The 5 Best Museums & Galleries in Hobart (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 5 picks

The best museums in Hobart in 2026 are MONA, the provocative Museum of Old and New Art reached by ferry up the Derwent; the free Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG); the Maritime Museum of Tasmania; the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory; and, a 90-minute drive away, the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Hobart punches far above its size for museums, thanks to MONA, which put the city on the world's cultural map. The waterfront museums (TMAG and the Maritime Museum) are a short walk from Salamanca Place; MONA is best reached by its own ferry from Brooke Street Pier. Tasmania's convict history is told at the Female Factory in South Hobart and at Port Arthur. For more, see our Hobart attractions guide.

1. MONA – Museum of Old and New Art — Berriedale

A subversive underground art museum, reached by ferry.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · First-timers

MONA is carved deep into a sandstone cliff on the Berriedale peninsula, holding David Walsh's collection of ancient and contemporary art, much of it designed to provoke. It has its own winery, brewery and restaurants on site.

Arriving by the MONA ferry is part of the experience.

Good to know: Take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier and allow at least half a day.

655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011

Google Maps Website

2. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) — Waterfront

Free museum of Tasmania's nature, art and Aboriginal history.

Best for Families · First-timers

TMAG, beside the waterfront, covers Tasmania's natural history (including the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger), Aboriginal culture, colonial history and art, in a mix of heritage and modern buildings.

Entry is free and it is a short walk from Salamanca Place.

Good to know: Don't miss the thylacine gallery.

Dunn Pl, Hobart TAS 7000

Google Maps Website

3. Maritime Museum of Tasmania — Waterfront

Tasmania's seafaring history beside the docks.

$ BudgetBest for Families

The Maritime Museum of Tasmania, in the Carnegie Building near the waterfront, tells the story of Tasmania's maritime history, from whaling and shipwrecks to the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

It is small and well suited to a rainy hour.

Good to know: Combine with TMAG and the waterfront.

16 Argyle St, Hobart TAS 7000

Google Maps Website

4. Cascades Female Factory Historic Site — South Hobart

A World Heritage site telling the stories of convict women.

$ BudgetBest for Couples · Families

The Cascades Female Factory, at the foot of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, was where convict women and their children were imprisoned in the 19th century. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites.

Guided tours and the 'Her Story' dramatised tour bring its history to life.

Good to know: Book the 'Her Story' tour; it is moving and memorable.

16 Degraves St, South Hobart TAS 7004

Google Maps Website

5. Port Arthur Historic Site — Tasman Peninsula

Australia's most famous convict settlement, a UNESCO site.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · First-timers

Port Arthur, about 90 minutes from Hobart, is a vast former penal settlement of ruined prisons, a church and convict buildings in a beautiful bay, with a harbour cruise and evening ghost tours.

It is one of the most significant historic sites in Australia.

Good to know: Allow a full day; entry includes a guided walk and harbour cruise.

Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur TAS 7182

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is MONA in Hobart?

The Museum of Old and New Art is a private museum created by David Walsh, carved into a riverside cliff north of Hobart, with a provocative collection of ancient and contemporary art. It also runs the MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo festivals.

How do I get to MONA?

The MONA ferry from Brooke Street Pier on Hobart's waterfront takes about 25 minutes up the Derwent River; you can also drive or take a bus.

Is TMAG free?

Yes, entry to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is free.

Is Port Arthur worth the trip from Hobart?

Yes. The convict settlement is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia's most important historic sites; allow a full day including the 90-minute drive each way.

What convict sites are in Hobart?

The Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart, where convict women were imprisoned, is part of the UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites, along with Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula.

1. MONA – Museum of Old and New Art — Berriedale

2. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) — Waterfront

3. Maritime Museum of Tasmania — Waterfront

4. Cascades Female Factory Historic Site — South Hobart

5. Port Arthur Historic Site — Tasman Peninsula

Frequently asked questions

Related lists

The 8 Best Walks & Hikes in Hobart (2026)

The 11 Best Restaurants in Hobart (2026)

The 8 Best Hotels in Hobart (2026)

The 7 Best Day Trips in Hobart (2026)

The 11 Best Attractions in Hobart (2026)