But then I sprained my ankle a few weeks before my trip, so I defaulted to the most common 6-Day Overland Track itinerary with only a few side trips. (Originally I was planning something much more ambitious!)

Rather than letting those other itineraries go to waste, I’m sharing them with you. There are slower trips for beginner walkers, faster trips for strong hikers and longer trips for peak baggers or those who want to explore less-trodden side tracks.

I’ve set out a few sample Overland Track itineraries below so you can pick the one that works best for you. Some of these itineraries also include side trips, but keep in mind that side trips to mountain peaks are weather dependent. If it’s pouring rain, snowy, icy or super windy up there, you won’t be able to get to the top. (Nor would you want to!)

This post includes:

• Choosing your Overland Track itinerary: what to keep in mind
• Standard 6-day or 7-day Overland Track itinerary: most walkers use this schedule
• 5-day Overland Track itinerary: for fast walkers
• 4-day Overland Track itinerary: for fast walkers who don’t mind skipping side trips
• Beginner-friendly Overland Track itineraries: 7-day and 9-day options
• Peak-bagger itinerary: 7-day itinerary for walkers who prioritize climbing mountains
• Pine Valley-Overland Track combo itinerary: 7-day trip that also visits Pine Valley
• Maximalist itineraries: 10, 11, and 12-day itineraries for those who want to do it all

Want more info about the Overland Track? Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Overland Track. It has a great overview of everything you need to know including how to book, what the weather is like, when to go, and how to stay safe.

Choosing Your Overland Track Itinerary

When you are planning your Overland Track trip there are a few factors to consider when choosing how many days to take.

First, consider your fitness. How many hours a day can you comfortably walk? How do you do on climbs? Read my section-by-section overview of the Overland Track to get an idea of what to expect along the way.

Be sure to consider which side trips to take. You can climb Tasmania’s highest peak, swim in a lake, visit a waterfall and more. Then read my guide to Overland Track huts and campgrounds to decide which ones look nicest.

Next figure out your priorities. Do you want to spend lots of time climbing peaks? Do you want to a rest day where you stay at the same camp for two nights? Is completing the trail in fast-and-light style more your thing? Just because the standard itinerary is 6-days doesn’t mean you need to stick to it.

Lastly, plan for the weather. Tasmania’s weather is notoriously fickle, even in the middle of summer. Keep in mind that any itinerary you choose needs to account for poor weather.

On a tight itinerary you will have to keep walking through rain and snow. But if you opt for a longer itinerary, you can wait out the storm in a hut (and forgo some of your side trips.)

READ NEXT: Overland Track Section-by-Section Overview

Standard 6-Day or 7-Day Overland Track Itinerary

This is the Overland Track itinerary I followed, and I’d say most of the people I met along the track were on the same schedule. The majority of hikers exit the trail at Narcissus on the ferry rather than walking around Lake St Clair.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Optional side trip to Cradle Mountain or Barn Bluff.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Optional side trip to Barn Bluff or Lake Will.

Day 3: Windermere to Pelion: 5-7 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 4: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. Optional side trip to Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa or Mount Pelion East.

Day 5: Kia Ora to Windy Ridge: 3.5-4.5 hours. Optional side trip to D’Alton Falls, Fergusson Falls or Hartnett Falls.

Day 6: Windy Ridge to Narciuss Ferry Jetty: 3-4 hours.

Optional Day 7: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay: 5-6 hours. You could also walk from Windy Ridge to Echo Point (5-6 hours) on Day 6, then from Echo Point to Cynthia Bay (3-4 hours) on Day 7.

Fast 5-Day Overland Track Itinerary

If you don’t have much time, you can definitely complete the Overland Track faster than the standard itineraries. You may still even have time for some side trips. If you choose this itinerary, keep in mind that you will need to book the last ferry of the day on day 5.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Optional side trip to Cradle Mountain or Barn Bluff.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Optional side trip to Barn Bluff or Lake Will.

Day 3: Windermere to Pelion: 5-7 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 4: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. Optional side trip to Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa or Mount Pelion East.

Day 5: Kia Ora to Narcissus: 6.5-8.5 hours. Optional side trip to Hartnett Falls.

Super-Fast 4-Day Overland Track Itinerary

If you want to go even faster, you can complete the Overland Track in 4 days. You may not have time for many side trips and you’ll be spending most of each day on the track. Remember to book the last ferry of the day on day 4.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Optional side trip to Cradle Mountain or Barn Bluff.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Frog Flats. 5.5-7.5 hours. Optional side trip to Lake Will.

Day 3: Frog Flats to Kia Ora: 5-7 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 4: Kia Ora to Narcissus: 6.5-8.5 hours. Optional side trip to Hartnett Falls.

Beginner-Friendly 7-Day and 9-Day Overland Track Itineraries

These beginner-friendly itineraries prioritize short days on your feet. They also include only the easiest side trips. However, more days on the track means a heavier food bag, so it’s a trade-off.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. 

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Optional side trip to Lake Will.

Day 3: Windermere to Frog Flats 3-4 hours.

Day 4: Frog Flats to Pelion: 2-3 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 5: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. 

Day 6: Kia Ora to Windy Ridge: 3.5-4.5 hours. Optional side trip to Hartnett Falls.

Day 7: Windy Ridge to Narciuss Ferry Jetty: 3-4 hours.

Optional Day 8: Narcissus to Echo Point: 2 hours.

Optional Day 9: Echo Point to Cynthia Bay: 3-4 hours.

Peak Baggers 7-day and 8-Day Itineraries

You can access many of Tasmania’s highest mountains from the Overland Track, including the tallest, Mount Ossa. Some people make a sport of trying to climb all of Tasmania’s peaks over 1100m tall, called Abels. This itinerary is designed to climb as many Abels as possible along the track (weather depending of course).

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Side trip to Cradle Mountain.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Side trip to Barn Bluff.

Day 3: Windermere to Pelion: 5-7 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 4: Stay at Pelion. Side trip to Mount Oakleigh.

Day 5: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. Side trip to Mount Ossa and/or Mount Pelion East.

Day 6: Kia Ora to Windy Ridge: 3.5-4.5 hours. Optional side trip to D’Alton Falls, Fergusson Falls or Hartnett Falls.

Day 7: Windy Ridge to Narciuss Ferry Jetty: 3-4 hours.

Optional Day 8: Narcissus to Cynthia Bay: 5-6 hours.

7-Day Pine Valley and Overland Track Combo Itinerary

Most Overland Track hikers do not walk the side track into Pine Valley, so it’s much quieter. There are several gorgeous day walks in the valley so it makes sense to spend at least one night at the hut there. (On my trip, the Pine Valley Track was closed due to a nearby wildfire, so I haven’t actually been there yet. But rest assured, the fire didn’t come close enough to do any damage.)

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Optional side trip to Cradle Mountain or Barn Bluff.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Optional side trip to Barn Bluff or Lake Will.

Day 3: Windermere to Pelion: 5-7 hours. Optional side trip to Old Pelion Hut.

Day 4: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. Optional side trip to Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa or Mount Pelion East.

Day 5: Kia Ora to Pine Valley: 6.5-8 hours. Optional side trip to D’Alton Falls, Fergusson Falls or Hartnett Falls.

Day 6: Stay at Pine Valley. Side trip to the Acropolis. Optional additional side trip to the Labyrinth.

Day 7: Pine Valley to Narcissus: 3-4.5 hours.

10-Day, 11-Day and 12-Day Itineraries for the Full Experience

This itinerary includes every single side trip along the Overland Track, including a few days in Pine Valley. You’ll have heavy packs on this trip since you’ll be packing so many days of food. Keep in mind that on a trip this length you are bound to run into bad weather which may preclude some of the side trips.

Day 1: Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 4-6 hours. Side trip to Cradle Mountain.

Day 2: Waterfall Valley to Windermere. 2.5-3.5 hours. Side trips to Barn Bluff and Lake Will.

Day 3: Windermere to Pelion: 5-7 hours.

Day 4: Stay at Pelion. Side trips to Mount Oakleigh and Old Pelion Hut.

Day 5: Stay at Pelion. Side trip to Mount Ossa.

Day 6: Pelion to Kia Ora: 3-4 hours. Side trip to Mount Pelion East.

Day 7: Kia Ora to Windy Ridge: 3.5-4.5 hours. Side trips to D’Alton Falls, Fergusson Falls or Hartnett Falls.

Day 8: Windy Ridge to Pine Valley: 3 hours. Side trip to the Acropolis.

Day 9: Stay at Pine Valley. Side trip to the Labyrinth and Lake Elysia

Day 10: Pine Valley to Narcissus: 3 hours.

Optional Day 11: Narcissus to Echo Point: 2 hours OR Narcissus to Cynthia Bay 5-6 hours.

Optional Day 12: Echo Point to Cynthia Bay: 3-4 hours.

So now you should have all the info you need to choose your Overland Track itinerary. Don’t forget to book ferries and shuttle buses that line up with your itinerary!

For your first time, I recommend the standard 6-Day Overland Track Itinerary, but if the weather looks good I’d add on Pine Valley too. Have questions about planning your itinerary? Leave them in the comments!

MORE OVERLAND TRACK POSTS:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Overland Track in Tasmania
• Overland Track Section-by-Section Overview
• The Complete Guide to Overland Track Huts and Camping
• Your Guide to All the Overland Track Side Trips
• Overland Track Transport: How to Get There
• Overland Track Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring

The post 6-Day Overland Track Itinerary (Plus More Itinerary Options) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I hiked the trail in February 2019 and had an amazing time. I’ve put together a section-by-section overview of the Overland Track to give you a taste of the trail and help you get prepped for your trip.

It’s got info on distances and hiking times for each day, difficulty and things you won’t want to miss. There are also lots of photos! Use this Overland Track overview to help you plan your trip.

I’ve updated all the info for the 2022/23 season. This post includes:

• Key distances on the Overland Track
• Staring the Overland Track: Checking in and getting to trailhead from the visitor center
• Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley: 10.7 km plus side trips
• Waterfall Valley to Windermere: 7.8 km plus side trips
• Windermere to Pelion: 16.8 km plus side trips
• Pelion to Kia Ora: 8.6 km plus side trips
• Kia Ora to Windy Ridge: 9.6 km plus side trips
• Windy Ridge to Narcissus: 9 km plus side trips
• Narcissus to Cynthia Bay: 17.5 km (bonus final day)
• Finishing the Overland Track: Sign-in to formally finish, where to eat, and arranging transport

Want more info about the Overland Track? Check out my other Overland Track posts:

• Overland Track Basics: Everything you need to know including how to book, what the weather is like, when to go, and how to stay safe.
• Overland Track Itineraries. Trips from 4 to 12 days for beginners, fast hikers, peak baggers and more. Be sure to consider which
• Side trips to take from the Overland Track. You can climb Tasmania’s highest peak, swim in a lake, visit a waterfall and more.
• Camping and huts on the Overland Track: Details on what to find at each site.
• How to get to the Overland Track: shuttle buses, water taxis, self-driving, and more.
• What to pack for the Overland Track: A super detailed packing list.

Key Distances on the Overland Track

Starting the Overland Track

To start the Overland Track you’ll need to go the Overland Track check-in desk at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. (Need info on getting to Cradle Mountain? Check out my Overland Track transport guide.)

The visitor centre is next to the large visitor car park just outside the main entrance to the park. Bring a copy of the email with your booking confirmation. You will also need to complete a walker safety checklist to confirm that you have the right gear and are prepared for the trek.

After you check-in, the ranger will give you a small, waterproof Overland Track permit on a string. You need to keep the permit attached to your pack while you are walking and to your tent when you camp.

Before you leave the visitor centre use the toilet and fill up your water bottle since this is the last place to do that.

The start of the track is actually seven kilometres into the park. You can walk there in a couple hours on the Cradle Valley boardwalk.

But most people opt to take the free park shuttle bus. Get on the bus just outside the Visitor Centre, then get off at the Ronny Creek stop. At Ronny Creek, be sure to sign your name in the walkers log book and take a photo with the Overland Track sign.

Ronny Creek to Waterfall Valley

Distance: 10.7km

Elevation Change: 390m ascent, 220m descent

Time: 4-6 hours

Difficulty: Challenging

Side Trip Options: Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff

Unfortunately, the most difficult section on the Overland Track is the first day, and you’ll have to tackle it with a heavy backpack. As well, most of this day’s walk is out of the trees where you are very exposed to wind and rain. Be sure to keep rain gear and warm clothing easily accessible just in case. 

The track starts on wide duckboard from the Ronny Creek car park. You’ll pass lots of wombat burrows in buttongrass. After about 700m turn left to cross a bridge and reach a junction. Go up the stairs to the right to stay on the Overland Track through more buttongrass. After another 700m and a few stairs, go left at the junction to stay on the Overland Track.

The next section follows a creek through thick forest with a few sets of wooden stairs. Eventually you’ll emerge on the shores of Crater Lake next to an old boat house. If it’s raining and the lake level is low, head into the boat house to take a break.

From Crater Lake you’ll start to climb out of the trees towards Marions Lookout, passing two tracks coming in from the left. The trail up to Marion’s Lookout is steep in places, with lots of stairs and even a short scramble section with a chain to hang on to. This is the steepest and hardest climb on the Overland Track.

Take a break at the top to admire the great views of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain.

From Marion’s Lookout the track undulates over open buttongrass for another 2 kilometres before reaching Kitchen Hut. This historic hut was built in 1939 as a traditional lunch stop. It’s a small hut with a few benches and it can get crowded inside on rainy and cold days. The hut is for emergency use only so don’t plan to sleep there. There’s a toilet a few meters further along the trail from the hut.

About 100m from Kitchen Hut is the turn off for the track to the summit of Cradle Mountain. From here, the Overland Track contours around the side of Cradle Mountain through buttongrass and a few clumps of trees for another 3 kilometres. 

Just past the Lake Rodway Track junction on the main track is a small, green, plastic dome-shaped emergency hut. The next section of track is some of the most exposed so you may want to take a break here out of the weather.

From the emergency hut, the track traces the rim of the Cradle Cirque. The terrain drops steeply to your left. After about 700m, you’ll reach the intersection with the Barn Bluff Track. The Overland Track stays on top of the cirque for another 500m before starting the descent down to the Waterfall Valley.

The track heads into the trees, which can be a welcome respite from high winds and rain up on the cirque. Watch for the right turn towards the Waterfall Valley Hut and campground.

Waterfall Valley to Windermere

Distance: 7.8km

Elevation Change: 50m ascent, 50m descent

Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy 

Side Trip Options: Barn Bluff, Lake Will

After starting with the hardest bit, you can follow it up with the easiest Overland Track section from Waterfall Valley to Windermere. The track starts by descending to cross a couple of creeks. It stays mostly flat, with some ups and downs through open forest and button grass.

After 3.5km you’ll reach a the turn off to Lake Will. There’s a large wooden platform here to leave your pack if you decide to make the side trip.

From Lake Will, the track climbs gently up a ridge, with views of lakes all around you. About 1.5km from Lake Will you’ll reach the top of the ridge and a great viewpoint. You can see your destination for the night, Lake Windermere, below you.

Descend steeply off the ridge, then walk across grassy plains to the shores of Lake Windermere. There’s a small open area next to the lake with rock steps heading into the water. It makes a great place to have a swim. The Windermere Hut and campground are a 10 minute walk slightly uphill from the lake.

Windermere to Pelion

Distance: 16.8km

Elevation Change: 270m descent, 150m ascent

Time: 5-7 hours

Difficulty: Moderate 

Side Trip Options: Old Pelion Hut, Mount Oakleigh

This is the longest Overland Track section, but thankfully none of it is too difficult.

The track starts out fairly flat with a few short climbs. For the most part you’ll be walking on open plains with a few patches of forest.

After about 4km you’ll reach the junction for the short spur trail to the River Forth Lookout. There’s open area for you to leave your packs, but the track is only 50m long so you may choose to keep your pack with you. There’s a great viewpoint at the edge of cliff where you can see the River Forth far below.

From the lookout the Overland Track heads into tight forest. The track here is has lots of roots and rocks, so it’s slow going. About 1km later, the track emerges from the trees and heads across the plains. If you look across the valley here you can see Old Pelion hut. Unfortunately your route to get there is not very direct.

The track heads back into the trees and descends to cross Pelion Creek. There’s a wooden platform here with a bench that makes a good place to rest. It’s also a good spot to collect water.

After leaving the creek, the Overland Track heads into dense forest and gradually trends downhill for he next 2.5km to Frog Flats. This is the lowest point on the track at 720m elevation.

From the bridge over the River Forth at Frog Flats, the trail climbs in the forest for the next 1.5km before levelling out a little bit. About 2km later you’ll see the turn off to Old Pelion Hut on your left. Walk 400m more meters to New Pelion Hut and campground. Just past the hut is the start of the Mount Oakleigh track.

Pelion to Kia Ora

Distance: 8.6km

Elevation Change: 260m ascent, 270m descent

Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate 

Side Trip Options: Mount Oakleigh, Mount Ossa, Mount Pelion East

The fourth Overland Track section is fairly short, but it includes a steep climb. As well, most walkers take a side trip up either Mount Ossa or Mount Pelion, making this day much more challenging.

The first 1.5 kilometres of the day is fairly flat walking through tight forest. Then the climbing begins.

You’ll ascend  200m of elevation over the next 2.5km to Pelion Gap. If the weather is bad, Pelion Gap is very exposed. If it is raining, windy or snowing, put on your extra clothes in the forest before you emerge into the gap.

At Pelion Gap there’s a large wooden platform to take a break and great views in all directions. You can also leave your pack here if you want to take a side trip to either Mount Ossa or Mount Pelion East. The march flies can be bad here though.

From Pelion Gap, the track drops through open terrain for about 1.5km into a wet area, then crosses Pinestone Creek. Then it’s another 2.5km of walking on a rocky track through a mix of forest and scrub to Kia Ora Hut and campground. 

Kira Ora to Windy Ridge

Distance: 9.6km

Elevation Change: 190m ascent, 160m descent

Time: 3.5-4.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate 

Side Trip Options: D’Alton and Fergusson Falls, Hartnett Falls

The fifth Overland Track section isn’t especially difficult, but does include a climb up to Du Cane Gap, plus two waterfall side trips that can make your hike more time consuming.

The first 2.5km of the track is a straightforward walk first through buttongrass plains, then through flattish, open forest to the historic Du Cane Hut.

Built in 1910, the hut is the oldest one in the park and was originally used as a trappers hut. As a historical building, it’s not very structurally sound anymore, so you can’t sleep in it. However, be sure to go inside and read some of the informational signs about the history of the hut and the park.

After Du Cane Hut it’s another 2.5km through flat forest to the junction for D’Alton and Fergusson Falls. Just 500m past the turn off to the first falls is the junction with the Hartnett Falls track. 

After the Hartnett Falls intersection the track starts to climb up towards Du Cane Gap. You had been walking in dense forest for most of the morning, but as you climb up to the gap beside Castle Crag Mountain, the forest becomes a bit more open.

From Du Cane Gap the track descends through myrtle forest for 1.5km to the Bert Nichols Hut and Windy Ridge campground.

Windy Ridge to Narcissus

Distance: 9km

Elevation Change: 140m descent

Time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Easy 

Side Trip Option: Pine Valley

This is an easy Overland Track section since it’s all downhill! The first 5km of the track wind through flat eucalpyt forest that is a bit more open that the forest around Windy Ridge. Watch for snakes sunning themselves in this area – we saw three!

Around the 5km mark you’ll arrive at the junction with the Pine Valley Track. There is a clearing here with some fallen logs to sit on if you want a break.

Past the junction, it’s another 3km through forest, then across boardwalk in buttongrass to the banks of the Narcissus River. Cross the river on a long suspension bridge, the only one on the trail.

After the bridge, continue along the boardwalk through more open vegetation with great views of Mount Olympus across Lake St Clair. After about 1 kilometre, you’ll reach the Narcissus Hut and campground.

If you’re taking the Lake St Clair Ferry, head inside the hut to use the radio to confirm your booking. Then head straight past the hut and take the boardwalk 300m to the jetty. 

Narcissus to Cynthia Bay

Distance: 17.5km

Elevation Change: none

Time: 5-6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Most hikers opt for the boat across Lake St Clair so they technically don’t complete the Overland Track.

However you can add an extra section to your walk (and save some money) by continuing all the way around Lake St Clair on a flat trail through the forest. I opted for the boat so I haven’t actually walked this section of the Overland Track.

The Overland Track heads to the right at the Narcissus Hut. Almost immediately you’ll pass the Lake Marion Track and then 1.5km later the junction with the Cuvier Valley Track. Shortly afterwards, the Overland Track heads closer to the shores of Lake St Clair where it stays for most of the remainder of the walk. Unfortunately, there are few views of the lake.

It should take you about 2.5 hours to walk the 6.3km after from Narcissus Hut to Echo Point Hut. There’s a jetty on the lake in front of the hut that is a good place for a swim.

After Echo Point, the track continues in the forest along the lake for another 11.2km. As you approach the end of the Overland Track you will encounter many junctions. Stay on the Overland Track and go over the bridge at Watersmeet.

The track turns into a dirt road. Look for the junction to Fergy’s Paddock campground about 700m after the bridge. Another 700m of walking past there brings you to the Lake St. Clair Visitor’s Centre at Cynthia Bay and the official end of the Overland Track.

Finishing the Overland Track

If you took the ferry across Lake St. Clair it will drop you off on the jetty at Cynthia Bay. Follow the signs up the jetty to the right along a dirt road. Walk along the road for 150m to the Lake St. Clair visitor Centre.

Once you arrive at the visitor centre be sure to take some photos at the Overland Track sign to commemorate your trip. Afterwards, head to the ranger’s desk in the west wing of the centre (on your right) to sign in and confirm you have completed the track safely.

There are public toilets and a cafe in the east wing of the visitor centre. The Overland Burger is a popular choice. The car park is behind the visitor centre.

If you booked a shuttle bus, head back there to meet it. (Find out more about shuttle buses in my Overland Track transport guide.)

So that’s my Overland Track overview with a section-by-section breakdown of the trail. If you have any questions while planning your trek, let me know in the comments.

MORE OVERLAND TRACK INFO:

• The Ultimate Guide to the Overland Track in Tasmania
• 6-Day Overland Track Itinerary (Plus More Itinerary Options)
• The Complete Guide to Overland Track Huts and Camping
• Your Guide to All the Overland Track Side Trips
• Overland Track Transport: How to Get There
• Overland Track Packing List: Everything You Need to Bring

The post Overland Track Section-by-Section Overview appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

It’s a small city with a population of just over 200,000, but it’s still the largest city in Tasmania. Despite its small size, there is so much to do. Hobart has tons of beautiful historic architecture, amazing local food, a thriving cafe scene and possibly the world’s best (or at least most unique) museum.

A visit to Hobart should be on everyone’s Australia bucket list. A weekend isn’t really enough to see all of it, so in this Hobart weekend itinerary, I’ll just concentrate on the highlights.

With two trips under our belts, lots of research and some great recommendations from locals, we can squeeze a ton into just 2.5 days.

So I’ve put together a guide for spending a weekend in Hobart. It’s not exactly what we did on our trips, but it is what I’d recommend you do if you go.

Here it is – my ideal 2.5-day Hobart weekend itinerary. It includes:

• A Map of things to in Hobart
• Friday Night: Street Eats @ Franko
• Saturday: Salamanca Market, Hobart Waterfront, and MONA
• Sunday: Jackman & McRoss, Battery Point, kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Preacher’s
• Getting around Hobart
• Where to stay in Hobart
• Day trips from Hobart

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Map of Things To Do in Hobart

To help you find your way around, I made you a custom Google map of things to do in Hobart. It includes everything I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in.

Weekend in Hobart Day 0: Friday Night

Street Eats @ Franko for Dinner and Drinks

If you arrive on a Friday night, be sure to head to Street Eats @ Franko for live music and food. It’s a great way to kick off your weekend in Hobart.

Each Friday, grassy Franklin Square (the locals just call it “Franko”) is transformed into a mini-festival. Bring a picnic blanket and order dinner from one of the food stalls. Follow it up with Tasmanian beer, wine or cider while you listen to local bands.

The scene is really eclectic with a mix of families, hipsters, tourists and regular locals. Our AirBnb hosts recommended we check out Street Eats @ Franko and we were so glad we did. It definitely was a great way to get a feel for the city and do something that locals love to do.

Where: Franklin Square, 70 Macquarie Street, Hobart

When: Every Friday night 4:30-9pm between December and April

Weekend in Hobart Day 1: Saturday

Salamanca Market for Breakfast and Shopping

You can’t spend a weekend in Hobart without shopping at the Salamanca Market. The huge farmer’s market takes over several blocks in the CBD every Saturday morning.

Browse through the stalls to discover tons of local produce, clothing, gifts and souvenirs. Grab coffee and a pastry from one of the stalls, then eat your breakfast as you shop.

Tip: Go early to beat the crowds. It can get VERY busy by mid-day in the summer. We went to the market soon after they opened at 9am and by the time we left around 10:30 the crowds were crushingly thick.

Many of the stalls offer free tastings so you can try before you buy. We bought some amazing bread and delicious washed-rind cheese. Since it was mid-summer lots of fruit was in season. We picked up a carton of cherries to snack on as we shopped.

Where: Salamanca Place at Morrison Street, Hobart

When: Every Saturday 8:30am-3pm

Hobart Waterfront for Lunch and Sightseeing

After Salamanca market head over to the waterfront a few blocks a way. Stroll around Constitution Dock, have a look at the fishing boats and keep a keen eye out for seals.

The row of historic buildings on Hunter Street includes the old Henry Jones IXL jam factory. At one time, this factory produced Tasmanian jam for export all over the world.

When you get hungry, order fish and chips from one of the floating take-away barges. Mako Seafood gets the best reviews, but Fish Frenzy is good too.

If you’re into whiskey, stop in at Lark Distillery next to the Hobart visitor centre. They’ve been making single malt whiskey and gin for over 20 years. While I’m not a whiskey drinker, my husband enjoyed the tasting flight. I devoured the delicious cheese board!

Where:

Constitution Dock: Franklin Wharf at Hunter Street, Hobart

Lark Distillery: 14 Davey Street, Hobart

Ferry to MONA

Catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art, better known as MONA. The 25-minute boat ride is a great way to see Hobart’s harbour. It’s also the best way to see the exterior of MONA since the building is set into a hill. The only way to view it is from a boat!

Your MONA experience starts on the ferry. Grab a drink at the bar then explore the ship. You can sit inside in a cushy booth, but if you head outside, you can sit on a sheep or a tiger!

There’s also a VIP experience called the “Posh Pit” with a private seating area and complimentary food and drink. We skipped the Posh Pit and just got standard tickets, but I still thought it was great.

Where: Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart

When: Check MONA ferry timetables

How much: Tickets start at $28 AUD

MONA

If you go to Hobart, you can’t miss MONA. It’s an art museum, but it’s not your average art museum. It’s full of art that is controversial, confronting and sometimes just plain weird. It is housed in an architecturally eclectic building on the waterfront in the suburb of Berriedale.

Self-made millionaire David Walsh opened the museum in 2011 to house his personal art collection. He describes it as a “subversive adult Disneyland”. 

It’s an art museum for people who don’t like art or museums. I liked MONA so much that I’ve returned on each of my visits to Hobart – it’s my favourite art museum in the world! I think I really enjoyed my visits so much since a lot of the art is designed to be fun and interactive rather than pretentious.

The museum houses ancient Egyptian art and modern art side by side in a labyrinth of galleries. Some of the most famous pieces include a live man displaying his back tattoos, a wall of vagina sculptures, an obese Porsche, an Egyptian mummy, and a waterfall that spells out words from real-time Google searches.

There are three levels of exhibits, some of which are interactive. There are also art pieces scattered around the grounds. Plan to spend around 3-4 hours to see it all.

As of 2022 you need to book your ticket in advance.

Where: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale

When: 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round and Thursdays between late April and December.

How much: Tickets start at $39 AUD.

Dinner at MONA

Splurge on one of the fancy restaurants at MONA for dinner. On Saturday nights they often have special dining events including chef’s tables combined with sunset art installation talks. Both Faro and The Source are sit-down fine-dining places and require advance booking.

There is also a wine bar and outdoor grill, both of which are less formal and don’t require booking.

MONA also offers one-off dinner experiences. We booked the Golden Hour experience which includes a long-table style multi-course dinner. Afterwards, a museum guide led us over to James Turnell’s rooftop art installation, Amarna.

It’s designed to be viewed at sunset so you can witness the night sky change colours as the lights installation in the roof of the pavilion changes colours. Plus it has heated benches so you can watch in comfort.

Where: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale

When: Check opening hours as they vary by season and day of the week.

Bookings: MONA website

Weekend in Hobart Day 2: Sunday

Jackman & McRoss for Brunch

Sleep in, then head to Jackman & McRoss for brunch. This Battery Point bakery/cafe is a Hobart institution. They have incredible pastries, plus a full brunch and lunch menu. Their meat pies are delicious and they even do a special breakfast pie with eggs and bacon.

Be sure to check the daily specials board for innovative local dishes. Get some baked goods to go. You’ll want them to snack on at the top of Mount Wellington in the afternoon.

This place was so delicious (and near our AirBnb) that we actually ate here twice! Curried scallop pies are a tradition in Hobart. Most people eat pies as a basic lunch on the go, but at Jackman & McRoss they have a fancy version that some say is the best curried scallop pie in Tasmania.

Of course I had to try it. I thought it was good, but I liked some of their other pies better. The pastry is soooo good.

Where: 57 Hampden Road, Hobart

When: 7am-5pm daily

Battery Point Self-Guided Walking Tour

After brunch, take a walk around historic Battery Point. The area is Hobart’s oldest suburb. It was originally home to the working class, but now it’s one of Hobart’s most desirable neighbourhoods. It’s full of quaint historic cottages, cobbled lanes and pretty parks. It was originally the site of the city’s military defences.

You can just wander the streets on your own, but a better option is to take a walking tour. A local community association has put together a great self-guided walk called “In Bobby’s Footsteps“. There are plaques with scannable QR codes along the way to give you more info about historic buildings and sites.

We didn’t get ourselves organized enough to follow the tour properly, but we did wander around randomly on the way to other things so we ended up seeing many of the historic sites anyway.

Where: Starts the corner of Salamanca Place and Montpellier’s Retreat, Hobart

When: Anytime (it’s self-guided)

kunanyi/ Mount Wellington

After lunch head up to kunanyi, also known by its settler name, Mount Wellington. At 1,271m tall, it towers over Hobart. Since it’s so high, it is often covered in snow. There is a spectacular lookout at the top, plus lots of walking trails. Even if you aren’t a hiker, it’s worth spending a bit of time at the top to take in the view.

If you want to hike, the 3-hour Organ Pipes walk at Mount Wellington is a classic. I didn’t have time, but apparently it is one of Tasmania’s best hikes. The walk goes along the base of the dolerite rock towers you can see from Hobart’s CBD.

If you want a shorter hike, follow the trail south from the main viewpoint as far as you like to escape the crowds and get some alternate views of the city. We spent a pleasant half hour rambling along the top of the bluff.

A narrow, winding road leads all the way to the top of the mountain. However, the road is closed in snowy and icy conditions. If you have a car, you can drive yourself up.

Otherwise you can book a ticket on the private hop-on, hop-off Mount Wellington bus that heads up and down the mountain several times a day. Since you aren’t tied to a tour schedule, it gives you time to explore on your own up top.

You can also take public buses to the base of the mountain in the Fern Tree neighbourhood and then follow walking tracks up the mountain.

Where: kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Pinnacle Road, Hobart

Preacher’s for Dinner and Drinks

For dinner and drinks, head to Preacher’s in the Battery Point neighbourhood. This fun pub is located in a historic old house. The big back garden has lots of picnic tables and umbrellas, but the real standout is the bus. Yes, at this pub you can drink your beer inside an old Hobart city bus! 

The beer list features lots of local craft beers and the menu has typical (but tasty) pub fare like burgers and chips.

Where: 5 Knopwood Street, Hobart

When: noon-11:30pm

Getting Around Hobart

If you are just spending a weekend in Hobart, you don’t need a car. The CBD is really walkable and it’s easy to get to MONA by boat or to kunanyi/ Mount Wellington on the bus. If you fly in, the airport is a 20-minute drive away by taxi or airport shuttle bus.

Where to Stay in Hobart

Since Hobart is so walkable, it makes sense to stay in or near the CBD. Each time we’ve visited, we stayed in the Battery Point neighbourhood. It’s close to the CBD but quieter. It’s a 10-minute walk to Salamanca Market and the waterfront, and you pass gorgeous historical homes along the way.

Boutique Hotel

If you want a unique place to stay, book the Henry Jones Art Hotel. It’s located in a series of historic buildings on the waterfront that used to house the Henry Jones IXL jam factory! It has lots of art and is in a great location on the harbour.

Affordable

On a recent last minute trip to Hobart our beloved loft Airbnb was booked up, so we made a reservation at the nearby Battery Point Manor. It’s a small historic hotel with amazing water views from most of the rooms as well as the upstairs balcony. We loved the location in Battery Point, and the price was lower than comparable hotels in the CBD.

Budget

The Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is what would happen if an AirBnb had a baby with a funky hostel. They have dorm bunks, private rooms, a shared kitchen and a garden with a barbecue. The whole thing is set in a 19th century mansion in Battery Point.

Apartment

Staying at St Ives Apartments is a great option if you want a kitchen. Since it is an apartment hotel, you get the convenience of a hotel front desk with the apartment-style experience of an Airbnb.

Day Trips from Hobart

If you’re staying in Hobart for a few more days, be sure to plan a few trips outside the city. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Bruny Island: A foodie and nature destination on a long, sandy island.
• Tasman Peninsula: Visit the historic convict sites at Port Arthur, then experience nature.
• Maria Island: A small island teeming with wildlife and history.

Final Thoughts

Even though it’s a small city, Hobart punches far above it’s weight thanks to its status as the capital of Australia’s smallest and most remote state. I enjoyed both of my visits and can’t wait to go back.

So that’s how I recommend you spend a weekend in Hobart. This 2-day itinerary will ensure you see the highlights of this pretty little city. Have questions about Hobart? Leave them in the comments.

MORE TASMANIA POSTS:

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• The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia
• The Best Things to do in Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast

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