⏰Short on time to read but want to see Tasmania properly? Here’s the highlights:
These day tours from Hobart take you straight to the island’s best bits — Port Arthur’s convict ruins, Bruny Island’s gourmet food trail, Mount Field’s waterfalls, and more. Each tour is run by locals, includes all transport, and packs a full Tasmanian experience into a single unforgettable day. That’s why they made the list! 😉
Tasmania may look small on the map, but don’t let that fool you — it’s a place where every curve of road hides something worth stopping for. If you’ve only got a few days in Hobart and want to see Tasmania at its best, the easiest way is to let someone else do the driving. These day tours from Hobart take you to the island’s most iconic spots — the cliffs of Port Arthur, the gourmet trails of Bruny Island, the peaks of kunanyi, and the vineyards that make Tasmanian wine world-class.
Each one is handpicked for travellers who want to see more and stress less. Think local guides, small groups, and a day packed with the kind of experiences that make you wish you’d booked a few more nights.
Why book a day tour from Hobart
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 it’s likely a day tour from Hobart is high on your list of things to do.
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.
That’s why Hobart is the perfect starting point for our hand picked top tours:
| De | Duration | Highlights | Inclusions | Exclusions | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur Day Tour (Guided with Harbour Cruise) | Full day | Guided tour of Port Arthur, Isle of the Dead Harbour Cruise, Remarkable Cave | Guided Port Arthur tour, harbour cruise, park visits, transport | Meals, hotel pick-up | History lovers, guided tours, cultural exploration |
| Tasman Island & Port Arthur Day Tour (Self Guided) | Full day | Wilderness cruise, self-guided Port Arthur, Tasman National Park | Wilderness cruise, self-guided Port Arthur experience with entry, transport | Meals, hotel pick-up | Adventure seekers, nature lovers, flexible touring |
| Port Arthur Shuttle & Tasman Sights Tour | Full day | Scenic shuttle stopping at Port Arthur. | Bus trip, stops at sites along the way. | Meals, Port Arthur entry fees | Budget-conscious travellers, flexible tour experience |
| Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing & Lighthouse Tour | 10 hours | Picnic at Adventure Bay, Hotel Bruny lunch, lighthouse tour, tastings | All food, transport, guide, parks pass, lighthouse tour | Meals, hotel pick-up | Foodies, wine lovers, adventure enthusiasts |
| Full-Day Wine, Cider, Beer & Whiskey Tour | Full day | Wine, cider, beer, whiskey tastings, lunch at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed | Tastings, lunch, transport, guide | Meals, hotel pick-up | Foodies and drink lovers, full tasting experience |
| Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong & Richmond | Full day | Mt. Field rainforest, Bonorong wildlife, Richmond, Mt. Wellington views | National park, wildlife sanctuary, Richmond, transport | Meals, hotel pick-up | Families, nature lovers, wildlife-focused tours |
| Iron Pot Cruises | 2.5 hours | Iron Pot Lighthouse cruise, sea caves, panoramic views | Cruise, local guide, comfortable boat | Food, hotel pick-up | Scenic lovers, photographers, relaxed exploration |
Historic and cultural icons
Port Arthur Historic Guided Site Tour from Hobart
Port Arthur is Tasmania’s most famous historic site, and for good reason. The old convict settlement sits on a peninsula of rugged beauty — all cliffs, bays, and bushland.
On this Port Arthur day tour from Hobart, you’ll skip the winding drive and go straight to the stories. Entry is included, and your guide brings the past alive as you walk the same paths once trodden by convicts and guards. There’s time to explore at your own pace and take a short harbour cruise to the Isle of the Dead. It’s a day that balances history and scenery perfectly.
You can book this Port Arthur Historic Site Tour 👇🏽 for an easy, all-in-one experience that includes transport, entry, and the cruise.
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.
Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Trip
If you’d like a little more coastline with your history, this Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur day tour from Hobart adds jaw-dropping scenery to the mix. Before stepping through the gates of Port Arthur, you’ll see the sea cliffs, caves, and arches of Tasman National Park — the kind of wild, wind-sculpted landscape that defines Tasmania’s east coast. The day finishes with free time to wander the Port Arthur Historic Site at your own pace.
There’s no guided tour inside Port Arthur but “bring your own headset and download the app” to get a self guided tour in the entry price. So don’t forget your electric earmuffs or iPods. 🎧
‘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.
The combined cliffs and Port Arthur tour books around 6 weeks in advance so it’s a good idea to book ASAP! 👇🏽
| 🔐 Expert tip: This Wilderness Cruise is so good that you can just do it on it’s own. If a day of wildlife, big nature and adventure sounds more like you, hit Cape Raoul for a hike and book the 3 Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise. You just have to make your way down to their meeting point which is just near Port Arthur Historic Site. |
Port Arthur Express Shuttle from Hobart
Prefer to explore solo but don’t want to drive? The Port Arthur Express Shuttle offers return transport from Hobart and flexible entry options so you can plan your own day at the site. It’s the no-fuss option — just sit back, enjoy the scenery, and arrive ready to walk straight in. Perfect if you like freedom but not logistics.
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.
This tour books out 4 weeks in advance, so be sure to secure your spot now.
| ⭐️ Still wondering if you should include Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula in your Tasmania itinerary? Here’s all of the incredible things to see and do on a Port Arthur day trip. |
Wild Coast & Island Escapes
Bruny Island Sightseeing and Gourmet Tour
A day on Bruny Island is a day of pure contrast — rugged cliffs, white beaches, forest trails, and food worth travelling for. This Bruny Island day tour from Hobart combines the island’s wild scenery with its best producers: fresh oysters, artisan cheese, local honey, and even handmade chocolate. Between tastings, you’ll climb The Neck lookout, visit Australia’s southern most lighthouse, stroll the beaches of Adventure Bay, and keep an eye out for penguins and white wallabies.
There’s even a stop at the Bruny Bread Fridge: A quirky but iconic stop, it’s where you can pick up fresh sourdough for the day—a little gem on the island.
For a true taste of Tasmania, this Bruny Island Tour from Hobart is hard to beat. Do yourself a solid and grab your seat! 👇🏽
Want more information? Read my comprehensive review of 5 Bruny Island tours from Hobart.
Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise
If you’d rather swap the bus for a boat, the Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise offers a different kind of day out. You’ll cruise along the Derwent River past Battery Point and the sandstone cliffs of South Arm to Australia’s oldest lighthouse. Along the way, spot seabirds and seals, hear stories of shipwrecks, and see Hobart from the water — it’s familiar and surprising all at once.
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.
You can book your Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise 👇🏽 as a half-day experience that pairs perfectly with a relaxed afternoon back in Hobart.
Wildlife & Wilderness
Mt Field, Mt Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond Day Tour
If you only have one day to see Tasmania’s wild side, this is the tour that shows you everything — mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, and one of the prettiest little towns in the state. The morning begins with a drive up kunanyi / Mt Wellington, where the views stretch from Hobart to Bruny Island. On a clear day, you can see forever; on a misty one, the clouds sweep across the summit like something alive.
From there, it’s into Mount Field National Park, Tasmania’s first national park and home to Russell Falls. The short forest walk is pure magic — towering tree ferns, myrtle beech, and the sound of water thundering through ancient rainforest. Then the day shifts from wilderness to wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll hand-feed kangaroos, meet rescued wombats, and see Tasmanian devils up close. It’s the perfect mix of wild and gentle, and every visit helps fund Bonorong’s conservation work.
The day ends in Richmond, a Georgian-era village where the sandstone bridge and old gaol look like movie sets. Grab a coffee, browse the little shops, and take in the slower rhythm of country Tasmania before heading back to Hobart.
It’s a full day, but it never feels rushed — just a series of perfectly timed moments that capture Tasmania’s heart in one easy loop. You can book the Mt Field, Bonorong and Richmond day tour 👇🏽 and let someone else handle the winding roads while you just take it all in.
Food, Wine & Distilleries
Gin, Whisky & Wine Tour – Hobart and Southern Tasmania
Tasmania’s food and drink scene isn’t about glitz — it’s about craft. And this small-group Gin, Whisky and Wine Tour is the perfect way to taste what the island does best. The day begins at a boutique distillery tucked away just outside Hobart, where you’ll sample locally made gin and whisky that’s winning awards around the world. Your guide isn’t just along for the ride — they’re locals who know the people behind every bottle, the quirks of every still, and which cellar door has the best view for lunch.
From there, you’ll wind through southern Tasmania’s countryside, stopping at a few of the region’s most distinctive cellar doors. Expect small batches, cool-climate varietals, and relaxed tastings with the people who actually grow the grapes. Lunch is simple but spot-on — local cheese, charcuterie, or something from a vineyard kitchen that doesn’t need to try too hard.
By the end of the day, you’ll understand why Tasmanian spirits and wine have become so sought after — and why this small group format is the way to do it. The group stays small, the conversation flows, and there’s no sense of being herded.
Book the Gin, Whisky and Wine Tour for a day that’s as refined as it is relaxed.
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.
- Check out our full guide on the top tours from Hobart in one spot.
FAQs
Is there a shuttle from Hobart to Port Arthur?
Yes there’s a shuttle from Hobart to Port Arthur. You can book the Port Arthur shuttle here.
How do I get from Hobart to Port Arthur without a car?
You can take the Port Arthur Shuttle and Tasman Sites Tour.
Is it worth it to go to Port Arthur?
Yes, Port Arthur is on the must do list if you’re visiting Hobart and surrounds. Port Arthur is a world class UNESCO world heritage site, surrounded by incredibly beautiful Tasmanian countryside and bush. It’s also the infamous site of Australia’s largest mass shooting – the Port Arthur Massacre, in the 1990s. These two significant times at the site give Port Arthur an important place in Australia’s colonial and modern history. It’s insta-worthy, spooky, surrounded by natural beauty, full of macarbre intrigue and a Tasmanian rite of passage for the history buffs.
Can you do Bruny Island without a tour?
Yes you can do Bruny Island without a tour. Just hire a car in Hobart and follow this great Bruny Island day trip itinerary I put together after our recent holiday there. You can drive the hire car onto the Bruny Island Ferry, which leaves for Bruny Island from Kettering multiple times a day.
How many days in Hobart do I need?
How long is a piece of string! Just kidding! To see the main sites of Hobart city I recommend at least 3 days. Make one of the them a Saturday so you can experience Salamanca market. If you have longer, take any one of these amazing day tours from Hobart (above) or hire a car and take an ex Hobart day trips to one of these 8 unique destinations.
