Southern Tasmania Local Expert: Find Things To Do in Southern Tasmania

The Blade looking out at Tasman Island at the end of Cape Pillar in Tasmania. Such a beautiful view of all of the dolerite rock columns. #lifeatexpedia

You would be hard pressed to find a more pleasing and historic interior than that from the main ballroom of Hobart's 1866 Town Hall.

It is amazing to think that as well as the Council Chambers (a function it still performs today), it also once held police cells, courthouse, and the foundation State Library of Tasmania.

Undergoing many renovations throughout its long life, the interior of the ballroom is set off by the last addition, splendid chandeliers.

A ferry out of Triabunna. A cycle from Darlington. A hop, skip and a jump across the rocks. Then you've placed yourself nicely in front of all the Painted Walls of Maria Island in Tasmania - just check its low tide first for the best viewpoints!

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Top places to visit

1. Salamanca Place

The warehouses that make up Salamanca Place were built during the 1820 and ’30s using sandstone quarried by convicts on site. The warehouses were used to store whale products, wool, timber and fruit. The wharf at Salamanca was a hub for whaling industries, and the huge cauldrons used to boil whale oil can still be seen today in Salamanca Square. As Tasmania’s fruit growing capabilities took off, the warehouses were used to produce jam and tinned fruit for export.

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Salamanca Place which includes a city, night scenes and street scenes

2. Constitution Dock

Stroll past historic buildings, enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant or grab a snack from a fresh seafood stall at Hobart’s Constitution Dock.

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Constitution Dock which includes a coastal town, a marina and boating

3. Mt. Wellington

Mount Wellington has been popular with locals as a recreational park since the mid-1800s when huts were built at strategic sites for hikers. Remnants of these huts exist, and some of those built in the 1900s are still in use. Charles Darwin climbed the mountain in 1836 when he visited Hobart on his round-the-world trip on the HMS Beagle. Today the area offers all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from mountain biking to rock climbing.

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4. Mount Field National Park

Explore preserved tracts of ancient forest and secluded alpine landscapes and walk through shady fern gullies to some of the world’s tallest trees in Mt. Field National Park. It is part of a larger World Heritage-listed national park that has been protected for over a century. Come here to see some of Tasmania’s rugged and remote landscapes within an easy drive from Hobart.

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Mount Field National Park which includes wetlands

5. Port Arthur Historic Site

The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur was one of the British Empire’s most brutal penal settlements. Located on the stunning Mason Cove, the natural beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the history of convict prisoners who were sent here, condemned to hard labor. See these stunning ruins at your own pace or on a guided or themed tour.

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Port Arthur Historic Site featuring a castle, building ruins and heritage elements

6. Museum of Old and New Art

Plan a day trip to take in the vast collection, and grand design, of Australia’s largest privately owned art museum. MONA stands for Museum of Old and New Art and the galleries showcase emotive and sometimes shocking modern art along with old artefacts and antiques.

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Museum of Old and New Art showing landscape views

What to do in Southern Tasmania

Popular places to visit

Salamanca Market

During your visit to Tasmanian Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Salamanca Market. Discover the fascinating museums in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Salamanca Place

Spend a day in this area where sandstone warehouses are now home to gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, galleries and a busy Saturday market.

Aerial view of Hobart, showing the Derwent River, Casino and Mt Wellington in Tasmania, Australia

Wrest Point Casino

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Wrest Point Casino during your visit to Hobart? Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Constitution Dock

History seeps from the stones on Hobart’s waterfront, where colonial buildings are now galleries and where you can eat fresh seafood and watch a famous yacht race.

Mt. Wellington

Majestic columns of rock rise to the peak of this often snow-capped mountain, providing a playground for nature lovers, and a stunning backdrop for Hobart.

Mt. Field National Park featuring forests

Mount Field National Park

A glorious mix of fern forests, alpine heathlands, pristine waterways and cascading waterfalls, all accessible via pretty pathways, await in this park not far from Hobart.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Step back into Tasmania’s past as a penal colony and learn about the lives of convicts who were sent to one of the harshest settlements in the British Empire.

Museum of Old and New Art

Hobart’s remarkable Museum of Old and New Art has a surprising mix of thought-provoking installation art, modern paintings, sculptures and ancient artefacts.

Cascade Brewery

Step back into the past at the oldest brewery in Australia, a striking Gothic building near Hobart, and try some of the best beers in the country.

Areas of Southern Tasmania

Hobart Central Business District

4.5/5(57 area reviews)

The captivating waterfront views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Hobart Central Business District. Make a stop by Playhouse Theatre or Parliament House while you're exploring the area.

Battery Point

Take it easy in Battery Point, where a maze of narrow laneways will reveal quaint cafés and galleries to intrepid wanderers.

Sandy Bay

Hobart’s beachside beauty is summed up in Sandy Bay. Cruise along the waterfront boulevard and check out the many faces of this neighbourhood.

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery which includes interior views and art as well as an individual male

Sullivan's Cove

Sullivan's Cove is known for its captivating waterfront views, and with sights like Constitution Dock and Franklin Wharf, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Tasmanian Waterfront.