10 TOP Things to Do in Southern (2026 Activity Guide)

You would be hard pressed to find a more pleasing and historic interior than that from the main ballroom of Hobart's 1866 Town Hall.

It is amazing to think that as well as the Council Chambers (a function it still performs today), it also once held police cells, courthouse, and the foundation State Library of Tasmania.

Undergoing many renovations throughout its long life, the interior of the ballroom is set off by the last addition, splendid chandeliers.

Taken in 2004 in Tasmania.
This is Bicheno Beach. 'The jewel of the Esast Coast'

Bruny Island in Tasmania, great for a weekend. This is taken from Truganini's lookout looking out over 'the neck', a narrow isthmus joining the two parts of the island. #weekend getaway #hiking

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Salamanca Place

The warehouses that make up Salamanca Place were built during the 1820 and ’30s using sandstone quarried by convicts on site. The warehouses were used to store whale products, wool, timber and fruit. The wharf at Salamanca was a hub for whaling industries, and the huge cauldrons used to boil whale oil can still be seen today in Salamanca Square. As Tasmania’s fruit growing capabilities took off, the warehouses were used to produce jam and tinned fruit for export.

Learn more

Salamanca Place featuring night scenes, street scenes and a city

2. Constitution Dock

Stroll past historic buildings, enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant or grab a snack from a fresh seafood stall at Hobart’s Constitution Dock.

Learn more

Constitution Dock showing a marina, a coastal town and boating

3. Mt. Wellington

Mount Wellington has been popular with locals as a recreational park since the mid-1800s when huts were built at strategic sites for hikers. Remnants of these huts exist, and some of those built in the 1900s are still in use. Charles Darwin climbed the mountain in 1836 when he visited Hobart on his round-the-world trip on the HMS Beagle. Today the area offers all sorts of outdoor pursuits, from mountain biking to rock climbing.

Learn more

4. Freycinet National Park

Enjoy the scenic coastline and pristine habitats of Freycinet National Park. Relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine and oysters fresh from the farm as you watch the sun set over the Hazards mountain range. Keep an eye on the horizon to spot whales. The park is also home to some of Australia’s other iconic species, such as potoroos, echidnas, quolls and wombats.

Learn more

5. Mount Field National Park

Explore preserved tracts of ancient forest and secluded alpine landscapes and walk through shady fern gullies to some of the world’s tallest trees in Mt. Field National Park. It is part of a larger World Heritage-listed national park that has been protected for over a century. Come here to see some of Tasmania’s rugged and remote landscapes within an easy drive from Hobart.

Learn more

Mount Field National Park which includes wetlands

6. Port Arthur Historic Site

The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur was one of the British Empire’s most brutal penal settlements. Located on the stunning Mason Cove, the natural beauty of the landscape stands in stark contrast to the history of convict prisoners who were sent here, condemned to hard labor. See these stunning ruins at your own pace or on a guided or themed tour.

Learn more

Port Arthur Historic Site featuring a castle, building ruins and heritage elements

7. Museum of Old and New Art

Plan a day trip to take in the vast collection, and grand design, of Australia’s largest privately owned art museum. MONA stands for Museum of Old and New Art and the galleries showcase emotive and sometimes shocking modern art along with old artefacts and antiques.

Learn more

Museum of Old and New Art featuring landscape views

What to do in Southern

Popular places to visit

Salamanca Market

During your visit to Tasmanian Waterfront, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Salamanca Market. Discover the fascinating museums in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Salamanca Place

Spend a day in this area where sandstone warehouses are now home to gourmet restaurants, trendy bars, galleries and a busy Saturday market.

Constitution Dock

History seeps from the stones on Hobart’s waterfront, where colonial buildings are now galleries and where you can eat fresh seafood and watch a famous yacht race.

Mt. Wellington

Majestic columns of rock rise to the peak of this often snow-capped mountain, providing a playground for nature lovers, and a stunning backdrop for Hobart.

Mount Field National Park

A glorious mix of fern forests, alpine heathlands, pristine waterways and cascading waterfalls, all accessible via pretty pathways, await in this park not far from Hobart.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Step back into Tasmania’s past as a penal colony and learn about the lives of convicts who were sent to one of the harshest settlements in the British Empire.

Museum of Old and New Art

Hobart’s remarkable Museum of Old and New Art has a surprising mix of thought-provoking installation art, modern paintings, sculptures and ancient artefacts.

Cascade Brewery

Step back into the past at the oldest brewery in Australia, a striking Gothic building near Hobart, and try some of the best beers in the country.

Such an unreal stop. Wish I had more time to walk around and check it out.

Lake St. Clair

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake St. Clair during your travels in Lake St. Clair. Wander the lakeside or discover the mountain views in this relaxing area.

Areas of Southern

Howrah

Howrah is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Glebe Hill Nature Reserve and Howrah Beach.

Five Mile Beach along side Pittwater in Hobart, Tasmania is not your usual beach. More a shallow lagoon that is mostly calm and therefore a great place for reflective photography. The water is so clear, shooting straight down you can clearly see all the wonderful marine life scurrying along the sand. ... wear gumboots if visiting here, they'll stop the crabs from biting your toes.

Seven Mile Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Seven Mile Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Seven Mile Beach or Royal Hobart.

Richmond

Step back in time in this colonial town as you explore more than 50 Georgian buildings that have been brought back to life as cafés, restaurants and stores.

Kingston

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Kingston. You might want to make time for a stop at Kingborough Sports Centre or Denison Street Reserve.

View of heritage weatherboard duplex two storey residential

North Hobart

North Hobart is a diner’s dream, where exciting new restaurants and cafés turn on the culinary charm day and night.

New Norfolk

Affectionately nicknamed the capital of the Derwent Valley, New Norfolk is an enchanting little township packed with history.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.