Attractions & Tours

MONA – The Museum of Old and New Art

You can’t visit Hobart without seeing MONA – The Museum of Old and New Art – created by David Walsh. MONA was designed to be explored—as a space of wonder and experimentation – challenging the perceptions of art both modern and old. You can book a ferry directly to the museum from the waterfront (less than a 20-minute walk from Bay Hotel Apartments), or you can drive 25 minutes to the attraction by car. MONA also runs many Tasmanian international arts festival events, often held at Princes Wharf 1 on the Hobart Waterfront.

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is Tasmania's leading natural and cultural heritage organisation in Hobart. The museum features long term exhibits, including the ningina tunapri exhibition on the Tasmanian Aboriginal journey through history and the Tasmania Earth & Life exhibit on Tasmania’s unique geology and wildlife, including a special exhibition on the Tasmanian Tiger. The TMAG also features short term exhibits, and we recommend checking their website for current and upcoming events.

TMAG is only a 5 minute drive from our accommodation in Sandy Bay, Tas, or leave the car behind and take a 25-minute walk into town.

Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum

Standing on the Hobart waterfront - just 200 metres from where Mawson’s expedition departed in 1911 - the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum serves as a time piece for the famous 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition. Learn about Mawson, his companions and the trials of early Antarctic exploration.

Just 5 minutes drive (or 20 minute walk) from our self-contained Bay Apartments, this replica museum is well worth a look.

Narryna The Merchant's House Museum

Just a 10 minutes’ walk from the Bay Hotel Apartments is the Narryna Heritage Museum. Narryna is an 1830s merchant’s house and collection that tells the story of early colonial life in Hobart. This fine Georgian town house was built by seafarer, Captain Andrew Haig who built warehouses facing Salamanca Place in 1834. Narryna has had an adventurous life as a home to large families, boarding house, hospital and museum.

Step into Narryna for a rich experience of Tasmania’s social history, art and design traditions. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm (closed public holidays).

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Tasmanian Transport Museum

Step back in time with a visit to the Tasmanian Transport Museum. Explore the trains, trams and buses that were once a common sight throughout Tasmania. On selected days, you can even enjoy a short train ride and relive train travel from a bygone era. The Tasmanian Transport Museum is located in Anfield St, Glenorchy. It is a short, 20-minute drive from the our Sandy Bay accommodation.

Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

Located in South Hobart, The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonisation throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day. Open 10am to 4.30pm daily, you can purchase your tickets at the door or from their website. Take the bus, or drive the short 8-minute drive to South Hobart from our Hobart Hotel.

Hobart Convict Penitentiary

The Hobart Penitentiary is the original Hobart Prison Barracks built in 1821 to accommodate convicts employed in building Government public works. Run by the National Trust Tasmania, the Hobart Penitentiary is one of Australia’s richest convict sites located at 6 Brisbane Street, Hobart. Explore their Convict Memorial, watch the Pandemonium presentation on Tasmania’s convict history, and experience a site tour through the old courtrooms, subterranean tunnels, cells, gallows and prison exercise yard.

Just a 7 minute drive from the hotel, or take a 35 minute stroll to Brisbane Street if the weather is accommodating.

Richmond Gaol

A little further out of the city, take a 30 minute drive to Richmond to discover another of Tasmania’s convict historic sites. Richmond Gaol offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore the original gaol buildings and rooms to house convicts. Experience the isolating confinement cells, learn about the history of punishment in colonial Tasmania and uncover the stories of the men and women who passed through these doors. Make sure to take a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is one of Australia's great tourism destinations. Every building, every feature of the Port Arthur Historic Site has a story to tell. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities survive today for you to explore. The Port Arthur Historic Site is open 9am to 5pm most days. Only 90 minutes from Hobart, you can choose to drive by car or organise a coach tour through the Hobart Information Centre. Make sure to pre-book your tickets as this is a very popular tourist destination!

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Bonorong is a sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of people. A visit to Bonorong is a chance to come closer than ever to Tasmania’s unique wildlife. You’ll come face to face with many animals that are now extinct in other parts of Australia. Meet our Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Cockatoos, Grey Kangaroos, Wallabies and more! Book an animal encounter or tag along on their guided tours to learn more about these wonderful creatures. All funds raised by visiting the park go towards projects to help protect wildlife and Tasmania’s wilderness.

Zoo Doo

Looking for something fun to do? ZooDoo is a wonderful wildlife park 6km outside the township of Richmond. ZooDoo caters for tour groups and families alike, with interactive wildlife encounters and informative animal presentations. Their zoo focuses on educating people about nature through their animal ambassadors from lions to our local Tasmanian Devils. Take a 30-minute drive from Bay Hotel to ZooDoo for a day full of fun.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Australia’s cool climate garden, with a number of unique collections including Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House. With a total of 14 hectares to explore, visitors can take time to relax and explore or tailor a walk based on personal interests. Established in the early years of the colony of Hobart, the rich history of the gardens is evident throughout the site. The Gardens are easily viewed over the course of a relaxed day.

The gardens are only an 8-minute drive from Bay Hotel Holiday Apartments. You can also walk to the gardens, which will take approximately an hour.

Kunanyi / Mt Wellington Park

Spanning 18,011 hectares, Wellington Park is one of lutruwita / Tasmania's largest areas of reserved land outside of the Tasmanian World Heritage Area, and includes Hobart’s Iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Mount Wellington is a must-see location when in Hobart – with its pinnacle lookout giving amazing views of Hobart and Southern Tasmania. There are no entry fees for visiting the area and it is accessible most days (with the pinnacle road occasionally closed in bad weather). There are numerous walks around the mountain, about a 30-minute drive from Bay Hotel Accommodation.

Battery Point Sculpture Trail

While staying at Bay Hotel, why not enjoy a stroll along The Battery Point Sculpture Trail. It’s an easy walk linking nine large numerical sculptures that provide a fascinating introduction to Hobart’s history. The trail winds past some of the city’s oldest surviving residences and through locations where many of Tasmania’s first industries were established.

The walk takes less than 2 hours and is only 2kms in length.

Battery Point Trail

If you would like to explore the local area of Battery Point near our Hobart new studio apartments, then we recommend taking the Battery Point walk. Start at Salamanca Place, climb Kelly’s Steps and wander along Battery Point’s quaint streets, past Georgian cottages and grand colonial mansions, soaking up the village atmosphere. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the route to enjoy for an energy boost. Looping back, you can choose to expand the walk to explore Sullivan’s Cove.

The walk takes less than 2 hours and is 5.8kms in length.

Greater Hobart Trails

Looking for more walks and trails around Hobart? Check out the list of Greater Hobart Trails to see what suits your interests. Choose between nature, coastal or cultural walks, as well as their difficulty, in a range of regions around Hobart.

City of Hobart Tracks & Trails

Hobart boasts an extensive network of tracks and trails that cater to the interests of hikers, runners and mountain bikers. The city's trails range from easily accessible, well-maintained paths, to challenging rugged terrain. Visitors are sure to find a trail that suits their interests and abilities.

TAHUNE ADVENTURES

An hour and a half out of Hobart, Tahune Adventures offers several attractions and activities for tourists to immerse themselves in nature. This includes their Airwalk experience (enjoy spectacular views as you walk among the treetops), Eagle Glide (a line guided hang-gliding experience), and the Twin Rivers Rafting experience. Open 10am to 4pm daily (except in bad weather) you’ll find plenty to enjoy at Tahune Adventures. Make sure to book so you don’t miss out.

Maydena Bike Park

Are you here for an adventure? Discover the Maydena Bike Park attracting mountain bike riders from across the globe. The Maydena Bike Park offers a range of pass options to suit every rider, as well as over 85 bike trails that include beginner-friendly rides to epic pro trails. And yes, you can hire a bike there too.

Maydena Bike Park is located in the Tasmanian town of Maydenna, just 1hr and 30mins from our Hobart accommodation.

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is a highly acclaimed environmental tourism operator and has won 31 Tasmanian and 15 Australian Tourism Awards for their cruise, walk and bus tours across Tasmania. They offer a range of day tours to some of Tasmania’s most popular attractions, including Bruny Island, Wineglass Bay and Port Arthur.

For memorable Tasmanian experiences, explore Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ range of Tasmanian tours.

Iron Pot Cruises

Iron Pot Cruises is a two-and-a-half-hour cruise exploring the renowned waterways that influence Hobart's lifestyle. Visit Australia's oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island and discover Tasmania's rich maritime history. Cruise within a spacious enclosed cabin with comfortable leather seats and large awning windows for great views.

Iron Pot Cruises depart from Franklin Wharf, just a 6 minute drive or 15 minute walk from Bay Hotel Apartments.

Tasmanian Seafood Seduction Cruise

Love your seafood? Then don’t miss this full-day cruise! Enjoy freshly shucked oysters and premium rock lobster and see your guide dive for abalone and sea urchins. You’ll be delighted as your catch is turned into a delicious seafood feast accompanied by gourmet local produce and Tasmanian wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices.

The Tasmanian Seafood Seduction cruise departs from the Hobart Waterfront, just a 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk away from our self contained hotel apartments in Hobart.

Peppermint Lunch Cruise

Peppermint Bay is an award-winning, iconic property set on the banks of the d’Entrecasteaux Channel in rural Woodbridge – 35km south of Hobart by road. A long-term favourite of locals, and a ‘trip highlight’ for those that visit from afar. Enjoy their classic Peppermint Lunch Cruise that departs from Brooke Street Pier on Hobart’s Waterfront, and travels down the iconic property for lunch before returning you to Hobart.

Hobart Historic Cruises

Explore the Hobart Waterfront in style aboard the “Spirit of Hobart”! Hobart Historic Cruises offers a range of Hobart Harbour cruises – including a lunch and dinner cruise option – to take you out on the River Derwent. Having operated for over 30 years, they are a first-class tour at affordable prices. All cruises depart from the Brooke Street Pier on the Hobart Waterfront.

Kayak Hobart’s Picturesque Harbour

Nestled between river and mountain, Hobart has one of the most picturesque harbours in the world. Join the Roaring 40’s Kayaking paddle tour for a 2.5-hour city tour from the water. Go behind the scenes of our vibrant, working waterfront to discover the true heart of Hobart.

Huon Jet

Looking for something to do in Tasmania? Experience the stunning Huon River on an exhilarating white-water rapid jet boat ride with Huon Jet. The 35-minute jet boat ride races you along the riverbank, over exciting rapids and through 360-degree spins. The jet boat also stops at tranquil locations along the route to give you an insight into the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s Huon River. Huon Jet is located a short 35-minute drive south of Hobart. Bookings are advised.

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises is an award-winning cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in Southern Tasmania. Cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, search for abundant coastal wildlife, and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean. The custom-built yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular Bruny Island coastline and wildlife.

The cruise departs from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. You will need to make your way there via car (just 45 minutes’ drive from Hobart) and catch the Kettering ferry.

Tasman Island Cruises

Tasman Island Cruises provides unforgettable wilderness cruises along the spectacular coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck in southern Tasmania. This coastline is part of the Tasman National Park. It is home to a variety of wildlife including hundreds of seals, migrating whales and sea birds in their thousands.

Tasman Island Cruises depart from Port Arthur, a 90 minutes’ drive from Hobart. Why not line up a visit to the famous Port Arthur Historic Site on the same day?

Wineglass Bay Cruises

Wineglass Bay Cruises is a four-and-a-half-hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's East Coast. Be enthralled by the stunning pink granite coastline to the sparkling white beaches. Freycinet National Park is a world-renowned location and a must-visit location for anyone travelling to Tasmania.

Wineglass Bay Cruises depart from Coles Bay on the East Coast of Tasmania. It’s two and a half hours drive from Hobart, but is well worth the trip.

Par-Avion Wilderness Tours

Par-Avion offers award-winning scenic tours, flights and wilderness experiences! Based in Cambridge (just 20 minutes out of Hobart), they offer scenic flights over Hobart, and around Tasmania (including the Gordon River, Wine Glass Bay and the South West Wilderness). Explore their half day and full day tour options through their website.

Red Decker – The Official Sightseeing Tour of Hobart

Discover the famous attractions and landmarks of Hobart, including the spectacular kunanyi/Mt Wellington, the beautiful Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Cascade Brewery and the Cascades Female Factory with the hop on, hop off Red Decker tour bus. From history, arts and culture to shopping and dining, there’s more to discover in Hobart onboard the Red Decker. The full round trip takes 90 minutes with full commentary available in several languages, plus you can hop on and off at 20 different stops around the city (including a stop just down the road from Bay Hotel Apartments). Pick up your tickets online or visit Hobart’s visitor centre for more information.

Grey Line Experience Tasmania Bus & Coach Tours

Grey Line’s ‘Experience Tasmania’ bus and coach tours are a great option for visitors looking to explore Tasmania from Hobart’s City Centre. With both half day and full day bus tours available to a range of prominent Tasmanian locations, you are sure to find a tour to meet your needs. Explore great attractions including the Cascade Female Factory, the historic town of Richmond, and Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

Choose between their Half Day Tours or Full Day Tours

Heart of Tasmania Tours

Looking for a tour with a difference? Heart of Tasmania Tours offers small, personalised group tours for those wishing to explore Hobart and nearby attractions. Their tours feature Hobart’s main attractions including MONA, Cascade Brewery, Salamanca Place, and kunanyi/Mt Wellington, as well as the Coal River Food & Wine Region, Port Arthur, Russell Falls, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You can even organise for a customised tour to suit your interests. 

Tour guides can pick you up at our Bay Hotel accommodation and will drop you back at the end of the day. These tours are great for visitors looking to explore Hobart without hiring a car.

kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus

Explore the iconic mountain that stands above the Hobart city by booking a kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour. Travel 1,270 metres above sea level and experience spectacular views over Hobart and Southern Tasmania from the top of Mt Wellington/Kunanyi. This 2.5 hour return tour includes 30 minutes to take in the views at the summit. Alternatively, you can hop-on and hop-off at five different bus stops. Explore a variety of short alpine walks on the mountain at your own pace. Then hop-on a later bus to return to Hobart.

The bus departs several times a day opposite the Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre (just a 20-minute walk from Bay Hotel).

Bruny Island Traveller

Bruny Island Traveller is a full day, food focused bus tour that departs from Hobart. Taste your way across Bruny Island, visiting some of our renowned artisan producers on an all-inclusive gourmet wilderness adventure (including Get Shucked Bruny Oysters) while discovering the spectacular scenery and cultural heritage of Tasmania's favourite island.

The Bruny Island Traveller tour departs from Franklin Wharf in Hobart, just a 15 minutes’ walk from the Bay Hotel’s Hobart apartments.

Port Arthur Bus Service

Not hiring a car but want to see Port Arthur or walk the Three Capes Track? Then the Port Arthur Bus Service is for you. Offering a six-hour period before returning to Hobart, the bus gives you plenty of time to enjoy the UNESCO World-heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site at your leisure. The service offers several options, including one-way trips to a full guided bus tour with Port Arthur ticket entry.

The bus service departs from Hobart at Franklin Wharf, just a 15 minutes’ walk from the Bay Hotel’s Hobart apartments.

Fluted Cape Walk (& Bus) Tour

The Fluted Cape Walk Tour departs from Hobart, with a guided bus tour down to the base of the Fluted Cape Walking Track on Bruny Island. Your walk will take you through dry sclerophyll forest, past tall blue gums, white peppermint and sheoaks. Keep a lookout for endemic birdlife and be amazed at the spectacular coastal views. Not to mention you’ll feel incredible when you finally reach the top of Fluted Cape - one of Australia's highest sea cliffs!

While the Fluted Cape Walk will take approximately 2.5 hours, the overall tour takes a full day from 7.45 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. The tour departs from the Hobart waterfront, just a 15 minutes’ walk from the Bay Hotel’s Hobart apartments.

Derwent Experience: Hobart to Cradle Mountain Active Day Trip

Join The Derwent Experience for the most comfortable and efficient way to travel to Cradle Mountain from Hobart for a brilliant full-day experience and return. It starts early, at 6am, but the beauty of Cradle Mountain and the journey through Tasmania’s heartlands is worth the effort. Bookings are required and the tour can cater for private small groups (up to 11 people).

Heritage Horse Drawn Carriages

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the historic Battery Point precinct and the Hobart Waterfront is to take a journey with Heritage Horse Drawn Carriages. Enjoy learning about Hobart’s history in one of their open top carriages drawn by two beautiful horses. There are several tours to choose from to suit your time schedule and budget.

Coal River Farm

Coal River Farm is a family run farm that specialises in Tasmanian produce, cheese and chocolate. Visit their farm in Cambridge to see their products being made before your eyes. There is always something good to eat and enjoy at the farm. Their on-site restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine, from locally grown and sourced produce with a seasonally changing menu, so there’s always something new to try.

The Wicked Cheese Co.

Out here in Tasmania, there is some solid cheese-making science going on, transforming the purest milk from grass-fed cows into award-winning and decadent cheese. The Wicked Cheese Co is an award-winning cheese-making company located in Richmond, Tasmania (a 30-min drive from Hobart). Sit back and relax at their café, enjoy complimentary tastings, and explore their gift shop for their full range of cheeses and local Tasmanian produce.

Cascade Brewery Co

Discover one of the oldest breweries in Australia! The Cascade Brewery turns 200 in 2024 and has been creating Cascade Beer in South Hobart since 1824. Open for brewery tours, learn about one of the nation’s oldest beer recipes from start to finish. Then head across the road to enjoy lunch or dinner at the beautiful Cascade Brewery Bar. Their doors and heritage beer garden are open seven days serving up the best of Tasmania in a glass, on a plate and accompanied by their warm Hobart hospitality.

The brewery is only a 7-minute drive from Bay Hotel Apartments, and for those who like to travel by foot, just a 49-minute walk.

Hobart Brewing Co Taproom

Looking to try some locally brewed, Tasmanian craft beer? Then check out the Hobart Brewing Co (HBC) located in the Red Shed on the Hobart Waterfront next to the old IXL Jam Factory. Their Taproom is located in the heart of their brewery, and is open 7 days to locals and visitors alike. Housing 13+ taps pouring all their beers (and a selection of wines and spirits too), Hobart’s biggest beer garden, a roaring fire pit and some friendly neighbourhood food trucks. There is no need to book a table, just walk on in.

The Hobart Brewing Co is a 8 minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Bay Hotel’s Accommodation in Sandy Bay.

Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

Love your cider? Then take the drive south to visit Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in Huonville! Famous for their local cider, their Apple Shed offers you a glimpse into Tasmania's apple history as well as a chance to enjoy their ciders. Nestled in the bountiful Huon Valley, their rustic restaurant invites you to discover the freshest flavours the Huon Valley has to offer. They also feature live music every Friday, and an Artisan Market on Saturdays.

The Lark Distillery Cellar Door

Do you like to try local whiskies everywhere you travel? Then visit Lark Distillery. They have dedicated the last decade of their lives to producing high quality single malt whisky, which Tasmanians love to call their own and is enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts the world over. The Lark Hobart Cellar door is only 5 mins by car (or a 20-minute walk) from our holiday apartments in Hobart.

The Gin(Bar)

A completely unique Tasmanian experience from start to finish, The Gin(bar) by Forty Spotted Tasmanian Gin, offers locals and visitors the opportunity to experience Tasmanian gin like never before. Used for special gin blending workshops and cocktail classes throughout the day, the bar carries the full Forty Spotted Gin range as well as an exceptional selection of rare and hard-to-find gins from Tasmania and beyond, plus an exclusive range of unique and experimental Forty Spotted products available only at the venue.

Located in Argyle Street, The Gin(bar) is only a 8 minute drive or 25 minute walk from our Bay Hotel Apartments.

7K Distillery

Discover the 7K Distillery, an independent, award winning distillery of world class gin. The 7K Distillery was founded by Tyler Clark with a hand built still from sheet metal that they continue to tweak and improve on over time. 7K Distillery is focused on creating sustainably sourced, Tasmanian made, small batch gin, whisky, liqueur and vodka.

If you’d like to experience more of the story behind 7K Distillery, they have a Tasting House located at 55 Hamilton Road, New Norfolk open 10-4pm most days (closed Wednesday and Sunday). You can also see them down at the Salamanca Market on Saturdays - just a 15-minute walk from our Sandy Bay hotel.

Hartshorn Distillery

Discover Hartshorn Distillery and their un-ewe-sual vodka and alcoholic beverages. Hartshorn Distillery shares the land with Grandvewe Cheeses and uses the sheep whey left over from their cheese making process to create their unique Hartshorn Vodka. That’s right, sheep whey vodka.

Their Ewenique Tasting House is open 11am to 4pm everyday and is located in Birchs Bay (just a 40 minute drive south of Hobart). Book one of their Tasting Tours to not miss out.

Frogmore Creek Cellar Door & Restaurant

Frogmore Creek wines are a highly acclaimed, genuine cool-climate Tasmanian wine collection. Their Cellar Door & Restaurant is located in Cambridge, just 20 minutes from the Hobart CBD and is nestled in the Coal River Valley Wine Region. Walk in wine tastings are available Wednesday to Monday, though for large groups and restaurant dining reservations are highly recommended.

You can also visit their sister property, the Frogmore Creek Wine Bar, located on the Hobart waterfront with stunning views of Hobart and kunanyi. The bar is just a 25-minute walk from our Sandy Bay hotel.

Pooley Wines

Pooley Wines’ cellar door is located in the heart of the Coal River Valley in Richmond, Tasmania. It takes pride of place in the historic Belmont, a grand heritage-listed, convict-built home circa 1832. With gorgeous gardens surrounding the estate, the cellar door offers the perfect location to try their award-winning wines. Book one of their in-depth structured tastings to gain an in-depth understanding of the Pooley Wines story and wine making process.

Puddleduck Vineyard

Discover the Puddleduck Vineyard, a boutique family-owned and operated vineyard and winery, established in 1997 by Darren and Jackie Brown. Puddleduck is nestled in the Coal River Valley, just a 20-minute drive from Hobart. The vineyard hosts a wonderful restaurant and several Tastings and Tours for you to enjoy. Book ahead to avoid missing out.

Southern Wine Trail

Love to discover new wineries and vineyards while visiting Hobart, Tasmania? Discover the Southern Wine Trail! With short travel times from the city, these vineyards offer great experiences which won’t take all day (unless you want to spend the whole day out there of course). Sort the list of available wineries to meet your requirements, from the types of wine to ease of access, then arrange a booking for a tour or dining experience.

Nipaluna Hobart

There is so much more to Hobart than its city centre! As you venture beyond the vibrant city, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of experiences, from breweries and vineyards to world-class museums and breathtaking mountains, all just a stone’s throw away.

Coal River Valley

The Coal River Valley is home to some of Tasmania’s finest vineyards and cellar doors. Arguably some of the best Sparkling, Pinot Noir and whisky to be found anywhere in the world can be found in the Coal River Valley – yes, even rivalling France and Scotland!

The Coal River Valley is the ideal location for cool-climate wine production and when visiting the region you will notice the large number of vines that grace the landscape. While there are 33 vineyards in the Coal River Valley, not all have cellar doors and some are only open on select days or by appointment, so be sure to check ahead before planning your visit.

Richmond Tasmania

Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most popular destinations, steeped in history, family-friendly and a hub for food and wine lovers. Nestled in the heart of the Coal River Valley, Richmond was established as an important military staging post and convict station linking Hobart with Port Arthur. The village is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, with beautiful heritage buildings dating back as early as the 1820’s now housing galleries, tea shops, craft boutiques and museums.

Just 20 minutes from Hobart, Richmond is home to plenty of attractions the whole family can enjoy. From the Richmond Convict Gaol, Old Hobart Town Model Village, and for those with a sense of humour the Pooseum. With plenty of galleries, craft stores and cafes to enjoy, Richmond is a must-visit location while in Tasmania.

Central Highlands

Pass through the Derwent Valley and follow the highway up into the Central Highlands. The region is teeming with highland lakes brimming with trout, changing Fagus leaves in autumn, and snow-capped peaks and frosted forests in winter.

The Central Highlands is a World Heritage Area and encompasses tow national parks. It is also the home to some of Tasmania’s best walks (including the overland track), a major trout fishing location, and a place of stories you can explore at the ‘Wall in the Wilderness’.

Oatlands

Oatlands is a historic town with the largest collection of colonial sandstone buildings in Australia, many of which were convict built. Just an hour North of Hobart, the intact Georgian townscape offers a complete representation of the architecture, urban design and the cultural heritage of early European settlement. The town has also been used as the backdrop for several films and dramas.

The town is full of cosy cafes, antique stores and you can also enjoy a stroll along Lake Dulverton, a sanctuary for waterbirds. Take yourself on a casual town tour of the historic buildings and make sure to drop by The Callington Mill – a large windmill that dominates the Oatlands skyline.

Huon Valley

Head south from Hobart, and in 20 minutes you’ll find yourself in a region where green hillsides, boutique vineyards and roadside stalls dot the landscape. With its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and abundant wildlife, Huon Valley offers an unforgettable escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Famous for its produce and apple orchards, the Huon Valley is home to the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed and Kate Hill Wines. It also offers easy access to Tasmania’s wilderness through the Tahune Airwalk and the Hartz Mountains National Park.

Cygnet

Cygnet lies between the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the majestic Huon River. Located South West of Hobart (about a 50-minute drive by car), Cygnet is known as the fruit growing region of the Huon Valley with apple, cherry and berry orchards aplenty. It’s also a popular town among artists and musicians, showcasing the community’s creativity in various craft shops, art studios and galleries.

Geeveston

The small township of Geeveston is at the southern end of the beautiful Huon Valley and an hour’s drive south of Hobart. Surrounded by the dense forests, the town is the administrative centre for the region’s timber industries and its forestry heritage is evident in the woodcarvings of local historical figures found around the town.

Many artisans and crafters have made Geeveston home and there’s a number of beautiful cafes, bakeries and roadhouses in town. There is also a large playground for kids and fenced dog park, so Geeveston is the perfect place for a rest stop-off on your drive South. Other activities nearby are the Hasting Caves and Thermal Springs.

Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley beckons those who love the outdoors - offering a myriad of experiences that showcase the stunning beauty of the region. From adventurous mountain biking trails at Maydena to the stunning Gordon Dam and the quiet pristine wilderness walking tracks of Mt Field National Park, the Derwent Valley is an amazing location for unforgettable encounters with nature.

The Derwent Valley is also a food hub, with several berry farmers opening their gates to allow visitors to pick their own during the Summer and Autumn months.

New Norfolk

New Norfolk is a pretty town on the banks of the Derwent River, surrounded by farmland and rich in colonial history, just 30mins Northwest of Hobart. The town’s many early buildings include one of Australia’s oldest inns, the Bush Inn, and Australia’s oldest Anglican church, St Matthews (1823).

New Norfolk is also a hub for antique hunters with eight antique shops to explore for a range of treasures, and home to The Agrarian Kitchen – offering garden tours, cooking classes and a bespoke restaurant experience.

Heritage Highway

Tasmania’s Heritage Highway offers a picturesque route between Hobart and Launceston that highlights several historical towns. The route encompasses seven towns with unexpected historic discoveries, including Historic Bridges, Sandstone Buildings, Antiques, Distilleries, Convict Sites and more. The Midland Highway may span a mere couple of hours’ drive, but within this short distance lies an extraordinary wealth of heritage and culture waiting to be discovered.

Ross

Ross is a picturesque historic town just an hour and a half drive north of Hobart. Sitting on the banks of the Macquarie River, Ross is one of Australia’s most appealing convict-built stone villages. Cobble-style paths and grand old elm trees line the main street, while the Ross Bridge – Australia’s third oldest that is still standing – is possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world.

While visiting Ross, make sure to visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre, the Ross Female Convict Station, and the Ross Bakery that has been operating for over 100 years. There is collection of antique and craft stores along the main street to explore as well.

Tasman Peninsula

Located just a short drive from Hobart, this stunning region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, outdoor adventures, and fascinating cultural heritage. From the towering sea cliffs of Cape Raoul to the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, the Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The Tasman Peninsula is also steeped in history, with its convict past evident in the well-preserved remains of the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Bruny Island

Head south of Hobart, down to the town at Kettering, and hop on a ferry to visit one of Tasmania’s most pristine and rugged Islands. Famous for its wildlife and produce, experience a day of gorgeous landscapes, wildlife encounters and some of the best food including fresh oysters, chocolate, honey and whisky. It is also a birding hotspot, with the ability to see all 12 of our endemic bird species. Book a tour or take the car – Kettering is just a 30 minute drive from our Bay Hotel Apartments.