Choose from 67 Fun Things to Do in Tasmania
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 67 listings.
Penitentiary
There was once a time when visiting Port Arthur was akin with a sentence to death. Isolated on a scenic peninsula and facing the Tasman Sea, the famous and feared Port Arthur Penitentiary was where the worst of the worst of Britain’s convicts were sent to live out their days. Though not all convicts were sentenced to death, the harsh working conditions and manual labor were enough to drive convicts to literal insanity and commit murder for an early, death sentence exit.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
For all of its grisly history, however, Port Arthur today is a sprawling historic site that’s been restored and preserved as the best example of Australia’s convict past. At the iconic Penitentiary building, gaze upon the concrete ruins where 480 convicts and prisoners spent days filled with toil and misery. The penitentiary ruins are rumored to be haunted, and with the eerie, watchful, and abandoned exterior that the penitentiary exudes, it’s an historic, authentic representation of the darker days of Port Arthur.
Practical Info
The Penitentiary building is just one part of the larger Port Arthur Historic Site. Mass renovations in 2014 retained the structural integrity, and the building lives on as an iconic landmark for the area’s convict past.
Address: Champ St, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182, Australia
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:00pm
Admission: $35 Adult, $16 Child
From $ 98
Mt. Wellington
Standing sentinel over Hobart, Mt. Wellington is known by locals simply as “the Mountain.” The 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) peak offers unbeatable views over the Tasmanian capital, and the surrounding parklands serve as a popular recreational ground for city dwellers.
The Basics
The view from the summit of Mt. Wellington is one of the highlights of a visit to Hobart, and it’s possible to hike or drive to the top. Guided tours often combine a photo stop on Mt. Wellington with other Hobart attractions, such as Richmond Historic Village, Tahune Airwalk, or Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (where you can see Tasmanian devils). Adventurous types can also opt to hike the mountain; it's about a 3-hour hike to the summit lookout point.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring all-weather clothing, even in summer. The weather can change abruptly on the mountaintop, and it’s often chilly even when it’s sunny down in Hobart.
- There is an observation shelter and restrooms at the summit.
- The lookout point is wheelchair accessible with easy access from the parking area.
How to Get There
Mt. Wellington is located just west of Hobart. The main entry point is at Fern Tree, from where the winding 13.5-mile (22-kilometer) Pinnacle Road runs up to the summit. Buses operate from downtown Hobart to Fern Tree, from where it’s also possible to hike to the summit.
When to Get There
Views from Mt. Wellington are most stunning at sunrise or sunset, especially on clear days. While Pinnacle Road is typically accessible year-round, you will need a 4WD vehicle in the winter months and it may be closed during periods of extreme weather.
Outdoor Activities at Mt. Wellington
Mt. Wellington is the grand centerpiece of the gigantic Mt. Wellington Park, where adventure seekers will find plenty to do. Hikers can scale neighboring Sleeping Beauty, Collins Cap, and Cathedral Rock mountains, or enjoy numerous short hikes and bushwalks through the forests and mountain valleys. Alternatively, explore off-road in a 4WD vehicle, go mountain biking or horseback riding along the scenic Pipeline Track, or head to Organ Pipes Cliffs to enjoy rock climbing and abseiling.
Address: Pinnacle Road, Hobart 7054, Australia
Admission: Varies
From $ 41
Richmond
In the Coal River Valley, the historic town of Richmond is one of the most popular visits in Tasmania. Known for its 19th-century Georgian buildings and cottages that are today home to galleries and teashops, boutiques and museums, the small town is half an hour from Hobart by bus.
Richmond began life in the 1820s as an important military staging post and convict station that linked Hobart with Port Arthur. Known for its excellent restaurants and for its wines grown in the fertile soils nearby, wine-tasting tours of the surrounding vineyards are a popular daytrip.
The town’s most popular photo stop has to be the picturesque Richmond Bridge. The oldest stone bridge in Australia, it looks straight out of Stratford-upon-Avon, but it was actually built by Tasmania’s convict workers in 1825.
Richmond also has its own detailed model village of how the town may have looked in the early 19th century. Other popular visits include Australia’s oldest gaol, Grannie Rhodes’ Cottage, Richmond’s wildlife park, and the St John the Evangelist church, which, being built in 1837, is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the country. Other gentle activities to do in the town include boating on the lake and discovering the wooden-walled Richmond Maze.
Practical Info
Twenty minutes’ drive from Hobart airport, buses to Richmond run at various times throughout the day. And with many hotels and boutique B&Bs in Richmond, the historic town makes a good base from which to explore southeast Tasmania.
Address: Richmond, Tasmania, Australia
From $ 59
Mount Field National Park
Tasmania is known for its stunning scenery and wealth of natural beauty, and of the island’s 19 national parks, Mount Field National Park is the oldest of them all. Established in 1916, this area set an hour from Hobart offers tumbling waterfalls, backcountry hiking trails and diverse wildlife that includes the awkward-looking platypus and the famous Tasmanian devil. Of all the sights within the park, Russell Falls is one of the most popular thanks to its ease of access. A 20-minute, paved walk leads to the thundering three-tiered waterfall, and adjoining hiking tracks lead through gum forests and brilliantly green patches of ferns.
During the months of April and June, the upper slopes of the Mount Field National Park are ablaze in the colors of fall. Deep reds and bright oranges blanket the thinning treetops, and there is enough snowfall from July until September to sustain a popular ski lodge. Lake Dobson is another park favorite, located toward the upper reaches of the park, and the hiking trails that fan out from its parking lot take six to eight hours to cover. From the sweeping viewpoints of these glacially carved valleys that look out over the forests, it’s easy to see why Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions.
Practical Info
Mount Field National Park is located 40 miles from Hobart, about an hour’s drive outside the city. There is a daily park fee of either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle, and multi-day visitors can purchase holiday passes for $30 each person or $80 each vehicle. While rain and snow can fall during any month of the year, the summer months of December through March offer the driest and warmest conditions.
Address: Lake Dobson Road, Maydena, Tasmania, Australia
Admission: Daily park fee of either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle.
From $ 96
Lark Distillery
Lark Distillery might not be the first of its kind in Tasmania, but prior to 1992 when Lark Distillery opened, the last time Tasmania had a whiskey distillery was 1839. Though 150 years may have passed, Tasmania still produces ingredients that go into premium whiskey, and as staff will tell you when taking a tour of the Lark Distillery grounds, it’s the premium, fresh, island-grown ingredients that make the whiskey a smashing success. Even if you don’t take part in the tour, Hobart travelers can enjoy a drink at the popular cellar door, where 150 different whiskeys create a premium tasting experience unrivaled by any in town.
Practical Info
The Lark Distillery in on the Hobart waterfront and conveniently located downtown. The three-hour distillery tour begins at the waterfront and then travels 20 minutes to where the actual distilling of whiskey takes place. The distillery is closed on the second Monday of every month, and tour participants must be 18 years old to sample the drinks on the tour.
Did You Know? If you aren’t in the mood for sipping whiskey, the Lark Distillery also serves gin, beer, cider, and coffee.
Address: 14 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Australia
Hours: 10:30am-7pm on Sunday-Thursday, and 10:30am-11pm on weekends
Admission: $75 for a guided tour
From $ 126
Tahune Forest AirWalk
Situated on the edge of 1.6 million hectares of World Heritage Listed woodland, the Tahune AirWalk overlooks the Huon River, offering an aerial view of Tasmania’s southern forests. The treetop walkway is a steel structure that’s as high as 45 meters in places.
There are a number of paths to the AirWalk, all of which are clearly signposted. The Swinging Bridges Track features two steel cable foot-bridges that cross both the Huon and Picton Rivers. This track is a loop circuit that will take you an hour or so to complete. Alternatively, the Huon Pine Walk is an easier 20-minute walk across flat ground and boardwalks.
For the more adventurous, the Eagle Hang Glider will be sure to get your heart rate up. It’s a 250-meter cable that glides over the Huon River, allowing you to reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour.
Practical Info
The Tahune Forest AirWalk is located just over an hours’ drive from Hobart and is open daily from 9am to 5pm October through March, and 10am to 4pm April through September. It is closed on Christmas Day and in hazardous weather conditions. The path to the AirWalk is uphill and includes 112 steps, with a handrail the whole way up and places to stop along the way. Disabled access to the start of the AirWalk is available.
Address: Arve Rd, Geeveston TAS 7116, Australia
Admission: Adults: $28; Children: $14
From $ 81
National Automobile Museum of Tasmania
Tasmania’s national car museum has one of the country’s best collections of classic and historic cars and motorbikes, covering more than a century of automobile designs.
Vintage cars are the star attraction here, including old Model T Fords and the sparkling chassis of classic Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguars and Mercedes.
Super cars are another highlight, including streamlined Fords and the famous Australian vehicle of choice in the 1970s, the Holden Monaro – complete with racing stripes.
Motorcycles also get a look in, along with rare Ferraris and Daimlers. While the museum is a definite hit with car lovers, it also provides a snapshot of urban history and will intrigue visitors of all ages.
Vintage cars are the star attraction here, including old Model T Fords and the sparkling chassis of classic Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguars and Mercedes.
Super cars are another highlight, including streamlined Fords and the famous Australian vehicle of choice in the 1970s, the Holden Monaro – complete with racing stripes.
Motorcycles also get a look in, along with rare Ferraris and Daimlers. While the museum is a definite hit with car lovers, it also provides a snapshot of urban history and will intrigue visitors of all ages.
Practical Info
The National Automobile Museum of Tasmania is in Launceston’s city center on City Park.
Address: 86 Cimitiere Street, Launceston 7250, Australia
Hours: Sep - May: 9am - 5pm ; Jun - Aug: 9am - 4pm
Admission: Adults: AU$10.50
From $ 10
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art showcases modern and contemporary art alongside antiquities to create a surreal museum experience.
Opened in January 2011, MONA has quickly become one of Hobart’s top museums. The museum primarily sources its art from the private collection of owner David Walsh. Described as a ‘ghost train for adults,’ MONA is certainly a unique experience. Exhibitions are intense, the experience larger than life.
Exhibitions in MONA change regularly. Currently on display are three exhibitions ranging from 10 to 3 months in length, as well as the permanent ‘Monaism’ collection – described as an evolving exhibition of the highlights of the collection. Recent and future exhibitions include showcases of world theater, an exploration of Lewis Carroll’s The Red Queen character, and the work of specific artists. Themes, concepts and the work of individuals form powerful exhibitions within the building.
Practical Info
MONA is located on the Berriedale peninsula in Hobart, within the grounds of the Moorilla Winery. There’s limited parking on site, but both buses and ferries leave regularly from the MONA Brooke St Ferry Terminal in Hobart. The ferry takes half an hour and gives impressive views of the peninsula on its approach. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for concession, and free for under 18s and Tasmanian residents.
Address: 655 Main Road Berriedale, Hobart, Victoria 7011, Australia
Admission: Adults: $20
From $ 80
Port Arthur
A moving reminder of Australia’s harrowing history, the former convict settlement of Port Arthur was a key part of often brutal convict discipline within the colonial system. Today, the Port Arthur historic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, with museums and memorials devoted to telling the area’s history.
The Basics
Journey back in time on a tour of Port Arthur and explore the vast ruins of the penal settlement, including the Penitentiary, Separate Prison, Dockyard, Port Arthur gardens, Coal Mines Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory, and Gothic church. Prebook a 2-day pass or take a private or small-group tour that leaves from Hobart, often combined with other regional highlights, such as a scenic cruise around Tasman Peninsula, a cliff-top walk to Waterfall Bay, or a Hobart city tour. Two-day entrance tickets to Port Arthur include a guided walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to all sites, except the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer, for which guided tours are extra.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Port Arthur historic site is spread across 100 acres (40 hectares), so plan at least a half-day visit.
- Facilities at Port Arthur include a visitor center, restrooms, gift shop, and cafe/restaurant.
- Cell phone coverage is limited at Port Arthur, but free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a raincoat, and plenty of water if you plan on taking a walking tour—weather can change quickly at the open-air site.
- Most of the Port Arthur historic site is wheelchair accessible, and a shuttle buggy service is available for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula, 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Hobart. Public buses run from the city, and it’s a 1.5-hour drive along the scenic Arthur Highway, crossing Eaglehawk Neck, the narrow isthmus that joins the peninsula to the mainland. The closest airport is in Hobart.
When to Get There
Port Arthur is open year-round, although hours are extended in summer. The summer season (December to February) is busy so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds. Visiting out of season is generally quieter, but be prepared for changeable weather and less frequent tours.
Port Arthur Tours
The stories of Port Arthur are told in different ways. Interactive displays tell the tragic story of the 12,500 convicts who served time from 1830 to 1877, while after-dark ghost tours explore the site’s haunted buildings. Optional guided tours visit the Isle of the Dead, the final resting place for many of the convicts, and the Point Puer boys’ prison, an experimental prison that housed around 3,000 young boys between 1834 and 1849.
Address: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Hobart 7182, Australia
Hours: Open 9am to dusk
Admission: Adults: AU$39
From $ 81
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens opened in 1818 and its impressive collection of indigenous plants, trees and unique Asian-inspired gardens span some 35 acres of scenic countryside. Perhaps the garden’s most unusual exhibit is the Subantarctic Plant House, which displays plants from the remote Macquarie Island. In addition to environmental conditions that mimic the wild, audio from the island—like sounds of Elephant seals and penguins—is also piped throughout the space, giving visitors a full sensory experience.
After wandering the grounds, relaxing by the lily pond or exploring the French Memorial Garden and Fountain, stop by the Royal Tasmanian’s restaurant, which sources produce from its very own vegetable garden for a truly Tasmanian farm-to-table experience.
Practical Info
The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. from April through September, and until 6:30 p.m. from October through March. The gardens are located on Lower Domain Road in Queens Domain, two kilometers from Hobart. The entry fee is by donation.
Address: Lower Domain Rd, Queens Domain TAS 7000, Australia
From $ 80
Richmond Gaol
Australia is a nation that was founded by convicts, and the oldest prison in modern Australia is Tasmania’s Richmond Gaol. Constructed in 1825, it’s the only remaining jail in Tasmania where it’s still possible to tour the life of a 19th-century convict. Step inside a dark cell that was used for solitary confinement, and feel firsthand why the tiny space was known to trigger insanity. Stand inside the outdoor courtyard where morning floggings were held, and look at the infamous “cat-o-nine-tails” that was used to administer the lashings. According to some, the Richmond Gaol is still haunted by the ghosts of former convicts, and reports of moans and cold chills are much more common than you’d think. Despite the strength of its original design, the gaol was quickly overcrowded to the point of abject misery, and multiple phases to expand the jail were constructed over 15 years. As the shipments of convicts ceased from overseas, the gaol turned into a holding cell for citizens of petty crime, before eventually falling into disrepair in the middle of the 1920s. Today, as a restored and revitalized historic site that’s one of Tasmania’s best, visitors can not only witness the horrors that convicts had to endure, but also are given a dramatic reminder of why to stay out of jail.
Practical Info
The Richmond Gaol is open from 9am-5pm daily. Admission is $9 for adults, $4 for children, and the gaol is located 20 minutes outside of central Hobart.
Address: 37 Bathurst Street, Richmond TAS 7025, Australia
Admission: Adults: $9; Children: $4
From $ 73
Salamanca Market
What was once a rundown warehouse and storage unit on the waterfront of Hobart has since become one of the most-visited destinations in the city. More than 600,000 people visit the fresh fruit, organic produce and handmade craft stalls of this public market each year. Its trendy bars, quiet cafes and inventive restaurants attract food-lovers from around the area, making it a uniquely Tanzania experience. Salamanca’s popularity has caused it to grow rapidly from 12 vendors in 1972 to more than 300 in 2010. As a result, there’s something for everyone at this once-a-week market that brings the best of Hobart together.
Practical Info
Salamanca Market is within walking distance from most parts of Hobart. It is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Since most vendors break down shop around 2:30, it’s a good idea to arrive by noon for the best market experience.
Address: 41 Salamanca Pl, Hobart TAS 7001, Australia
From $ 28
Leven Canyon
Northwestern Tasmania has some of Australia’s most stunning wilderness scenery, although much of it is only accessible by hiking for multiple days at a time. At spectacular Leven Canyon, however, just minutes from the town of Nietta, experiencing this miraculous, mountainous majesty is as easy as taking a 20 minute stroll through pristine Australian bush. Located in Leven Canyon Reserve, Leven Canyon is a forested cleft that drops nearly 1,000 vertical feet to the Leven River below. At Cruickshanks Lookout, walk from the parking lot out to a platform that hangs out over the canyon, and offers a sweeping, panoramic view of the Leven Canyon Basin. Straight ahead is Black Bluff, a tree-covered mountain that at 4,400 ft. is often snowcapped in winter, and while visitors with even the slightest fear of heights might get nervous out on the platform, the epic view and fresh mountain air make the entire experience worth it. To complete the loop trail back to the car, continue on the aptly named Forest Stairs, where nearly 700 stairs link up with a trail that loops its way back to the parking lot. For a completely different vantage point, hike the Canyon Floor walk to the rushing Leven River, where you can continue on for 30 more minutes to the scenic Devil’s Elbow. Here you’re immersed in a wilderness setting that’s virtually remained untouched, and only a moderate 1 hour stroll away from where you parked. You’ll also find tracks to cascading falls and all-day trails to the summits, so whether you’re an avid, outdoorsy hiker or simply in search of a stroll, Leven Canyon is a wilderness site that travelers of all ages can enjoy.
Practical Info
Closed toed shoes are recommended for hiking and weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with cold weather possible in summer. There can often even be ice and snow in winter, and hikers will find tables, BBQ areas, toilets and basic shelters.
Address: Leven Canyon Regional Reserve, Nietta, Tasmania TAS 7315, Australia
From $ 122
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a quiet coastal community just past the central business district where sailing, the arts and serene sea views unite. Hire a yacht and cruise along the coast, where rugged cliffs meet peaceful neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon relaxing on the spotless beaches and wandering the pristine boardwalk. Unique shops selling one-of-a-kind items and a number of local restaurants line the streets of Sandy Bay. After a day outdoors visitors can spend an evening gambling at the Wrest Point Casino, the first in Tanzania.
Practical Info
Sandy Bay is accessible from Hobart using Sandy Bay Road. It runs from Davey Street in the city to the municipal boundary and eventually becomes the Channel Highway.
Address: Sandy Bay Road, Hobart, Australia
From $ 80
Taranna Wildlife Park (Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park)
The Tasmanian devil is known around the world, and while the cartoon character of the same name may have helped it gain popularity, few will ever get the opportunity to see a real Tasmanian devil. Taranna Wildlife Park is trying to change that.
Also known as the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park, visitors here can learn what endangered devils are really like. The size of a small dog, these carnivorous marsupials are dwindling in population due to a devastating disease. Staff members at Taranna educate guests about the ongoing efforts to help save the devils at presentations and feedings throughout the day. And Tasmanian devils aren’t the parks only residents—visitors can hand-feed kangaroos or watch Tasmania’s only free-flight bird show.
Practical Info
The Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park opens daily at 9 a.m. and is only closed on Christmas Day. It’s located about an hour from Hobart on the main highway to Port Arthur.
Address: 5990 Arthur Hwy, Taranna TAS 7180, Australia
From $ 111
Strahan
Three hours from Devonport, on the secluded west coast of Tasmania, the fishing village of Strahan is a unique holiday destination. A small community built along the banks of the King River, Strahan is an authentic and nostalgic place to indulge in river cruise and fishing trips, and experience the Tasmanian wilderness.
Founded in 1877, there is little to remind visitors of the village’s more sinister past - Strahan is the closest town to the infamous Sarah Island, regarded as the worst convict prison in Australia. The 200 metre opening to the nearby Macquarie Harbour was dubbed ‘Hell’s Gates’ by convicts who had survived the tumultuous journey.
The smell of salty sea air and fresh fish mingles with the earthy scent of pine on pleasant harbour breezes. The calls of sea birds and the lapping of water provide a relaxing ambience. Fishing is, obviously, a popular local past time and a relatively easy skill to learn. Simply wandering around the edge of the bay can be an exercise in meditative, slow paced tourism.
Today, Strahan is a relatively untapped mecca for tourists wishing to take in the local area. Small shops and businesses dot the town’s harbour. Locals are friendly and unpretentious. Seafood is cheap and fresh, and activities of all sorts are available, including kayaking, jet boating, and all-terrain sand dune driving. Boat cruises along the Gordon River give travellers access to World Heritage Area wilderness, allowing them to travel through one of the last pristine temperate rainforests in the world, and showing off this truly unique part of Australia.
Founded in 1877, there is little to remind visitors of the village’s more sinister past - Strahan is the closest town to the infamous Sarah Island, regarded as the worst convict prison in Australia. The 200 metre opening to the nearby Macquarie Harbour was dubbed ‘Hell’s Gates’ by convicts who had survived the tumultuous journey.
The smell of salty sea air and fresh fish mingles with the earthy scent of pine on pleasant harbour breezes. The calls of sea birds and the lapping of water provide a relaxing ambience. Fishing is, obviously, a popular local past time and a relatively easy skill to learn. Simply wandering around the edge of the bay can be an exercise in meditative, slow paced tourism.
Today, Strahan is a relatively untapped mecca for tourists wishing to take in the local area. Small shops and businesses dot the town’s harbour. Locals are friendly and unpretentious. Seafood is cheap and fresh, and activities of all sorts are available, including kayaking, jet boating, and all-terrain sand dune driving. Boat cruises along the Gordon River give travellers access to World Heritage Area wilderness, allowing them to travel through one of the last pristine temperate rainforests in the world, and showing off this truly unique part of Australia.
Address: Strahan, TAS, Australia
From $ 74
Russell Falls
Visitors to Russell Falls face a difficult question concerning the surrounding beauty: Is it the lush environment and deep green foliage that give this area its splendor, or is it the three-tiered waterfall that powerfully plummets its way through the verdant forest? Either way, Russell Falls is often considered to be the most popular waterfall in Tasmania, and the short, paved walkway that leads to it makes for an easy and accessible hike.
The falls are located in Mount Field National Park, where large tree ferns and forests of swamp gum create an exotic, faraway feel. The park also teems with wildlife, and lucky travelers with a keen eye might spot a platypus, echidna or possum. Ten minutes further up a steep trail, another waterfall, Horseshoe Falls, provides a second option for photographing water spilling down through the forest. Visitors who want to work up a sweat can extend their visit and tackle the
Tall Trees Circuit, a 30-minute trail through towering swamp gums, the tallest flowering trees on Earth.
Practical Info
Mount Field National Park is located an hour northwest from the capital city of Hobart. Park day passes cost either $12 per person or $24 per vehicle, and while the rains of winter and early spring can make for thundering falls, the long, warmer days of summer remain the most popular time to visit.
Address: Mount Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Admission: Day pass $12 per person, $24 per vehicle
From $ 96
St David's Cathedral
It’s impossible to miss St. David’s cathedral when walking through downtown Hobart. Rising up from the quadrangle of one of Australia’s best Georgian streetscapes, St. David’s cathedral towers above the historic city center, its stones and turrets reflecting a time that dates to Tasmania’s founding. Some of Tasmania’s original pioneers laid the original foundation of St. David’s cathedral in this spot in 1817, when previous structures of St. David’s church were repeatedly blown down in gales. Completely rebuilt in 1868 by the Victorian architect George F. Bodley, the cathedral is considered to be one of his finest works found anywhere outside of England. When visiting St. David’s Cathedral today, visitors are welcome to wander inside and seek sanctuary from the city, taking time to admire the interior and famous St. David’s organ. Regarded as one of the finest in Australia, the organ pipes music to congregations that can number as high as 650, as concerts are regularly held in the cathedral for residents and visitors to Hobart. You’ll also find a small museum with relics from Hobart’s past, and on special occasions the cathedral staff will showcase pieces from the vault—some of which date to Medieval times before the modern, western world even knew Tasmania existed.
Practical Info
Communion is held at 8am on Sunday, with choral Eucharist at 10:30am and evening prayer at 5:30pm.
Address: 23 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia TAS 7000, Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-5pm and Sun 8am-7pm
From $ 20
Sarah Island
Modern Australia was famously founded by boatloads of British convicts, and Sarah Island off of western Tasmania was once reserved for the worst offenders. Isolated, wet and completely surrounded by the tempestuous Southern Ocean, not only is it Australia’s oldest penal colony, but the remote outpost was such a fearsome place to be sent that the mouth of the harbor leading out toward the island was simply known as “Hell’s Gate.” The penal colony was short-lived, however, only lasting from 1822 to 1833. During that time, convicts were enlisted for the backbreaking work of felling the surrounding pine trees, and there was a brief time when Sarah Island was the largest ship-building site in Australia.
Conditions on the island were horrendously bad, and prisoners were said to have favored execution over continued life here. Many tried to escape, and though most failed and met a miserable fate, a famous few were able to flee and live a life on the run. Today, all that remains of the penal colony are the ruins of the former quarters, and touring the island is one of the most popular activities for visitors staying in Strahan. Hear stories of scurvy, torture and the misery of solitary confinement, while also gaining insight into the formative years of the pioneering settlers of Tasmania. Oftentimes a visit to Sarah Island is combined with a Gordon River cruise, which provides a scenic and stark contrast of comforts compared to the historic island.
Practical Info
Tours to Sarah Island depart from Macquarie Harbor in the west coast town of Strahan, located 185 miles from the capital of Hobart. Private boats are available for hire, although most visitors choose to visit as part of a Gordon River cruise. The weather on the west coast of Tasmania can often be blustery and wet, and travelers should prepare for any weather even in the drier months of summer.
Address: Sarah Island, Macquarie Harbor, Tasmania, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 100
Tasman Bridge
Towering over the Derwent River and dramatically illuminated at night, the Tasman Bridge has long been one of Hobart’s most memorable landmarks. Built in 1964, the five-lane bridge runs for 1.4km across the river, connecting the central business district with the eastern suburbs, and forming part of the long-distance Tasman Highway.
Despite its status as a city landmark, the Tasman Bridge is perhaps most notorious for its collision with the MV Lake Illawarra bulk carrier In 1975 – an accident that caused extensive damage to the bridge, the sinking of the ship and several fatalities, becoming known as the ‘Tasman Bridge Disaster’. Today, a memorial plaque honors the tragic victims, while the sunken vessel provides an unusual attraction for scuba divers.
Practical Info
The Tasman Bridge runs across the Derwent River in central Hobart, Tasmania.
Address: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
From $ 41