Keen to tick Tasmania off your bucket list but unable to get behind the wheel? Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, is the perfect place to explore without a car. With its walkable streets, compact footprint and an abundance of interesting attractions all within reach by foot, ferry, flight or guided tours, travellers can enjoy the ease and added health and sustainability benefits of an adventure without wheels.

Here are 14 must do car-free activities to kickstart your planning:

MONA

Be treated to thought-provoking and unusual artworks at the remarkable Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), where everything – including the restaurants – pushes the boundaries. This isn't your typical museum experience: Mona is as unique as it gets, and the journey there – via fast ferry along the Derwent River – is no exception. Pose for a picture as you perch on sheep or upgrade your ticket to the Posh Pit for complimentary canapes and beverages, and a VIP balcony.

Bruny Island Traveller

Enjoy a day of gourmet adventure on Bruny Island, home to award winning cheeses, premium wines and beer, freshly shucked oysters and more. Visit island producers and taste Tasmania's unique flavours, all while soaking in breathtaking views of the rugged coastlines and sparkling turquoise waters. Unlike most Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, this tour is land-based – with a coach departing and returning to Hobart.

Tasman Island Cruises Full Day Tour + Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

This Pennicott Wilderness Journey takes you for a spectacular three-hour cruise along the extraordinary coastline of Tasman National Park, between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur. Take this chance to visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, a unique conservation experience where you can learn about the endangered Tasmanian Devil and other native species. 

Above and Beyond Seaplane

Above & Beyond, Tasmania's only seaplane operation, offers guests the rare experience to take in the beauty of this island from the air and land in some spectacular locations such as Port Arthur, Three Capes and Bruny Island. A thrilling and unforgettable way to experience the island's beauty from above.

Explore a market

Every Saturday morning, over 300 stalls featuring produce to pottery, fine arts to food trucks and books to buskers line up along Hobart's historic Salamanca Place. Take the time to explore the market, chat with makers and growers, people watch or taste-test the Tasmanian scallop pie. 

Explore Battery Point

Wander through the charming streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart's oldest and most picturesque neighbourhoods. With its historic cottages, cobblestone lanes, and quaint cafes, Battery Point invites visitors to step back in time. If you missed out on a scallop pie at the Salamanca Market, Battery Point offers a second chance at much-loved local bakery and café, Jackman & McRoss. 

Lark Cellar Door, Hobart

Located in the heart of Hobart, Lark Distillery's Cellar Door is the ideal spot for whisky lovers to sample fine Tasmanian spirits. Explore the rich history of the island's whisky-making tradition while tasting award-winning single malts. This intimate cellar door offers a behind-the-scenes look at the craft of distilling, paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. 

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)

Whether you are a family in search of an educational experience, a history buff looking to uncover Tasmania's rich history, or an art lover, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has something special for you. As the second oldest museum in Australia, it offers an inspiring blend of history, culture, and art in its permanent collections, touring and temporary exhibitions, and special displays. 

MACq 01's Hidden Hobart: The Viewfinder Tour

This walking tour begins at Hobart's MACq 01 – Australia's first storytelling hotel. Retro viewfinder in hand, you'll be led around the Hobart waterfront and through the city streets – discovering the dark underbelly of what was once known as the Wapping district, as well as Hobart's civic centre and Salamanca. Standing on the exact spots where old photographs have been taken, you'll be able to compare yesteryear with today and hear some fascinating tales along the way. 

Blak Led Tours – takara Nipaluna/Walking Hobart (guided) or lakapawa palawa Nipaluna-ti (self-guided)

Connect with Tasmanian Aboriginal people and culture on a Blak Led Tour. The flagship takara Nipaluna/Walking Hobart tour takes you through the history of Lutruwita Tasmania, offering a deep insight to the palawa perspective, history, and continued presence within Hobart. Or, explore artworks by Tasmanian Aboriginal people with the self-guided lakapawa palawa tour, available for free. 

Hobart Hop On/Hop Off Bus

Take in Hobart's sights and attractions on the Red Decker city loop, also known as the official sightseeing tour of Hobart. Sit on the top deck to enjoy unrivalled views of the beautiful city, including local landmarks like the River Derwent, Tasman Bridge, Mount Wellington, colonial architecture and city landscapes.

Farm Gate Market

If you can't eat it, drink it, grow it, or meet the producer, then you won't find it at Farm Gate Market. Every Sunday, a busy street in the heart of Hobart is transformed into a bustling farmers' market, featuring some of Tasmania's best seasonal produce. It's a great spot to enjoy a casual takeaway breakfast, lunch or coffee. 

Unshackled – Hobart Penitentiary

Unshackled – Hobart Penitentiary offers visitors four key attractions within a single ticket: the Convict Memorial, a digital exhibit allowing guests to explore the stories of the 75,000 convicts transported to Tasmania between 1803 and 1853; Pandemonium, an engaging widescreen presentation detailing Tasmania's convict history; Rogues' Gallery, a collection of portraits; and a guided site tour of one of Australia's most significant convict sites, including courtrooms, tunnels, cells, and the gallows. 

Enjoy a delightful lunch

When in Hobart, be sure to enjoy a leisurely long lunch at one of the city's many acclaimed restaurants, cafés, or waterfront eateries, where you can savour fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes.