Hobart comes alive during winter, so this makes it a great time to visit. From exploring nature to enjoying great food and drinks, there’s plenty to see and do during the off season. Check out our list of the best things to do in Hobart in winter.
See Snow on kunanyi / Mount Wellington
For the best views of the city and sometimes snow during the winter months, kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a must visit location. Bus tour operators travel from Wrest Point (at sea level) to the summit of Mount Wellington at 1271m! Check the road status and see up-to-the-minute images from webcams at this Hobart City Council page.
Explore Locally Made Spirits
For the alcohol afficionados, visit Lark Distillery Cellar Door and Forty Spotted Gin and keep warm with a tipple or two. They also offer tastings, cellar door offerings, whisky and gin blending experiences, and a Gin cocktail masterclass.
- Forty-Spotted Tasmanian Gin at Level 1, 30 Argyle Street Hobart
- Lark Distillery Cellar Door 14 Davey Street Hobart (right next door to the Tasmanian Visitor Information Centre, so come to Davey Street for the brochures but stay for the whisky!)
Discover Hobart’s Past and Present
Takara nipaluna / Walking Hobart by Nunami Sculthorpe-Green is the first aboriginal walking tour of Hobart. This tour follows the route taken in 1832 by a group of forty members of the Aboriginal resistance, as they progressed to the old Government House to negotiate an end to the Black War. Find more information here.
The Maritime Museum of Tasmania (we suggest visiting the museum before Lark and Forty Spotted…) has an impressive collection of seafaring artifacts. As an island state and one of only five ‘Antarctic gateway cities’ of the world, Hobart Tasmania’s Maritime Museum has an exceptional perspective on Antarctica, The Southern Ocean and the Tasman Sea, particularly regarding maritime industries past and current.
Eat and Drink Your Way Around the City
Explore local Tasmanian produce at Salamanca Market (9-3 Saturdays, Salamanca Place Hobart) and Farmgate Market (8.30-1 Sundays, Bathurst Street Hobart).
Tasmania is famous for wine. For a winery experience in Hobart city, go to The Lounge by Frogmore Creek at the end of Hunter Street, Hobart. Frogmore Creek are famous for their cool climate wines, especially the pinot noir and chardonnay that Tasmania is known for.
Cascade Brewery is an architectural and tourism treasure whilst still being a working brewery. Just a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bus from Wrest Point/Hobart, the brewery is a Tasmanian institution, not to be missed.
Catch a Winter Festival
The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest & Big Willie Burning
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is a Tasmanian institution, and this creative venue takes on the fun of ancient European ‘pagan’ festivals celebrating the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year). People dress up, there’s entertainment and traditional Tasmanian food, ticketed events, and a full day for kids.
The highlight is the burning of Big Willie, an agricultural end-of-season tradition that symbolises making way for the new year and crop.
Dark Mofo
Dark Mofo is a two-week festival celebrating art and darkness during the cold of Hobart’s winter. Experiences the art installations and events across the city and taste the most delicious bites at the Winter Feast. Nudity is a theme that culminates in the Nude Solstice Swim at a Hobart beach, usually within a kilometre of Wrest Point (so you may want to watch that spectacle from a safe distance in your cosy Wrest Point Tower room!)
Festival of Voices
Festival of Voices in early July each year, Hobart hosts an all-inclusive singing festival. The festival is about the enjoyment of singing and getting involved, so if singing is your thing find out more at https://festivalofvoices.com/
Tasmanian Whisky Week
Tasmanian Whisky Week is usually mid-August and is celebrated with an explosion of tours, tastings and shows around Hobart and beyond. Check https://www.taswhiskyweek.com/ and your favourite distiller for details of their events.
Take a Scenic Cruise Along the River Derwent
Embarking on a scenic cruise along the picturesque River Derwent is another one of the best things to do in Hobart. Take in the stunning views of Hobart’s skyline and the surrounding landscapes of the Hobart waterfront. Choose from a variety of cruises, including historic tours and sunset sails.
Grab a Bite to Eat and Take in the View
When you’re looking to enjoy a meal and views of the city, Wrest Point has got you covered with a variety of great venues.
For a casual bite to eat with the family, head to Boardwalk Bistro for water views and great food in a comfortable setting.
Longhorn Smokehouse Restaurant is the place to go for a big appetite. Feast on local cuts smoked in-house and a range of tasty American BBQ style sides like mac and cheese and buffalo wings.
For a special night of fine dining and unbeatable views, take a trip to the top of Wrest Point Tower at The Point Revolving Restaurant. 360-degree views of Hobart paired with exquisite French-inspired dishes. Try their famous Crêpes Suzette, cooked flambé style right at your dinner table.