Pack the car and get ready to head out on an adventure as we explore the best day trip destinations from Hobart!
If you call Hobart home, you’ll know that it’s packed to the brim with quirky antique stores, renowned steak restaurants that will make you salivate, and even hidden speakeasies and crafty cocktail bars.
But, have you ever wanted to step outside of the city and explore more of what Tasmania has to offer? Whether it is just for a day, a weekend or maybe even a week, this island state has plenty to offer.
So for some inspiration and travel tips, read on through our list of the top day trip destinations from Hobart:
1. Bruny Island
Found under a two-hour drive south of Hobart, Bruny Island is best known as Tasmania’s very own slice of heaven. Home to scrumptious seafood eateries, luxurious cellar doors, popular tourist attractions and, strangely enough, Tasmania’s best outhouse toilet. One of the best day trip destinations from Hobart, if the Cape Bruny Lighthouse or the famed Jetty Cafe hasn’t convinced you just yet, maybe our Ultimate Travel Itinerary Guide to Bruny Island will!
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- Bruny Island Isthmus. Image by Tamara Thurman via Unsplash.
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- Get Shucked – Bruny Island Oysters. Photography by Rob Burnett. Image via Tourism Tasmania
2. Cradle Mountain
When we think of top day trips from Hobart, the first place that comes to mind is Cradle Mountain. Although it takes just over a four-hour drive from Hobart to reach Cradle Mountain, this doable day trip destination is recommended for those looking at a weekend getaway. The perfect destination for adventurists, Cradle Mountain is all about nature, hiking, chic chalet-style accommodation and nourishing eateries. So, for all the best things to do and see, take the scenic route with our Hobart to Cradle Mountain: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary Guide.
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- Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Sourced from Tourism Australia, Photography by Cultivate Productions.
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- Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Photographed by Jason Charles Hill. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
3. Launceston
Did you know that in 2022 Launceston was crowned as the winner of the annual Aussie Town of the Year Award? But, in our opinion, it is also one of the best day trip destinations from Hobart. The two-and-a-half-hour drive from the CBD passes through Ross and the outskirts of Ben Lomond Park. Although the drive is special, the destination is just as charming thanks to its cool climate riverside location that sits on the cove of the River Tamar. Perfect for lazing, pampering, exploring, eating and drinking, make planning for your next road trip easier thanks to our list of the 5 Best Things to Do in Launceston.
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- Alexandra Suspension Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve, Launceston, Tasmania. Photographed by Emilie Ristevski. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
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- Launceston, Tasmania. Photographed by Ness Vanderburgh. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
4. Port Arthur
Despite the sad history that Port Arthur is famed for, 27 years on, this quiet village that sits on the Tasman Peninsula makes for one of the best day trip destinations from Hobart. Found less than an hour-and-a-half from Hobart’s centre, Port Arthur is perfect for history buffs where timber stations, convict settlements and coal mines once stood. However, for something a bit more fragrant and dreamier, in Port Arthur you’ll find one of the Best Lavender Farms in Australia which looks out onto Long Bay. Plus, to appease your hunger, replenish yourself with an experience at the onsite lavender-inspired cafe.
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- Port Arthur Lavender, Tasmania. Photographed by Port Arthur Lavender. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
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- Port Arthur, Tasmania. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
5. Richmond
This historic township contains several heritage-listed landmarks, making it a haven for history buffs and photographers – but it also shares attractions and commerce for everyone to enjoy. Richmond is home to its own puzzle shop, The Puzzle People and Friends; a Sweets and Treats candy store for the young and young-at-heart; bakeries and cafes for those who “forgot” to eat breakfast before they left; and various stores selling a range of new and vintage items like paintings, framed pictures and even crafted wood. However, the best part of Richmond is its historical significance and mostly unchanged landscape. So bring a camera and check out the oldest stone bridge in Australia!
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- Richmond townscape Tasmania. Photographed by Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH. Image via Shutterstock.
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- Coal River Richmond Tasmania. Photographed by Inhill. Image via Shutterstock
Needing some more getaway inspiration? Here are 15 Towns to Visit on Your Road Trip in Tasmania. Or settle in for the night at one of the Best and Most Unique Boutique Hotels in Tasmania.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
