5 Days  •  4 Nights

Tasmania Short Escape: Hobart & the South

Hobart (4N)

Tour Includes

Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Local Guide
Activities
Overview

About the Trip

Short on time but not on wonder, this five-day escape makes a base of Hobart and reaches out to the very best of southern Tasmania. You will spend an afternoon inside MONA, arguably the most talked-about museum in the southern hemisphere, walk the convict ruins of Port Arthur on its wild peninsula, cross to Bruny Island for oysters, cheese and dramatic coastal cliffs, and lose yourself among the towering swamp gums and mossy waterfalls of Mount Field. It is an easy, richly varied introduction to the island, perfect as a standalone break or as an add-on to a wider Australia holiday, and it leaves you understanding exactly why Tasmania has become one of the world's most coveted destinations.
Highlights

Trip Highlights

  • MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art
  • Port Arthur historic convict site
  • Bruny Island food, wildlife and lighthouse
  • Mount Field's waterfalls and giant swamp gums
  • Salamanca Market and Hobart's waterfront
  • Fresh oysters, cheese and cool-climate wine
Itinerary

Day by Day

A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.

Day 1

You are met at Hobart Airport and settled into your waterfront hotel. Spend the afternoon strolling Salamanca Place and the docks, then meet for a welcome dinner showcasing Tasmania's superb seafood and wine.

Your Journey This Day
Hobart Airport
Arrival · Private
Hobart hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast|Dinner
Day 2

A morning ferry takes you up the Derwent to MONA, where you can lose hours in its provocative, subterranean galleries. The afternoon is free for kunanyi's summit view, Battery Point's colonial cottages, or simply a long lunch by the water.

Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3

You drive out along the spectacular Tasman Peninsula, pausing at the Tessellated Pavement and the towering sea cliffs, to reach Port Arthur. The former penal settlement, with its ruined penitentiary and peaceful gardens, is deeply moving, and a short cruise passes the Isle of the Dead.

Your Journey This Day
Hobart
Road · Scenic drive
Port Arthur
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4

A short ferry crossing brings you to Bruny Island, a slender ribbon of land famous for its food and its scenery. You taste oysters, cheese and whisky, climb the steps at The Neck for a jaw-dropping isthmus view, and watch for white wallabies and sea birds along the coast.

Your Journey This Day
Kettering
Ferry · Vehicle ferry
Bruny Island
Meals Included
Breakfast|Lunch
Day 5

On your final morning you head into the forest at Mount Field, where a gentle walk leads to the tiered cascade of Russell Falls beneath some of the tallest flowering trees on earth. You are then transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight.

Your Journey This Day
Hobart
Departure · Private
Hobart Airport
Meals Included
Breakfast
Route Map

Where You Will Travel

Package

What's inside the package?

Inclusions

  • 4 nights Hobart accommodation
  • Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Bruny Island produce lunch
  • Private airport transfers
  • Day touring by air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
  • MONA entry
  • Port Arthur entry and harbour cruise
  • Bruny Island tour with ferry
  • Mount Field national park entry
  • Tasmania Parks Pass and all entry fees

Exclusions

  • International airfare to and from Australia
  • Australian ETA or visa fees
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
  • Drinks unless specifically stated
  • Optional excursions and experiences
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Best Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Place
Tasmania
Conditions
Mild summer
Daily max temperature
22°C
Monthly rainfall
48mm
Weather data is based on monthly averages. Popularity rating
Good to Know
  • Visa: Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa arranged online before travelling, with a passport valid for the duration of your stay. We can point you to the right one for your nationality
  • Currency: The currency is the Australian Dollar. Tasmania is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for small stalls and markets
  • Cooler climate: Tasmania is Australia's coolest state, noticeably cooler than the mainland, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, especially for Cradle Mountain and the highlands
  • Seasons reversed: Tasmania is in the southern hemisphere, so summer (December to February) is the warmest and busiest season, autumn is golden, and winter is cold, crisp and atmospheric
  • Driving: Tasmanians drive on the left, and the roads are scenic but winding, so a self-drive is popular and easy but allow plenty of time. Drive carefully at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is active near roads
  • Wildlife: Tasmania is famous for wombats, pademelons, echidnas, little penguins and the endangered Tasmanian devil; respect wildlife, never feed animals, and enjoy sightings at sanctuaries and in the wild
  • National parks: A Tasmania Parks Pass is required for the national parks such as Freycinet and Cradle Mountain, which is included in your tour
  • Best time: Summer (December to March) is ideal for the outdoors and the beaches, autumn for colour, and any season for MONA, food, wine and the wilderness — Tasmania rewards year-round
  • Sun protection: Despite the cool air, Tasmania's UV is strong, so bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses even on cool days
  • Tipping & power: Tipping is not expected in Australia. Power is 230V with the Australian type I plug, so bring an adapter
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is four nights in Hobart enough to see the south?

Yes — southern Tasmania's highlights are all within a day trip of Hobart, so a single comfortable base lets you see MONA, Port Arthur, Bruny Island and Mount Field without repacking. It is a relaxed, efficient way to travel.

Can this escape be combined with the rest of Tasmania?

Absolutely. Many travellers add this to a Freycinet and Cradle Mountain journey to see the whole island, and we can join the itineraries seamlessly.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Bruny Island food tour or a Gordon River cruise lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Tasmania's superb food and wine.

Are transfers and touring arranged?

Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of guided touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.

Do I need a visa for Australia?

Most visitors need an ETA or eVisitor visa, applied for online before you travel. We guide you to the right one for your nationality.

When is the best time to visit Tasmania?

Summer (December-March) is best for the outdoors, walks and beaches, autumn for golden colour, and any season for MONA, food, wine and the wilderness. Tasmania is cooler than the mainland year-round.

Should we self-drive or take a guided tour?

Both work wonderfully — Tasmania is compact and easy to self-drive on scenic roads, while a guided tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add Bruny Island, the west coast, wildlife or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.

Will we see a Tasmanian devil?

Yes — the endangered Tasmanian devil is guaranteed at the wildlife sanctuaries our tours visit, and around Cradle Mountain you are also very likely to see wombats, pademelons and echidnas in the wild.