Hobart might be small, but don’t let that fool you – it’s the perfect launchpad for some of Tasmania’s most jaw-dropping day trips. Within a couple of hours of the city, you can be hiking alpine mountains, wandering historic convict towns, sipping cool-climate wine, or spotting wildlife in the wild.
Whether you’re visiting Hobart for a long weekend or using it as a base for a Tasmania road trip, these are the best day trips from Hobart that are totally doable in one day (and 100% worth it).
Mount Wellington (kunanyi) – 20 Minutes from Hobart
If you only have time for one day trip from Hobart, make it Mount Wellington. Towering over the city, kunanyi/Mount Wellington offers panoramic views across Hobart, the Derwent River, and all the way to Bruny Island on a clear day.
Top things to do:
- Drive to the summit lookout (easy and free)
- Walk the Organ Pipes Track or Zig Zag Track
- Watch the weather change dramatically in minutes
Why it’s worth it: It feels wild and remote… yet it’s right on Hobart’s doorstep.
Bruny Island – Full-Day Trip from Hobart
Bruny Island is one of the most popular day trips from Hobart, and for good reason. Think rugged coastlines, dramatic lookouts, white sand beaches, and delicious local produce.
Highlights include:
- The Neck Lookout (iconic isthmus views)
- Bruny Island Lighthouse
- Sampling cheese, oysters, chocolate, and cider
- Optional wildlife and wilderness cruise
You’ll need to drive to Kettering and catch the ferry – totally manageable as a day trip, but start early!
Check out this Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart.
Port Arthur Historic Site – 1.5 Hours from Hobart
History lovers, this one’s for you. Port Arthur is Australia’s most significant convict settlement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see:
- Well-preserved ruins and gardens
- The Isle of the Dead boat cruise
- Interactive museum exhibits
Why it’s special: Equal parts fascinating, haunting, and beautifully set beside the sea.
Tasman Peninsula – Dramatic Cliffs & Coastal Scenery (1–1.5 Hours from Hobart)
If you love wild coastlines and jaw-dropping natural scenery, the Tasman Peninsula is one of the best day trips from Hobart. This rugged region is home to some of Tasmania’s most dramatic geological formations, where towering sea cliffs meet the roaring Southern Ocean.
Top stops on the Tasman Peninsula:
- Tasman Arch – A natural rock arch carved by the ocean
- Devil’s Kitchen – Powerful waves crashing into deep sea caves
- Blowhole – Best at high tide when water shoots up through the rocks
- Remarkable Cave – A dramatic staircase leads down to a cave shaped like Tasmania
- Eaglehawk Neck – A narrow isthmus with fascinating convict history
You can easily combine the Tasman Peninsula with a visit to Port Arthur, making this an action-packed and incredibly scenic day trip. Every stop feels wilder than the last – it’s one of those places where you’ll constantly be pulling over for “just one more photo.”
Check out this Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur.
Huon Valley – 45 Minutes from Hobart
For a slower-paced day trip, head south to the Huon Valley, famous for apples, wineries, cider houses, and river views.
Don’t miss:
- Tahune AirWalk (suspension bridge through the forest canopy)
- Willie Smith’s Apple Shed
- Scenic drives along the Huon River
Perfect if you love food, nature, and relaxed Tassie vibes.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – 30 Minutes from Hobart
Want to meet Tassie devils up close? Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is an easy and rewarding half-day trip from Hobart.
You’ll see:
- Tasmanian devils
- Wombats, kangaroos, and echidnas
- Native bird species
It’s educational, ethical, and a great option if you’re short on time.
Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park – Iconic Tasmania Views (2.5–3 Hours from Hobart)
One of Tasmania’s most famous postcard views, Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is an epic (but doable) long day trip from Hobart. It’s a big day, but if you’re up for an early start, the reward is one of the most breathtaking coastal views in Australia.
What to do at Wineglass Bay:
- Hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout – a short but steep walk with unforgettable views
- Continue down to Wineglass Bay Beach if you have time and energy
- Explore Honeymoon Bay or Sleepy Bay for calmer waters
- Keep an eye out for wallabies and sea eagles along the trails
You’ll need a Parks Pass for Freycinet National Park, and sturdy walking shoes are a must. While it’s a longer drive compared to other Hobart day trips, Freycinet’s white sand beaches and turquoise water make it absolutely worth the effort.
Check out this Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park – Active Day Tour.
Do You Need a Car for Day Trips from Hobart?
Short answer: yes, absolutely. While some tours run from Hobart, having your own car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace – and stop every five minutes for photos (which you will do).
Why Hobart Is the Perfect Base
One of the best things about Hobart is how quickly the scenery changes. In a single day, you can go from mountain views to historic ruins, coastal cliffs, and vineyard lunches – all without spending hours in the car.
Whether you’re chasing nature, history, wildlife, or food (or all four), these day trips from Hobart prove that southern Tasmania packs a serious punch.
So grab a map, pack some snacks, and get ready to fall in love with Tassie – one day trip at a time.
Planning a Tassie Trip? Check out my full 2 Week Tasmania Itinerary here.
Helpful Tasmania TRAVEl Links
Where to Stay in Hobart
Luxury: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
Mid-Range: DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart
Budget: Riverfront Motel & Restaurant
Top Tours from Hobart
– Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart
– Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur
– Hobart: Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park – Active Day Tour
How to Get Around Tasmania
The best way to get around Tassie is by renting a car and exploring at your own pace – it gives you total freedom whether you’re planning to travel by caravan or by car.
I recommend using rentalcars.com to compare prices from multiple providers in one place. It’s an easy way to find the best deal, whether you’re picking up your car at Hobart or Launceston.
👉 Compare rental cars in Noosa with rentalcars.com here
Australia SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Australia is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best coffee shops near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download an Australian data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Australian eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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Jess at Sea 
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