Port Day Hobart: Make One Day Count (Before You Miss the Markets or MONA)
Why timing matters more than ticking boxes in Tasmania’s capital.
Hobart (nipaluna) is a brilliant cruise port, especially if you arrive on the right day.
We’ve spent weeks exploring Tasmania beyond the ship, from wildlife encounters on Maria Island to deep dives at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), hikes through Cradle Mountain, and long lunches fuelled by the island’s exceptional food and drink culture. But as cruisers, we’ve more often found ourselves in Hobart with just a few precious hours ashore.
As cruisers, we’ve also docked in Hobart plenty of times with only a few hours ashore. The lesson is always the same: plan around what’s actually open. This guide breaks down what you can realistically do in one day in Hobart, depending on when your ship arrives—no tour groups, no wasted time, just a smart, DIY port day.
The Big Gotchas (Read This First)
Before going to Hobart, there are some key timings you want to have in mind. If your cruise arrives on a Saturday, you’re golden: most of the major recommendations will be open for your pleasure.
If you arrive midweek, as our last three cruises have done, certain things like the iconic Salamanca Markets or the must-see MONA are closed. For other things, like guided day trips or brewery tours, you will also need to check availability and book ahead.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Salamanca Market: Saturdays only
MONA: Thursday–Monday only
Cascade tours: Limited daily slots, bookings recommended
Mt Wellington: Weather-dependent, visibility not guaranteed
Bars and breweries: Lots of places don't open until 3 or 4pm on weekdays
Itinerary #1: You’re in Hobart on a Saturday
8:00 – Salamanca Market / walk to Battery Point
10:30 – MONA ferry and museum
15:00 – Return + TMAG or beer stop
16:00 – Mt Wellington (if time and weather allow)
18:00 – Back onboard (dependent on your cruise line)
You’ve hit the jackpot: you’re in Hobart on a Saturday, which means markets and MONA are both on the table.
As soon as you leave the ship, you’ll pass smaller markets in the wharf buildings. These are mostly local vendors and can be worth a quick browse for souvenirs, but our advice is to keep walking. The leisurely 18-minute stroll along the waterfront takes you to Salamanca Place and the renowned Salamanca Market, which has been running for more than 50 years. With around 300 stalls, it’s packed with Tasmanian produce, crafts, and things you’re unlikely to see elsewhere on your cruise.
Catch the MONA Ferry right from the Franklin Wharf docks.
From Salamanca Place, it’s a short walk back to Franklin Wharf to catch the MONA Ferry to—where else?—MONA. The edgy private museum, famous for its subterranean architecture and provocation-first approach to art, easily justifies a few hours of your day. There’s food and drink available both on the ferry and at the museum, making this an easy lunch stop.
Note: The MONA Ferry takes around 25–30 minutes each way, so be sure to factor that travel time into your afternoon plans.
Once you’re back in Hobart proper, you’ve got a few good options before re-boarding. If you’re still in an art mood, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is an easy, free stop close to the port. If the weather’s clear, the hop-on/hop-off kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus offers a scenic ride to one of the best viewpoints in the city. And if MONA has taken it out of you, there’s no shame in calling it early with a beer. Hobart Brewing Co., Moo Brew’s Manky Sally’s, or NSW’s own Mountain Culture are all solid choices before heading back to the ship.
Itinerary #2: The Mid-Week trip
8:00 – Mt Wellington
10:00 – Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
13:00 – Cascade Brewery or more beer spots in town
17:30 – Back onboard
Ok, so your ship arrived on a Wednesday. The good news is you’re still in Hobart and there’s heaps to do. Instead of walking around to Salamanca, get that Explorer Bus straight up to Mt Wellington and enjoy the views.
Head to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for a rich and engaging look at the local history, with an emphasis on First Nations culture. We first went there on a rainy day and it’s still one of our favourite spots to return to. The legendary Cascade Brewery, which is Australia's oldest brewery, is now owned by the monolithic Asahi but is worth a visit for the historic buildings and bookable tours. It’s only 15 minutes from the wharf by public transport. If you want something more independent and local, try some of the options above.
Itinerary #3: The Bruny Island foodie option
Want to get out of the city and eat lots of local food? Try Bruny Island. You can usually arrange this as a port excursion with your cruise line. Almost all of them involve a 45-minute transfer to Kettering harbor to board a ferry for the scenic 30-minute ferry crossing to Bruny Island.
If you want to do it yourself, you’ll still need to drive up to Kettering and allow time for the ferry crossing. Some of the highlights include the Bruny Neck (penguins tend to come out at dusk), the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and lots of gourmet food spots filled with local cheese, honey, oysters, and short walks.
Hobart Brewing Company is so close to the cruise terminal, you can see the ships from the beer garden.
Some of our favourite alternatives
For one last beverage before boarding, or a first one out the gate, this is quite literally located across the road from the cruise terminal.
lutruwita milaythina Pakana – Tasmania is Aboriginal land. Hobart, or Nipaluna, sits on the lands of the Muwinina and Mumirimina people, who did not survive British colonisation. Gain a richer understanding in this walking tour that gives voice to the palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal).
This local coffee joint does what it says on the sign, offering a terrific set of breakfast, brunch and morning tea options. The best bit? It’s all vegetarian or vegan with gluten free baking.
If you’re like me, you don’t walk past a bookshop in every city you visit. This shop, located in the heart of the CBD, has a great mixture of new, used and antiquarian books. Save some room in your suitcase: chances are you’ll walk away with something.
