking red velvet seating and curtains against white and gold walls with intricate detailing. You don't have to watch a show to visit the theatre as a 45-minute tour operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11AM.

Tour: adults $12, concession/pensioners $10

Maritime Museum of Tasmania

This museum houses the largest collection of maritime artefacts in Tasmania. Displays include information on the early maritime history of Tasmania, the role of lighthouses, the whaling industry, maritime trade, boat building and shipping.

Daily 9AM-5PM · Adult $9, concession $7, student $5, child free

Salamanca Market

A major Saturday morning attraction for locals and visitors. Situated in front of large sandstone warehouses which have been converted into a maze of craftsmen's workshops, giftshops, restaurants and other 'artsy-crafty' shops. Market stalls are one of the cheapest places to buy Tasmanian timber products.

Sat 8:30AM-3PM

Jackman & McRoss

A Hobart institution with fantastic bakery treats - a must visit when in town. Walk in and take one look at the counter display and you'll see why. Eat-in is table service with a different price list. Short walk from Salamanca Place - head up the stairs by the gallery, keep walking along the road and it's just on the right. You can't miss it, there will be lots of cars parked nearby.

7AM-5PM · Limited wheelchair access · Outdoor seating

Hobart Bookshop

A small but cosy feeling bookstore that is nearly overflowing with a whole range of books to choose from. They have a huge range of educational books and also have a Tasmanian book section. For any book purchases they offer complimentary gift-wrapping.

Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-5PM · Wheelchair accessible

Machine Laundry Cafe

This cafe (which also houses a laundromat, hence the name) is a good place for a filling breakfast of $8-$15. Eggs benedict and banana and ricotta pancakes are recommended.

Mon-Sat 7:30AM-5PM, Sun 8:30AM-5PM · Wheelchair accessible

Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

One of Hobart's newest attractions, this museum is a replica of the base stations constructed for Douglas Mawson's Australiasian Antarctic expedition of 1911. It features amenities and conditions that would have been experienced by those who first lived inside the huts.

Daily 9AM-6PM (Nov–Mar), 10AM-5PM (Apr–Oct) · Adult $12, concession $10, child $4 · Wheelchair accessible

State Cinema

A local independent cinema that is over 100 years old and has witnessed many changes in its lifetime from silent black and white films through to the modern technology of today. This cinema specialises in a variety of movies including local, Australian and International film which tend away from the typical blockbuster and mainstream genres. Along with 8 theatres, a bar, a cafe and a bookshop there is also a rooftop cinema which is open during the warmer months.

Daily 10AM-9PM · Limited wheelchair access

The Lark Distillery

The Lark Distillery is the first licensed distillery in Tasmania since 1839 and now operates as a bar, store and distillery in one. It produces fine single malt whiskey and other liqueurs. It provides free tastings of liqueurs and spirits and charges a small fee to taste their 3 types of whiskeys ($2 each tasting or $5 for all 3). Their bush liqueur also has a distinctive taste through the use of pepperberries. There are several live music performances a week. Entry is always free and students receive a 10% discount on drinks.

10AM-till evening · Limited wheelchair access

The New Sydney Hotel

One of the most popular inner-city pubs, the cosy New Sydney is home to Hobart's Irish community and offers an Irish pub atmosphere rather more authentic than that of an Irish theme pub (see Irish Murphy's, below). Large range of imported and local beers on tap.

Mo 12:00-22:00; Tu-Sa 12:00-00:00; Su 16:00-21:00 · Outdoor seating

Bury Me Standing

Bagels, coffee, and pastries, with mostly plant-based options.

Mon–Sat 7:30AM–2:30PM, Sun 8AM–1PM

Fullers Bookshop

Established in 1920, Fullers is a popular independent bookstore that also runs a local publishing house. They often host book signings and events. While specialists in local authors, they also offer bestsellers, stationery, puzzles & games, and a large range of local guides. After you have made your purchase you can sit in the cafe area to read your book while having something to eat or drink.

Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 10AM-4PM

The Drunken Admiral

Wonderful restaurant close to Mures. The seafood platter is highly recommended. It is important to make a reservation as this is a popular restaurant.

Dinner daily from 6PM · Mains $21.90-31.90

Federation Concert Hall

Established in 2000, the Federation Concert Hall is home to the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The concert hall is an international standard venue and one of Hobart's premier entertainment venues. It is connected to the adjacent Hotel Grand Chancellor, with a 1100-seat capacity in the hall and also additional conference and exhibition rooms.

Wheelchair accessible

Republic Bar & Cafe

In its day, the former Empire Hotel was one of Hobart's roughest pubs, hosting a shoot-out during the 1980s. Australian cricketer Max Walker grew up in the Empire, which was run by his parents. After a re-modelling and re-branding as the Republic Bar in the mid-1990s, it has become one of the State's most popular pubs. Today the Republic Bar is Tasmania's premier music venue, with live music 7 days. It hosts an award winning restaurant, art gallery and a large covered beer garden that is good all year round.

Limited wheelchair access

Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books

A mixed secondhand and new bookstore, best known for once finding a lost Napoleonic-era diary in the back room,. They feature an extremely eclectic range of books and have been Hobart's premier secondhand bookstore for 30 years. Their social media is extremely popular in Hobart for its off-colour jokes.

Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat 9:30AM-4PM

Irish Murphy's

Irish Murphy's is a busy Irish pub on one of the prime nightlife strips. It has a young crowd dancing to pop hits from their childhood in a fake Irish franchise pub. The meals are quite good, and there's a fantastic view over the old warehouses at Salamanca.

Moonah Arts Centre

A state of the art regional art center designed by Morrison Breytenbach, showing rotating local art exhibitions and hosting community arts activities.

The Playhouse Theatre

Another one of Hobart's theatres, it was built as a chapel. While it is not as opulent as the Theatre Royal, The Playhouse still has some charm and hosts many plays throughout the year. Be sure to check out its website for what's on.

The Shipwright's Arms

It's in Battery Point, one of Australia's oldest suburbs, the Arms opened in 1842. Cosy fires and Chesterfields is the atmosphere here and the nautical theme attracts participants in the Sydney-Hobart yacht race around the new year. A popular local pub, slightly off the tourist trail, the beer garden is an attractive place for a meal on summer evenings.

Cat and Fiddle Arcade

A renovated shopping mall that has fast become a premier shopping destination in Hobart, with many national Australian retailers now calling the Cat and Fiddle home. The mall has long been famous for an animated clock within the food court that acts out The Cat and the Fiddle nursery rhyme on the hour.

Mon-Sat 9AM-5:30PM, Sun 10AM-4PM

Farm Gate Market

This outdoor market is brimming with fresh seasonal produce, dairy products, wine and other food items from around Tasmania. If you consider yourself a foodie then this is a must when visiting Hobart.

Sun 9AM-1PM

Spice World

If you love herbs and spices this is the place to go. With over 300 types of herbs, spices and curry mixes there is bound to be something you want. They also sell other cooking staples such as flours, nuts, pulses, rices and essences.

Mon-Fri 8:30AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-4PM

State Cinema Bookstore

Adjacent to the State Cinema (hence the name), this bookshop specialises in non-fiction, travel, art, fashion, architecture along with a range of fiction titles. They also have a great range of stationery items.

Sun-Thu 10AM-6:30PM, Fri Sat 10AM-9PM

Wursthaus Kitchen

One of Hobart's famous establishments that specialises in all things food and wine. This gourmet food shop sells a whole range of items including deli goods, sausages (or wurst for those who speak German), wines, cheeses, pre-prepared meals and breads. They also hold cooking classes and can arrange hampers and catering orders.

Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-5PM, Sun 9AM-5PM

Kangaroo Bluff Historic Site

The historic site was built for Hobart's defence after Russian warships appeared in the harbour in 1873.