10 terrific Day Tours from Hobart to put a smile on your dial in 2025

Day tours from Hobart offer the ultimate way to experience the very best of Tasmania in just one unforgettable day. If you’re in Hobart in 2025, there’s no shortage of incredible adventures to take. From the stunning bays of Bruny Island, the towering sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsular, or the historic charm of Port Arthur and picturesque beauty of Mount Field, these iconic destinations are just the start. I’ve handpicked the top Hobart day tours at the best price to bring you the finest in gourmet food, thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking cruises, and to pack your day with the island’s most memorable moments. All stress free. Ready to hand over the wheel?

Why these day tours from Hobart are a must

Hobart is the perfect base for exploring Tasmania’s jaw-dropping landscapes, rich history, and hidden gems. It’s no wonder more than a million people visit Hobart each year. If you’re one of them and want to take advantage of the unreal experiences in Tasmania’s south, a day tour from Hobart is hands down the best way to do it. You don’t need a car, and you certainly don’t need to worry about the details—just sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of logistics.

One of the main reasons people opt for these tours is the convenience. Forget about navigating winding roads or parking at busy tourist spots—your guide does all that, giving you more time to enjoy the stunning views, wildlife, history – and lets not forget the food, wine, beer, whiskey and gin – that Tasmania is known for. Plus, with everything organised for you, it’s the perfect way to kick back and experience the best of south Tassie without any stress.

Another big draw is the chance to meet fellow travellers. And tours give you access to local insights that you wouldn’t get by exploring solo. The guides, are locals themselves, and know the area inside and out. They’ll show you secret spots, share stories, and reveal hidden gems that you will have missed otherwise.

The real beauty of researching day tours from Hobart lies in the variety of options available. But it can also induce decision paralysis. So I’m going to cover the best of the best for an authentic Tasmanian experience:

• The ‘Big Two‘ Hobart day tours on every ‘must visit’ list
• Hobart day tours for gourmet Food, Wine and Distilleries (because – Tasmania!)
• Day trips from Hobart packed with animals and adventure (one for the kids!)
• Hobart Day tour Cruises to see the incredible Tasmanian coastline.

You can dive into Tasmania’s diverse landscapes, learn about its fascinating past, and indulge in some of the best food and wine you’ll ever taste—without lifting a finger. That’s why Hobart is the perfect starting point for our hand picked destinations list:

👇🏽 We also suggest some alternatives if these top tours don’t float your boat.

The ‘Big Two’ day tour destinations

Port Arthur and Bruny Island are the first destinations to cross everyone’s lips when planning day tours from Hobart. You won’t find an itinerary to Tasmania’s south without them. Both offer something different yet equally spectacular. Port Arthur is the heart of Tasmania’s convict past, with its hauntingly beautiful ruins and rich history that tell the story of Australia’s convict heritage and more recently, the macabre infamy as the site of Australia’s most notorious massacre. Bruny Island on the other hand is a natural wonderland, known for its rugged beauty, wildlife encounters, and gourmet food experiences.

These two are the top day trip destinations from Hobart, which means there are plenty of tours to choose from. But with so many options, it can be daunting to decide, or know which ones are truly worth it. That’s why I’ve pulled this post together—I’ve walked the ground and handpicked the best tours based on value, popularity, and what’s included. You can trust these picks will give you a memorable day trip experience, without the hassle of sifting through endless choices.

Hobart to Port Arthur day tours

There are three types of Hobart to Port Arthur tours:

1. Guided tours of Port Arthur Historic site from Hobart, with short harbour cruise – for the history buffs.
2. Full bottle tour of Port Arthur Historic Site with Tasman Island cruise (think sea caves, cliffs and sea life) – for the adventurers.
3. Simple shuttle bus from Hobart to Port Arthur with stops en-route and self guided stops – for the budget conscious.

Let’s look at which one is right for you.

1. Hobart to Port Arthur Tour (guided) with Harbour Cruise & Tasman National Park

This is a value-for-money comprehensive Hobart to Port Arthur tour packed with inclusions.

Tour Highlights:

First off, you get a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s the only guided tour option and so much better than the self guided tours for history buffs. It’s a personal and interactive way to learn about Port Arthur. The local guides are excellent and contribute facts and stories you don’t get wandering around with a headset. And after all, if Port Arthur is famous for anything it’s the stories of convicts past.

Oh, and by the way, these days it’s “bring your own headset and download the app” kinda deal. So don’t forget your electric earmuffs or iPods. 🎧

Next is the Isle of the Dead Harbour Cruise. It’s a 30-minute boat ride to the tiny island cemetery resting place of over 1000 Port Arthur inmates and workers. A unique and creepy perspective on Port Arthur that’s definitely worth it.​

You wind up this part of your tour with a trip to the striking Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay Lookout. A great spot to snap some photos and get a feel for of Tasmania’s coastal beauty and the cliffs of the Peninsula. ​

On the way back to Hobart there’s a sneaky stop over in the historic town of Richmond for more photos, including of the iconic convict-built Richmond Bridge. Richmond is a charming village in the Coal River Valley wine region that feels like stepping back in time, with its convict-era architecture and quaint atmosphere. We loved our stay in Richmond and although you won’t have a lot of time to explore, it’s worth the little stopover to see the sites.

Whats included:

• Expert Guide: A local that enriches the experience with historical context and local insights.​
• Comfortable Bus: Who doesn’t love hotel pick-up and drop-off in a heated vehicle.?
• Harbour Cruise: The 30-minute cruise around the Isle of the Dead is included, offering a unique vantage point of the historic site.​
• National Park Visits: Access to Tasman National Park’s natural attractions without the cost of a Parks Pass.​

What’s not included:

• Food and drinks ; but you can always bring your own trail snacks 🤓.​

Why choose this Hobart tour?

• It’s a hassle-free day of fun, allowing you to focus on exploration and enjoyment.
• The Tasman Peninsular is brilliant – and completely underrated.
• You get an in-depth look at Tasmania’s convict history and natural beauty in a single day.​
• Guides tell great local stories, helping you get into the vibe of sites visited.​

If this sounds like your kind of awesome day trip experience, book early to secure your spot 👇🏽.

2. Tasman Island Cruises & Port Arthur Day Tour (self guided)

This is the tour I’d pick because of the cruise around the towering cape at the bottom of the Tasman Peninsular to see Cape Pillar and Tasman Island.

It’s the full bottle, top-tier Port Arthur tour + nature experience. Honestly, the Tasman Island Wilderness Cruise is one of the best experiences I’ve had in Tasmania. And there’s two reasons: the tallest sea cliffs in Australia, and the mind-blowing sea life.

The tour operators – Pennicott – have been doing this for years. They’re experts at seamlessly combining a thrilling wilderness cruise (fingers crossed there’s no swell!) with a self guided visit to Port Arthur, in one action packed day.​

What’s included:

A Day of Adventure – This Hobart tour begins with a bus ride from Franklin Wharf in downtown Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula where you meet the cruise operator.

Cruise is probably too tame for this experience – it’s more nature adventure than cruise.

The highlight of the day is the Tasman National Park’s rugged coastline. You’ll be out in the open seas beneath towering cliffs of Cape Pillar and jetting past dramatic sea caves. Tasman Island from the sea is a spectacle and Cape Pillar is simply jaw-dropping.

And all the sea-life – dolphins, lounging seals, and seabirds – it’s just all incredible to see in one action packed 2 hour cruise.

Immersion in History – After the cruise, you head to Port Arthur Historic Site. With around three hours to explore, you can visit iconic buildings like the penitentiary, guard tower, and the hauntingly beautiful church. The self-guided tour allows you to delve into the complex history of the site at your own pace, although it’s not as good as having a local guide show you around.​

Seamless Logistics – One of the standout features of this tour is its convenience. With transportation, morning tea, lunch, and entry fees included, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about logistics. The knowledgeable driver provides local insights throughout the journey, enriching your understanding of Tasmania’s history and culture.​

What’s not included:

• Hotel pick up and drop off – you have to meet the tour provider at Franklin Wharf.

Why choose this Hobart tour?

This tour is jam packed with value. You experience two of Tasmania’s top attractions (and we mean TOP!) in a single day, all without the stress of navigating or planning. The combination of wild natural beauty and historical significance is just an unmissable day.

The combined cliffs and Port Arthur tour books around 6 weeks in advance so it’s a good idea to book ASAP! 👇🏽

3. Port Arthur Shuttle & Tasman sites tour

​If you like to set your own pace but also want to see the Tasman Peninsula without the hassle of driving, the Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sights Tour is your best option. This is better than taking the direct bus to Port Arthur. Why?

Because the knowledgeable driver shares local insights of the Tasman Peninsula, expanding your understanding of Tassie as you go. And you get to stop along the way. It’s a stress-free trip, allowing you to sit back, relax, and take in the sights.

BUT….There’s also no need to follow a tour guide around the enormous Port Arthur Historic Site – you can rip through if that’s for you, or wander slowly and take it all in.

This is a great budget tour option. Just take your own food and drinks, and add entry tickets to the already affordable shuttle price for an incredible day.

What’s Included:

You get convenient pickup from 8 Hobart locations, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about navigation or parking.​

Scenic Stops along the way:

• Pirates Bay Lookout: you won’t want to miss these breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the impressive sea cliffs.​
• Dog Line at Eaglehawk Neck: a quirky yet significant piece of Tasmania’s colonial history.​
• Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry: satisfy your sweet tooth with yummy handmade chocolates.​
• Port Arthur Lavender Farm: indulge in their signature lavender scones with jam and cream—a personal highlight for me.​
• Port Arthur Historic Site: Immerse yourself in Australia’s convict past at this UNESCO World Heritage site.​
• Remarkable Cave: you’ll see stunning coastal views framed by ancient sandstone cliffs.​

What’s Not Included:

• Entry fees aren’t covered, so be sure to purchase your ticket separately if you plan to explore further.​
• Food isn’t provided, but the tour stops at locations where you can purchase meals or snacks

This tour books out 4 weeks in advance, so be sure to secure your spot now.

The best Bruny Island day tour from Hobart

We’ve done the on the ground research of the best tour experience to Bruny Island from Hobart and there was one clear winner:

Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Tour

Packed with food, stunning views, and a bit of adventure, this is a full 10-hour day, starting and ending in Hobart, and it’s got everything you need for a perfect day out. The tour has a great balance of food, sightseeing, and Bruny Island’s best activities:

• Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour: This is a highlight of the tour—climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for unbeatable views of the coastline and Southern Ocean. Spectacular!
• The Neck and The Isthmus: Capture stunning photos at The Neck, the unique land formation that connects the north and south of Bruny Island
• Bruny Bread Fridge: A quirky stop, it’s where you can pick up fresh sourdough for the day—a little gem on the island.

What’s Included:

The inclusions here are top-notch, and honestly, you won’t go hungry. Here’s what you can expect:

• Pick-up and Transport: You’ll be picked up from Hobart, with transport to and from Bruny Island included.
• Your Guide and Parks Pass: A knowledgeable guide for the day, plus your Parks Pass for South Bruny National Park.
• Food: It’s an all-inclusive food experience. There’s a morning picnic on the beach at Adventure Bay with Bruny Island oysters, fresh bread, and locally made cheeses. You stop at Hotel Bruny for a generous pub lunch with views over Alonnah Beach. The food here is surprisingly good. In the afternoon, you’ll taste local honey (grab a honey ice cream here – thank me later!) and visit the local chocolatetier.
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour: Normally a $25 extra, but it’s included in this tour. Get a chance to climb to the top of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse and soak in panoramic views of the rugged Cape Bruny and the Southern Ocean.

Why choose this Hobart tour

For $260, you’re getting an incredible amount of value and it’s a foodie focussed experience with activities thrown in. Whether it’s hiking up to the lighthouse or strolling the beaches, there’s a lot of active exploration in this tour. For an extra $100 compared to other Bruny Island tours, you’re getting a private lighthouse tour, a big variety of food tastings, and some seriously stunning views. It’s more than just a tour; it’s an experience.

Do yourself a solid and grab your seat on the Bruny tour bus! 👇🏽

Want more information? Read my comprehensive review of 5 Bruny Island tours from Hobart.

Gourmet Food and Wine day tours from Hobart

Full-Day Wine, Cider, Beer, and Whiskey Tour from Hobart

For foodies who love to pair great drinks with even better stories, this tour is a must. It isn’t just about tasting some of Tasmania’s finest beverages—it’s about diving into the local culture, learning the stories behind each wine maker, brewer, or distiller, and soaking in the stunning scenery as you go. Of all the tours to do in Hobart, this is the one to pick if you love a tipple and a good time.

What’s Included:

• This isn’t your average drink-and-go tour. You’ll get to sample a range of exceptional beverages—think local Pinot Noir, crisp ciders, and smooth single malt whiskies—all from some of the best producers in the region. Each stop introduces a new flavour, with your guide walking you through the history and craft behind each one. Trust me, you’ll feel like a connoisseur by the end of the day.
• Sit back and relax as you’re chauffeured around in a comfy van, making your way from one epic tasting to the next. No need to worry about driving—you can focus on what matters: the tastings!
• Picture this: a long table with fresh, local produce, matched perfectly with some of Tasmania’s best ciders. Lunch at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is all about quality, and it’s the perfect way to fuel up between tastings. Don’t leave without a slice of the Apple Pie. Thank me later

What’s Not Included:

• Other meals aren’t part of the package. But trust me, you won’t go hungry. Just have breakfast before.
• The tour departs from Brooke Street Pier, right on Hobart’s waterfront, so you’ll need to make your way there. It’s easy to find – right in the heart of the city.

Why choose this Hobart tour:

• An Epic Day for Foodies: If you’re a foodie who loves trying new things, this is the experience for you. You’ll explore a mix of wineries, cider houses, and distilleries, each offering their own unique tastes and techniques. It’s a full day of indulgence—and not just in the food and drink, but in the stories you’ll take away too.
• Beautiful Scenery: The landscape alone is worth the trip. From the stunning Huon Valley to the lush surroundings of the apple orchards, there’s no shortage of gorgeous spots to take in while you sip and snack.
• Expert Guidance: You’ll be in good hands with a guide who’s passionate about Tasmanian craft drinks and sharing their stories. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the local craft scene.

This tour isn’t just about getting a buzz—it’s about tasting Tasmania in a whole new way. You’ll discover new flavours, make memories, and probably find your new favourite drink along the way.

Grab your spot 👇🏽

Animal and Adventure day tours from Hobart

Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond

This thoughtfully curated tour combines lush rainforests, native wildlife encounters, and a step back into Tasmania’s prehistoric times. And we had to have a day tour from Hobart that’s perfect for the kids. THere’s animals and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Just bring snacks!

What’s Included:

• Mt. Field National Park: One of Tasmania’s oldest national parks is one of it’s best. We couldn’t stop raving about our day at Mount Field. Expect towering fern forests, the iconic multi-tiered Russell Fall (mesmerising) and plenty of wildlife.
• Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Next, you’ll get up close with Tasmania’s unique wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You can hand-feed kangaroos, observe Tasmanian Devils in their naturalistic enclosures, and meet wombats, koalas, and a variety of native birds. The sanctuary’s commitment to conservation and rehabilitation makes it a meaningful experience and the kids will love it.
• Historic Richmond: After connecting with nature, it’s a drive across the south to Richmond. Wander through its charming streets, visit the oldest bridge in Australia, and leave your kids in the well-preserved Richmond Gaol if they’re misbehaving. Just kidding!
• Mt. Wellington Summit: Finish up with a drive up Mt. Wellington (kunanyi). The panoramic views of Hobart are at its best here. It’s a definite stop not to miss on this well-designed tour.

What’s Not Included:

• No food is included on the tour, so take snacks. There are opportunities to purchase food at stops, in Richmond and at the cafe in Mount Field.
• There’s no hotel Pickup. Instead, the tour departs from 7 central Hobart locations. All you have to do it select one when booking then make your way there for pick up.

Why choose this Hobart tour:

This tour is a great combination fun experiences, from the prehistoric rainforests and wildlife encounters to the allure of heritage sites and breathtaking mountain views. With all major entry fees included, it’s a hassle-free experience that the kids will engage with too. So you can just enjoy the sights without the stress. It’s an ideal choice for a jam packed but diverse tour itinerary that lets you see more of beautiful southern Tasmania.

For a hassle free family day you can book your seats right now 👇🏽

Best Hobart Cruise Tours

Seeing Hobart from a different angle is what Hobart Cruise Tours are all about. They’re less rushed, less tourist and more fun for that reason. The stunning, dramatic coastal outcrops and bays around Hobart don’t disappoint either.

Iron Pot Cruises

This 2.5-hour cruise takes you on a scenic boat trip from Hobart, around the coast and up the Derwent River to Iron Pot Lighthouse. There’s even some sea caves to check out along the way. You’ll soak in some of the best views of Hobart’s waterfront, Mount Wellington, and coastline – what a great way to see how beautiful Hobart really is!

What’s Included

• The Cruise: You’ll be cruising the Derwent River, heading out towards the iconic Iron Pot Lighthouse, which is Australia’s oldest lighthouse. Along the way, expect lounging seals, intriguing sea caves, orange lichen covered rocks, coastal cliffs and a picturesque lighthouse.
• Comfortable Boat: You’re on a modern boat with leather seats and panoramic windows, so you won’t miss a thing.
• Local Expertise: The guide is a local and knows the area inside out, which means you’re in for some great stories and insights as you make your way along the river’s twists and turns.

What’s Not Included:

• There’s no food included on the cruise, so bring your own snacks or drinks because it’s a 2.5 hour affair.
• The cruise departs from Franklin Wharf in Hobart, so you’ll need to make your own way to the wharf to hop on board.

Why choose this Hobart tour?

This cruise is perfect if you want to explore Hobart from afar, but get some really unique views. Photographers and snap happy travellers are in for a treat. You get to see the city and its surroundings from the water – a rare perspective. The highlight, of course, is getting up close to Iron Pot Lighthouse, a piece of Hobart’s history that’s only accessible by boat.

What is best about this tour is how relaxed it is — you’ll see the beauty and history of Hobart, without the crowds, traffic or rushed schedules. It’s a small-group experience (maximum 12 people), which means more personal attention from the guide and plenty of space to enjoy the ride. If you’re after a peaceful way to enjoy Hobart’s stunning scenery while learning about the city’s maritime past, this cruise is a no-brainer.

Jump the queue and secure your spot to cruise the stunning bays of Hobart 👇🏽

What’s next

If you’re planning on hanging about Hobart for a bit, try these:

• Hire a rental car and hit the roads for one of these 8 unique day trips from Hobart instead.
• Looking for more things to do in Hobart? Read our Hobart Guide For Holiday Headonists.
• See where we stay in Hobart (Spoiler: the heritage hotels here are swoon-worthy.

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