Best things to do in Hobart

Established almost two centuries ago, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens overlooks the Derwent River and the Tasman Bridge. These gardens hold historic plant collections and a large number of significant native and exotic trees and flowers, many dating back to the 19th century. At this location, you can visit the world's only Sub Antarctic Plant House, where plants from the islands located in high southern latitudes are displayed in climatically-controlled habitats mirroring the natural conditions of their native environments. Take a short walk from the city center to see the site's historic convict-built walls, or picnic on the grass. Make sure to stop by the visitor center, which houses a small restaurant, souvenir shop, and a gallery with regularly changing displays.

Mount Wellington defines the landscape surrounding Hobart the same way Table Mountain does for Cape Town in South Africa. With a summit rising to 1,271 m (4,170 ft), this wide mountain and its oft-snowcapped peak loom over the Tasmanian capital and surrounding Storm Bay. If you're up for a long stroll, hike 22 km (14 mi) to the top from the city. From here, you'll enjoy commanding views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the bay. If you view of the mountain from the city, try to spy the Organ Pipes, a magnificent cliff of dolerite columns.

Formerly a workhouse for female convicts in the penal colony of Van Diemen's Land, Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is now a museum listed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Operational between 1828 and 1856, the factory was an important part of the forced migration of convicts and global developments associated with punishment and reform. The site demonstrates how Britain used penal transportation to expand its sphere of influence, as well as to punish female convicts. Guided tours include short dramatic performances presenting the story of the convicts and their guardians.

Founded by an ex-convict in 1832, Cascade Brewery represents the oldest still-operating brewery in the country. Set against the backdrop of a snowcapped mountain and surrounded by lush gardens, the brewery draws clean water from a nearby cascade for its brewing process. Join a tour to learn all about beer-making, and then reap your rewards with a tasting at the end. Pay attention to the label of the brewery's premium lager, depicting the extinct Tasmanian tiger. Note that you'll have to walk up and down a lot of stairs.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is home to wombats, koalas, birds, and many amazing natives, including Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, and bettongs. Meet some of the 80-plus free-roaming kangaroos that enjoy being hand-fed, and receiving a good scratch on the chest! You're allowed to view and share special moments with Australia's unique wildlife. Your entry will also help continue our work with education, conservation, and rehabilitation of Tasmania's threatened wildlife. Bonorong's dedicated volunteers proudly run Tasmania's main 24-hour wildlife rescue service.

Each Saturday, Salamanca Market comes to life with dozens of stalls selling the region's best food, crafts, and souvenirs. Situated in front of large sandstone warehouses that have been converted into a maze of craftspeople's shops and restaurants, the market has been a major tourist attraction for decades. It's also a popular weekend meeting place for local families with kids. The warehouses were built in the 19th century to service the whaling industry. Today the market sells a variety of locally made products at inexpensive prices. This sprawling historic district offers opportunities to shop for gifts, drop by popular eateries, and visit the area's art galleries, which exhibit and sell works by local artists.

A large, privately owned art museum, Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) represents the love child of Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh, who nicknamed it a "subversive Disneyland for adults." Built into the cliffside, the museum features a labyrinth of intentionally gloomy, windowless exhibition spaces displaying Walsh's collection of fun, quirky, and provocative art. Take a self-guided tour with an iPod--you'll receive one upon entrance--and begin your journey by walking down the spiral flight of stairs. The museum opened in 2011 after a renovation to the tune of $75 million.

Boasting a large, well-maintained, and diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery preserves and documents the history and culture of Tasmania. Founded in 1843, the institution possesses an eclectic collection, from old staircases suspended in midair to suits of armor and colonial furniture. The museum was redeveloped in 2013.