Hobart blends deep convict-era history with bold contemporary culture. Australia’s second-oldest capital is framed by the River Derwent and the dolerite columns of kunanyi/Mt Wellington, giving even a casual stroll a cinematic backdrop. Its compact size makes a week here feel unhurried and rich—perfect for a relaxing, mid-budget escape.

From the provocative galleries at MONA to heritage streets in Battery Point and the lively Saturday Salamanca Market, Hobart rewards curious wanderers. Breweries are part of the city’s story—Cascade began brewing in 1832—and local producers put Tasmania’s cool-climate bounty on every plate. Easy bike paths, ferries, and short day trips keep each day flexible and fun.

Practicalities: Hobart Airport sits 20 minutes from the CBD; rideshares and taxis are plentiful. Summer (Dec–Feb) is peak; shoulder seasons are calmer and great for hiking and tastings. Expect temperate weather that shifts quickly; pack a light waterproof layer for waterfront breezes and mountain visits.

Hobart

Why you’ll love it: A walkable harborside city with historic sandstone warehouses, fresh seafood, inventive small eateries, and a world-famous modern art museum carved into a sandstone cliff.

• Top sights: MONA, Salamanca Place, Battery Point, TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery), Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, kunanyi/Mt Wellington lookouts.
• Relaxed activities: Derwent River cruises, hop-on hop-off city tour, flat bike ride on the Intercity Cycleway, garden rambles, lazy tastings.
• Breweries & bites: Cascade Brewery, Hobart Brewing Co., Shambles and T-Bone. For food: Templo (Italian share plates), Urban Greek (family recipes), Mures Lower Deck (seafood), Pigeon Whole Bakers (pastries).
• Fun fact: Hobart’s Salamanca Market began in 1972 and now gathers 300+ stalls each Saturday with local cheese, honey, woodwork, and art.

Getting to Hobart: Fly into HBA from Melbourne (~1h45) or Sydney (~2h). Typical one-way fares run ~US$70–180 outside peak. Compare prices and times on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights). Note: Tasmania has no intercity passenger trains; buses and flights link other towns.

Where to stay (mid-budget friendly, walkable):

• Wrest Point (river views, classic towers, free parking): Check Wrest Point on Hotels.com
• MACq 01 Hotel (storytelling-led boutique on the waterfront; splurge-worthy): Check MACq 01 on Hotels.com
• Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse (Battery Point, excellent value): Check Montacute on Hotels.com
• The Alabama Hotel (arty, budget-central): Check The Alabama on Hotels.com
• Browse apartments and cottages: VRBO Hobart or compare hotels on Hotels.com Hobart.

Day 1: Waterfront Welcome and Battery Point

Afternoon (arrival): Check in, then stretch your legs along the Brooke Street Pier and Constitution Dock—watch fishing boats unload rock lobster and scallops. Pop into TMAG’s waterfront forecourt for a first look at maritime heritage.

Evening: Dinner in Salamanca. Try Urban Greek for Cretan slow-braised lamb and baked feta, or Templo for handmade pasta with seasonal Tassie produce (book ahead). Finish with Tasmanian pours at Hobart Brewing Co. by the silos—order a tasting paddle and sit by the firepit when lit.

Day 2: Easy City Sightseeing + Old Town Flavor

Morning: Coffee at Villino Coffee (local roaster; superb flat whites) and a pastry from Pigeon Whole Bakers (try the cardamom bun). Stroll Battery Point’s Georgian cottages—seek out Arthur Circus for a postcard-perfect ring of homes.

Afternoon: See the highlights at your own pace on the Hobart Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour (24–48h ticket; great for a relaxing overview with 360° views). Hop off at the Botanical Gardens and the Cascade precinct for short walks.

Evening: Dine by the water at Mures Lower Deck (grilled market fish, oysters, Tassie pinot) or snag a table at Da Angelo in Battery Point for wood-fired pizzas. If you prefer dessert, Van Diemens Land Creamery scoops leatherwood honey ice cream by the pier.

Day 3: kunanyi/Mt Wellington and MONA (art + alpine views)

Join the combined mountain-and-museum experience: kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour and MONA Admission. You’ll ride to the 1,270m summit for sweeping views over Hobart and the Derwent, then spend leisurely hours inside MONA’s subterranean galleries—ranging from ancient artifacts to avant‑garde installations. It’s a full, but unhurried day with minimal logistics.

Food tips at MONA: Settle into Faro Bar for small plates with river views, or eat casual at the Source Bar. Back in town, keep dinner light with shared plates at Bar Wa Izakaya (karaage, yakitori, sake) or the seasonal set menu at Sonny (walk-in wine bar; arrive before opening).

Day 4: Relaxed Biking, Gardens, and a Cosy Pub

Morning: Pick up a bike in the CBD and roll the flat Intercity Cycleway along the Derwent. Cruise to Cornelian Bay for boatsheds and black swans, or push on toward MONA’s jetty if you want extra miles. Helmets are mandatory in Tasmania; the path is family-friendly and well signed.

Afternoon: Wander the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens—seek the Subantarctic Plant House for a misty stroll through Macquarie Island flora. Coffee and scones at the Gardens’ café make a gentle break.

Evening: Pub dinner in North Hobart. Try Shambles Brewery for house IPAs and a brisket roll, or T-Bone Brewing for a chocolate stout and burgers. Alternatively, grab a table at Capital for wood-fired seasonal plates.

Day 5: Cascades Precinct—History, Beer, and a Riverside Walk

Morning: Brunch in South Hobart at Ginger Brown (huevos rancheros, great espresso) or Bear With Me (house granola, avo toast). Walk the shaded Hobart Rivulet Track toward Cascades, a former water source for mills and breweries.

Afternoon: Explore Australia’s oldest operating brewery on the Cascade Brewery Tour—see heritage equipment, learn lager vs. ale nuances, and end with a tasting paddle in the gardens. Nearby, the Cascades Female Factory (World Heritage Site) interprets the lives of transported women and children; it’s sobering and important.

Evening: Casual dinner at The Winston (American-influenced, big flavors, craft taps) or head back waterside for small plates and cocktails at The Glass House with night views over the docks.

Day 6: Bruny Island—Scenery and Gourmet Tastes (Full Day)

Spend a restorative day on Bruny Island with the all‑inclusive Bruny Island Traveller – Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip. Sample artisan cheese, oysters, honey, and chocolate; visit windswept beaches and forest lookouts; and learn local stories between tastings. It’s a relaxed, food-forward way to see one of Tasmania’s most beloved day-trip destinations without driving.

Alternative (history lovers): Swap for Port Arthur’s dramatic convict ruins and sea cliffs on a dedicated day tour; the site pairs well with a harbour cruise and coastal lookouts.

Day 7: Salamanca Market and a Lazy Derwent Cruise (Departure Day)

Morning: If it’s Saturday, wander the Salamanca Market for artisan cheeses, syrups, leatherwork, and local street eats (try a wallaby burrito or berry crêpe). On weekdays, browse the galleries along Salamanca Place and Kelly’s Steps up to Battery Point for final photos.

Late morning/early afternoon: Take a mellow spin on the Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise to hear tales of whalers, merchants, and modern regattas while soaking in city-to-mountain views. It’s an easy, time-friendly send-off before your flight.

Departure: Grab a last coffee at Yellow Bernard or Ecru, then head to the airport (about 20 minutes). If you’re extending, check Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights) for quick hops to Melbourne or Sydney.

Budget notes (aiming ~50/100): Choose a value stay (Montacute or The Alabama), mix casual meals with one or two special dinners, and lean on the hop-on hop-off, bike rides, and gardens for low-cost days. Tours typically range from ~US$35–160 per person; booking midweek can help.

Dining short list to bookmark: Breakfast at Born in Brunswick (seasonal brunch), Machine Laundry Café (Salamanca stalwart). Lunch at Mures Lower Deck or Pigeon Hole Café (farm-to-plate). Dinner at Templo, Urban Greek, or Peppina (handmade pasta, wood grill). Breweries: Cascade, Hobart Brewing Co., Shambles, T‑Bone.

To start and end smoothly, compare airfares on Kiwi.com or Trip.com (flights), and lock in a stay via Hotels.com Hobart or VRBO Hobart.

Wrap-up: Over seven unrushed days, you’ll stand above the city on kunanyi, wander historic lanes, taste Tasmania’s cool-climate bounty, and linger by the river at sunset. Hobart’s mix of art, heritage, breweries, and gentle outdoor time makes it easy to relax while still feeling deeply traveled.