Hobart in 2026 is a city that feels like a well-kept secret finally getting its due. It’s a place where you can stand on a sub-alpine mountain peak in the morning and be sipping world-class cool-climate wine by the afternoon.

If you are visiting, these are the five absolute essentials—culminating in a food experience you won't find anywhere else in the country.

1. The Summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington

No trip to Hobart is complete without the 21km drive to the pinnacle. At 1,271 metres, the air is crisp (and often 10°C colder than the city), offering a panoramic view of the Derwent River and the rugged Tasmanian wilderness. It is the best way to get your bearings before diving into the city.

2. The Subterranean World of MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) remains Australia’s most provocative cultural destination. We recommend taking the 'MR-1' ferry from the waterfront—it sets the tone with its quirky décor and sheep-shaped seats. Once there, you’ll descend into a rock-carved labyrinth of world-class art that is as much about the architecture as it is the exhibits.

3. The Saturday Ritual: Salamanca Market

Every Saturday, the historic sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place come alive. With over 300 stallholders, it’s the heart of Hobart’s artisan community. Look for hand-carved Huon Pine, local saffron, and freshly shucked oysters. It is the perfect place to see the Tasmanian "maker spirit" in person.

4. Step Into History at Battery Point

Just a short stroll up the Kelly’s Steps from Salamanca is Battery Point. This is one of Australia's most intact colonial-era suburbs. Walking through Arthur Circus—a ring of tiny cottages surrounding a village green—feels like stepping back into the 1830s.

5. Australia’s Most Unique Food Experience: The "Vineyard & Vat" Journey

While Hobart has incredible restaurants, the most unique food experience is found 20 minutes away in the Coal River Valley. Federation Chocolate isn't just a shop; it’s a working bean-to-bar factory located directly inside the Every Man and His Dog Vineyard.

What makes this truly one-of-a-kind in Australia?

• The Rare Duo: We are a rare example of a traditional chocolate maker and a boutique winery operating as one. You can smell the cacao roasting as you look out over the vines.

• Exotic Rarities: Taste wines made from grapes so rare there are only a few hectares of them in the world—like our Siegerrebe and Ehrenfelser—paired specifically with chocolate we refined on-site.

• Love of all things Chocolate and wine: You aren't just buying a product; you are witnessing the craft. From the raw Peruvian beans in the vat to the final tempered bar, the entire process happens right before your eyes.

Don't just visit—participate. We offer a Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience where you’ll learn the science of how tannins and cacao fats interact, or you can join our Bar Craft workshop to pour and design your own signature chocolate bars to take home.

Food - Chocolate - Wine Experiences Book Here

Risk & Friction

• The "Mountain Chill": Even in mid-summer, kunanyi can be freezing. Don't let the city sunshine fool you; bring a heavy jacket for the summit.

• The Weekend Rush: Richmond is a popular day-trip destination. Our pairing experiences and workshops have limited capacity to keep them intimate, so booking 3–5 days in advance is essential for weekends.

• Transport Timing: The last ferry from MONA or the last bus from Richmond often leaves earlier than visitors expect. Always check the return timetable before you start your afternoon.

Next Steps

1. Check Availability: Visit our booking calendar to see if there are spots left for your preferred dates.

2. Screenshot the Map: With the places you are going to visit.

3. Book MONA: If you plan on doing the museum on the same weekend, book your ferry tickets now—they are often the first thing to sell out.