Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Ticket

Hobart, the charming capital of Tasmania, offers a fascinating mix of history, natural beauty, and innovative art. For travelers eager to get a solid introduction to its main sights and then dive into the eclectic world of MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), this Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Ticket is a well-rounded choice. Costing $86 per person and lasting about eight hours, this guided experience combines a scenic city tour on a converted coach tram with a ferry ride and a visit to one of Australia’s most talked-about modern art museums.

What we love about this tour is how well it balances sightseeing and culture. You get a rundown of Hobart’s historic spots—like Salamanca Place and Battery Point—paired with the chance to explore MONA, famous for its provocative and thought-provoking collections. Plus, the ferry transfer back to the city adds a relaxing and scenic ending to your day.

One small consideration is the duration of the time spent at each site, especially the botanical gardens and Female Factory, which some reviews suggest could use a bit more time if you’re particularly interested in those areas. The tour is best suited for those who want both a guided introduction to Hobart’s highlights and a dedicated afternoon exploring contemporary art at MONA.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who love a mix of history, scenic views, and modern culture, and who appreciate knowledgeable guides and smooth transportation.

Key Points

Balanced Itinerary: Combines a city tour with a visit to MONA, two essential Hobart experiences.
Expert Guides: Guides like Hugo and Tim are praised for their knowledge, humor, and engaging commentary.
Comfortable Transport: The converted coach tram offers a cozy way to see the city, with some reviews noting it’s not the most plush but functional.
Stunning Views: From the Tasman Bridge to Rosny Hill lookout, the scenery is a highlight.
Value for Money: Includes entry to MONA, ferry back, and a comprehensive tour at a reasonable price.
Timing Flexibility: The day’s structure allows for a relaxed pace and insights into Hobart’s diverse attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and How You Meet Your Guide

Your adventure begins at the Gray Line desk inside Brooke Street Pier. While some reviews mention slight confusion about timing and location, most travelers find the meeting point straightforward once located. There’s no hotel pickup, so plan accordingly if your accommodation isn’t nearby. The tour usually starts in the morning, giving you full value for your day.

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The Converted Coach Tram: A Nostalgic Way to See Hobart

The core of the morning is a 3-hour city tour aboard a converted historic tram. This vehicle isn’t the latest in plush comfort, but it’s cozy enough and adds a nostalgic charm. Your guide, often like Barry, who impresses guests with his local knowledge, leads you through over 40 city sights.

Expect to see Sullivan’s Cove, the picturesque waterfront, and learn about Hobart’s development from a small penal colony to a vibrant city. The tour also covers Parliament House, Salamanca Place, and Battery Point, each offering a glimpse into Hobart’s maritime and colonial past.

One reviewer notes, “Our guide Barry was absolutely amazing, with very good local knowledge and very pleasant,” highlighting how much a knowledgeable guide enhances the experience. Another (from Lesley in New Zealand) appreciated a guide named Hugo who went “above and beyond,” even when weather was less cooperative.

Exploring Key Landmarks and Thematic Stops

The tour makes several stops along the way, including the Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery, and the Cascade Gardens. While some reviews clarify that the tour doesn’t include an inside visit to the brewery, seeing it from afar still provides a historical context to Hobart’s brewing tradition.

The Female Factory remains a point of interest for its historical significance as a female prison and labor site. Some guests wish for more time here, but the tour offers a meaningful exterior visit and commentary.

You’ll also cross the Derwent River via the Tasman Bridge, offering spectacular views of Kangaroo Bay Marina and Bellerive. The Rosny Hill lookout provides an excellent panoramic vista, where you can see Mount Wellington, Sandy Bay, and the city’s lush surrounds.

The Scenic Ferry and MONA Experience

Following the guided city tour, you’ll hop on a ferry to MONA, which many travelers find to be the highlight of their day. The ferry offers a peaceful ride across the Derwent River, with some reviews describing it as “a lovely way to relax after sightseeing.”

Once at MONA, you’ll have ample time—typically several hours—to explore the museum’s provocative and eclectic art collections. Its unique layout and striking architecture make it more than just a gallery; it’s an experience. Visitors often praise the smooth transfer process and friendly staff, making their visit to MONA stress-free.

Reviews frequently mention the value of the included ticket—many feel that for $86, the combination of city sights, ferry ride, and admission to MONA is excellent value. Notably, guests like Sarah emphasize the “fabulous ferry ride and trip to MONA,” highlighting how seamlessly the logistics work.

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Returning to Hobart and Final Impressions

The tour concludes with a ferry ride back to Brooke Street Pier, arriving around 5:30 pm. This relaxed end to the day allows you to reflect on your experiences or explore Hobart’s vibrant waterfront area at your leisure.

Many reviewers rave about the guides’ humor, knowledge, and approachable manner—making the entire experience enjoyable. For instance, Ann appreciated Evan’s sense of humor, and Elizabeth called her guide Barry “absolutely amazing.”

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Practical Tips for Travelers

No hotel pickup: Plan your transportation to the meeting point in advance.
Weather considerations: The tram isn’t the plushest, so bring a raincoat if rain is forecast.
Time at MONA: Allocate your afternoon time wisely; some wish for longer in the gardens or certain exhibits.
Accessibility: The tour involves some walking and vehicle boarding, so consider mobility needs.
Photography: Many stops offer stunning vistas—bring a camera or smartphone.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Hobart’s highlights and modern art lovers eager to see MONA. It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate guides with local insights and scenic views. If you enjoy a balanced mix of history, nature, and contemporary art, this tour offers a thorough, engaging day at a fair price.

While some might wish for longer at certain sights or a more plush transport, most reviews suggest that the value, knowledgeable guides, and seamless logistics make up for these minor drawbacks.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour begins at Brooke Street Pier, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the meeting point.

How long do I spend at MONA?
You’ll have several hours in the afternoon to explore MONA after the ferry ride, allowing plenty of time to see the exhibits and enjoy the museum’s atmosphere.

Is the tram ride comfortable?
The tram isn’t the newest vehicle, but it provides a cozy and nostalgic way to see the city. Some guests note it’s not the most plush but still functional.

Are there any inside visits during the city tour?
No inside visits are included for places like Cascade Brewery or the Female Factory; the tour focuses on exterior views and commentary.

What views can I expect during the tour?
Expect stunning vistas from Rosny Hill, the Tasman Bridge, and scenic waterfront spots like Sullivan’s Cove and Bellerive.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?
While mainly geared toward adults, older children with an interest in history and art could enjoy the experience, especially the ferry and MONA.

Is the price of $86 worth it?
Most guests agree that it’s good value, considering the comprehensive city tour, ferry ride, and MONA entry are bundled together.

If you’re looking for a flexible, engaging way to see Hobart and experience its modern art scene, this tour hits a lot of marks. You’ll appreciate the insights from guides like Hugo and Tim, the scenic vistas along the way, and the chance to visit MONA without the hassle of separate tickets or transport. It’s a well-rounded package that balances culture, history, and leisure, making it especially appealing to first-time visitors, art enthusiasts, and those who enjoy scenic daytime adventures.

For travelers craving an authentic taste of Hobart’s essence—both its past and its vibrant contemporary art—this tour offers a memorable, hassle-free day at a reasonable price.