Top 10 Things Cruise Passengers Can Do in Hobart
Rolling into Hobart on a cruise and didn’t book an onboard tour? First of all… excellent choice. Hobart is one of the few cities where you can step straight off the ship and instantly access good coffee, great views, and wineries that could make Dionysus himself rethink his life choices.
So whether you’re a last-minute planner, a “we’ll see where the day takes us” wanderer, or simply allergic to big group tours, here are 10 genuinely awesome things to do within easy reach of the port.
1. Book a Private Hobart Tour (AKA Let Someone Else Do the Thinking)
You already did the hard part: you arrived. Now let a local take it from here.
Small-group private tours mean:
✔ No big buses
✔ No rushed schedules
✔ Car-a-oke (yes, really)
✔ Personalised stops
✔ Maximum fun
It’s hands-down the easiest way to see the highlights fast — especially if you've only got a few hours onshore..
2. Wander the Salamanca Waterfront
Just a 5–7 minute stroll from the cruise terminal, Salamanca is packed with sandstone warehouses, boutique shops, galleries, and cafés.
If it's a Saturday? The Salamanca Market is a whole personality.
Tip: Get a coffee and brunch @ Machine Laundry Cafe.
3. Ride Up kunanyi / Mt Wellington for the Best Views in Hobart
You haven’t seen Hobart until you’ve seen it from 1,271 meters above sea level.
And yes, it’s cold year-round. As a local, I can guarantee you that if it’s 25c in the city - it will be 5c on top!! ….and Windy!!!!
Bring a jacket unless you want to cosplay a chilly sausage roll.
There are tours (hi 👋), taxis, or shuttles that can take you straight from the port. I’d suggest a tour…then I can take you to the local pub for a pint!
4. Visit a Hobart Winery (Because… Holidays!!)
Cruise days are the perfect excuse for a quick tasting in the Coal Valley.
Think Pooley, Every Man & His Dog, Nocton, Caledon— all within 20–30 minutes of the ship and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
You would also have time to visit the historic town of Richmond - a quaint village with the best ice cream and lolly shop!…oh and Australia’s oldest bridge
Private tours can whisk you there and back with time to spare.
5. Explore Battery Point — Hobart’s Cutest Neighbourhood
It’s like walking through a to-scale movie set:
Cottages, little laneways, adorable bakeries, hidden gardens.
Walk up Kelly’s Steps and just wander. It’s peaceful, pretty, and ridiculously photogenic.
I’d suggest heading to Jackman & McRoss bakery for a delicous lunch and sweet treat!
6. Check Out the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG)
Free. Fabulous. And close to the port.
A perfect option if the weather is being… well, Hobart!!! Plus the kids will love it….well mine do. Great art, cool exhibits …and a cafe…what’s not to love!
7. Do a Quick Distillery Run
Hobart takes its spirits VERY seriously.
Old Kempton Killara, Sullivans Cove — all solid options for people who want flavour with their day.
Fast, fun, and easily squeezed into a half-day itinerary.
If you can’t squeeze in a tour - there are a few tasting rooms dotted through the city:
Callington Mill - in Mac01 - right near the cruise terminal
Lark Distillery
Whisky Bar in Salamanca has an amazing selection
8. Grab Lunch at One of Hobart’s Top Cafes
• Harbour Lights Café
Classic Aussie café dishes, waterfront views, great coffee, and super close to the ship. Easy, relaxed, and reliable.
• Jam Packed Café
Tucked inside the Henry Jones Art Hotel precinct, this spot does excellent brunch-style meals and opens early. Perfect if you want something quick but delicious.
• Farzi
A modern café on Castray Esplanade serving creative brunch plates. A short scenic walk along the water and totally worth it.
9. Pop into Cascade Brewery for a Cold One
If you’re keen for something iconic, Cascade Brewery is Hobart royalty.
It’s Australia’s oldest operating brewery, surrounded by lush gardens and sitting right at the base of kunanyi / Mt Wellington — honestly, it’s like someone designed it for Instagram.
You can enjoy:
🍺 A chilled beer paddle
🌿 A wander through the gardens
📸 Gorgeous backdrops for photos
⏱️ And it’s an easy half-day option that still gets you back to the ship on time
You don’t have to do a full guided tour — just grabbing a drink in the sunshine is an experience on its own.
10. Book a Last-Minute Custom Tour
Didn’t book ahead?
Didn’t think you’d want a tour?
Suddenly realised you absolutely do?
Good news: some private operators (hello again 👋) often take same-day bookings if they’re available.
Perfect for:
– Last-minute decisions
– Cruise FOMO
– Spontaneous wine cravings
– Couples or small friend groups who hate crowds
Final Tip: Hobart Is Best Done Your Way
Cruising is great, but Hobart? Hobart rewards the curious. Whether you sip, stroll, or sing in a van with a stranger-turned-tour-guide, make the day memorable.
And if you do want a personalised tour that’s fun, flexible, and unapologetically non-boring — Off The Leash Tours is your ideal shore excursion operator!