Planning Day Trips from Hobart? Discover the Best in 2025
When it comes to discovering the untamed beauty of Tasmania, you don’t need to travel far from the capital to be wowed. From pristine coastlines and lush wilderness to charming historic towns, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting just outside Hobart.
Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor hoping to see more without committing to a long itinerary, we’ve got you covered with a list of ten very best day trips from Hobart. Read on, explore, and get tips to plan your perfect day out.
10 Best Day Trips from Hobart Worth Taking in 2025
Whether you’re into hiking trails, history, local produce, or just chasing a good coastal view, here are 10 best day trips from Hobart, Tasmania you’ll definitely want to squeeze into your 2025 plans:
1. Bruny Island
Drive time: ~45 mins to Kettering, then 20-min ferry
Vibe: Wild coastlines, great food, and penguins
Just 45 minutes’ drive south of Hobart puts you at the Kettering ferry, then it’s a breezy 20-minute hop to Bruny Island—close enough for a day yet remote enough to feel wild.
Spend the morning climbing the timber steps of The Neck Lookout for 360-degree views and a chance to spot penguin burrows. Sample creamy brie at Bruny Island Cheese Co., slurp oysters straight off the boat at Get Shucked, and walk the wind-carved cliffs of South Bruny National Park—all without watching the clock.
Many 2025 tours include Hobart hotel pick-up and an optional three-hour wilderness cruise for close-ups of sea stacks and fur seals. Book ahead if you want that splash of adventure.
2. Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsula
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Vibe: History meets dramatic coastal views
Allow about 90 minutes to reach the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia’s most compelling window-views into convict life. Gates open 9 am–5 pm daily and a single ticket is valid for two consecutive days—handy if you decide to linger or return for the lantern-lit Ghost Tour.
Break the journey at Pirate’s Bay Lookout for Tasman Sea panoramas, or tack on a fast-boat cruise beneath Cape Pillar’s 300-metre dolerite cliffs for an adrenaline-charged extra. You’ll be back in Hobart for dinner, but the haunting beauty of those ruins tends to stay with you.
3. Mount Field National Park & Russell Falls
Drive time: ~1 hr 15 mins
Vibe: Easy rainforest walks and waterfall views
A 75-minute drive via New Norfolk lands you among towering swamp gums and fern gullies in Tasmania’s oldest national park. The sealed, wheelchair-friendly track to Russell Falls takes just 15 minutes each way, rewarding minimal effort with maximum rainforest drama.
If you visit in late autumn (April–May), watch the Tarn Shelf ignite with gold and red as Australia’s only winter-deciduous tree, the fagus, turns. Brand-new eco-pods are due to open mid-winter, but for now it’s still an easygoing escape you can tick off between breakfast in Salamanca and sunset on the waterfront.
4. kunanyi / Mount Wellington & the Huon Valley
Drive time: ~30 mins to the summit, longer if you loop south
Vibe: Mountain views, orchard stops, treetop walks
If you’d rather let someone else tackle the narrow mountain road, hop aboard the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus. Its 2.5-hour return tour grants 30 minutes at the 1,270-metre summit and even runs when snow closes Pinnacle Road to private cars.
From the lookout, swing south-west into the apple-orchard country of the Huon Valley for cider tastings and riverside fish-and-chips, then press on to the Tahune Airwalk. Here a steel walkway soars 40 metres above the Huon River, giving you treetop views without breaking a sweat.
5. Richmond & the Coal River Valley
Drive time: ~30 mins
Vibe: Heritage charm, local wine, and relaxed exploring
In barely half an hour you’ll swap city streets for Richmond’s Georgian facades and Australia’s oldest sandstone bridge, built by convicts in 1823. The town’s compact centre is perfect for a lazy stroll: browse artisan boutiques, brave the solitary-confinement cells at Richmond Gaol, or let the kids disappear into Amaze Richmond’s hedge labyrinth.
When hunger strikes, order a scallop pie at the bakery before hitting Coal River Valley cellar doors like Frogmore Creek for award-winning riesling or pinot noir—most close by 4 pm, so start early.
6. Maria Island National Park
Drive time: ~1 hr 15 min to Triabunna, then 30-min ferry
Vibe: Car-free sanctuary of wombats, wild cliffs and convict history
Trade wheels for walking shoes on Maria, a protected island where the only traffic comes from grazing wombats. Ferries run from Triabunna all year—first sailing about 8:30 am, last return around 4:15 pm—giving you a full day to roam.
Land at Darlington and wander the UNESCO-listed convict probation station, one of Australia’s most intact World-Heritage convict sites. Then head south for the Painted Cliffs, snorkel in the marine reserve, or follow wombat trails across open pasture.
7. Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
Drive time: ~2 hr 30 min (or 45-min scenic flight)
Vibe: Pink-granite peaks, white-sand icons and big-sky views
Yes, it’s a longer haul, but those first glimpses of Wineglass Bay’s perfect curve make the early start worth it. Break the drive with coffee stops before reaching the park gate, then give yourself enough time to hike the 1.5-hour return track to the Wineglass lookout—or tackle the steeper Mount Amos climb if you’re keen on summit selfies.
Prefer to swap road hours for air time? A 45-minute scenic flight hops over the East Coast to land near Coles Bay, pairing aerial views of the Hazards with lunch on the beach. Either way, you’re back in Hobart by dinner with photos that look filtered (they’re not).
8. Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs
Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min
Vibe: Underground cathedrals followed by a warm-pool soak
Head south through the Huon to swap mountain air for limestone cool. Guided tours descend into Newdegate Cave every hour or so, lighting up towering chambers of shawls and straws in a 45-minute circuit. Above ground, a 28°C thermal pool awaits—perfect when Tassie’s weather turns crisp.
Bring a picnic or pick up local cherries en-route; the visitor centre barbecue shelters make lunch easy. Arrive 30–45 minutes before your booked cave tour, so you have time for the short forest walks that fan out from the carpark.
9. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Drive time: ~30 min
Vibe: Up-close encounters with Tassie devils, roos and rescue stories
If you’re short on time but big on wildlife, Bonorong delivers. Open 9 am–5 pm daily, the sanctuary doubles as Tasmania’s 24/7 wildlife hospital and rescue hub. Hand-feed free-roaming kangaroos, pat a wombat on a guided tour, and learn how your entry fee funds statewide rescues and rehab programs.
With half-day shuttles leaving Hobart several times a week, you can bolt this on to a lazy morning in the city—or pair it with a quick detour to nearby heritage villages if you’re keen on a longer loop.
10. Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area
Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min via Maydena
Vibe: Giant eucalypts, mossy forest and easy wanders
Want to feel tiny in the best possible way? Follow the Gordon River Road past Mount Field, then bump along Styx Road to a short boardwalk looping beneath 85-metre eucalyptus giants—some of the tallest flowering plants on the planet.
The 1 km track takes just 20 minutes, but it’s hard not to linger, craning for photos of named giants like Gandalf’s Staff and the Chapel Tree. Pack lunch or swing back through New Norfolk’s cafés. Either way you’ll be back in Hobart before dark with fresh forest air still in your lungs.
How to Prepare for a Day Trip from Hobart
A little prep can make a big difference for your Hobart day trips, especially when you’re heading into Tasmania’s wilder corners. Here’s what to keep in mind before hitting the road:
Book Ahead Where It Counts
Some spots are walk-in friendly, but others—like Bruny Island ferries or national park cruises—can fill up fast, especially in peak periods. Lock in any tickets or tours early if you’ve got your heart set on something.
If you’re visiting a national park (which you probably are), you’ll need a Parks Pass. Grab one online before you go or pick it up at the park entry to avoid delays.
Booking food experiences (like cider tastings or vineyard lunches) is also a smart move—some top-rated venues have limited seating or tasting windows.
Plan Your Route
Most day trips from Hobart involve regional highways, narrow roads, and stretches without fuel or mobile reception. Before heading out, check your entire route. Factor in time for stops, short walks, or road delays. If you’re visiting places like the Tasman Peninsula or Huon Valley, know that some areas may have limited signage or poor GPS signal.
Download offline maps, carry a physical map as backup, and check ferry times in advance if your route includes island destinations like Bruny or Maria Island. Always start the day with a full tank of fuel—some rural petrol stations close early or operate with card-only payment.
Check the weather and Dress in Layers
Tassie weather is known to change quickly—especially if you’re heading up kunanyi / Mount Wellington or into the mountains. Always check the forecast the night before and again in the morning.
Layer your clothing: bring a light rain jacket, breathable shirts, and something warm, even in summer. Good footwear is essential—opt for hiking boots or trail shoes, especially for places like Cape Hauy or Hartz Mountains.
Pack Smart and Manage Power
Packing plenty of water and snacks is the easy part, but keeping your camera batteries, phone and mini fridge alive on Tassie’s back-roads takes a little strategy.
Tasmanian day-trip routes often duck through remote forests and coastal reserves where standard mains plugs are scarce. That’s why it’s worth bringing one of those solar battery camping gear, known as portable power stations.
Even a small one (around 300–500Wh) can keep your group’s phones charged, power up a laptop, or give your drone a few extra flights. It’s a handy way to make the most of long picnic breaks or catch that perfect sunset shot without worrying about battery life.
The real game-changer is harvesting energy you’re already creating. A dedicated alternator charger draws spare current from your vehicle while you drive, topping up a power station far faster than the dash cigarette socket and without touching your starter battery.
The EcoFlow 500W Alternator Charger slips into this role neatly: it can add roughly 1kWh (85Ah@12V) of charge in about 2.1 hours—around five times quicker than a standard 12-volt outlet—so by the time you reach the next trailhead, your battery is ready for another round.
EcoFlow 500W Alternator Charger
*Amperage calculation is based on a 12V voltage platform system. The actual input voltage when the EcoFlow Alternator Charger is charging the EcoFlow portable power station is 24V/48V.
For those who need even more power and speed, we also offer the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger, delivering higher wattage and faster charging to keep your gear running longer.
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Drive Safely
Tassie’s roads can be narrow, winding and full of surprises—especially once you leave the main highways. Wildlife is a big one. Wallabies and wombats are most active at dawn and dusk, and animal collisions are common. The safest bet? Take it slow, plan to drive in daylight, and stay alert, especially in rural areas.
Before you head off, check the weather, road closures and local alerts. Safety gear like a first-aid kit, reflective vest, and emergency triangle should always be in the car. And for extra backup, a tool like the EcoFlow 500W Alternator Charger adds another layer of protection.
Not only does it charge your portable power station while you drive, but it also doubles as a battery maintainer and emergency jump-starter, helping you avoid getting stranded in a place where phone reception may be patchy. It’s compact, efficient, and designed with layered safety systems to protect both your car and devices.
Start Early, Be Flexible
Many of the best day trips from Hobart take between 1-2 hours of driving each way. Starting early helps you avoid crowds, gives you flexibility with stops, and ensures you’re not rushing back in the dark.
Keep your itinerary loose enough to adapt—weather might shift, or some attractions could be busier than expected. Having a secondary plan (like a short trail or alternate café nearby) will keep the day enjoyable even if things don’t go exactly as planned.
Conclusion
Tasmania’s compact size means you’re never far from your next great adventure, and the capital is the perfect base for exploring it all. From coastal gems and mountainous escapes to heritage towns and gourmet stops, these day trips from Hobart unlock the full spectrum of what the island has to offer. Just pack all the essentials, check the weather, and hit the road.
FAQs
Can you do day trips from Hobart?
Absolutely! Hobart is a fantastic base for day trips, offering easy access to a variety of destinations. You can explore the historic Port Arthur, enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Field National Park, or indulge in gourmet experiences on Bruny Island. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or food, there’s a day trip from Hobart to suit your interests.
Can you do a day trip to Cradle Mountain from Hobart?
While it’s possible, a day trip to Cradle Mountain from Hobart is quite ambitious due to the distance. The drive takes approximately 4 to 4.5 hours each way, making for a long day. If you’re up for the journey, some tours offer this experience, providing about 2 hours to explore the area. However, to truly appreciate Cradle Mountain’s beauty, an overnight stay is recommended.
Can you do a day trip from Hobart to Bruny Island?
Yes. Bruny Island is one of the most popular day trips from Hobart. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to Kettering, where the ferry departs, followed by a 20-minute crossing. With an early start, you can comfortably explore the island’s key attractions—The Neck, Adventure Bay, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and several gourmet food stops—and return to Hobart by evening.
How many days is enough for Hobart?
Two to three days is a good amount of time to explore Hobart itself—covering key attractions like Salamanca Market, MONA, Battery Point, and Mount Wellington. If you want to add in a few Hobart day trips, plan for 4 to 6 days total. This allows you to experience both the city and surrounding regions without rushing.
Is it worth going to Bruny Island?
Absolutely. Bruny Island combines stunning landscapes, wildlife, and gourmet food in one destination. Whether you’re into hiking, coastal views, local produce, or spotting albino wallabies, it offers a lot in a short timeframe. It’s one of the most well-rounded and rewarding day trips from Hobart Tasmania, especially for first-time visitors.