Hobart

Hobart is Australia's southernmost capital and the gateway to Tasmania's wild beauty. Nestled between the broad Derwent River and the towering peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, this compact, historic city blends colonial sandstone architecture, a booming food and arts scene, and easy access to some of the most pristine wilderness in the country.

The city's most talked-about attraction is MONA — the Museum of Old and New Art. Australia's largest private museum, built into the sandstone cliffs of a peninsula north of the city, MONA is a genuinely unforgettable experience: provocative, playful, and unlike any other gallery in the world. The best way to arrive is by the dedicated ferry from the waterfront, which sets the tone before you even step inside.

Salamanca Place, a row of beautifully preserved Georgian sandstone warehouses on the waterfront, is the heart of Hobart's social life. Every Saturday it hosts the famous Salamanca Market, where hundreds of stalls sell Tasmanian produce, crafts, and street food. The surrounding restaurants, bars, and galleries are excellent any day of the week.

Towering over the city, kunanyi/Mount Wellington rises to 1,271 metres, and the drive or guided tour to the summit rewards you with panoramic views over Hobart, the Derwent estuary, and — on a clear day — much of southern Tasmania. In winter the peak is often dusted with snow, a striking backdrop to the city below.

Hobart's history is woven into its streets. The nearby Battery Point neighbourhood is a maze of narrow lanes and colonial cottages, while the waterfront at Constitution Dock is where the Sydney to Hobart yacht race finishes each New Year. About 90 minutes away, the Port Arthur Historic Site preserves Australia's most significant convict settlement — a sobering and fascinating day trip.

The city is also the launching point for Tasmania's wilderness. Bruny Island, a short drive and ferry south, offers dramatic coastline, wildlife cruises, and outstanding local produce. Mount Field National Park, with its tall swamp gums and Russell Falls, and the Tasman Peninsula's towering sea cliffs are both within easy reach.

Hobart's food and drink scene is world-class, built on Tasmania's reputation for cool-climate wine, whisky, oysters, and fresh seafood. Festivals like Dark Mofo and Mona Foma have put the city on the global cultural map. As the natural base for exploring Tasmania, Hobart is where most island adventures begin, and Dundee Adventure's tours combine the city's highlights with the surrounding wilderness.