Best Day Trips from Hobart Tasmania: Hobart Tours + Self Drive (2024)

Are you looking for the best day trips from Hobart to make the most of your time in Tasmania? Well, you are in luck, because a number of the most beautiful places in Tasmania can be reached via a self-drive day trip from Hobart or guided Hobart tours. 

Whether you are spending a weekend in Hobart or embarking on an epic Tasmania itinerary, The cultural capital of the island makes an excellent base for Hobart day trips via rental car or Hobart tours with an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

When I claim that some of the most enchanting places in Tasmania are within a day’s distance from Hobart, I’m not joking. 

I’m talking about the looming Mount Wellington (sitting right above the city), the gourmet haven of Bruny Island, the picturesque blue Wineglass Bay Tasmania, the mountainous Freycinet National Park, and the dominant cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. And, don’t forget about the fairytale Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park.

Beyond natural attractions, Hobart day tours and self-drive Hobart day trips can take you to the mysterious Port Arthur Historic Site (a 19th-century penal settlement), the quaint historic town of Richmond with its beautiful arched bridge, and wine tasting in the lush countryside on Hobart wine tours.

Of course, a trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without seeing the cute Tasmanian Devil (amongst other precious wildlife) at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. 

In this guide on the best day tours from Hobart and best day trips from Hobart with a car I will give you high-level information on each location, how to get there via tour or rental car, and the top things to see.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Best Half-Day Hobart Tours

These Hobart day tours make great half-day adventures from downtown Hobart, perfect for a weekend in Hobart, Tasmania. What’s nice about these day trips around Hobart, is everything is taken care of for you!

Day Trips from Hobart Map

This map gives a general idea of the distance between Hobart and your ideal Hobart day trips. All of these destinations can be visited on day tours from Hobart too, so if you are travelling car-free in Hobart and in Tasmania in general, you don’t have to worry about missing out. 

Some of these day trip destinations can even be combined for one epic day trip from Hobart!

Hobart Tours & Hobart Day Trips: Quick Guide

If you are short on time, use the link to quickly book a Hobart day tour to any of these highly-rated Hobart day trip destinations. I’ve broken them down to who each Hobart day trips would suit best. Easy peasy!

Why Take Day Trips from Hobart

I am of the opinion that choosing a base can be a really great way to see an area, and Hobart in Tasmania is no exception. Firstly, you don’t have to haul your luggage from hotel to hotel. Secondly, you don’t need to account for travel time between destinations which can really eat into your Tasmania experience and your precious holiday time.

If you are renting a car in Tasmania, you will have great flexibility when it comes to the time you visit and how long you stay at each destination on your Hobart day trips. 

NOTE | Do make sure to book a Hobart hotel that has available parking. 

Otherwise, most Hobart half day tours or full-day day tours from Hobart include pick up right from your hotel, or selecting a meeting point in a central area like the Hobart downtown harbour (walkable from most central hotels). 

Plus, if you decide to take day tours from Hobart, you get the advantage of having a friendly and knowledgeable local guide to tell you all the information you may not normally receive. If you are social, you can meet other travellers, too!

Day Trips from Hobart: 30-Minute Drive

Mount Wellington

Best For | Breathtaking Views
Distance from Hobart | 30-minute drive
Time Spent | 2 Hours
Best Guided Tour | Mount Wellington 2-Hour Tour 

If you are wondering what the mountain in Hobart is, Mount Wellington is the answer. It looms over the city of Hobart to the west with its tabletop appearance and 1,200-meter height. It makes a very impressive backdrop to the city, too. So when you are exploring Hobart on foot, make sure to look up.

When it comes to half day trips from Hobart, Mount Wellington tops the list. An easy (yet super curvy) ascend to the top by rental car or via the super convenient Kinanyi Mount Wellington explorer bus that makes the trip multiple times a day from the Elizabeth Pier in downtown Hobart. The drive from Hobart to Mt Wellington takes a casual 30 minutes.

Mt Wellington weather can be very unpredictable, and much colder than in Hobart. Make sure to take a warm sweater, jacket, and even a beanie with you. Ultimately, dress warmly! 

Mount Wellington Tasmania also lays victim to a cuddly fog blanket that can hang around for hours on end. This fog can come in within minutes, and dissipate within minutes, so predicting the weather for your visit is a bit fruitless. 

Don’t let the fog keep you from visiting though, the summit has some of the best views on the whole island at the Mount Wellington lookout and shelter. There are also plenty of Mount Wellington walks and trails to explore if you decide to take half day trips from Hobart to the mountain.

Mount Wellington from Hobart Tours

Take the Kinanyi Mount Wellington explorer bus from downtown Hobart to Mount Wellington’s summit. With multiple departures a day, it’s a super convenient way to see the mountain and its stunning views over Hobart without a car.

Hobart to Mount Wellington Self Drive

If you’ve decided to rent a car, you can do a Mount Wellington to Hobart day trip on your own. Simply take the B64 heading west from downtown Hobart, past the historic Cascade Brewery, turning right on the C616 to start your ascent up the mountain. Do note that the road is very curvy. Should take you 30 minutes.

Park at the free Wellington Pinnacle Carpark that has restroom facilities on site.

TIP | For more trails stop at The Springs Park halfway down or up the mountain and don’t forget to grab a coffee from the cute Loft Freight Cafe.

Richmond

Best For | Picture-perfect Historic Villages
Distance from Hobart | 30-minute drive
Time Spent | 2 Hours
Best Guided Tour | Richmond Tour

This picturesque, charming village is located a 30-minute drive north of Hobart. The town was originally built to support the Richmond Gaol in 1825, over the years, Richmond was able to maintain its original splendour with homes, buildings and gardens well-preserved. 

Richmond has become pretty famous in recent years for the Richmond Bridge, a multi-arched marvel, and the oldest stone bridge in Australia. After walking over the bridge, peek your head into the many quaint shops full of local artisans, and for those who are interested, take a visit to the model village of Old Hobart (circa the 1820s), one of the most unique things to do in Richmond, Tasmania.

Richmond Tour from Hobart

It doesn’t take all too long to absorb the charm of Richmond, so most organized Hobart day tours include Richmond with nearby attractions like the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and a stop at Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park. Combining nature, architecture and wildlife is a great way to get the highlights of Tasmania!

Richmond day tours from Hobart start at 8AM and run for approximately 9 hours.

Richmond Day Trip from Hobart by Car

Head north out of town toward Richmond. I suggest visiting Richmond around lunchtime since sitting in a charming cafe is part of the appeal. After the 30-minute drive, park your car at the Richmond Bridge Carpark. Visit the St John The Evangelist Catholic Church, perched on the hill, then cross the stone span of the Richmond Bridge heading into the town centre.

Take a gander through the Richmond Gaol before having lunch at Czeg’s Cafe or Wattlebanks Cafe & Providore. Peruse the shops before heading back to Hobart or onward on your epic day trip from Hobart.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Best For | Animal Lovers
Distance from Hobart | 30-minute drive
Time Spent | 2 Hours
Best Guided Tour | Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Tour

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a rescue centre and sanctuary for Tasmanian wildlife, including endangered species. Included in the list of Tasmanian endangered species is the Tasmanian Devil, which you can see at the sanctuary.

Other wildlife in Tasmania that can be seen here includes the echidna, the wombat, emu and a plethora of marsupials. Of course, kangaroos roam the property, free to come and go. 

The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers 30-minute guided tours of the property included with admission, which is a great way to learn about the animals and how important they are.

I do want to note, that I am not a fan of animal parks, zoos and ‘sanctuaries’ in general. I’ve seen too many unethical establishments around the world. Bonorong Wildlife Rescue didn’t feel like this and I have no hesitation in recommending a visit.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Tour from Hobart

Combine a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with Mount Field National Park and Richmond town.

Bonorong Wildlife Rescue Self Drive

I suggest visiting the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to take the first guided tour at 10AM since it’s one of the most popular attractions near Hobart that gets busier as the day goes on. The property has ample free parking once you complete the 30-minute drive north of Hobart.

Mount Field National Park

Best For | Avid Hikers, Waterfall Chasers
Distance from Hobart | 1 hour 15-minute drive
Time Spent | Half Day
Best Guided Tour | Mount Field National Park Tour

I’ve seen some pretty spectacular waterfalls in my day, but nothing prepared me for the magic of Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park. This multi-tiered masterpiece looks like it’s been manicured by a Buddhist monk, falling down through solid rock shelves into a lagoon below.

Mount Field National Park Self Drive Day Trip from Hobart

Located a 1 hour 15-minute drive from downtown Hobart, Russell Falls is worth a day trip in its own right. Park your rental car at the Mt Field National Park Visitor’s Centre before starting the casual, relatively flat 25-minute return walk. If you haven’t already purchased a Tasmania National Park Pass, you can purchase one inside the visitor’s centre.

Once you’ve reached the falls, you have the option to ascend the stairs to the Horseshoe Falls in about 10 minutes. For avid hikers or people with plenty of time, continue on the path leading to the Tall Trees Walk, and loop around back to the parking lot.

Stop at the Possum Shed Cafe in Westerway or The Agrarian Kitchen Eastery with a set menu in New Norfolk for lunch on your way back to Hobart.

Mount Field National Park Day Tour

Combine a walk to Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park with a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the historic town of Richmond.

Hobart Wine Tour

Best For | Wine Lovers
Distance from Hobart | 30-minute drive, multiple stops
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Wine Tour from Hobart

Hobart is surrounded by a wealth of wineries and wine valleys. And it’s no wonder they are growing fast on the international stage, the wine is yummy! With three regional wine valleys to choose from: Huon Valley, Derwent Valley and Coal River Valley, you will have your fill of some of the best wines on the island. 

Since you can only describe Tasmania as having a relatively cold climate year-round, expect cool-climate varietals such as pinot noir, shiraz, chardonnay, riesling and pinot gris to top the lists at each winery you visit.

Coal River Valley Hobart Wine Tour

Visit five Coal River Valley wineries on this 7.5-hour Hobart wine tour. Starting at 10AM, board your mini-van transportation with up to 11 fellow wine lovers and head to the countryside. Speak with winemakers along winery tours, taste multiple wines from each winery and enjoy each other’s company.

Two-Valley Hobart Wine Tour

Visit two of the three primary wine regions outside of Hobart on this 7.5-hour Hobart wine tour starting at 9:30AM. Stopping at a minimum of four cellar doors, taste multiple wines and walk the wineries. Maximum 11 guests.

Self Drive Wine Tours from Hobart

If you are doing a self-drive wine tour from Hobart, I suggest choosing one wine region to explore. 

If you want to also visit Mount Field National Park, I’d recommend Derwent Valley wine region. If the historic town of Richmond and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary sound appealing to you, I’d recommend Coal River Valley. For something more remote feeling, wine tasting in Huon Valley is just the ticket.

Make sure to look up opening times/days of operation (most open between 10-11AM) and make a short list of wineries you’d like to visit before embarking, saving the winery with the best restaurant for lunchtime.

Day Trips from Hobart: 1-1.5 Hour Drive

Port Arthur Historic Site

Best For | History Buffs, Dark-history Lovers
Distance from Hobart | 1 hour 30-minute drive
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Port Arthur Shuttle & Sightseeing Tour

The Port Arthur Historic Site sits on the scenic Tasman Peninsula, about a 1.5-hour distance from downtown Hobart. Once one of the prominent penal settlements in all of Tasmania, starting as a small timber company in 1830, the expansive Port Arthur Historic Site houses ruins amongst beautiful nature.

It can take hours, and even days to explore the entire Port Arthur Tasmania site, full of buildings, homes, and gardens to explore. Make sure to take the 45-minute orientation walk to get your bearings and learn about Port Arthur history, and the 25-minute harbour cruise to see the property from the water.

What’s great about taking a day trip from Hobart to Port Arthur is that there is plenty to see along the way.

Whether you are taking a guided tour from Hobart or a self-drive visit to Port Arthur, make sure to stop at the Eaglehawk Neck’s Pirates Bay lookout, the Dog Line monument, the Tasman Chocolate Foundry, the Port Arthur Lavender Farm, and the thrilling Remarkable Caves. 

Hobart to Port Arthur Express Shuttle

All of these attractions above can be seen on the Port Arthur from Hobart Shuttle Tour which makes multiple stops before dropping you off at the Port Arthur Historic Site for 3 hours of free time before heading back to Hobart.

For something a bit more inclusive, try this Port Arthur & Harbour Cruise Day Tour.

Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise

You can also combine the iconic and unmissable Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise with your visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of the highest-rated tours on the entire island. I travelled Tasmania extensively, and this was such a highlight for me. 

Strap in on this adventure cruise and see the beautiful coastline of the Tasman Peninsula with a stop at Tasman Island. Do be warned, this is not a luxury cruise, expect some waves! 

Port Arthur Tasmania weather can be chilly and windy depending on when you visit, so come prepared!

Hobart to Port Arthur Historic Site by Car

If you are making the Hobart Port Arthur drive on your own, reserve your Port Arthur Historic Site Pass early, and then just enjoy the journey. The Hobart to Port Arthur drive takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Because you have some extra freedom with a rental car on your day trip Hobart to Port Arthur, when you stop at the Eaglehawk’s Neck Lookout, enjoy a cup of coffee and a treat at the Cubed Espresso Bar food truck (loved this!). Also check out the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen (requires a Tasmania National Park Pass).

I also highly recommend taking a 3-hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise on its own, combined with your visit to the historic site. The captain and crew were super entertaining and the sites were undeniable and unforgettable. I suggest completing the wilderness cruise in the morning and then visiting the historic site in the afternoon. Either way, the historic site at Port Arthur opening hours are 9AM-5PM daily.

How to get to Port Arthur from Hobart you may ask? Cross the Tasman Bridge heading east on the A3 highway. Continue straight onto the A9 all the way to Port Arthur. The distance from Hobart to Port Arthur is 95km. Parking is plentiful almost everywhere you go on the Tasman Peninsula, so logistically it’s an easy visit.

Port Arthur Historic Site Entry Pass

The Port Arthur Historic Site entry ticket gives you access to the site for 2 full days to explore at your own leisure. It includes an orientation walk and a short harbour cruise.

Tasman Island Cruise

Best For | Adventure seekers
Distance from Hobart | 1-hour 30-minute drive
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Tour

The island of Tasmania is blessed with some amazing natural scenery and among the best of it is on the Tasman Peninsula coastline. Hop into a covered, open-air boating vessel with your iconic red poncho (provided by the company) and enjoy the ride. 

And a ride it will be! Soar along the coastline witnessing some of the highest vertical cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, deep-sea caves, waterfalls, coves and many sea birds.

In season, you may even spot a migrating whale! What makes it one of my favourite day trips from Hobart is the captain and his crew. Let me say there were more than just a few laughs along the journey.

The Tasman Island Cruise runs two tours (morning and afternoon) in peak periods, with the morning tour running all year long.

Tasman Island Tour from Hobart

I recommend combining your Tasman Island Cruise with a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site for the most bang for your buck and time. This Port Arthur & Tasman Island Cruise Tour from Hobart has you covered if you plan to stay car-free.

Tasman Island Cruise from Hobart by Car

If you are travelling by car to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur, you can combine this 3-hour Tasman Island Cruise with your visit to the area. Take the morning cruise for the most predictable weather, and then visit the Port Arthur Historic Site in the afternoon.

You will board a bus at the Tasman Island Cruise headquarters, so park your car there for check-in at 9:15AM. Don’t forget to account for the 1.5-hour drive to get there (make it a 2-hour buffer just to be sure).

Bruny Island

Best For | Foodies
Distance from Hobart | 40-minute drive, 20-minute ferry
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Gourmet Bruny Island Tour

The quiet and idyllic Bruny Island Tasmania is located south of Hobart, about a 1-hour scenic drive down the coast that includes a charming 20-minute ferry crossing to get to the island. 

Bruny Island food is something to write home about. Whether it’s the Bruny Island cheeses, Bruny Island honey (leatherwood honey was my favourite) or the oysters Bruny Island has to offer (get the best ones at Get Shucked Bruny Island) you will leave the island feeling sufficiently sophonsified and happy. 

The quality of the produce and products that come from Bruny Island are almost unparalleled, and this is why most Bruny Island tours from Hobart include a gourmet food element.

Besides the plethora of amazing food on Bruny Island, you can also explore its many non-food-related attractions. Bruny Island lighthouse, a must-see in my humble opinion, is included on most high-quality Bruny Island tours. The short climb to the hilltop is worth the endless views of the breathtaking coastline.

Of course, a Bruny Island day trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the famous The Neck & Truganini Lookout, a long thin stretch of white sand beach that connects North Bruny Island to South Bruny Island. 

Take a look at my recommended Hobart to Bruny Island tours:

Gourmet Bruny Island Tour from Hobart (Top Pick!)

Most Hobart to Bruny Island tours will pick you up at your Hobart hotel early from 6:30-7:30AM depending on where your Hobart hotel is located. From here they will make the scenic drive and ferry ride to Bruny Island, taking about an hour. 

In the gourmet Bruny Island Day Tour you can expect stops for oysters, honey, chocolate, and cheese, plus stops at The Neck, Bruny Island lighthouse and more. This highly-rated Bruny Island food tour is the best day trips out of Hobart if you are a foodie like me!

Hobart to Bruny Island Tour

The more balanced Bruny Island tour will take you to a berry farm for berries or ice cream, to taste local Bruny Island wine, and devour oysters. Plus, stop at The Neck, Bruny Island lighthouse and the Mavista Falls walking trail.

Bruny Island Boat Tour from Hobart

Want to enjoy Bruny Island from the water? Board a boasting vessel at the Hobart harbour pier and enjoy the coastal scenery while trying your hand at spotting sea birds, whales and dolphins. Visit a seal colony to witness the magic of Bruny Island wildlife and enjoy locally made sandwiches, hot soup and tea on board before returning to Hobart.

Bruny Island Day Trip from Hobart by Car

If you intend to travel to Bruny Island by car, I suggest getting a start out of Hobart around 8AM. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal in Kettering south down the coastline. There’s no need to buy a ticket ahead of time, just purchase one when you get there. A return ferry ticket is $46 AUD including passengers. The scenic crossing only takes 20 minutes. 

My recommended Bruny Island day trip from Hobart includes gourmet food stops (I’ve tried them all!), natural attractions and man-made ones alike. I’ve also included some walking and hiking stops for the more active travellers. This really is the ideal itinerary to visit Bruny Island. Make sure to be on the island by 9AM, since this is a jam-packed day!

Check out this detailed Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary

Don’t worry about purchasing tickets or keeping your ticket from the morning when arriving at the ferry port on Bruny Island, they don’t check! Just line up, drive on and bob’s your uncle.

Maria Island

Best For | Nature Lovers, Seclusion
Distance from Hobart | 1 hour 15-minute drive
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Maria Island Tour

If you are looking for nature and seclusion and a bit of history, Maria Island tops the list of best day trips from Hobart. The island offers many nature walks, wildlife like wallabies and wombats, and historic colonial buildings starking set among rolling green hills. It’s the epitome of isolation. Need some peace and quiet? This is my top recommendation.

Make sure to visit the Darlington Probation Station (World Heritage Site) sitting over Darling Bay before embarking on one of the nature walks. If you love a good long walk, try the Bishop and Clerk Track which takes you to a panoramic viewpoint of the island.

Alternatively, you can take the more popular and shorter Painted Cliffs walk. Admire the curvy gold sand-coloured cliffs before heading back to the ferry terminal. 

There are basic restroom facilities on the island right at the ferry terminal, but don’t expect any shops or amenities beyond that. It’s true seclusion.

Hobart Tours to Maria Island

This Hobart Tour to Maria Island includes a 4-hour scenic cruise around the island, getting a whole different perspective that independent travellers won’t get. Disembark on Maria Island, enjoy a guided walk of the UNESCO-listed Darlington Convict Settlement and then have free time to explore the island on your own. 

Lunch and drinks are included while cruising around the island. The shuttle bus will pick you up from your Hobart hotel around 6:45AM for your 8-hour tour of Maria Island Tasmania.

Maria Island Day Trips from Hobart by Car

You will board the passenger-only ferry out of Triabunna on the east coast of Tasmania. It’s about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from downtown Hobart. The ferry ride takes a scenic 30 minutes.

There are no restaurants, cafes or shops on the island at all, so grab a fish & chips lunch at The Fish Van before boarding the ferry. It opens at 11AM.

If you make your way to Triabunna via rental car but would like to enjoy a guided excursion of Maria Island you can choose the ‘tour only’ option on this Maria Island Tour. The ‘tour only‘ option leaves the Triabunna wharf at 8:30AM.

Day Trips from Hobart: 2+ Hour
Drive

Wineglass Bay Cruise

Best For | Luxury Cruisers, Marine Lovers
Distance from Hobart | 2 hour 30-minute drive
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay

Located on the eastern coastline of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is a remote paradise with an expansive white sand beach, a crescent-shaped cove and lush mountain surroundings. 

A Wineglass Bay Cruise will leave the port in Coles Bay at the edge of the Freycinet National Park, and follow the coastline around the peninsula, admiring the pink Hazard Ranges and the secluded beaches lining the base of the Freycinet mountains. Keep an eye out for penguins, sea birds and seals. And on a good day, you may spot a whale or dolphin pod!

Cruise through Wineglass Bay before returning back to Coles Bay. The cruise starts at 9:45AM and runs for 4.5 hours. 

The vessel includes two levels with floor-to-ceiling windows for your viewing pleasure. The lower deck includes a ploughman’s lunch and the adults-only upper deck includes a private viewing deck and seafood lunch.

Self Drive from Hobart to Coles Bay

Since the tour starts at 9:45AM, this means an early start from Hobart, leaving about 3 hours to reach Coles Bay Tasmania from Hobart. After making the scenic drive from Hobart to Coles Bay, grab a coffee and breakfast from Geographe Restaurant & Espresso Bar before embarking on your Wineglass Bay Tasmania cruise. 

After disembarking from the Wine Glass Bay cruise around 2:30PM, head to the base of the Wineglass Bay Lookout hike in beautiful Freycinet National Park and start your ascent.

The hike is medium difficulty and follows a gravelled incline to a panoramic view of Wineglass Bay, a great way to see Wineglass Bay from two different angles. The hike will take 2-3 hours return depending on your fitness level. 

On the way out of Coles Bay to Hobart, stop for a big seafood feast at Freycinet Marine Farm (closes at 5PM).

Freycinet National Park

Best For | Avid Hikers, Active Travellers
Distance from Hobart | 2-hour and 30-minute drive
Time Spent | Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Freycinet National Park Tour

Freycinet National Park is a hiker’s dream. The most famous of its hikes is the Wineglass Bay Lookout hike, taking approximately 2-3 hours at medium difficulty for panoramic views over the bay. Of course, there are harder hikes like the scramble up Mt Amos, but whether you are a serious hiker or a casual trail walker, Freycinet will have something for you. 

Freycinet Tour from Hobart

Not only is it a great destination in and of itself, but the journey to get from Hobart to Freycinet National Park is also full of attractions. 

Cross the picturesque Richmond Bridge, enjoy berries and ice cream at Kate’s Berry Farm, stop at Devil’s Corner Winery for a wine tasting, and indulge in a big plate of oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm. With many scenic white sand beaches along the way like Friendly Beaches and Honeymoon Bay, you get a really great combination of Tasmania’s specialties.

This Freycinet day trip from Hobart is a full 11 hours and starts at 7:30AM with a pick-up from your Hobart hotel.

Freycinet Self Drive Day Trips from Hobart

If you plan to visit Freycinet National Park by rental car, make sure to make the same food stop as I’ve listed in the above section. Plus, you have the freedom to include a Wineglass Bay Cruise or 3-hour Freycinet Kayaking Tour depending on your travel style.

In summer months, the sunsets around 8:30PM, so if you are uncomfortable driving your rental car in the dark, I suggest starting your journey back to Hobart around 5:30PM after a full day of adventures.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Best For | People Who Can’t Leave Tasmania without Seeing Cradle Mountain
Distance from Hobart | 4-hour 30-minute drive
Time Spent | Very Full Day
Best Guided Tour | Cradle Mountain Tour

The walk around Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park was definitely a highlight of my Tasmania trip. The 6km loop takes you past the iconic Dove Lake boatshed, under the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain and along a picturesque, nature-laden path. For the average trail walker or hiker, it should take roughly 2-3 hours to complete. 

Cradle Mountain National Park is located northwest of Hobart, via an inland road and in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It’s one of the most popular parks in Tasmania for hiking and wildlife. Its 1545-meter height means the weather and vegetation are of the alpine variety and I sure can attest that it was cold! And very windy. 

While I wouldn’t necessarily suggest making the journey from Hobart to Cradle Mountain and back in one day, you can do it. It’s definitely a trip for people who don’t intend on travelling around the island or carving out a couple of days to make a Hobart to Cradle Mountain road trip happen. Do be aware though, the return trip will take 9 hours of driving.

If you don’t have your own rental car, you can take this organized Cradle Mountain Tour from Hobart.

Day Trips from Hobart & Hobart Tours Conclusion

So there you have it, the best day trips from Hobart whether you are taking day trips from Hobart without a car and require an organized Hobart tour, or you plan to take day trips from Hobart self drive style. Hobart day trips tours are endless, and I can absolutely recommend all of the best day trips Hobart has to offer on this list – I’ve been to them all! Even if it’s just short trips from Hobart, it’s a win.

Ultimately, I recommend renting a car in Tasmania to take day drives from Hobart and enjoy everything the island has to offer. But, if a rental car isn’t in the cards, Hobart tours are equally as enjoyable, plus you get the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide and you don’t have to worry about traffic conditions!

More Tasmania Travel Guides

Stylish Boutique Hotels in Hobart, Tasmania
Best Area to Stay in Hobart, Tasmania
Top Day Trips from Hobart, Tasmania
Ultimate Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary
Best Bruny Island Tours
My Favourite Tasman Island Cruise
Top Accommodation in Bay of Fires
Best Accommodation near Cradle Mountain