Hobart stands out as a fantastic destination for walking tours because of its compact size, rich colonial history, and stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re wandering through historic neighborhoods like Battery Point, exploring lively waterfronts, or venturing into Tasmania’s wild national parks, Hobart’s walkable layout makes every step an opportunity to discover something new. We love how many tours blend cultural insights with scenic views—like the Hobart Historic Walking Tour or the Grand Hobart Walking Tour—each offering a balanced mix of history, architecture, and lively street scenes. Plus, with options like the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk (link), you can combine a scenic cruise with a nature walk, perfect for those who want more than just city streets.
Hobart’s compact, accessible environment makes it easy to combine different kinds of walking tours, from urban history to wilderness adventures. Whether you have a few hours or several days, there’s a walk suited for your interest and fitness level. The variety on offer ensures that you’ll find something that matches your style—from a quick city overview to an immersive wilderness experience.
1. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks
At number 1, this full-day tour offers a rare combination of wildlife encounters, convict history, and breathtaking scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who want an active day out in Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed Maria Island. The tour kicks off with an award-winning sightseeing cruise that whisks you past fur seals, dolphins, albatross, and whales during migration season. You then land on Maria Island for a guided walk of the historic Darlington Convict Settlement, where you’ll see well-preserved ruins and hear stories of the convicts’ lives.
What makes this tour stand out is its diversity—combining wildlife spotting, geological wonders, and convict history in one day. The crew provides lively commentary, and you can bring your own lunch or purchase onboard. It’s highly rated for its professional staff and the chance to see wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies in the wild. For around $200, the value is excellent for a full day immersed in Tasmania’s natural and cultural treasures.
Bottom line: This is ideal for active travelers who want a mix of marine wildlife, history, and stunning landscapes, plus the convenience of hotel pickup.
2. Hobart History, People & Places – 2 hour city walk
Number 2 on our list is a compact city walk that captures Hobart’s colonial roots and vibrant street life. For just over $25, this guided tour takes you through the heart of Hobart, including Hunter Street, Salamanca Place, and a scenic walk through a city park. The tour offers a personal, intimate experience with a local guide, typically with groups of less than eight, ensuring plenty of interaction.
Your guide shares stories about Hobart’s founding, its convict past, and its evolution into a modern city. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and engaging storytelling—many say it’s an essential introduction to Hobart. The walk is wheelchair accessible and covers key landmarks in just two hours, making it suitable for a quick overview or those with limited time.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a focused, insider perspective on Hobart’s history and architecture without spending a whole day on it.
3. Southwest Tasmania Wilderness Experience: Fly Cruise and Walk Including Lunch
Number 3 takes you far beyond the city into Tasmania’s untouched wilderness area. Departing from Hobart, you’ll fly over the Southwest National Park, part of the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, offering incredible aerial views of rugged cliffs, dense forests, and remote coastlines. Landing in the park, you’ll take a cruise on Bathurst Harbour and walk through pristine wilderness, giving a sense of untouched natural beauty few get to see.
What makes this tour unique is its combination of scenic flight, boat cruise, and bushwalking—delivering a comprehensive wilderness experience. The guides share insights into the fragile ecosystem and the park’s geological features. It’s rated 5/5, with reviewers describing it as “fabulous,” “spectacular,” and “a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. At $508, it’s a significant investment but offers a full day immersed in Tasmania’s wild landscapes.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers eager to combine aerial sightseeing with wilderness exploration in a remote, pristine setting.
4. Salamanca Walk – History Tour
Number 4 on our list is a 2.5-hour walk focusing specifically on Salamanca and Battery Point, two of Hobart’s most iconic neighborhoods. This tour offers a deep dive into Tasmania’s colonial past, with your guide using photos and drawings to bring stories to life. You’ll stroll through historic streets, learn about the warehouses, trade, and early settlers, and explore the architecture that still defines Hobart’s waterfront.
The tour is praised for its engaging storytelling and small-group intimacy, with many reviews highlighting the guide’s ability to make history accessible and fun. It’s an excellent choice for travelers interested in the city’s maritime history and colonial architecture, especially if you’re short on time but want a meaningful experience.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, engaging option for anyone interested in Hobart’s past, with plenty of stories and historical insights in a manageable time frame.
5. Hobart Historic Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour tour offers a quick but rich overview of Hobart’s colonial and convict history. Starting at key landmarks, your guide walks you through the city’s evolution from a penal settlement to a vibrant modern hub. The focus is on heritage-listed buildings, notable characters, and the stories behind Hobart’s streets.
Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour provides a snapshot of the city’s character and major sites. Reviewers mention the guide’s wealth of knowledge and how the tour helps put Hobart’s architecture and streets into context. For travelers with limited time, this allows you to get your bearings while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a concise, informative introduction to Hobart’s history and landmarks.
6. Grand Hobart Walking Tour
At three hours, the Grand Hobart Walking Tour covers both the city and its historic neighborhoods like Battery Point and Salamanca. You’ll see iconic sandstone buildings and learn about Hobart’s early days in a leisurely pace. The guide’s storytelling highlights notable characters and events that shaped the city, making it ideal for history enthusiasts who want a comprehensive experience.
Many reviewers appreciated the guide’s enthusiasm and the inclusion of lesser-known stories. The tour balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it suitable for those who want a deeper dive into Hobart’s past without rushing.
Bottom line: A solid choice for travelers wanting a longer, more detailed walk through Hobart’s historic districts.
7. Old Hobart Pub Walking Tour
Number 7 is a 1.5-hour tour focusing on Hobart’s legendary pubs, brothels, and the underbelly of its historical nightlife. Led by a lively guide, you’ll explore old taverns and hear stories of smugglers, convicts, and characters who shaped Hobart’s reputation. You can purchase drinks along the way, adding to the authentic pub crawl feel.
Guests mention the guide’s passion and the stories of old Hobart’s seamy side as highlights. The tour is suitable for those interested in social history and the city’s nightlife legends. Some parts involve walking through waterfront areas, so wear comfortable shoes.
Bottom line: Great for those interested in Hobart’s colorful, sometimes seedy, past combined with a fun social experience.
8. Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania
This 1.5-hour tour explores Sullivan’s Cove and Battery Point’s street art and historical sites. You’ll see murals and public art by local and international artists, alongside stories about Hobart’s colonial past, explorers, and whalers. The tour includes visits to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and other landmarks, blending visual art with historical context.
It’s a unique way to experience modern urban creativity alongside the city’s story. Reviewers love the mix of art and history, especially the chance to see the two islands sculpture and Bonsai and Ghostpatrol murals. It’s best suited for art lovers and those wanting a less traditional walking experience.
Bottom line: An engaging option for travelers who appreciate street art and want a cultural snapshot of modern Hobart.
9. From Hobart: Three Capes Walking Tour – 4 Days
Number 9 offers an extensive 4-day guided walk along Tasmania’s stunning Tasman Peninsula and the famed Three Capes. This epic journey combines coastal walking, sightseeing, and an eco-cruise, with each day revealing breathtaking cliffs, sea stacks, and wildlife. It’s perfect for serious hikers and nature lovers wanting an immersive experience.
The tour emphasizes connecting with nature and enjoying homestyle hospitality at each stop. It’s the most comprehensive option on our list, ideal for those with time and fitness to enjoy multiple days of hiking. The reviews, while not detailed here, suggest a memorable and well-organized adventure.
Bottom line: Designed for dedicated walkers seeking a multi-day, all-encompassing adventure in Tasmania’s wilderness.
$1,976 per person
10. From Hobart: Mt Wellington Morning Walking Tour
New to the list, this 4-hour morning walk begins with a scenic drive to the Chalet on Mount Wellington. From there, you’ll hike the Organ Pipes Track, an easy walk past colorful snow gums and dramatic cliffs, ending at the summit for spectacular views over Hobart. The guide shares stories about early explorers and hiking pioneers, enhancing the experience.
The tour is great for active travelers wanting a manageable but rewarding mountain walk. The optional scramble onto the trig point adds a touch of adventure. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels, but be prepared for some elevation gain.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a shorter, scenic mountain walk with panoramic city views in the morning.
$57.35 per person
11. Walking Tour: Highlight Of Battery Point
Finally, this 2-hour tour focuses specifically on Battery Point, one of Hobart’s most picturesque neighborhoods. You’ll walk through historic streets, learn about the whalers, sealers, and governors who shaped the area, and discover stories behind grand Georgian homes and local legends.
This tour is perfect for visitors who want a relaxed pace and an in-depth look at one of Hobart’s most charming districts. The guide’s storytelling brings the streets to life, making history engaging and fun. It’s ideal if you prefer exploring at a leisurely pace with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom line: A delightful choice for architecture and history enthusiasts wanting an intimate experience in Battery Point.
$120.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hobart Walking Tour
When selecting a walking tour in Hobart, consider your interests, schedule, and fitness level. If you’re passionate about wildlife and remote landscapes, the Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk (link) offers a full immersion. For a city-focused experience, the Hobart Historic Walking Tour or Grand Hobart Tour provide in-depth stories and landmarks. Budget travelers might prefer the Hobart History, People & Places or Hobart Historic Walking Tour, which offer great value for a short time.
Those craving a mix of art and history should consider the Art and History Trail (link), while adventure seekers with a few days can opt for the Three Capes multi-day trek. For mountain lovers, the Mt Wellington Morning Walk combines scenic views with manageable hiking.
Book early, especially for tours with limited spaces like the Old Hobart Pub Tour or Maria Island Day Tour, to ensure availability during peak seasons.
Hobart’s walking tours offer a broad spectrum — from city streets and historic neighborhoods to wild, remote landscapes. Whether you want a quick city intro, an in-depth historical journey, or an all-in wilderness adventure, there’s a tour to match your desire. We recommend matching your choice to your interests and fitness level, and booking ahead to secure your spot in these popular experiences. Happy exploring!