Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and is usually the first stop for visitors to the state. Due to the small size of the state, there are many amazing day trips from Hobart. You can easily base yourself here and explore some of the best the state has to offer.
There are a couple of different ways to explore the island. The first is to hire a car and follow the guides below to find all the best spots. The other way is to take a couple of the fantastic local tours and let the guides do all the hard work.
This guide will cover all the best day trips from Hobart so you can find the perfect ones for you. For those who want to relax and minimise the planning, we have also included the best tours from Hobart to many of these destinations.
The diversity of Tasmania means there is something for everyone; pristine rainforest, majestic mountain scenery, unique wildlife and stunning coastlines are just some of the attractions on offer.
Incredible coastal scenery near Port Arthur
Table of Contents
Day Trips from Hobart
Richmond & Surrounds
This is the easiest and closest of the day trips from Hobart. Richmond is only around 25mins outside of the city centre but you can easily spend the better part of a day in and around this area.
Richmond is one of Australia’s most well preserved colonial towns. Some of the oldest heritage buildings in the whole country are located here.
The Richmond Bridge was built in 1823 and is the oldest bridge still in use. The oldest Anglican church in Australia is also located in Richmond as well as the oldest intact gaol!
The oldest bridge in Australia
What to see in Richmond:
This is a brief summary, for further details check out this list of The 9 Best Things to do in Richmond, Tasmania.
Richmond Bridge and St Johns Church – This bridge was constructed in 1823 and is the oldest bridge still used in Australia. Driving over it will give you both bragging rights and access to the park of the same name. From here you can admire the bridge in the company of the local ducks and take a short stroll to the pretty St John’s Church.
Richmond Gaol – This gaol dating from 1825 is another notch in Richmond’s belt for oldest heritage buildings in Australia. The property is beautifully preserved and laid out with displays and information placards. The entry fee is reasonable and the self-guided tour is really interesting.
Richmond Heritage Walk – Follow the map provided at this link for a short walk past some of Richmond’s best preserved buildings. It includes the above sites and a number of others with a short history provided.
Old Hobart Town – This miniature village is a depiction of Hobart as it would have appeared in the 1820s. There are so many cool details to spot and you can compare it to the city today when you return.
St John’s Church in Richmond
Drink Tasmania Tasting House – This is THE place to go for tasting Tasmania’s amazing range of wines and spirits. The fantastic ambiance and knowledgeable staff make it the perfect place to find a bottle for the evening.
Wicked Cheese Co & Littlewood Berry Farm – These shops are located just outside town on the road back to Hobart. They are a great place to pick up some delicious and fresh Tasmanian produce.
Pooseum – This may not be a subject you have thought too much about, but there is a lot to know about poo! Kids and the curious will enjoy this very well curated museum on an oft overlooked subject.
Zoodoo Zoo – This is a large, outdoor safari-style animal park with a huge range of wildlife. A great place to see Tasmanian, Australian and international wildlife all in one go.
Wineries – Richmond sits in the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania’s main wine regions. Richmond has a couple of great wineries right near town. Check out Pooley Wines and Every Man & His Dog Vineyard.
Tasmanian cheese is the best!
Richmond Village Shuttle
This is a great option to explore Richmond from Hobart without having to hire a car. This cheap tour will provide you with live commentary and plenty of time to explore the town.
They also provide discount at many of the best shops and attractions in town. This will also allow you to properly indulge at Drink Tasmania! In other sections on this list you will find a variety of tours that also stop in Richmond.
►Find tour prices and availability here◄
Explore the haunted cells
Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur is the most extensive and most infamous of Australia’s historical convict sites. This facility began accepting convicts from 1833 and was where the most hardened or misbehaving prisoners were sent.
Today this is one of the best places to learn about Australia’s convict history and the horrendous hardships endured. The site is well developed and offers many different tours. The entry ticket covers two full days so you can sightsee at a relaxed pace.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur sits upon the rugged and beautiful Tasman Peninsula. The massive coastal cliffs are an impressive sight, especially from the water, but can also be seen by hiking.
There are many great lookouts to visit in this area as well as other coastal formations such as arches and caves. This is one of the most popular day trips from Hobart for good reason. Check out the tour below for the most efficient way to see all the top highlights.
Cape Raoul lookout has the best views
Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
This super highly rated tour takes you to the best of both worlds in one day. You’ll get a solid few hours to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site and have lunch in the area.
Following this you’ll jump in a boat and power out to some of the most amazing cliffs and caves along the coast. This is some of the most spectacular coastal scenery anywhere is Australia and is a must-see.
►Find tour prices and availability here◄
Patterson’s Arch, Port Arthur
Maria Island
The beautiful Maria Island can be reached by driving just over an hour to the town of Triabunna. From here, the Encounter Maria Island ferry will take you across in about 30mins. The schedule varies so make sure to check the website for details and book ahead.
This island was a top highlight of our Tasmania road trip and we highly recommend a Maria Island day trip from Hobart. The island has no permanent inhabitants and there are no vehicles aside from the rangers.
Painted Cliffs, Maria Island – Tasmania
This means that it is a haven for nature and a perfect walking and cycling destination for visitors. The painted cliffs and the super cute wombats make it such a unique spot. This is the best place in Tasmania to see wombats in the wild; in the afternoon they are seriously everywhere!
Unless you are a pro cyclist or camping overnight then it can be hard to reach all the sights. Check out the tour below for a great way to see the highlights plus some secret spots that can’t be reached by land.
One of Maria Island’s residents
Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks
This award winning tour is a great way to see Maria Island without the hassle. It includes pick up from your Hobart accommodation and everything you need for the day, including lunch at a remote beach.
The benefit of this tour is seeing some of the inaccessible coastline of Maria Island and a load of extra marine life. You will have a chance to spot seals, dolphins and even whales (in season). You will also get time on the island to visit the top spots and see some cute wombats.
►Find tour prices and availability here◄
Four Mile Beach, Maria Island
Mount Field National Park
Only a little over an hour’s drive west of Hobart is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful national parks. Mount Field National Park offers pristine forest, picturesque waterfalls and some great hikes to see it all.
Your day should start at the visitors centre, where you can park your car and obtain some handy info sheets. The waterfall walks also start from here; you can reach Russell and Horseshoe Falls (the best ones) on a short 30min return walk or tackle the Three Falls Trail which will take 2.5 hours and also includes the Tall Trees Track.
There is also an alpine area of the park with a number of hikes taking in lakes and mountain top views. If you want to see it all then complete the short falls hike, drive to the tall trees parking lot and then continue driving up to the alpine.
See the website for further details about the various hikes and attractions in Mount Field National Park.
Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park
Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond
Talk about an action packed tour! This day trip from Hobart will take you to both Richmond and Mt Field as well as a couple of the top attractions in Hobart.
You won’t have time to tackle any of the longer hikes but you will get to see the beautiful waterfalls and forest. Mt Field was the first park to be protected in Tasmania and Russell Falls is one of the most picturesque. Don’t miss your chance to experience them!
►Find tour prices and availability here◄
On the Tall Trees Walk
Freycinet National Park / Wineglass Bay
The smooth curve, white sand and turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay is possibly the most identifiable image of Tasmania. This single bay within the larger Freycinet National Park is popular for good reason.
There are several ways to take in the view of this picture perfect bay. The best view, but most difficult to reach, is from Mt Amos. This is a very challenging hike and should only be attempted by experienced hikers (Grade 4, 3.6km return).
View over Wineglass Bay from Mt Amos
The most popular way to see it is via the Wineglass Bay Lookout Track. This is a 2.6km return trail and is still a moderate hike (Grade 3) but should be ok for most people if you take your time. Ask at the visitor centre if you are unsure of your capability.
Another unique possibility is a cruise departing from nearby Coles Bay. This 4.5 hour experience will also take you past some spectacular sea-cliffs, caves and hidden bays. You will have lunch onboard with beautiful views of Wineglass Bay and the surrounding peaks.
The iconic peaks of Freycinet NP
Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park Via Richmond
This tour is a great way to knock over two of the best day trips from Hobart in only one day! There are a lot of stops on this tour and it is remarkable value for money.
Your park pass is included in case you don’t have one and there is guided walk to the lookout. On the way back to Hobart you can stop at the beautiful Devil’s Corner Winery and pick up a bottle to celebrate a great day.