An intoxicating fusion of old and new, coupled with brilliant natural wonders, makes Hobart a multi-faceted gem of a destination.
The warmer months are a wonderful time of year to visit Hobart, with plenty of festivals and entertainment on offer. Your Wyndham resort, nestled in a unique setting of native wildflowers and grazing wallabies on Seven Mile Beach, is positioned to help you make the most of these fantastic events. If you are planning a trip during spring or summer, you should definitely include some of the following experiences in your itinerary.
Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
Location: Wellington Park, West Hobart
Looming rugged and green behind Hobart’s skyline, Mt Wellington/Kunanyi stands 1,271 metres above sea level. Its summit is frequently dusted with snow, while the lower slopes are shrouded by thick, cool forests and hiking trails that wind past natural springs, cascades and waterfalls. Sheer cliff faces and dolerite ‘Organ Pipes’ give the mountain a commanding presence.
It’s rare to encounter a vast and incredible wilderness so close to a CBD, so make sure you take advantage of Mount Wellington and pay it as visit. There are many ways to experience the mountain, from various walking tracks to on-road driving to abseiling/rock climbing.
Getting there: The summit can be easily reached via a 20km drive from the CBD or a 39km drive from your resort.
Museum of Old and New Art (Mona)
Location: 655 Main Road, Berriedale
One of the most applauded newcomers to Hobart’s must-do list is the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). The gallery has received international acclaim for its progressive and sometimes confronting exhibits and exhibitions. Visitors can expect an unforgettable trip down the rabbit hole into the gallery’s dark, subterranean chambers. The iconic MONA building is perched on the shores of the Derwent River, and features works by prominent and up-and-coming modern artists.
Getting there: Try the ‘camouflaged’ catamaran to Mona from Brooke Street Pier. An intriguing ride, you can buy a standard ticket ($22) and ‘sit on a sheep’ or upgrade to the Posh Pit ($55) where you can rattle your jewellery and experience ‘inflated egos’ on the private deck while being served drinks and canapés. The ride takes around 25 minutes one way.
Visit: mona.net.au
Visit their Instagram @monamuseum
Bruny Island
Location: 56km south of Hobart
For a truly unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s rugged natural landscapes, take a Pennicott Wilderness Cruise around Bruny Island. Your cruise will take you past some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, into magnificent sea caves and through waters abundant with coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The purpose-built Pennicott vessels offer covered open-air seating for panoramic views of the majestic Tasman Sea. Bookings are essential.
Getting There: From Hobart, drive 45 minutes south to the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in Kettering. The 9.00am ferry will get you across to Bruny Island – we suggest arriving at the ferry terminal 30 minutes early. The crossing takes 20 minutes and Adventure Bay is a 35-minute drive south. You should arrive at the Pennicott Wilderness Cruise Booking Centre at 10.30am for check-in. After the cruise, you’ll have time to explore Bruny Island before catching the 4.00pm, 5.00pm, 6.00pm or 7.15pm ferry back (additional ferries during peak times).
Visit: pennicottjourneys.com.au
Visit their Instagram @pennicottjourneys.com.au
Port Arthur
Location: Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, 101 kilometres south of Hobart
The British convict system described itself as “a machine for grinding rogues into honest men”, and Port Arthur was a key cog. Today, the site stands as an eerie reminder of Tasmania’s colonial past. Port Arthur is an Australian Convict World Heritage site and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Fascinating interactive displays tell the tragic story of the 12,500 convicts who served time at Port Arthur from 1830 to 1877. Take a tour to learn more about the inmates, or join a cruise to the Isle of the Dead, where many of them found their final rest. If you’re feeling brave, take an after-dark ghost tour for a spine-chilling, lantern-lit insight into convict life – maybe you’ll encounter a ghost or two!
Port Arthur’s expansive grounds are well-maintained, and definitely worth a visit, despite the more recent tragedies that took place there. To pay your respects and honour the victims of the Port Arthur shooting, you can visit the Port Arthur Memorial Garden.
Getting there: Port Arthur is located in the Tasman Peninsula, 101 kilometres from Hobart and 89km from your resort. The peninsula is joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, Eaglehawk Neck, which, during its convict years, was patrolled by ferocious guard dogs.
Visit: portarthur.org.au
Cascade Brewery
Location: South Hobart
Established in 1824, Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest brewery. Based in the foothills of Mount Wellington/Kunanyi, it produces an impressive selection of premium lager, barley blonde-style beer, pale ale and ciders.
Tours of the brewery are available to anyone over the age of 16, and include tastings and a tour of the brewery’s inner workings. Enjoy a selection of ice-cold beers or cider afterwards, and be sure to try a meal from the café. We recommend dressing in long trousers and comfortable, closed-in shoes, due to the brewery’s large number of stairs. Book in advance to guarantee a spot.
Getting there: Cascade Brewery is 4km from the city centre or 24km directly from your resort. You can catch a bus to the brewery from central Hobart.
Visit: cascadebreweryco.com.au
December
Falls Music Festival
A contemporary music festival held over the New Year period.
Visit: fallsfestival.com
Sydney/Hobart Yacht Race
Experience the electric excitement as the yachts arrive from Sydney, just before the advent of the New Year.
Visit: rolexsydneyhobart.com
January
Mofo, or Mona Foma
A glittering, neon-lit collision of music, art, food and drinks, MOFO is Tasmania’s most eclectic summer festival – visitors won’t forget this psychedelic experience in a hurry.
Visit: mofo.net.au
Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is Hobart’s biggest, with 14 days of street theatre, jazz, fashion, bush bands, all supported with sumptuous food and wine.
Visit: hobartsummerfestival.com.au
Taste of Tasmania
The Taste of Tasmania is part of the Summer Festival, and is reputedly “the biggest open-air restaurant in Australia”.
Visit: thetasteoftasmania.com.au
Hobart Comedy Festival
As a follow-up to the Summer Festival, the Hobart Comedy Festival involves frolics and fun with comedians from all over Australia.a.
Visit: hobartcomedy.com
Cygnet Folk Festival
A weekend of folk, world and roots music, the Cygnet Folk Festival is held in Cygnet, 54 km drive from Hobart.
Visit: cygnetfolkfestival.org
Australia Day
Celebratory and reconciliatory events are held as part of Australia Day, the national holiday of this amazing nation.
