Things to do in Hobart and Southern Tasmania 2026

Southern Tasmania is a year-round destination. Summer (December–February) offers long days, beach weather, and the MONA FOMA festival. Autumn (March–May) brings stunning foliage across the Huon Valley and Derwent Valley. Winter (June–August) hosts Dark Mofo, Hobart’s acclaimed midwinter arts festival. Spring (September–November) is ideal for wildflowers and quieter parks.

Most visitors spend 4–7 days to cover a few highlights, Hobart and surrounds, at least one day trip to Bruny Island or the Tasman Peninsula, and a venture into the national parks. Two weeks allows a deeper, more relaxed exploration including the Huon Valley, Central Highlands, and the Far South.

A car gives the most flexibility, especially for national parks and regional areas. Hobart’s central attractions (MONA ferry, Salamanca, waterfront) are walkable or taxi-accessible, and several operators run day tours from the city. An EV is increasingly viable with growing charging infrastructure across the region.

Southern Tasmania is known for MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), some of Australia’s most pristine wilderness and national parks, a flourishing food and wine scene including pinot noir, whisky and oysters, Hobart’s historic sandstone architecture, and world-class multi-day walks including the Three Capes Track.

Yes — many of the best experiences are free or low-cost, including hiking kunanyi/Mount Wellington, visiting Salamanca Market (free entry, Saturdays), exploring Hobart’s Battery Point and laneways, swimming at South Arm beaches, and walking the Waterfront precinct. National parks require a Parks Pass for vehicle entry.

Southern Tasmania is perfectly set up for day trips. Bruny Island is one of the most popular — take the short ferry crossing from Kettering for wildlife, beaches, and exceptional local produce including oysters and cheese. The Tasman Peninsula (about 90 minutes from Hobart) offers Port Arthur Historic Site and the dramatic coastal scenery of Tasman National Park. Mount Field National Park (75 km northwest) combines Russell Falls, alpine walks, and wildlife in a single easy day. The Huon Valley and its orchards, cideries, and riverside towns is another favourite, particularly in autumn.

Southern Tasmania has become one of Australia’s most celebrated culinary destinations. The cool climate produces outstanding cool-climate wines — particularly pinot noir and riesling — from the Coal River Valley, Huon Valley, and D’Entrecasteaux Channel regions. Tasmanian whisky has earned global recognition, with several distilleries open for tours and tastings around Hobart and the Derwent Valley. Fresh seafood is exceptional, alongside some of Australia’s finest oysters from Bruny Island. Hobart’s Salamanca Market (Saturdays) and Farm Gate Market (Sundays) are the best single-stop introductions to the region’s producers.

Absolutely. The region offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences across all ages and budgets. Wildlife parks allow close encounters with Tasmanian devils, wombats, and wallabies. The MONA ferry ride itself is an experience kids enjoy, and the museum has dedicated family programming. Beaches at South Arm, Frederick Henry Bay, and Bruny Island are safe and uncrowded. Maydena Bike Park in the Derwent Valley caters to all skill levels. Many national park walks are graded easy and suitable for young children, including Russell Falls at Mount Field and the Remarkable Cave at Port Arthur.

Yes — Southern Tasmania is one of the best places in Australia to see the Aurora Australis. Hobart sits at a latitude that makes aurora sightings possible several times a year, particularly during periods of high solar activity. The best viewing spots are away from city light pollution — South Arm, Bruny Island, the Huon Valley, and the Far South near Cockle Creek are all popular locations. Clear, dark nights between autumn and early spring offer the best conditions. Apps such as SpaceWeatherLive and MyAurora provide real-time alerts when activity is forecast.

Southern Tasmania is the homeland of the palawa, the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, and the region carries deep cultural significance spanning more than 40,000 years. Visitors can engage with this history through the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, which runs cultural programs and land management initiatives. Place names across the region increasingly reflect dual naming — such as nipaluna (Hobart), kunanyi (Mount Wellington), and lunawuni (Bruny Island) — acknowledging Aboriginal custodianship. Visitors are encouraged to approach these experiences with respect and curiosity.