Day Tours from Hobart Tasmania

While staying in the heart of Hobart, Tasmania be sure to venture outside the city on one of the islands many exciting day trips or tours. Take advantage of the wide range of fine Hobart Accommodation options in the heart of it all, while still having plenty of time to explore the surrounds. From water to wilderness, there’s a little bit of something for everyone when it comes to Hobart day tours. Top tours include the Peppermint Bay Cruise, the Grand Historical Port Arthur Walking Tour from Hobart, Mt Wellington walks, and Apple Isle Wine Tours.

Located about 30 minutes south of Hobart, Tasmania, is the area known as Peppermint Bay.  So named for the peppermint gum timber harvested in the region, it is highly recommendable to arrive by sea on the Peppermint Bay Cruise.  A stunning seaside locale, Peppermint Bay is the place for stunning views (especially of Bruny Island), fresh regional culinary treats, and fine Tasmanian wine.  While there, explore the rolling grounds including sculptures and an herb garden, the Providore shop featuring locally produced preserves, meats and cheeses, an art gallery and the quaint seaside village of Woodbridge in which the Peppermint Bay complex is located.  Enjoy fine dining at the Peppermint Bay Restaurant, one of the most celebrated in Tasmania, or casual dining at the Terrace Bar. 

While travelling in style on the high speed catamaran Peppermint Bay II, cruisers are able to enjoy the journey as they leave the harbor, passing by the River Derwent and the shining waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.  Of the many wildlife species that can be seen in south Tasmania expect to see at least a few while on the Peppermint Bay Cruise including dolphins, seabirds, seals, penguins, sea eagles and the occasional whale.  Passengers are also given the opportunity to observe underwater wildlife like crayfish via live video monitor, and watch the brightly colored underwater sea gardens pass underneath.  Cruisers also enjoy a special video presentation of a shipwreck located in the depths below the Tasman Bridge.  Led by knowledgeable local guides, passengers take in the natural, historical and cultural aspects of Tasman culture all while enjoying a pleasant full or half day journey to Peppermint Bay. 

The Peppermint Bay II leaves from the bustling tourism center of Sullivan’s Cove in Hobart.  Those onboard can expect maritime luxuries including flat screen monitors throughout the vessel, a fully enclosed climate-controlled cabin area with floor to ceiling glass windows and atrium, fast smooth travel speeds, and luxury seating.  Choose from various seating option packages, some complete with Peppermint Bay lunch onboard, including atrium seats, window seats, family lounges and the captains’ upper deck.  Pricing concessions are available on window seats for seniors, students, groups (by special application), and children under four years of age who cruise for free, but are not allocated lunch or a seat. 

For a full day excursion from Hobart, head out on the Grand Historical Port Arthur Walking Tour from Hobart.  Leave about 8 to 10 hours for the tour (including transportation time to and from your Hobart Accommodation) which covers the Port Arthur Convict Site, the Tasman National Park and the Isle of the Dead.  Although some of the attractions might sound a bit frightening, the tour is enjoyable and informative for visitors of all ages.  Of the impressive list of attractions seen along the course of the tour, be aware that some are only visible as the group passes by driving or from the boat as the group completes the scenic cruise potion of the journey to the Isle of the Dead.  Whilst on foot, enjoy exploring the local streets of the city.  Learn about the history of Australia while stepping back into the convict era as the group enters the Port Arthur Convict Site.  Set amongst peaceful English gardens the Convict Site certainly stands out with its powerful presence.  Highlights along the way include the Aquatic Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens, the Government House, the Tasman Bridge, the Pitwater Causeway, Forestier Peninsular, Pristine Pirates Bay, Eaglehawk Neck, Skirt Norfolk Bay, Doo Town, the Penitentiary and surrounding grounds and buildings, the Tasman National Park, Carnarvon Bay, the Tasman Arch, never ending views of spectacular rugged coastline, and Devils Kitchen. 

All tours are led by knowledgeable, professional guides that truly enjoy the opportunity to interact with visitors exploring Tasmania for the first time.  Those staying locally also enjoy free hotel pickup and drop-off.  While at the Port Arthur Visitor Center there is the opportunity during the day to grab a bite to eat at the Port Café, or at the table service restaurant appropriately named ‘Felons.’  Keep in mind the Grand Historical Port Arthur Walking Tour lasts a full day so expect to be up and out early on the day of the tour.  It is extremely advisable to don comfortable footwear.  Those unable to participate in the full walking tour will have complimentary small buggies made available to them as a transportation alternative. 

With adventurous Mt Wellington walks for trekkers of all abilities, these full or half day walking tours are a perfect way to get acquainted with the Tasmanian wilderness.  Led by professional guides with a true passion for Tasmania including local history and fun trivia, learn all the secrets of the ‘The Mountain’ while exploring this seemingly untouched terrain covered by tranquil Woodland Rainforest, Alpine Flora, and ancient peaks.  The Tasmanian wilderness is special for many reasons, including the presence of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world like endemic and native flora and fauna echidnas, rosellas, mountain shrimp, skinks, flame robins, black cockatoos, mountain pepper, snow berries, tree ferns, dragon heath, mountain rocket and more.  Take in the crisp, clean air, the cleanest in the world they claim, all while enjoying some of the most breathtaking views nature has ever conjured up from the 1,270 meter-high (that’s 4,166 feet) peak of Mount Wellington. 

Nobody has to worry about getting left behind, since there are walks geared towards explorers of all abilities from ‘Easy’ to ‘Adventurous.’  In other words, the summit is reachable by road for those who need a lift to the top!  For ‘walkers’ feeling especially daring, try one of the ‘adventure packages’ where hikers head out on backpacking trips lasting up to six days!   Also be sure to check out ‘walk, ride & paddle’ packages for those looking for an extreme cycling and aquatic adventure.  Ask about Mt Wellington walks hotel pickup and return from your local Hobart Accommodation.  Keep in mind that hikers must be at least 10 years of age.    

Since 2003 Apple Isle Wine Tours has been operating under the direction of Justin and Bonnie Davies.  The tradition of winemaking in Tasmania, however, reaches back to the early 1800s.  Wine aficionados will find the cool climate of Tasmania produces world class wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling in its over 200 vineyards.  While on an Apple Isle Wine Tour, take the opportunity to sample boutique wines, often not available for purchase from outside wine retailers.  From connoisseurs to new wine drinkers an Apple Isle tour is a perfect opportunity to chat with the winemakers and sample some of the best wines in the world, all while learning a little bit about not only Tasman winemaking techniques, but local lore and history. 

While on an Apple Isle Wine Tour, feel free to chat about and sample wines at your own pace.  The loose scheduling and focus on the wineries make these tours appealing to those looking to pass a pleasant, leisurely day or afternoon with full day tours available from both Hobart and Launceston, and half day tours departing from Hobart.  Some of the visited vineyards include Moorilla, Meadowbank Estate, Pooley Wines, Puddleduck Vineyard, Craigow Vineyard, Coal Valley Vineyard, and Domaine A/Stoney Vineyard.  Top regions visited by the various tours include the Coal River Valley, the Huon Valley, Derwent Valley, and Tamar Valley.  Alternative tour options include the Rotational Digestion tour for enjoying both great food and great wine, and evening tours of area wine bars.  Transportation between locations is provided, as are non-alcoholic beverages to promote hydration between tastings.  With a strong drive to provide not only top service, but promote safety before, during and after tastings, all Apple Isle Wine Tours feature airport or hotel pickup and return.