If you’re looking for things to do in Hobart, The Henry Jones Art Hotel offers a range of unique experiences for visitors to the city. Situated in the heart of Hobart’s historic waterfront, let our friendly host guide you through the decades of heritage and artistic talent that have shaped our hotel. From our curated Art & History Tours to indulgent nearby spa treatments and scenic helicopter flights over the city, we have something to suit every taste and interest.

Whether you’re a foodie looking to book an exclusive dining experience at one of our exceptional restaurants or are simply seeking some adventure, there are various Hobart attractions for you to experience. We have so much to share with you within the hotel and beyond.

ART & HISTORY TOURS

Staying at The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a little like staying in an art gallery. After all, we have 400 pieces of contemporary Tasmanian art on display, with all of them available for purchase. If you are looking for things to do in Hobart, why not start with our Art and History Tour? Experience our art collection in more depth, discovering the stories of the Henry Jones site and those who shaped its past.

Hosted by either our knowledgeable Art Curator or our Story Tellers, the tour explores the corridors of our hotel, explaining the contexts of artworks and the deep history etched in the fabric of our heritage buildings. Learn how the Henry Jones has become the contemporary art hotel that it is today. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer as the narrative of the site and its art unfolds.

The Henry Jones Art & History guided tours commence at 4pm most days. Bookings are complimentary to in-house guests and $20 per person for external guests. Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing the hotel Concierge. For more information contact us on +61 3 6210 7700. 

*Tour departures may be subject to change. Please check with our Concierge at the time of booking.

Palawa Connection: Stories with artist Allan Mansell

Meet esteemed Tasmanian Aboriginal Artist Allan Mansell as he shares stories of his life as an Aboriginal person, his connection to place, and his genetic memory for the past through his artwork and storytelling.

Allan will describe his process for creating new artwork, his pieces inspired by his upbringing as a nomadic Tasmanian Aboriginal, rich traditional stories, or his perspectives of today’s First Nations place in this country. Allan will tell the incredibly rich stories behind some of his favourite pieces of art.

During a live demonstration, Allan will talk about his journey which led him to become a printmaker and will walk guests through his sustainable, clean form of printmaking. He has created an exclusive print for this experience, his representation of nipaluna (Hobart) before and after.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about indigenous art and storytelling in lutruwita (Tasmania).

This experience will commence from January 20, 2024 and will be available fortnightly on a Saturday morning at The Henry Jones Art Hotel. Bookings are complimentary to our hotel guests and $20 per person for external guests. Bookings are strongly recommended.


Things to Do

We are here to help you make the most of your trip, with some suggestions of things to do in Hobart. We’ve gathered some local highlights to help take the guesswork and research time out of organising Hobart day trips. From helicopter flights that end at vineyards to crispy croissants in historic neighbourhoods, we have something for everyone.

If you are looking for some adventure we can help you get close to wildlife at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, or perhaps you would enjoy a day trip to the pinnacle of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, 1271 metres up.

For a more luxurious day trip, we can arrange a visit to a historic town by luxury car, dropping into vineyards en route. The Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery, is also worth a visit.

Our Concierge team is dedicated to ensuring your stay is your best and can help you with any questions you may have about day tours from Hobart.

Palawa Connection

Meet Tasmanian Aboriginal Artist Allan Mansell as he shares stories of his life and connection to place, during a live printmaking demonstration. 

Hidden Hobart: The Viewfinder Tour

Using retro viewfinders we reveal a hidden, tangible Hobart Town, just beneath the surface of today. Be led from the dark underbelly of the Wapping district, through the grand civic heart of the city to the slumbering secrets of Salamanca.
Runs daily at 10am. Duration 90mins.
Free for guests of The Henry Jones and MACq 01 Hotel.
External tour departing from the MACq 01 Lounge.

114 Doors Tour

Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling and unwind before dinner as you explore the 114 doors of MACq 01 hotel. On this tour, our storytellers will share stories of the colourful and quirky MACq 01 characters who helped craft our island spirit.

Runs daily at 4pm. Duration 60 minutes.

Free for guests of The Henry Jones and MACq 01 Hotel.
External tour departing from the MACq 01 Lounge.

Sticky Stones & Secrets Tour

The buildings of Hunter Street once housed a huge jam factory. Prior to that, they housed slums and businesses dating back to the 1820s.
Come creep behind the scenes through The Henry Jones Art Hotel and explore the haunts and hangouts of former residents.
Runs daily at 12:30pm. Duration 75 minutes.
Free for guests of The Henry Jones and MACq 01 Hotel.
External tour departing from the MACq 01 Lounge.

IXL Tasmanian Art Gallery

The IXL Tasmanian Art Gallery is home to a bespoke collection of works showcasing remarkable local talent. Step inside to discover walls illuminated with courage, alight with humanity and glowing with desolate beauty.

Lavada Day Spa

Lavada is a truly unique wellness destination located on Hobart’s iconic waterfront.

Salamanca Market

Australia’s largest outdoor market happens in Salamanca Place every Saturday.

MONA

One can’t come to Hobart and not venture to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

kunanyi / Mount Wellington

For those seeking to get away from the city of Hobart and enjoy nature, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington is the ideal destination.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is of our most visited attractions and one of the most significant heritage sites in the country.

Richmond

Venture out to the historic town of Richmond, stopping off at vineyards of the Coal Valley along the way. Why not take an Ageing Barrel Tour? That way they’ll take you to the very best in a luxury vehicle. All you need to do is sit, relax, sip and repeat.

Waterfront Wander

There’s plenty to discover right on our doorstep. Settle in for a nip of Bill Lark’s finest single malt at Lark Distillery and wander the galleries of Salamanca Place. Venture up into historic Battery Point for a bakery treat (Jackman & McRoss croissants!) or grab fish and chips from a floating punt. Further up in North Hobart, the State Cinema is great for an arty flick and a glass of red.

Cascade Brewery

Head for Australia’s oldest operating brewery for a tour that of course includes tastings. Nestled at the mountain’s foothills, learn about the brewery’s 1824 beginnings, production and flavour profiles. Nearby the Cascade Female Factory is also worth a visit, once home to female convicts and their children.

Pennicott Wilderness Cruises

Get some wind in your hair out on the River Derwent. Pennicott offers eco-cruises off Tasman Island and Bruny Island. There’s also the Bruny Island Traveller that includes plenty of time to enjoy chocolate, cheeses, oysters and more of the island’s bounty.

Seaplane Experience

Above & Beyond operate Tasmania’s only seaplane, with scenic flights of Hobart.

 

 

Escape to Port Davey with Tasmanian Boat Charters

Explore pristine & rugged wilderness on an all-inclusive, guided expedition cruise.

 

Par Avion Wilderness Tours

Hop aboard a helicopter of or fixed wing aircraft and head for the wilds. Take a full day tour to the South West where the silence is deafening. The day trip includes a boat excursion so rug up. Par Avion also offer helicopter flights to Port Arthur, to vineyards as well as a Wine, Dine & Whisky flight.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

This is the place to go for lovers of wildlife. The big hearted team ensures you get up close to native mates ranging from Tasmanian devils and Spotted quolls to blue-tongued lizards. They work hard to protect endangered species and run tours daily. Plus, their Private Premium Night Tour is something else.