15 Best Things To Do Without A Car In Hobart Tasmania

WANT TO FIND THE BEST THINGS IN HOBART WITHOUT A CAR? WE GOT YOU!
Hobart is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Tasmania without the hassle of renting a car or driving around. On our budget-friendly Tasmania adventure as students, we quickly discovered how easy and enjoyable it is to navigate the city on foot.

The Hobart city center is compact and walkable, putting must-visit spots like the vibrant Salamanca Market, the charming streets of Battery Point, and the stunning waterfront right at your doorstep. Hobart also makes for a fantastic base for day trips to places like Bruny Island and multi-day tours around Tasmania.

For destinations that are a bit further, Hobart’s public transport network has you covered with reliable buses and scenic ferries that are well connected to the CBD. So ditch the car and immerse yourself in the local vibe as you discover the best things to do in Hobart without a car!

Getting from Hobart Airport to the City ✈️

If you are traveling solo, the cheapest way from Hobart airport to Hobart CBD without a car is via the daily City Express Skybus. Priced at $19.5 one way and $36 return, this Hobart Airport shuttle with free wifi and no luggage excess is an economical option for families as well because up to 4 kids can travel for free with 1 Adult!

The big red bus departs at least every 30 minutes and is available directly outside the Hobart airport terminal. You can check the Skybus timetable here.

Alternatively, if you are a group of friends or even a couple, it could be more economical to book an Uber, which costs ~$32

How to Get Around Hobart Without a Car

If you took the Skybus, you can get off at the Visitor Centre on Elizabeth Street and head to the Metro Shop Hobart on 40 Elizabeth Street to buy a Metro Greencard, which offers 20% discount and capped bus fares. Similar to public transport in NSW and QLD, you can use contactless payment methods in Tasmania as well.

Alternatively, you can explore the city with the Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and a mix of tours from Hobart to Bruny Island and Port Arthur like we did and still have an incredible experience.

Best Things To Do In Hobart Without a Car

When we visited Hobart for the first time, we were students on a mission to experience the best of what the city had to offer and ended up finding some really fun things to do in Hobart without a car.

Here are our favorites with personal tips from our recent visit too!

1. Tour Australia’s oldest brewery

Dive into Hobart’s brewing heritage with a visit to Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewery! Set against the backdrop of Mount Wellington, this historic site offers guided tours that showcase the beer-making process while delving into its rich history dating back to 1824.

We highly recommend getting the tasting paddle from the Cascade Beer Garden & Café to sample a variety of their beers, and if you prefer ciders instead, consider the Mercury Hard Rasberry one (it’s slightly on the sweeter side though!)

🚍 From Franklin Square in Hobart CBD, you can take metro bus 446, 447, 448 or 449 which takes 10 minutes to reach here! This is also stop K on the Red Decker Bus route!

2. Take the ferry and explore MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is Australia’s largest private art museum, known for its provocative exhibitions and cutting-edge architecture. Located on the banks of the Derwent River, MONA features artworks intentionally designed to challenge the conventional ideas of art based on themes of sex, death, and the darker sides of human nature.

MONA is a must-see for art lovers and was definitely one of the most unique things we did in Hobart! We also loved their on-site restaurant, the Source and Morillo Wines with a cellar door tasting!

⛴️ While MONA is accessible by car, bus (X20) and ferry, the MONA ROMA is the best way to get here from Hobart CBD. Book the museum entry + ferry for $67 here

3. Head to the Summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington

The Mt Wellington Explorer Bus takes you 1270 meters above sea level to the summit of Kunanyi/Mt. Wellington with city views of Hobart and beyond. You can also save $10 by booking the City Loop Combo, which combines the Explorer Bus and Red Decker passes.

This is Tasmania’s most visited natural attraction, with several biking and hiking trails. You can make the most of the hop-on-hop-off by getting off at various bus stops and can even hire bikes for $10 (just let the tour team know 30 minutes before departure).

Even though we weren’t as lucky with the weather, our bus driver, Paul, shared some fascinating stories and jokes along the way, which made the tour a lot more fun.

4. Bruny Island Day Trip From Hobart

Our day trips to Bruny Island have been the highlight of our Tasmanian adventures!

From towering sea cliffs to one of the world’s best wilderness cruises, this stunning island has something for every adventurer. Spot rare white wallabies, explore untouched landscapes, and treat yourself to local delights—artisan cheeses, fresh oysters, and even fresh bread from a roadside fridge (yes, really!).

5. Visit one of the world’s most beautiful beaches

Experience one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful beaches on this East Coast adventure day trip from Hobart.

Located in the Freycinet National Park, just 2.5 hours from north-east Hobart, Wineglass Bay is the star of East Tasmania! Known to be one of the best lookouts in Tasmania, the Wineglass Bay Lookout offers a postcard-perfect view after a short hike, and if you’re up for a challenge, you could attempt the Mt Amos hike for the beautiful panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula, Cole’s Bay and white sands of Wineglass Bay.

6. Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

Timings: 10am – 5pm

Stepping into Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum is like teleporting straight to Antarctica without the extreme temperatures! This hidden gem in Hobart’s waterfront district offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Australia’s most incredible polar expeditions led by Sir Douglas Mawson

The museum meticulously recreates the historic huts that sheltered Sir Douglas Mawson and his team during their groundbreaking 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic Expedition. Walking through the full-sized replica, you’ll feel the same sense of isolation and wonder that Mawson’s team experienced over a century ago. The attention to detail is simply extraordinary!

🚍The museum is located on Corrison Street, off Argyle Road, and is Red Dekker bus’ 3rd stop!

7. Meet Tasmanian Devils and Kangaroos at Bonorong Sanctuary

Meet native animals like kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, birds and quolls at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary just 30 minutes from Hobart CBD. Daily tours run 4 times a day and you can feed kangaroos as well – all included in your entry ticket.

🚍 Since public transport to the sanctuary isn’t very convenient, we recommend getting this return shuttle to and from Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary so you can make it for the 1.30 pm tour as well!

🚍Bonorong Sanctuary is just 30 minutes away from Hobart CBD but getting there via public transport isn’t as convenient. We recommend these options instead:

8. Dine at Unique Places!

After exploring the city like this, you are sure to work up an apetite, so let’s indulge in the amazing Tasmanian food scene:

📍 Bar Wa Izakaya: The city’s most exciting Japanese dining destination! This hidden gem transforms a corner of Hobart into an authentic slice of Tokyo that has become my personal must-visit recommendation for visitors and locals alike.

📍 Evolve Spirits Bar: An instagrammable waterfront cocktail lounge perched dramatically on Hobart’s MACq 01 wharf where world-class mixology blends with museum-quality rare fossils and artifacts with Tasmania’s spectacular harbor views.📍

📍In The Hanging Garden: This is a family-favorite pick! Sip on Tasmania’s finest craft brews as you explore hidden bars and open-air courtyards in this magical multi-level sanctuary

9. Sample Whisky at Lark Distillery

Lark Distillery is the heart of Tasmania’s whisky scene, crafting world-class spirits with rich flavours and deep heritage. Founded by Bill Lark, the “godfather of Australian whisky,” this award-winning distillery blends traditional techniques with local ingredients, creating some of the finest single malts in the country.

The Lark Cellar door is right opposite the Hobart waterfront. We sampled a few whiskies here, from bold peated whiskies to smooth and complex single malts. However, it’s definitely one of the more expensive experiences.

🚍Buses 502, 722, 732 pass by the Lark Distillery from Hobart CBD!

10. Red Decker Sightseeing Tour

Experience Hobart’s beauty without the stress of walking or renting a car with the Red Decker Sightseeing Tour! This official hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you to all of the city’s top attractions, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Simply hop off at any stop to explore and hop back on when you’re ready to continue the journey.

You will have multilingual audio guides available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish. The bus starts at the Tasmanian Information Tour Centre and stops at 20 main attractions of Hobart, including TMAG, the Cascade Brewery, Battery Point, Salamanca Market, and more!

We got the 24-hour ticket, but you can also take the 48-hour ticket or this Combo pass that includes a visit to Mt Wellington! Enjoy the convenience, comfort, and flexibility of this sightseeing tour!

Book your tickets here, starting at $45 for adults & $25 for children!

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Free Things To Do In Hobart Without a Car

Even a couple of dollars add up. We get it! If you have not found things to do in Hobart that fit your budget or want some free options, then here are a few of our favourites:

11. Stroll Through Salamanca Market

📌Battery Point

This legendary waterfront marketplace transforms Salamanca Place into Tasmania’s most vibrant weekly celebration, where over 300 stalls showcase everything from farm-fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to handcrafted woodwork and stunning local photography. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Hobart on a Saturday as Salamanca Market comes to life from 8.30 am to 3 pm!

🚶🏻The city bus mall is located at 22 Elizabeth Street and is only a seven-minute walk to the market!

12. Explore the Fern Tree Park

At the foothills of Mt Wellington, you will find the local favorite, Fern Tree to The Springs Loop that stretches ~4km through lush gullies with breathtaking natural beauty at every turn. Don’t miss the mesmerizing Silver Falls cascading down ancient rock faces before reaching The Springs – a historic lookout point where Hobart’s cityscape unfolds dramatically below you!

13. Wander Through The Historic Battery Point

This is Hobart’s bohemian quarter, where you can wander through laneways and past historic seafarers’ cottages and explore a precinct that has remained largely unchanged since the 1800s. The buildings and streetscape still reflect their original beauty! We highly recommend stopping by Jackman and McRoss for a scallop pie and pastries!

🚶🏻The walk to Battery Point from Salamanca takes only 5-10 minutes.

14. Relax at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Just a short walk from Hobart’s bustling city center, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offers an enchanting escape with its magnificent collection of rare plants, the stunning Subantarctic Plant House (the only one of its kind in the world!), the peaceful Japanese gardens and their gorgeous rose collection.

Wander through 14 hectares of meticulously maintained gardens showcasing Tasmania’s unique flora, discover the historic Arthur Wall (Australia’s only heated garden wall!), and then treat yourself to a delightful lunch at the on-site restaurant overlooking the River Derwent – this is one of the best free things to do in Hobart without a car!

🚍You can reach the gardens via the red decker bus!

15. Admire TMAG!

Located in Hobart’s vibrant waterfront precinct, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery i (TMAG) is a treasure trove of Tasmania’s natural and cultural history. From fascinating Aboriginal artifacts and colonial exhibits to awe-inspiring contemporary art and Antarctic exploration displays, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, TMAG offers free admission, making it the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s unique heritage while enjoying the nearby waterfront and Salamanca Market.

🚍The Shuttle bus stops here too!

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Best Places To Stay in Hobart Without a Car

We have covered affordable accommodation for every type of traveler in our 12 Best Affordable Accommodations In Hobart, guide!

But if you’re short on time, choose from these budget options:

⭐ Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse: Great for students/solo travellers traveling on a budget!

⭐ Travelodge Hotel : Ideal for Budget Travelers in the Heart of Hobart!

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FAQs: Things To Do In Hobart Without a Car

Let’s dive into some commonly asked questions about traveling in Hobart!

➡️ How many Days are enough to explore Hobart?

We recommend spending at least 3 days in Hobart. 2 days allow you to experience the essential city highlights (Salamanca Market, MONA via ferry, Mt Wellington, waterfront precinct, etc), but adding those extra days opens up opportunities for visit to Bonorong Sanctuary or maybe even a day trip to Bruny Island if you have an additional day!

➡️ Which is the best place to stay in Hobart?

Hobart CBD is ABSOLUTELY the best places to stay for car-free travelers! Central locations like the waterfront, Slamanca place etc put you within easy walking distance of Hobart’s main attractions, bustling restaurant scene, and transportation hubs. The bonus? Almost anywhere in central Hobart keeps you within 15 minutes walking distance of major attractions!

Find some of the most value for money stays in Hobart here ➡️

➡️ Is Hobart a Walkable City?

Yes! Hobart’s city centre is compact and easily walkable. You can experience many of the top attractions, including the waterfront, Salamanca Market, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, all within walking distance of each other. The terrain does feature some hills (particularly around Battery Point), but the pathways are well-maintained, and the scenic views make every step worthwhile!

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The Wrap-Up: Best Things To Do In Hobart Without A Car

We hope we have convinced you to visit Hobart and experience the best of the city even without a car. Now that you know the best attractions and activities in Hobart, finalise your stay and enjoy your first of many Tasmanian adventures!

DM us on Instagram if you have any more questions!

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Looking for cheap stays in Hobart? Check out 10 Best Affordable Accommodations in Hobart!

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