Exploring Hobart: Airport Adventures And Nearby Attractions

what to do around hobart airport

Hobart Airport, also known as Hobart International Airport, is located 17 kilometres from the Tasmanian capital's city centre. The airport is surrounded by a plethora of attractions, including world-class beaches, national parks, rugged coastlines, and native wildlife. Bruny Island, a popular day trip from Hobart, offers visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty and unique ecosystem. The city itself is compact and perfect for exploring on foot, with nearby destinations such as Cascade Brewery, the historic Female Factory, and Mt. Nelson accessible by bus. Hobart also boasts a thriving food scene, with destinations such as MONA offering excellent restaurants alongside modern architecture and impressive views. The Salamanca market, with its diverse array of artisan products, crafts, and live music, is a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. For nature enthusiasts, the ZooDoo Safari Park provides an opportunity to get up close with wildlife, while the surrounding Coal River region offers award-winning wines in a setting similar to famous French and German wine regions.

Characteristics Values
Location Tasmania, Australia
Distance from Hobart city centre 17 km or 20 minutes
Transport options Taxi, coach, rental car, bike
Attractions Salamanca market, Farm Gate Markets, MONA gallery, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay, Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, Gordon River Cruise, Strahan, ZooDoo Safari Park
Airlines Flights to destinations in Australia and Antarctica

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Explore Hobart's inner suburbs like Cascade Brewery, Female Factory and Mt Nelson

Hobart Airport in Tasmania is a gateway to the island's capital and many of its attractions. The airport is located 17 km from the city centre, and it's easy to get to Hobart City by coach, taxi, or car.

One of the top attractions to explore in Hobart's inner suburbs is the Cascade Brewery. Established in 1824, it is Australia's oldest continually operating brewery and is known for its unique operation of its own maltings, producing malt for its beers from locally-grown barley. The site offers guided tours, and visitors can wander through the gardens and admire the striking facade, which presents a fantastic photo opportunity. The brewery also has a function centre and a retail outlet.

Another significant site is the Cascades Female Factory, one of Australia's most important historical places for women. Operating in the 1820s, it was used to hold women and children and was the female equivalent of Port Arthur. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include a memorial garden and a museum with a gallery and gift shop, and learn about the women's tragic lives through an audio guide.

For those interested in outdoor adventures, Mt. Wellington offers a guided summit descent and a rainforest adventure trail with beautiful scenery. There is also the option to explore the mountain by kayak or scenic flight.

Hobart and its surrounding areas have much to offer, from historical sites to natural wonders and outdoor activities.

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If you're looking for things to do around Hobart Airport, MONA is a must-visit destination. MONA, or the Museum of Old and New Art, is a high-tech gallery that offers impressive views and modern architecture. It is located just 16 to 17 miles from the airport, and there are several ways to get there.

If you're driving, the trip should take around 21 to 23 minutes and will cost between $3 and $5. This is the cheapest option for travelling between Hobart Airport and MONA. If you're looking for the fastest option, taking a taxi will get you there in a similar amount of time and will cost between $35 and $50.

For a more scenic route, you can take a bus and ferry combination. Take a taxi to the docks ($35) and then catch the ferry to MONA ($15 return). This option will give you a unique perspective of the museum as you approach it from the river. Alternatively, you can take the Metro Tasmania bus from the airport to MONA. This journey will take approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes and costs $14.

MONA is known for its impressive architecture and stunning views. The museum is built into a cliff face, with the majority of the galleries located underground. The exterior of the building is designed to blend into its natural surroundings, with a sleek and modern aesthetic. Once inside, you'll find a range of unique and thought-provoking art installations that are sure to inspire and intrigue.

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Experience Salamanca Market's 300 open-air stalls with produce, crafts, clothing and live music

Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction, the Salamanca Market, is a must-visit when in Hobart. Held every Saturday, the market is a celebration of local culture and artisanal crafts, with over 300 open-air stalls lining the iconic Hobart Waterfront at Salamanca Place. The market operates from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, rain or shine, and entry is free.

The market offers a diverse range of locally made products, including hand-worked glass, Tasmanian timber treasures, unique clothing and jewellery, organic produce, original artworks, ceramics, leather goods, and handcrafted cheeses, breads, wines, and spirits. The historic Georgian sandstone warehouses that flank the market now house galleries, cafes, and boutiques, adding to the charm of the bustling event.

The market is also known for its lively and vibrant atmosphere, with street performers, musicians, and vendors calling out to visitors. Between 1987 and 2014, Arauco Libre performed live every Saturday, playing traditional music from the Andean region of South America, including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Their repertoire included folk, traditional dance, and carnival tunes, performed with instruments like pan pipes, bamboo flutes, and shakers.

To get to the market, you can avail the coach transfer service that meets every flight at Hobart Airport and takes you into Hobart City. From there, it's just a short walk to Salamanca Place, or you can take a taxi or use the car rental services available at the airport.

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Take a day trip to Bruny Island to see its beaches, parks, coastline and wildlife

If you're looking to explore the beaches, parks, coastline and wildlife of Bruny Island, a day trip from Hobart Airport is a great option. Bruny Island is known for its stunning landscapes, including ancient paths and rugged coasts, as well as its diverse wildlife. Here's how you could plan your day:

Start your day early and take a guided tour or opt to explore the island on your own. To get to Bruny Island, you can book a full-day guided tour from Hobart, which is an excellent way to learn about the island. If you prefer to travel independently, you can drive to Kettering, located about 35 kilometres from Hobart, and take the vehicular ferry to Bruny Island.

Once on the island, head to South Bruny, known for its serene and diverse beaches. You can choose from a range of beach options, including the popular Cloudy Bay, which offers amazing walks and camping spots, or The Neck Beach, a secluded and miles-long stretch of sand. If surfing is your thing, the western end of South Bruny is considered one of the best surfing locations in Australia.

After soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach, venture into the forest areas of Bruny Island to catch a glimpse of the unique white wallabies. These wallabies are a result of a rare genetic mutation, and some are even albino with white coats and pink eyes. You'll often spot them resting in open areas during the day or grazing together in groups.

As you continue your exploration, keep an eye out for the Australian Fur Seals that call Bruny Island home. These seals can be found lounging on rocky beaches and outcrops along the coast, particularly at the southern end of the island.

Finally, as the day draws to a close, reflect on the wild nature and rich history you've experienced on Bruny Island. Take in the last rays of sunlight on the beach, then head back to the ferry, and finally, to Hobart, with a camera full of memories and a mind full of tranquil island scenes.

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Go on a wine-tasting tour in the Coal River region near Richmond

The Coal River Valley is a renowned wine-producing area near Hobart Airport, with a similar latitude to the famous wine regions of France and Germany. The valley is dotted with historic sites, including the oldest bridge in Australia, the Richmond Bridge, built by convicts in 1825. The bridge crosses the Coal River, and just next to it is a picturesque picnic spot.

The Coal River Valley is a 15-minute drive from Hobart, offering the closest wineries to the city, making it an ideal day trip. The easiest way to get there is by car, but if you plan on sampling more than one wine, it's best to opt for a designated driver or a wine tour. The Tasting House in Richmond offers Coal River Valley wine tours, with bookings available on Tripadvisor.

The valley boasts high-quality cool-climate wines, world-class dining, and breathtaking views. Nocton Vineyard is a must-visit, with its homely vibe and knowledgeable staff who are happy to delve into the details of their wines. Puddleduck Vineyard is another standout, where you can indulge in their signature Bubbleduck, crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their wine tour includes two complimentary wines, a cheese board, and a wealth of expertise for just $50.

For a personalised experience, Heart of Tasmania Tours offers a private day tour of the Coal River Valley. Starting with a visit to the historic town of Richmond, you'll then meander through the valley, visiting top wineries, cheese artisans, and even a distillery for a taste of Sullivan's Cove Whisky or award-winning gin at Sheen Distillery. You can choose to dine at a winery of your choice, with Frogmore Creek Vineyard and Coal River Farm recommended for their exceptional dining experiences.

Frequently asked questions

Hobart Airport is located 17 kilometres from the city centre and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre from the airport.

Some tourist attractions near Hobart Airport are ZooDoo Safari Park, Barilla Holiday Park, Salamanca Market, and Farm Gate Markets.

You can visit MONA, a high-technology gallery, or explore the city's restaurants and modern architecture. You can also take a trek around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain, or go on a Wineglass Bay boat trip.

You can take the Airport Bus service, which meets every flight and costs $20 per adult for a one-way trip. You can also take a taxi or rent a car from the airport terminal.

You can take a day trip to Bruny Island, Port Arthur, or Freycinet. A Strahan Day Trip, which includes a Gordon River Cruise, is also a popular option.

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