Hobart is a small city with fairly quiet roads, making it excellent for pedestrians. Outdoor pursuits are encouraged, so why not make like the locals and get around on two feet? If you fancy getting around a little faster, bikes are reasonably cheap to hire. Be warned, though: the foothills of Mt Wellington may make journeys a little labour-intensive.
All the major car hire companies, including Hertz, Avis, Budget and Europcar, offer cars for hire. Many of them have counters at the airport for your convenience, although you can also head to one of their stations dotted throughout the city. Driving in Hobart is easy, as the streets are fairly quiet and the city is small.
Taxis are plentiful but may need to be booked in advance if you intend to be picked up from or travel to a more remote area of the city. Ensure you write down a few local taxi numbers before you head out, as you may struggle to find one otherwise. Some local companies include Taxi Combined, Yellow Cabs and United Taxis.
Bus services are excellent within the city, and you're sure to find a bus headed close to your destination. Further flung locations may be a little trickier to reach via public transport, but with careful planning and a little timetable studying, most major areas are reasonably accessible by bus. They are also a much cheaper way of getting around.
Take a tour to the top of Mt Wellington for fabulous sights of the Victorian houses, pretty boutiques and spectacular greenery on the way. A car will wind you all the way up to the top, where you'll be able to look over the whole of Hobart. A perfect start to your Hobart holiday.
Outdoor activities are all very well, but another pleasant way to spend the day is to sip your way through a host of unique wineries. This award-winning wine region is home to wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Just a 20-minute drive out of Hobart, you can easily spend a whole day enjoying this region.
Tasmania's history is well-rooted in its convict past. Known as The Alcatraz of the South Pacific, Port Arthur is a fascinating and chilling slice of Hobart's not-so-pleasant past. Take a tour to make the most of this fascinating spot. The city is 60km south of Hobart, but certainly worth the journey if you are interested in Australian history.
Sadly, Tasmania's native species are under threat, but much is being done to help boost their numbers. Come face-to-face with the furry and devilish critters, and do your bit to help protect them in their rightful homeland with an informative and fun day at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. The park is an hour out of Hobart and a unique experience – especially for the kids.
Walking around Hobart is a pleasure. Take the day to get your bearings of the city and visit Salamanca Place, where pretty restaurants, galleries and cafes will fill up your morning. Head to nearby Battery Point and Salamanca Market, which is held every Saturday, for a spot of retail therapy. Wind up your day with a stroll around the Old Town and a few drinks along the pretty Derwent River.
Head out early and visit Mt Field National Park. Tasmania is hugely proud of its impressive flora and fauna, and Mt Field showcases it to perfection. Take a camera and see if you can spot the possums, platypuses, wallabies and bats living there. After a full day outside, relax with a well-deserved meal at Wrest Point.
MONA, or the Museum of Old and New Art, is the largest privately funded museum in Australia. The art on display is from millionaire David Walsh's private collection. Compelling and controversial, it's well worth the trek out of town and the $15 ferry journey to get there.
If you're interested in getting to grips with Tasmania's history, Port Arthur makes a fascinating visit. If you're feeling a little subdued after your visit, a quiet drink and dinner in one of Hobart's waterfront restaurants is just the ticket to give you time to reflect.
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Expedia Holidays > Hobart Holidays
