Hobart: Mount Wellington and Hobart Sightseeing Combo Ticket

Planning a trip to Tasmania’s charming capital, Hobart? This Mount Wellington and Hobart Sightseeing Combo Ticket offers a balanced mix of nature’s grandeur and city charm, all wrapped up in a straightforward, budget-friendly package. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced this tour firsthand to help you decide if it’s your ideal way to explore.

What we love about this experience? First, the spectacular views from Mount Wellington that make the cloudy days worth it. Second, the flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off bus, allowing you to tailor your city exploration. Third, the knowledgeable guides who add humor and local insights to each journey. The only real consideration? The short 30-minute stop at the summit might feel a little rushed for some. This tour suits travelers looking for a practical, scenic overview with plenty of opportunities to customize.

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Key Points

Stunning panoramic views from the summit of Mount Wellington.
Flexible hop-on, hop-off city tour with 20 stops around Hobart.
Guides and commentary are praised for their humor and local knowledge.
Comfortable modern vehicles provide an enjoyable ride.
Good value at $53, combining two popular attractions into one ticket.
Weather can impact the experience, especially at the mountain top.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 4-hour combined tour is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the natural beauty of Hobart’s mountain scenery and an insightful tour of the city’s highlights. It’s a clever way to maximize your time, especially if you’re short on days or want an easy overview without the hassle of organizing separate arrangements.

The experience kicks off with a bus ride up Mount Wellington—a journey that’s both scenic and comfortable. You’ll ascend roughly 1,270 meters to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, where you’re treated to views that stretch across Hobart and Southern Tasmania. The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with live commentary from guides who keep things lively and informative. The 30-minute stop at the top gives you time to snap photos, visit the observation shelter, and soak in the vistas. Reviewers mention that guides like Greg and Sue are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the journey more than just a scenic drive, but also an entertaining one.

After descending, the ticket grants access to the hop-on, hop-off city tour—a 90-minute loop that covers 20 of Hobart’s most interesting spots. You can stay on the bus for the full tour or hop off at key landmarks to explore at your own pace. The open-top double-decker buses provide excellent views, especially if you sit on the upper deck, which several reviewers highlight as a favorite feature. The commentary is lively, often including local tidbits and humor, making the city tour both fun and educational.

Looking for more options in Hobart? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Exploring Mount Wellington: What to Expect

The highlight of this combo is undoubtedly the trip to Mount Wellington’s summit. The journey takes approximately 2 hours round-trip, with about 30 minutes at the top. Here’s what you can anticipate:

The Ride Up

The bus departs from outside the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, and the drive is scenic from the start—winding through the lush, green landscapes before climbing into the highlands. Several reviews, including Alicia’s, mention that the driver carefully navigates the steep, sometimes narrow roads, making the ascent safe and smooth. The road can seem intimidating at first glance, especially since it’s quite steep, but the drivers are experienced.

The Summit

Once at the top, the views are breathtaking on clear days, with expansive vistas of Hobart, the surrounding mountains, and the coastline. Visitors say the observation shelter and lookouts are worth exploring, with plenty of space to take photos. However, weather conditions can vary—some reviews mention cloudy or windy days that obscure the scenery. Nonetheless, even in less-than-perfect weather, the experience of being 1270 meters above sea level feels special.

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Quick but Worthwhile Stop

While 30 minutes might sound brief, it’s enough time to get a good sense of the place. Reviewers note that guides often stop at smaller viewpoints along the way that offer different perspectives, adding richness to the experience. One traveler from the UK called the views “breathtaking” and appreciated stops at lesser-known lookout points.

There's plenty more to explore in Hobart

Hobart City Tour: What Makes It Special

Once back in the city, your ticket unlocks a flexible hop-on, hop-off bus with a 90-minute loop covering 20 stops. Its value lies in the ability to explore Hobart at your own pace—whether you want a quick overview or to linger at specific sights.

The Bus Experience

The open-top buses are praised for their comfort and the unparalleled views from the upper deck. Several reviewers, like Elizabeth from Spain, enjoy the informative, humorous commentary from guides like Tony, which makes the city’s streetscapes, colonial architecture, and landmarks come alive. The buses traverse areas including the River Derwent, Tasman Bridge, and bustling city streets, providing a comprehensive snapshot of Hobart’s character.

Highlights & Stops

Popular stops include the historic waterfront, Salamanca Place, and the Salamanca Market (depending on timing). You can hop off to explore cafes, shops, or museums, then hop back on the next bus. For those on a tight schedule or cruise ship visitors, the flexibility offers significant value—reviewers appreciate how this balance allows them to see key sights without feeling rushed.

The City from a Different View

Travelers often mention how riding a double-decker offers “unmatched views of the city,” especially with the lively commentary adding context. The fact that the buses are modern, air-conditioned, and well-maintained makes for a smooth ride, even on the sometimes windy or chilly days.

Weather & Practical Tips

Weather can be a wildcard, especially at Mount Wellington. Several reviews highlight that clear days offer the best views, but cloudy, rainy, or windy conditions can limit visibility. The tour provider offers a free rebooking if the weather is unfavorable, which is a nice safety net. Remember to bring warm clothing, as the mountain can be significantly cooler than Hobart city. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera are also essential.

The buses run in the morning and afternoon, with tours typically lasting around four hours total. The $53 price point is considered reasonable by most, given the combination of experiences and the quality of transportation and guides.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviewers commend the guides for their knowledgeable, funny, and friendly approach. David from the UK mentions a “great driver, funny commentary,” while Alicia appreciated the careful driving on the steep roads. Several travelers, like Roderick and Elizabeth, highlight how the views from Mount Wellington are “breathtaking,” even if weather conditions sometimes challenge visibility.

The flexibility of the city loop also stands out for many. Jodie from Australia notes, “Very informative, would recommend,” and some, like Julie from Australia, appreciate the smaller, less crowded buses that make the experience more intimate.

One notable insight from a review is that, although the 30-minute summit stop is brief, it’s enough for most visitors to appreciate the scenery and take photos. Some travelers, especially cruise visitors, suggest that separating the mountain and city tours could be more enjoyable if you want more time at each stop.

The Sum Up

This Hobart combo tour offers a practical, value-packed way to experience Tasmania’s capital—combining the awe of Mount Wellington’s vistas with a flexible city overview. It’s well-suited for those who want a guided, informative journey with the freedom to explore at their own pace. The guides and vehicle quality consistently impress, making the day enjoyable even if weather conditions aren’t perfect.

While the short summit stop and weather variability might not satisfy those seeking a full day of mountain adventures or local insider tips, it remains a highly recommended option for travelers wanting an easy, scenic introduction to Hobart and its surrounds. Whether you’re on a short cruise stop or a quick city getaway, this combo delivers a well-rounded snapshot of Hobart’s natural beauty and vibrant streets.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

What should I bring for the mountain trip?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a hat, sunscreen, water, and a camera are advisable. The mountain can be windy and cooler than the city.

Can I stay longer at Mount Wellington?
The tour includes about 30 minutes at the summit, which most travelers find sufficient given the tight schedule. Additional time may require arranging separate transportation.

Is the commentary available in languages other than English?
Yes, an audio guide in multiple languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Spanish is included.

What if the weather is bad?
You might find the weather at the summit cloudy or windy, but the guides usually plan scenic routes accordingly. If conditions are poor, you can reschedule or enjoy the city tour instead.

How long is the bus ride to the summit?
The ascent and descent take roughly two hours combined, with about 30 minutes at the top.

Can I hop off the bus during the city tour?
Absolutely. The 90-minute loop allows you to hop off at any of the 20 stops and explore at your own pace.

Is the price of $53 good value?
Considering the combination of two separate experiences, guided commentary, modern vehicles, and flexibility, most find this tour offers excellent value for money.

Are the buses comfortable?
Yes, the modern, air-conditioned buses with open-top upper decks are well-rated, though some reviews mention limited legroom.

How early should I arrive?
Meeting points are outside the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, and punctuality is appreciated to start your tour smoothly.

In short, if you want a relaxed, scenic way to see Hobart and its most iconic sights, this combo tour is a solid choice. It’s especially good for those who enjoy guided commentary, flexible city exploration, and unforgettable mountain views.