Bram ReusenHobart, Tasmania’s charming capital, continues to captivate visitors in 2025 with its blend of colonial heritage and thriving modern scene. Founded in 1804 as Australia’s second-oldest settlement, this waterfront city at the mouth of the Derwent River boasts historic sandstone warehouses, bustling alfresco markets, and the ever-present silhouette of Mount Wellington.
Whether you’re sampling craft beers from Cascade Brewery, browsing artisan stalls in Salamanca Square’s Saturday market, or hiking to panoramic vistas above, Hobart offers an authentic Australian island experience that feels both timeless and freshly reimagined.
Also read: A Guide to Trekking Mount Amos in Tasmania
Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
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Founded as early as 1843 by the Royal Society of Tasmania, which is incidentally the oldest Royal Society outside of England, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is the perfect place to get to know local history and admire fine works of art before heading out and exploring the city. It features Tasmanian colonial art, Aboriginal and wildlife displays, a huge coin collection and the relationship between Tasmania and Antarctica, among many other things.
Grab a Drink at Salamanca Place
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Salamanca Place is essentially a row of gorgeous historic sandstone houses right behind the Hobart waterfront. Salamanca Square has been transformed into a fine marketplace annex parking space. The area dates back to the 1830s, when it was the city’s whaling center. Nowadays, Salamanca Place is home to numerous bars, cafés and restaurants—a wonderful place to grab a coffee in the morning or a beer or glass of wine in the evening.
See Historic Houses in Battery Point
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Battery Point, located on a small hill behind Salamanca Place, is Hobart’s oldest neighbourhood. It gets its name from a gun battery that was once supposed to protect the settlement from attackers—although no one ever actually did attack. Highlights in this landmark neighbourhood are Kelly’s Steps, South Street and picture-perfect Arthur Circus.
Stroll Along the Waterfront
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A rocky shoreline, a promenade, piers protruding into the ocean, seagulls screaming overhead and fishing boats bobbing on the water—this is what you can expect from the wonderful Hobart waterfront and harbour. It’s definitely one of the best places in the city to go for a stroll. There are a number of seafood shacks and if you want to go on a boat excursion, this is where the boats depart.
Take a Tour of the Cascade Brewery
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The Cascade Brewery is the oldest brewery in Australia. It has been brewing beer since 1832 and continues to do so until today. The building itself is impressive as well, a magnificent tall Gothic structure. A tour of the brewery—only allowed for people 16 years of age or older—shows the brewery’s history and ends with a beer tasting.
Hike to the Summit of Mount Wellington
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Mount Wellington dominates the Hobart skyline and is a popular place for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Rising up to 1,270 metres high, the mountain is covered in snow in winter and offers superb day hiking in summer. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely incredible. People who don’t want to use their own body to get to the summit can drive up on the sealed summit road.
Browse the Stalls at Salamanca Market
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Salamanca Market comes alive in Salamanca Square every Saturday morning and attracts locals as well as tourists. Flanked by the beautiful sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place, the square is filled with a maze of stalls selling everything from snacks and produce to wood products and art.
Plan Your Hobart Adventure
From museum galleries preserving Tasmanian identity to riverside pubs pouring locally brewed ales, Hobart’s attractions are as diverse as they are immersive. Lace up your walking shoes for Battery Point’s heritage streets, indulge in seafood by the docks, or set aside a day to ascend Mount Wellington, by foot or car, for a sweeping view of city and sea. So, in 2025, make Hobart the heart of your Tasmanian journey and uncover why this port-side gem remains one of Australia’s most unforgettable destinations.
Also read: Top 10 Best Places to Visit in South Australia
