Planning a Tassie getaway? Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wildlife, or dramatic coastlines, there’s no shortage of incredible day trips from Hobart. We’ve road-tested the best ones—going beyond the usual—and handpicked 8 unforgettable escapes to help you get off the tourist trail and into the heart of wild Tasmania.
Forget the usual day trips out of Hobart that big travel blogs write about it. 🥱 After hundreds of clicks on the speedometer, we’ve discovered something much better. Unique day trips with a twist. Lesser known, more immersive experiences with fewer people, straying ‘off the beaten path’. We’ve got day trips from Hobart for whisky & history lovers. Day trips into the vines. And if you’re bursting to get out of the city and into wild Tasmania… well, my bright-eyed adventurers, we’ve got day trips from Hobart for you too. We’ve even got the maps! So grab the sunnies & buckle up. We’re about the hit the open road…
Day trips out of Hobart compared
Short on time? Here’s a quick comparison of our favourite day trips out of Hobart with a car – including drive times, key highlights, and trip vibe to help you pick the perfect Hobart escape.
| Destination | Drive Time (Return) | Distance from Hobart (One Way) | Trip Highlights | Vibe / What It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake St Clair | ~5 hrs | 2 hr 23 min / 179 km | Tasmania’s deepest lake, alpine wilderness, wildlife, platypus, rainforest walks | Big wilderness day, solitude, long scenic drive |
| Mount Field National Park | ~2 hr 20 min | 1 hr 10 min / 95 km | Russell Falls, alpine trails, snow gums, tall trees, rainforest | Accessible nature, waterfalls, snow in winter |
| Tasman Peninsula | ~3 hrs | 1 hr 25 min / 115 km | Cape Raoul hike, dramatic coastline, towering sea cliffs, sea stacks, seals, whales | Rugged hiking, big scenery, coastal drama |
| Kempton | ~1 hr 50 min | 50 min / 51 km | Whisky tasting, sandstone heritage buildings, sleepy colonial streets | Quick countryside escape, whisky lovers |
| Oatlands | ~3 hrs | 1 hr 20 min / 84 km | Georgian architecture, flour mill, Distillery, charming town atmosphere | Heritage day out, easy-paced exploring |
| Coal River Valley | ~1 hr 20 min | 30–35 min / ~30 km | Cool-climate wineries, cheese, chocolate, Richmond village, scenic drive | Foodies, wine & produce, short half-day trip |
| Derwent Valley | ~2 hrs | 1 hr or less / ~60 km | Farmgate produce, antique shops, river views, hop fields | Slow country touring, food and gardens |
| Maria Island | ~3 hr 30 min | 1 hr 15 min to Triabunna + ferry | Wombats, Painted Cliffs, historic ruins, wildlife, car-free island walks | Nature + history, full-day ferry adventure |
Day trips from Hobart to wander the wilds
1. Lake St Clair
Route: Hobart -> Lake St Clair Visitor Centre – > Hobart
Drive time: 4h47m | Distance: 359km
Unique for: the untamed rugged wilds
Unforgettable for: misty tarns and crystal clear waters
Lake St Clair is no ordinary destination. As the deepest freshwater lake in Australia, it’s a breathtaking natural retreat for day trippers. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed wilderness, it feels a world away from the daily hustle, despite being just a day trip from Hobart.
And it’s a boon for walkers and nature lovers.
Lake St Clair has trails galore, that cater to all levels. The Watersmeet Trail is perfect for those seeking an easy, scenic stroll through forested terrain, alongside peaceful merging streams and even across a torrential river. There’s a spot to stop and watch for platypus too, if you’re there at the right time of day.
For something a bit wilder, the Shadow Lake Circuit is a 4-hour return hike that gives you a closer look at the varied vegetation and incredible wildlife. Along the way, you might spot native pademelons, echidnas, and even platypuses in the lakeside streams.
In this place, it’s hard not to feel a deep connection to Tasmania’s wild beauty. The trails here are beautiful. Remote. There’s a stillness in the air, a spooky beauty when the mist rolls over the lake. If you want to get away, it’s an almost meditative experience.
| 👀 Important: The weather at Lake St Clair can be severe. Take all weather gear, and particularly rain proof jacket and water proof boots if you’re going on the trails. |
2. Mount Field National Park
Route: Hobart -> Derwent Valley -> Mount Field National Park -> Hobart
Drive time: 2h20m | Distance: 147km
Unique for: the diversity of nature – waterfalls are just the start!
Unforgettable for: the giant trees. Just like The Ents from Lord of the Rings. It felt like being xxx prehistoric.
Mount Field is often overshadowed by Cradle Mountain, but it offers its own stunning landscapes. And if you get off the usual tracks, you can do it without the crowds.
And at the right time of year, it’s also the best Hobart day trip to see snow.
Home to the famous Russell Falls, Mount Field is a cascade of majest from start to finish. Whether it’s the towering swamp gums (the tallest flowering plants in the world) or the dense, fern-lined trails, everything here feels ancient, untouched.
Like what you imagine Jurassic park would feel like.
Russell Falls is where all of the tourists go, but it’s easy enough to escape the crowds. That’s why we recommend you walk the Three Falls Circuit.
The Three Falls Circuit took us 1h52m, but it’s about 1h30m walking. There’s a tonne to see and do along the way – tall trees, fungi, waterfalls, forests. It’s enchanting. And not difficult to conquer at all.
But Mount Field has a secret.
The higher you climb, the more the landscape transforms.
And you can go all the way up to an alpine plateau, and snow.
Lake Dobson is the most popular stop, higher up. It is an icy wonderland in winter, often dusted with snow even in spring. It’s this diversity—from temperate rainforest to alpine vistas—that makes Mount Field an unforgettable escape into nature.
3. Tasman Peninsula
Route: Hobart -> Cape Raoul -> Waterfall Bay Lookout -> Devils Kitchen -> Tasman Arch -> Tessellated Pavement -> Hobart
Drive time: 2h50m | Distance: 169km
Unique for: Tallest cliffs in the southern hemisphere, crashing waves and cool geographic rock formations, beautiful beaches
Unforgettable for: The stunning scenic trail that hugs the cliff top to Cape Raoul and the boats-eye-view of Cape Pillar
Most visitors head to the Tasman Peninsula for the colonial history. And yes, Port Arthur is among the most popular Hobart day trips on many lists. But what goes unnoticed is the rugged beauty and sheer drama of the Tasman peninsula’s landscape.
And that’s because day trippers are rushing to Port Arthur.
But there’s way more to see on the Tasman Peninsular. Much of it epic nature. The best, you’ll see on this day trip 👇🏽.
Tessellated Pavement, Devils Kitchen and the Blowhole
You’ll find towering sea cliffs—the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere—rising out of wild, crashing waters, their jagged faces carved by millennia of ocean waves. The natural rock formations like the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, and Devil’s Kitchen feel like something from another world.
Cape Raoul
Then there’s Cape Raoul, a hike with views so dramatic, they’re hard to believe. It’s not just the vistas but the feeling of standing on the edge of the earth. On a quiet day, you’re supposed to be able to hear the waves pounding relentlessly against the bottom of the cliff face.
We highly recommend the trip past Port Arthur and down Stormlea Road, to get to the Cape Raoul Track trail head. Adding this to your day trip will make for a long day, because the walk out to Cape Raoul Lookout is 3 hours return. Not a difficult walk at all, but it’s completely worth it. You are rewarded with views from the top of Tasmania’s most dramatic clifftops and the crashing Southern Ocean.
This is Tasmania at its wildest and most untamed.
Getting in there is a part sealed part gravel road, there’s a drop toilet at the trailhead and plenty of parking. Take your own water and of course, trail snacks.
You thought that was it, right? It’s not.
You see, Australia’s tallest sea cliffs are right around the corner and the only way to get there is by boat.
Cape Pillar
The best view of the cliffs around the Tasman Peninsula are definitely by boat. The way to see them is to take the 3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur out around Cape Pillar, and Tasman Island. 👇🏽
This tour is one of our favourites.
It’s unbeatable for spectacular views and sea life. The boat Captain Lilly was unbelievably knowledgable about the wild life that lives out in the crashing Southern Ocean. But if there is one reason to book this tour, it’s for the unparalleled views of towering cliffs and pounding waves creating a stunning scene you simply don’t get anywhere else in Australia.
The scenery from this tour is so good, the photos look fake! So I’ve posted one of Zoe and I on the boat to prove authenticity 😁. Honest opinion? It’s worth the tour price it to gape up at Australia’s tallest sea cliffs in awe like you’re about to disembark into Jurassic Park. Just do it!
The tour leaves from just near Port Arthur – perfect for fitting into your day trip itinerary. The boat was full the day we went, so book early to avoid missing out on this once in a lifetime nature experience.
Hobart day trips for whisky & history lovers
In Tasmania, whisky and history go together like fritz and sauce, hear me out.
Tasmania’s world class whiskey distilling traditions date all the way back to the 1800s. When Irish and Scottish settlers bought their boozy know-how to these fair shores. That is, until 150 years of whisky prohibition kicked in… Yes, you read that right!
Today, after 3 decades of a Lark-led whisky revival, Tasmania’s best distilleries inhabit some of it’s most characterful heritage buildings, as if to reacquaint the two. Whisky and history. And not only is that appropriate. It’s how we end up with our whisky & history lovers day trip from Hobart, to the historic villages of Kempton and Oatlands…
Route: Hobart -> Kempton -> Oatlands -> Hobart
Drive time: 2h14m | Distance: 171km
4. Kempton
Unique for: The old Colonial Inn setting just fits the rich history of Tasmania’s whisky scene. And amps up the enjoyment of the whole experience.
Unforgettable for: Ice whisky (or whatever your tipple) in the courtyard under blazing blue skies. And of course, the award winning drams.
Kempton is not a day trip from Hobart on it’s own. But you could spend a few glorious hours at it’s main attraction – Old Kempton Distillery.
We certainly did.
And if you combine it with Oatlands, well… you’ve got the makings of a magical whisky and history big day out.
Blink and you’ll miss Kempton. It’s 50km or a 45 minute drive from Hobart, north on National Highway 1.
Old Kempton Distillery, on the other hand, is the centrepiece of town.
The distillery tasting room and cafe occupies Dysart House, a rustic 1840s’ colonial inn. And it’s here you can sample handcrafted whiskey in an authentic heritage setting. There’s a cafe onsite and you can enjoy your meal and whisky in a gorgeous stone cobbled outdoor courtyard.
They’re masters of the a small batch distilling craft and you can literally drink their art – Old Kempton does tastings and daily tours. Book ahead!
The town also holds surprises for history buffs, like St Mary’s Church, built in 1839, and a collection of well-preserved stone buildings accessible along Kempton’s main street.
5. Oatlands
Unique for: More original sandstone buildings than any other town in Australia
Unforgettable for: Lunch and a whisky tour & tasting at Callington Mill Distillery
Oatlands is one of our hottest day trips from Hobart for 2024, for good reason. Stepping into Oatlands is like wandering into Narnia as a Georgian-era time capsule. And here’s the surprising thing. Oatlands is home to the largest number of buildings that pre-date 1837 of any town in Australia.
And I bet you’ve never even heard of the place.
Central among its history is Callington Mill, Australia’s oldest working windmill, which stands tall against the Oatlands skyline. Its blades have been catching the wind here for nearly 200 years. The mill is a highlight, where you can watch flour being ground the old-fashioned way or explore the gardens. It’s like wandering through a real life 19th-century storybook.
But it’s not just about history here.
Oatlands has a gentrifying undercurrent—art galleries, antiques, craft shops here and there, adding a dash of contemporary to the heritage atmosphere. It’s an unexpected mix that makes Oatlands more than just an historic stopover.
And then, there’s the Callington Mill Distillery.
Like a cherry on the top of Oatlands’ boozy revival. The new austere distillery contrasts starkly with its neighbouring stone mill. And yet, the mill’s dark history as a secret, illegal still makes it the perfect spot for a new whisky distiller to turn sod.
And that juxtaposition, is why whisky and history just goes together down here.
Tours and tastings are available in the distillery, just make sure you book them first.
A day trip to the vines
Hobart is blessed with a couple of Tasmania’s important wine regions within a day trip’s distance – the Coal River Valley and the Derwent Valley. Both are different directions from Hobart, so each warrants it’s own day trip.
If you’re keen on a winery day out, you’ll need to prepare in advance. Restaurants should be booked ahead. Some wineries even require bookings for tastings at their cellar. Others you can just wander in to. We’ve added links, to make it easy.
6. Coal River Valley
Route: Hobart -> Frogmore Creek -> Coal River Farm -> Puddleduck Vineyard -> Pooley Wines -> Nocton Vineyard -> Hobart
Driving time: 1h8m | Distance: 70km
Unique for: heritage plus wineries gives this day trip a real Tasmanian feel.
Unforgettable for: the quality of food from artisan producers that dot this region.
Wine lovers, rejoice. The Coal River Valley is Tasmania’s quiet superstar for cool-climate wines, and its boutique vineyards offer something special: a more personal, intimate wine-tasting experience than you’ll find in bigger regions.
Huzzah. And why it’s THE Hobart day trip destination for wine lovers
Whether you’re tasting silky Pinot Noirs or crisp, refreshing Rieslings, you’ll do it in cellar doors where the winemakers themselves pour your glass. The views across the rolling vineyards aren’t half bad either.
Here’s our cellar door crawl:
Make sure you stop in a Coal River Farm or drop in to the Wicked Cheese Company on the way to taste some of their fantastic soft cheeses and chocolates.
For lunch, we recommend Coal River Farm or Every Man and His Dog Vineyard.
A visit to Richmond—the valley’s historic heart—adds another layer of charm in the middle of your trip. The Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge, feels like a portal to another time. It’s a perfect mix of indulgence and history, with a side of peaceful, scenic countryside.
7. Derwent Valley
Route: Hobart -> Moorilla Winery (MONA) -> Stefano Lubiana -> Derwent Estate -> Agrarian Kitchen -> Hobart
Driving time: 1h20m | Distance: 74km
Unique for: Artisan producers plying their wares
Unforgettable for: A meal at the Gourmet Travellers Best Restaurant 2024 – The Agrarian Kitchen
The Derwent Valley isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s a region that wine lovers and food enthusiasts can savour. The valley is home to some of Tasmania’s most acclaimed wineries, and biodynamic practices produce wines that showcase the unique terroir of the region.
Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are standouts here. But don’t trust me, book some tours and tastings for our recommended cellar door crawl:
But it’s not just about the wine here. The Derwent Valley is brimming with artisan producers who highlight the area’s rich, fertile soil. If you’re there on a Saturday, call in to New Norfolk and the markets to meet some of them and sample their wares.
If you’re looking for lunch ideas, Derwent Estate’s ‘The Shed’ restaurant has stunning river views. You can’t go past a meal here paired with their award-winning cool-climate wines.
If you plan well ahead you could even book lunch at the Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant of the Year, The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery. These guys have perfected paddock-to-plate, with seasonal, locally sourced produce, from fresh veggies to hand-made cheeses. The food and experience is world class, so you’ll pay world class prices.
A wildlife lover’s day trip from Hobart
8. Maria Island
Route: Hobart -> Triabunna -> Maria Island Ferry -> Maria Island -> Ferry -> Triabunna -> Hobart
Drive time: 2h19m | Distance: 170km
Unique for: A wildlife experience like no other in Tasmania
Unforgettable for: everything! – landscapes, beaches, sea views, wombats…
Often called Tasmania’s answer to the Galápagos, Maria Island is where the wombats outnumber the people.
And it’s delightful to see!
Maria Island is a breathtaking landscape. From the Painted Cliffs to the Fossil Cliffs, the island’s dramatic geology is matched only by its sense of untouched wilderness.
Once you hit the island, you can’t help but feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret—especially when you’re walking alongside wombats, wallabies, bandicoots and kangaroos roaming free.
What’s there to do? Gape at the wildlife firstly. Then hit the trails for the scenic island views. You can walk, or hire a bike over there. If it’s warm enough, go for a swim on Rutherford beach. Apparently it’s great for snorkelling too.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Darlington either. The former convict settlement adds a historical depth to the island’s natural beauty.
The mix of wildlife, history, and jaw-dropping scenery make Maria Island more than just your typical day trip—it’s an immersive day with experiences that will blow you away.
What’s next?
- Want more info about one of our fave Hobart day trip destinations – Tasman Peninsular? Check out this Hobart to Port Arthur day trip plan. It’s a bloody epic!
- Hiring a car for your Hobart day trip? Read this first 👉🏽 The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Tasmanian Car Rental.
- Driving Tasmania’s narrow and winding roads not for you? You can still get out an about on one of these 10 Terrific Day Tours from Hobart.
- Still trying to work out what to do in Hobart? Read our Hobart Guide for Holiday Hedonists.
FAQs
What’s the best half day trip from Hobart by car?
For half day trips from Hobart, we recommend no more than 1.5 hours of driving, round trip. So what cool destinations can you get to, in 1.5 hours return from Hobart, to make a fun day trip?
Our top list of destinations for half day trips are:
– Richmond – do a morning tour of the gaol, feed the ducks at the famous Richmond Bridge and grab lunch at Ashmore Cafe.
– Derwent Valley – particularly the wineries along the way to New Norfolk. You could take a morning driving, have lunch at Derwent Estate Vineyard
– Huon Valley – head down for lunch at Huoville, take a Jet Boat Ride on the Huon River and stop off at Willie Smith’s Cider for lunch and quenching cider on the way back to Hobart.
– A roadtrip along ‘The Channel’ – from Kingston Beach through Margate, Oyster Bay and even down to Flowerpot depending on your time constraints
What are the best unique day trips from Hobart?
For unique day trips, you have to get off the beaten track. We recommend some lesser known destinations in this article 👆🏼 – places like Lake St Clair, the Derwent Valley, Maria Island and Oatlands have fewer day trippers, offering more immersive and unique experiences.
