Heading to Tasmania in spring? Celebrate longer days and cooler nights with a trip to the state’s capital - Hobart. With mild temperatures and laid-back vibes, you’ll be living on island time during your visit. Fill your days with a range of scenic drives and quick trips to nearby islands as you explore all that Hobart has to offer.  

Upon arrival into Hobart, it’s hard to miss the 1,270-metre-high kunanyi / Mount Wellington that towers over the city. With 360-degree views, the sights from the summit are unbeatable and well worth the climb. Hobart’s mild spring weather makes it the perfect time for a hike - if you’re up to it! The full-day guided ‘Sea to Summit’ climb is highly recommended for those looking for a challenge. Starting from the Derwent Estuary, this track takes you past the cascading Myrtle Gully Falls, through the base of the Organ Pipes and finishes with a steep climb up to the majestic summit.  

If you’d rather skip the hike, there’s parking available at the Pinnacle so you can view kunanyi without even having to leave the rental car - now how’s that for convenience! With many lookouts, you won’t get better views of the city and southern Tasmania from anywhere else in Hobart. Wind back down the mountain and experience cafe cosiness in a unique shipping container at the aptly named Lost Freight cafe. Although structurally small, the cafe is brimming with warm hospitality and provides the best place to stop for a cuppa while travelling the mountain.

Speaking of hospitality, beer connoisseurs can visit Australia’s oldest operating brewery just below Mount Wellington at the Cascade Brewery. Yep, that’s right, established in 1824, Cascade has been brewing lagers, draughts and ales for over 150 years, and most Aussies will recognise the famous green bottles that line the shelves of bottle-o’s all over the country. A brewery tour is well fitting in the springtime, with tasting paddles on offer to patrons along with a guided tour of the brewery itself. Non-beer drinkers can discover the fascinating origins of Cascade on a history tour or chill out in the brewery bar with a selection of snacks, tasting plates and pub classics on offer. Visiting later in the week? From Wednesday - Friday the bar comes alive with specials on pints and entertainment in the form of live music and quiz nights. Before sipping your way through the brewery, make sure you’ve got a designated driver on hand! After your visit, immerse yourself in spring with a walk around the Cascade Gardens. A peaceful public park, head here for a scenic stroll and to admire the colourful florals in bloom.  

Ever wanted to adventure to an island off an island? Drive the rental car half an hour from Hobart to Kettering where you can catch the vehicle ferry to Tassie’s own Bruny Island. The island is known for its abundance of wildlife that can be spotted throughout; delicious local produce including oysters and cheeses as well as stunning landmarks including the Cape Bruny Lighthouse.  

Commissioned in 1835, the Lighthouse is the second oldest in Aus and a popular tourist destination on the island. Delve into history and admire epic views with a guided lighthouse tour where you’ll climb the spiral staircase and take a moment to relish in views of the Tasman Sea and inhale the fresh spring air.

Wishing the good times would just keep going? Luckily there’s more in store for you during your time on the island. Bruny is home to the Get Shucked Oyster Bar where you can experience the salty deliciousness of natural or cooked oysters straight from the sea. Chow down on naked or dressed oysters for only $2.50 a piece and step inside the marine farm to experience the ‘bay-to-bar’ process firsthand. When you’re (reluctantly) ready to say goodbye to Bruny, hop back onboard the ferry for a swift 20-minute ride back to the mainland. 

Water babies, this one’s for you. Ready to swim, snorkel and scuba alongside breathtaking marine life and coral gardens? Head half an hour south of Hobart to discover a hidden gem in rural Tas - the Tinderbox Marine Reserve. A snorkel or scuba dive here in spring promises clear waters with stunning views of rainbow-coloured fish and plant life. Stay dry with a cruisy kayak on the water or dangle your feet off of the boat ramp and try to spot seahorses, rock lobsters and crabs below you. Head to Tinderbox for an ‘off-the-grid’ spring experience like no other. 

Home to nature reserves, historic spots and amazing views along the way, Hobart makes for the perfect spring vacation. Whether travelling solo, with friends and fam or the kids, Tassie’s got a varied range of activities to choose from, no matter your style.