Hobart’s charm isn’t just in its stunning harbor and historic buildings; it also shines through its lively drinking scene. Whether you’re after a deep dive into the city’s past through its old taverns or eager to learn the secrets behind Tasmania’s renowned beers, Hobart offers a range of memorable drinking tours. We particularly like the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour for its storytelling charm and the Cascade Brewery Experience for its hands-on brewery tour—and both are excellent choices for those wanting to combine history and a good drink.
If you prefer a more immersive pub crawl experience, Hobart’s Liquid History Pub Tour stands out with its focus on the city’s oldest pubs and stories of early settlers and convicts. Meanwhile, beer lovers shouldn’t miss the Cascade Brewery Tour, which provides insight into one of Australia’s oldest breweries, with tasty samples included. For those wanting a focused historical perspective on craft brewing, the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour offers a shorter, more heritage-focused experience.
Quick Overview
This list covers a spectrum of drinking tours in Hobart—from historic pub walks, like the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour, to brewery experiences and guided pub crawls. Some tours focus on history, like the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour, while others blend storytelling with tastings, such as Hobart’s Liquid History Pub Tour. Each offers a different way to enjoy Hobart’s local flavors and past.
1. Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour
At number 1, the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour takes you through the city’s historic watering holes, revealing stories of smugglers, convicts, and characters that shaped Hobart’s reputation. This 1.5-hour walk covers multiple pubs and taverns, giving you a taste of the local drink scene while immersing you in stories from the past. The guide shares entertaining anecdotes about the city’s seamy side, making it as much a storytelling tour as a pub crawl. Included in the experience is the chance to purchase a drink at a few of the stops, so you can enjoy a cold beer or local cider while soaking in the atmosphere.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on history and humor, with guides like Maggie or Sebastian providing lively commentary. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm, with visitors appreciating the well-researched stories and relaxed pace. It’s suitable for all ages and requires only light walking, making it accessible. The cost is just over $25, offering good value considering the stories and drinks included.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and casual drinkers alike, this tour offers a relaxed way to explore Hobart’s old pubs and uncover its colorful past.
2. Hobart: Cascade Brewery Experience
For those interested in Tasmania’s craft beer scene, the Cascade Brewery Experience is a must. Priced at $26 per person, this 75-minute tour delves into the process of brewing Australia’s oldest beer. You’ll learn how Cascade’s iconic beers are made, from the raw ingredients to the final product, with stories spanning over 200 years of brewing history.
What sets this experience apart is the blend of heritage and hands-on learning. The guide walks you through the historic brewery buildings, explaining how production has evolved while still respecting tradition. The tour concludes with a tasting paddle of four Cascade beers, giving you an opportunity to evaluate the different flavors and styles. It’s a great choice for beer enthusiasts or those curious about brewing methods.
According to reviews, guides are friendly and informative, and the tasting is a highlight. The tour doesn’t include pouring your own beer anymore, but the professional tasting makes up for it. It’s best suited for adults comfortable with beer tastings and keen to learn about brewing history.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for fans of beer and history, offering insight into the craft behind Tasmania’s most famous brew.
3. Cascade Brewery Tour
The Cascade Brewery Tour is a longer, slightly more detailed look at Australia’s oldest brewery, lasting about 1.5 hours. This tour emphasizes seeing previously unseen areas of the brewery and understanding the brewing process from start to finish. You’ll explore the historic buildings, learn about the brewery’s origins, and see how they produce their classic beers today.
While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s worth noting that not all areas may be visibly active, so some parts might be quiet during your visit. The guided walk includes a tasting paddle of four Cascade beers, allowing you to sample the flavors that made the brewery famous. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the interesting history, though some mention that the tour might be slightly shorter than expected given the price.
Ideal for visitors wanting a deeper dive into brewery operations combined with a historical perspective, this tour balances education with tasting. It’s a good pick for those who want a full view of Tasmanian brewing heritage in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beer lovers who want to learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting session in a historic setting.
4. Hobart’s Liquid History Pub Tour
At number 4, Hobart’s Liquid History Pub Tour offers an immersive look at Hobart’s pub culture and its stories. This 2.5-hour tour takes you through some of the oldest pubs and buildings, including Australia’s oldest pub, with stops at historic sites like Salamanca Place and Franklin Square.
Led by a guide named Dave, the tour combines fascinating tales of early settlers, convicts, and maritime legends with tastings of local beers, wines, and ciders. The tour’s strength lies in its storytelling and atmosphere, making it more than just a pub crawl—it’s an experience rooted in Hobart’s social fabric. The tour is quite exclusive, with only five reviews, but they are glowing, praising the engaging guide and the chance to sample some of Tasmania’s best drinks in historic settings.
This tour suits those interested in local history and culture paired with drinks, and the longer duration allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy each stop. It’s more premium priced at over $78, reflecting the curated experience and small group size.
Bottom Line: Best for history lovers who enjoy a relaxed, storytelling-driven pub crawl with tastings included.
5. Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour
Finally, the Hobart: Cascade Brewery Historic Tour offers a concise, 1-hour experience focused on the heritage of this iconic site. The tour guides you through the historic gardens and key parts of the brewery, emphasizing its heritage significance. It’s a straightforward look at the brewery’s history and architecture, making it ideal for those with limited time or a particular interest in heritage sites.
While this shorter tour doesn’t include tastings, it provides a solid overview of the brewery’s story. The reviews are positive, noting the friendly guides and the well-maintained historic site. It’s priced at just $17, making it a budget-friendly way to get a taste of Tasmania’s brewing history without the longer commitment.
This tour is suited for travelers who want a quick, educational experience about the brewery’s past without the full tasting paddle, or as a complement to other pub outings in Hobart.
Bottom Line: An affordable, heritage-focused tour perfect for history lovers with limited time.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in Hobart
When planning your Hobart drinking adventures, consider your priorities: are you more interested in history and storytelling, or do you want an interactive brewery experience? For a relaxed walk through historic pubs, the Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour offers a balanced mix of stories and drinks. If brewing techniques fascinate you, the Cascade Brewery Experience provides a detailed look at one of Australia’s oldest breweries with tastings included.
If you’re after a longer, more social pub crawl with tales of Hobart’s past, the Hobart’s Liquid History Pub Tour is perfect, especially if you enjoy storytelling combined with local drinks. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter, more economical Cascade Brewery Historic Tour, which focuses on heritage without the tasting.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the pub crawl, to secure your spot. Consider the best time to go—summer evenings are ideal for socializing and outdoor tastings, while winter visits are cozy and atmospheric.
Hobart’s drinking tours provide a wonderful way to connect with the city’s past and present. Whether you want to walk historic streets, learn about Tasmania’s brewing heritage, or enjoy local spirits in a lively pub setting, there’s an option for every taste. For a well-rounded experience, try combining a pub walk with a brewery tour—you’ll leave with stories, some great drinks, and a real appreciation for Hobart’s unique character. Don’t forget to book ahead; these experiences fill up quickly, especially in peak season.