The best day trips from Hobart in 2026 are Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island, Mount Field National Park's Russell Falls, historic Richmond, Maria Island's wombats, Freycinet National Park's Wineglass Bay and the Hastings Caves in the far south.
Most of southern Tasmania is within two hours of Hobart, so it makes an excellent base. Roads are winding, so allow extra time, and watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk. Weather can change quickly, so pack a warm, waterproof layer even in summer. See also our best things to do in Hobart.
Australia's best-known convict site and dramatic sea cliffs.
Port Arthur Historic Site is a World Heritage convict settlement with dozens of buildings and ruins. On the way, stop at the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen.
Allow a full day; entry includes a walking tour and a harbour cruise.
Good to know: Stop at the Tessellated Pavement at low tide.
6973 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur TAS 7182
Sea cliffs, local produce and penguins, a ferry from Kettering.
Bruny Island has cheese, oysters, berries and whisky to taste, The Neck lookout over the isthmus and the sea cliffs of South Bruny National Park, best seen on a wilderness cruise.
Take the car ferry from Kettering, about 40 minutes from Hobart.
Good to know: Book the car ferry ahead in summer to avoid long queues.
Bruny Island TAS 7150
Russell Falls and some of the world's tallest flowering trees.
Mount Field is one of Tasmania's oldest national parks. An easy walk leads to the tiered Russell Falls, and the Tall Trees Walk passes giant swamp gums, among the world's tallest flowering plants.
Combine it with a stop in New Norfolk on the way back.
Good to know: Buy a Tasmanian parks pass; it covers all the national parks.
66 Lake Dobson Rd, National Park TAS 7140
A Georgian village with Australia's oldest bridge, 30 minutes away.
Richmond is a well-preserved Georgian village with the Richmond Bridge (Australia's oldest stone bridge still in use, built by convicts in the 1820s), the Richmond Gaol and St John's, Australia's oldest Catholic church.
The Coal River Valley's wineries are all around.
Good to know: Combine it with lunch at a Coal River Valley winery.
Bridge St, Richmond TAS 7025
Wombats, cliffs and convict ruins on a car-free island.
Maria Island is a national park with no cars, where wombats graze around the convict settlement of Darlington. Walks lead to the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs.
Take the ferry from Triabunna, about 75 minutes from Hobart, and bring all your food.
Good to know: Visit the Painted Cliffs at low tide.
Maria Island TAS 7190
Pink granite peaks and Tasmania's most famous beach.
Freycinet National Park on the east coast has the granite Hazards and Wineglass Bay. The walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout takes about an hour return; continue down to the beach for a longer day.
It's about two and a half hours each way, so leave early or stay overnight in Coles Bay.
Good to know: Start early; the car park fills by mid-morning in summer.
Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215
A dolomite cave and a thermal pool in Tasmania's far south.
Hastings Caves State Reserve, about 90 minutes south, has guided tours of Newdegate Cave, a large dolomite cave, and a warm thermal swimming pool in the forest.
Combine it with the Huon Valley's cider and orchards.
Good to know: Bring swimmers for the thermal pool after the cave tour.
Hastings Caves Rd, Hastings TAS 7109
Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula, about 90 minutes away, for the convict site and sea cliffs such as Tasman Arch and the Devils Kitchen.
Yes, but it's about two and a half hours each way to Freycinet National Park. Walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout (about an hour return). Staying overnight is better.
Drive 40 minutes to Kettering and take the car ferry, about 20 minutes. Or join a tour from Hobart that includes the Bruny Island cruise.
Mount Field, about 75 minutes north-west, with Russell Falls and tall trees. kunanyi/Mount Wellington, in Wellington Park, is right above the city.
A car is easiest, but tours run to Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Mount Field and Freycinet, and a ferry runs from Triabunna to Maria Island.