Explore heritage sandstone buildings and preserved Georgian dockyards along Hobart’s iconic waterfront, and discover incredible contemporary art, fascinating colonial and Aboriginal heritage and award-winning restaurants and bars. From fine reds by the fireplace in the cooler months to lively summer festivals, you’ll find unforgettable year-round experiences

On the banks of the River Derwent, the acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has sparked an arts and food revival in Hobart since opening in 2011. Housing an astounding collection of ancient, contemporary and modern art, there are three levels of underground galleries to explore as well as restaurants, bars, wineries and a brewery.

Hobart is also renowned for its edgy arts festivals. Mona Foma is the summer festival of MONA, a light-filled celebration of art and music, while its mysterious winter counterpart, Dark MoFo honours the winter solstice and dark and ancient pagan rituals with contemporary performances, light installations and a winter feast.

Head up the narrow Kelly's Steps, named after 1800s sea captain James Kelly, and step back in time at historic Battery Point, a fascinating relic from Tasmania’s penal colony past. Largely untouched, the heritage district lends a certain Dickensian feel with its crooked laneways and colonial-era cottages, curious shops and quirky cafes.

Seeing Hobart’s sights is guaranteed to whip up an appetite and here the city delivers in spades, with a huge choice of cuisines from Southeast Asian to South American. Dine in Elizabeth St at award-winning restaurants showcasing the best and freshest Tasmanian produce and enjoy seasonal menus with stunning waterfront and city views.

Hobart has a smorgasbord of cheap eats on offer as well, be it hot and salty fish and chips on the dock, a quick bite at one the cafes inside the sandstone warehouses of historic Salamanca Place or a blast of fragrant flavour with a bowl of Malaysian street food. Afterwards relax over a refreshing craft beer or cider at one of Hobert’s cool bars and laid back pubs.

Don’t miss Hobart’s lively market scene, notably the famous outdoor Salamanca Market, held on weekends, with delicious food trucks as well as jewellery, hand crafts and gift ideas. Meet the artisans, designers, makers and producers at over 230 stallholders at this award-winning market.

In the warmer months, celebrate summer at Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival at Princes Wharf, featuring over 80 of the finest local eateries, breweries and wineries. In winter, fend off the cold and enjoy a Tasmanian tipple by the fire at cosy bar The Den or the historic Hope and Anchor Tavern, built in 1807 and one of Australia’s oldest pubs.

Hobart has both an international and domestic airport, 17kms from the city and accessed by shuttle bus, with direct flights available from most Australian cities. From Melbourne, the flight takes just over 3.5 hours. There are also car and campervan hire facilities at the airport.

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry service transports passengers and cars across the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Devonport in the north, with the voyage about 9hrs and 40 mins in length. From Devonport, the drive south to Hobart is 280kms and takes around 3 hours. Bus services run between Devonport and Hobart, with the trip taking about 4hr and 15mins, depending on the route.