Self Guided Walking Tour Hobart

The city of Hobart is primed for self guided walking tours with its smaller size in comparison to some of the more major Australian cities.  Add with its relatively flat geography, it is an ideal location to park the car and enjoy a walking tour of Hobart. However, with a rich history to learn about, don’t just go it alone.  Walking tours are a great way to not only learn about the area, but also allow you to take in the natural beauty and understand the rich culture of this significant city. To make the experience even better, utilise a self guided walking tour in Hobart to allow you to get the most of your visit by removing strict itineraries and allowing you to stop and start as you please, taking in what is of most interest to you. Here’s what you need to know about exploring Hobart on foot.

Self Guided Walking Tours in Hobart

Being a very walkable city, Hobart has many popular walking tour routes including:

• Battery Point: Explore the charming streets of one of Hobarts original neighbourhoods whilst taking in the aromas of some of Hobarts most poplar eateries.
• Hobart Waterfront: Pivoting from whaling to tourism, the Hobart Waterfront has many stories to tell from the first European settlers through to Antarctic adventurers making it a great location to explore.
• The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: If you have a bit of a green thumb or just enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a garden environment, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a great haven from the city with all sorts of nooks and crannies to explore.

With a little searching or visiting a visitor information center, you can find printed and downloadable maps and mobile phone apps to help you on your way.

Guided Walking Tours: Experience Hobart with Local Experts

Various guided walking tours are available with knowledgeable tour guides providing insights into your chosen area. Guides are able to answer questions, provide stories and help you uncover hidden gems as they lead you on your journey.

This style of tour is often undertaken in large groups meaning you can be some what restricted in tour pace (too fast or too slow) as well as time spent at various locations.  Hearing guides when they are speaking can sometimes be a struggle also. Modern solutions for walking tours are now available via mobile phone apps. This gives users all the insights of a guided tour whilst being able to travel at their own pace.

Hobart Ghost Walking Tours: A Spooky Adventure

If you are looking for something a little paranormal, check out some of Hobart’s ghost tours.  Held after dark in some of Hobarts most haunted locations, these tours offer a different take on early times in Hobart when solitary confinement and hangings were the norm! Get spooked at the Hobart Penitentiary, the Military Gaol or if you are heading to Port Arthur, their Ghost Tour is a must do!

Choosing the Right Walking Tour for You

However you tour Hobart on foot, make sure it’s right for you.  Does it cover your interests, fitness level and available time?

• Interests: does the tour include what you want to get out of your walking tour of Hobart? History, food, architecture and spooky stories are all on offer so choose a tour that gives you what you want.
• Fitness level: Whilst Hobart is relatively flat there are some hilly areas. Guided tours may require you to go at a certain pace. Perhaps faster or slower than you are accustomed to. Something to consider.
• Time: How much do you have? How long is the tour? Guided tours will have a set schedule including departure and return times as well as how long can be spent in each location. A self guided walking tour allows you to go at your own pace. Spending more or less time at each location depending on your interests and time frame.

Typically self guided walking tours give you flexibility with guided tours giving more insights. Both can be combined through the use of modern tour apps.

Tips for Enjoying Your Hobart Walking Tour

• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are really important. The last thing you want is sore feet at the end of the day! Loose comfortable clothing is also a good idea. It is no secret that Hobart weather can changing quickly and dramatically. Wear layers that can be added or removed depending on the weather. Check the weather before you head off and if it looks like rain, pack a rain coat.
• Best Times to Explore: Whenever you can! But if you have a choice, mornings and late afternoons are great for lighting if you like to snap photos. The mid-day sun can be quite strong during the summer months, something to be aware of.
• Safety Tips: Hobart is a very safe city to explore, but it always pays to be aware of your surroundings. If you are exploring the waterfront, keep a distance from the edge so as not to end up in the harbour! Don’t strain yourself, sore muscles are no fun.

Conclusion

Just wandering around a city can be enjoyable, but you miss so much.  Guided and self guided walking tours in Hobart are a great way to be immersed in the local history & culture, architecture and culinary delights. So strap on those walking shoes and find a tour solution that works for you.

Perhaps you should Take A Local with our Hobart Waterfront Walking Tour!

FAQ’s

1. When is the best time to do a walking tour of Hobart?

Hobart can be cold in late autumn, winter and early spring. This just means you should dress accordingly.  As for the time of day, we recommend the morning to take advantage of great lighting for photos and perhaps finishing up in time for a sumptuous lunch!

2. What should I wear?

Loose comfortable clothing and good walking shoes are important. Wear layers that you can add or remove as the temperature and your physical exertion dictate.

3. What should I pack?

Pack a hat and sun cream as the Hobart sun can be very strong. Take a bottle of water and perhaps some light snacks. Hobart being the fairly small city it is means you are rarely far from somewhere to buy food and drinks. Most of us use our phones now, but if you have a camera, pop that in your bag as there are some excellent photographic opportunities.

4. What type of tour is best?

This is up to you. Self guided gives you the time and location flexibility where as a guided tour tends to give you more insights.  Combine the two with the Take A Local mobile phone app.

5. Where can I leave my car?

Hobart has large amounts of street parking. Within the city areas it tends to be metered so make sure you check signage. Hobart also has several multistorey carparks which tend to be more economical for longer periods.  Check the Hobart City Council website for parking information.