Hobart to Mt. Wellington: 2-Day Weekend Itinerary in Tasmania

Tired of the same, old weekend grind? Swap the Netflix binges for mountain air, city grime for whispering snow gums, and traffic for sweeping ranges. This 2-day itinerary for a weekend getaway from Hobart to Mount Wellington is your city fatigue antidote—cultivated, bush, and that Tassie calm.

Why This Itinerary Works

• Distance: Just 20 km from Hobart CBD to the top of the mountain—35 minutes by car or a bus ride along a beautiful road.
• Contrast: Day 1 = harbour hullabaloo; Day 2 = mountain majesty.
• Flexibility: You don’t have a car, don’t panic! The best way to travel in Tasmania is by hiring a car at Drive Car Hire Tasmania. Grab a tour bundle to make the most out of the Take a Local app too!

Day 1: Find the Heart of Hobart

Recharge on culture, coffee, and coastal charm before answering the mountain’s call.

Dawn: Salamanca’s Soul

Begin your day at Salamanca Place, Georgian warehouses which are now filled with craft galleries and cafés (hello, Instagram!). Breakfast at Machine Laundry Café—yes, it’s a part-laundromat, but their own Ricotta Hotcakes are the real deal.

• Pro Tip: Go on Saturday to see the legendary Salamanca Market (8:30 AM–3 PM). Just imagine hand-crafted goodies, local ciders, and buskers as the playlist.

Afternoon: Riverfront Walks & MONA

Roam the Sullivan’s Cove, track down the whisky bars, or take a Port Arthur tour from the wharf info centre or join the Hobart Waterfront Tour on our app to explore the city’s maritime charm from a local’s perspective. Then, become an art revolutionary at the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Take the ferry at the Brooke Street Pier—a thrill all by itself!

Evening: Seafood Sundowners

Eat at the Flippers Cooked Seafood for Tasmania’s best fish ‘n’ chips. Eat with harbour views as the yachts gently rock and the sunsets paint the Derwent River golden.

Day 2: Mount Wellington Experience

Exchange sea level for 1,271m of raw wonder. Carrying the dual names of kunanyi (palawa kani for “Mountain”) and Mt Wellington, locals tend to refer to it simply as “the mountain”.

Getting Here: Your Options!

1. Drive: Hire a car from Drive Car Hire Tasmania and drive from Davey St → Huon Rd → Pinnacle Rd (35 mins). Stop for coffee at the Springs.
2. Bus: Enjoy the kunanyi Explorer Bus (2.5-hour cruise, AU$45). Includes top-of-summit stops, and commentary. Bonus: Only operators available when the road closes due to snow!
3. Ride: Hire a bike and enjoy the tour at your own pace with the wind in your hair.

Summit Thrills & Chills

• The Lookout: Weather the wind! Panoramic views stretch from Hobart rooftops to Bruny Island. Snap that iconic pinnacle photo.
• Insider Move: Duck away from wind in the 360°-vision, observation shelter encased in glass—no frozen fingers here.
• Walk It Off: Do the Silver Falls Bushwalk Circuit (30 minutes, easy) or the Organ Pipes Track (distinct dolerite columns).

Note: The area is prone to heavy snowfall, so be sure to check the Pinnacle road status before heading out.

Afternoon: Alpine Detours

• Lost Freight Café: Recharge with locally prepared hot chocolate.
• Fern Tree Tavern: After-hike pub dinner at a green village en route back (open Wednesday – Sunday).

Tourism Tip: Be Your Breakout Master

Packing List

• Winter: Thermals, hat, gloves, windproof coat, waterproof/snow boots/a pair of dry socks (temperatures at the summit are often around freezing)
• Summer: Layers! Even 25 °C in Hobart can be 10 °C on top.
• Always: Good sturdy shoes, water bottle (reuse at mountain springs!), and camera.

Best Time to Visit

• • Clear Skies: Autumn (Mar–May) for autumn colour; Summer (Dec–Feb) for extended light.
  • Winter Snow Magic: (Jun–Aug)— check road condition first..

• Skip: Busiest cruise ship days (see Port schedule).

Travel Hacks

• Car Rentals: Take the excess reduction—wallabies enjoy running out into highways!
• Bus Life: kunanyi Explorer + City Loop Combo (AU$80) as a hop-on option.
• Audio Guided Tour: Download the Hobart bundle from our Take a Local app so that you will have a guide with you to make the journey more immersive. (Grab the bundle at a limited price now!!)

Stay: Hobart Hideouts

• Mantra One Sandy Bay: Pansy bay views, near Battery Point.
• Salamanca Suites: Steps away from the market activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here’s everything you need to know before your epic Hobart-to-Mount Wellington adventure.

1. How far is Mount Wellington from Hobart?

     Just 20 km (35 minutes by car) from Hobart’s CBD to the summit. Easy-peasy for a weekend trip!

2. Do I need a car to visit Mount Wellington?

     Nope! If you don’t have wheels, hop on the kunanyi Explorer Bus (AU$45 for a 2.5-hour tour). It’s the only       bus allowed during snow closures, too!

3. Is Mount Wellington accessible year-round?

    Mostly, yes—but winter snow can close Pinnacle Road temporarily. Check the Pinnacle road status for      updates before heading up.

4. What should I wear for Mount Wellington?

• • Winter (Jun–Aug): Thermals, windproof jacket, gloves, beanie (summit temps often drop below freezing).
  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Layers! It can be 10°C cooler at the summit than in Hobart.
  • Always: Sturdy shoes (no thongs—trust us).

5. Are there food options on Mount Wellington?

     Yes! Lost Freight Café (near The Springs) serves hot drinks and snacks. For a heartier meal, stop at Fern           Tree Tavern on your way back.

6. Can I hike Mount Wellington?

     Certainly! Try:

• Silver Falls  Circuit (30 minutes, easy, beginning opposite the Fern Tree Tavern) – Perfect for families.
• Organ Pipes Track (2-3 hours, moderate, beginning at The Chalet on Pinnacle Road) – Dramatic dolerite cliffs.
• Zig Zag Track (4 hours, hard, beginning at The Springs) – For the serious adventurers.

7. What is the best time of day to visit the summit?

     Sunrise or sunset views are truly spectacular, but the road access time should be checked beforehand. Mid-morning is the best time to avoid crowds.

8. How is the phone reception on Mount Wellington?

     Patchy! Download offline maps or buy a Take a Local audio tour before you go—it is offline and triggers  the  stories automatically while you explore.

9. Where to stay in Hobart?

• High-end: MACq 01 Hotel (waterfront storytelling experience).
• Mid-range: Salamanca Suites (market vibes).
• Budget: The Pickled Frog (backpacker-friendly).

10. Can I visit MONA and Mount Wellington on the same day?

    Not impossible but you’ll have to rush! MONA is a minimum of three hours, including ferry time, while the      mountain can easily be half a day. One should spread them out across two days if you have the time.

End Notes: City to Summit, Soul Refreshed

This isn’t just a weekend, it’s a ‘reset button’. From harbour chic to raw mountain landscape, the Hobart and Kunanyi tour is the ultimate yin-yang escape. And if you want to push it a bit – discovering as a Local (no small talk) – our Take a Local app transforms your phone into the perfect Tassie companion. 

GPS-activated storytelling opens the convict history of Hobart and geology of kunanyi as you approach the landmark. No reading aloud by rote, no waiting as a group—only you, the mountain, and stories that stay with you. 

Ready to trade pixels for panoramas? Pull your beanies tight, grab your charged phone, and let’s climb that mountain. The Hobart Waterfront and kunanyi/Mt Wellington are waiting for you. Download the Take a Local app : Your self-guided Hobart + Mount Wellington tour starts here.