If you’re visiting Hobart and want a full, satisfying taste of Tasmania’s culture, this tour might just be your best bet. It seamlessly blends the captivating Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) with a visit to the historic Moorilla winery, all wrapped up in a convenient full-day package. The experience is designed for those who love a good story, good wine, and a splash of modern art, all set against the stunning backdrop of Tasmania’s capital.
What we love about this tour is how it offers a perfect balance of cultural enrichment and indulgence—from wandering the provocative halls of Mona, sailing across the Derwent River in style, to tasting exquisitely curated Moorilla wines. Plus, the small group size (just four travelers max) ensures a more personalized, relaxed vibe. A potential drawback? The price might seem a little steep for some, but considering the inclusions, it’s a fair value for a premium experience. If you’re into art, wine, and unique local stories, this tour fits the bill perfectly.
Key Points
- All-in-one experience blending art, wine, and scenic ferry rides
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere
- Includes comprehensive museum access and a guided winery tour
- Excellent value for wine lovers and art enthusiasts
- Flexible afternoon allows you to explore Mona at your own pace
- Ideal for curious travelers seeking a curated, intimate experience
An In-Depth Look at the Moorilla’s Wine and Art Tour
An Exciting Start: The Ferry Ride from Hobart to Mona
The adventure begins at the prime meeting point, 12 Franklin Wharf, where a swift, modern ferry whisks you across the Derwent River. This isn’t just transportation—it’s part of the experience. The boat ride offers excellent views of Hobart and the surrounding landscape, providing a scenic prelude to your cultural day. According to a reviewer, “Getting to and from Mona on the ferry is a great experience,” highlighting how this travel mode adds to the overall appeal.
The ferry’s speed and comfort mean you arrive refreshed and ready to explore, with the 10:00 am start time giving you plenty of room to soak in the day. With most groups limited to four people, the journey feels intimate and manageable, making it easier to connect and ask questions.
Visiting Mona: A Museum Like No Other
Mona is not your average art gallery. It’s one of Australia’s largest private museums and features a collection that’s provocative, innovative, and sometimes cheeky. As you wander through its halls, you’ll encounter everything from contemporary installations to thought-provoking sculptures, all designed to challenge perceptions.
The museum staff are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness—an important detail, as navigating Mona can sometimes feel overwhelming given its size and eclectic collections. The admission ticket is included in the tour price, so there’s no need to worry about extra costs during your visit.
One review notes, “The Mona staff are friendly and terrific and provide a great experience.” This suggests you’re in capable hands, and the museum’s layout encourages exploration at your own pace. Expect to spend around 3-4 hours here, allowing ample time for wandering and reflection.
A Gourmet Lunch at The Source Restaurant
After soaking in the art, it’s time for a culinary interlude. The tour includes a two-course lunch at The Source, Moorilla’s own restaurant. This spot is a celebration of local Tasmanian produce, and the menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients paired with Moorilla wines. A two-course meal might sound modest, but reviewers praise the quality and freshness—“delicious, locally sourced produce,” as one guest put it.
The wine pairing elevates the meal, providing a deeper appreciation for Moorilla’s craftsmanship. It’s an experience that’s as much about taste as it is about storytelling—learning the nuances of wine pairing and understanding the wine’s role in Tasmania’s culinary scene.
Behind the Scenes: Winery Tour and Tastings
Post-lunch, you’ll join a small group tour of the Moorilla winery, where a knowledgeable guide walks you through the vineyard and wine-making process. The intimate size ensures plenty of interaction and personalized insights.
Following the winery tour, you visit the underground tasting room for a comprehensive tasting of Moorilla’s wine range. Expect to sample a selection carefully curated to showcase the winery’s best. Reviewers emphasize the quality of the wine: “The entire Mona experience is really well organized and worth the money,” says Michael G., highlighting the value of the inclusive tasting.
This part of the day is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want to expand their palate and learn more about Tasmanian wine-making. The underground tasting room provides a cool, atmospheric setting that enhances the tasting experience, making it memorable.
Flexible Afternoon to Explore Mona Further
Once the official tour activities conclude, you’re free to spend the rest of the afternoon at Mona. Whether you want to revisit favorite exhibits or explore areas you missed earlier, the flexibility is appreciated. Mona’s grounds are extensive, featuring outdoor installations and sculptures that are worth wandering around.
The 5:00 pm ferry ride back to Hobart wraps up your day. Many reviewers mention how the ferry ride is a lovely way to end the experience, offering a relaxed, scenic way to reflect on your day.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know
Duration and Timing
The tour runs for about 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending around 5:00 pm. This timeframe allows you to experience Mona thoroughly without feeling rushed, and the timing aligns well with a day trip from Hobart’s city center.
Price and Value
At $169.70 per person, the tour offers excellent value, especially considering it includes ferry transportation, museum admission, lunch, the winery tour, and tastings. For wine lovers and art fans, the cost is justified by the quality and depth of experiences.
Group Size and Booking
With a maximum of four travelers, the tour provides a personalized touch that larger groups often lack. Booking is popular—most trips are booked around 57 days in advance—so plan ahead if you want to secure your spot.
Accessibility and Additional Info
Service animals are permitted, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. It’s near public transportation, making it convenient to get to the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if your plans change. In cases of bad weather, the experience might be canceled but will be rescheduled or refunded.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour is perfect for art enthusiasts who want to engage with Mona’s provocative exhibits without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. Wine lovers will appreciate the comprehensive tasting session and behind-the-scenes look at Moorilla’s craftsmanship. It also suits travelers who prefer a small, intimate group to enhance their experience—making it suitable for couples, small groups, or solo travelers craving a personal touch.
While the price might be higher than some standalone museum visits or wine tastings, the all-inclusive nature—ferry, meals, guided tours—delivers real value. It’s ideal for those eager to combine cultural exploration with a taste of Tasmania’s finest wines and modern art in a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ferry ride included in the tour? Yes, the ferry ride from Hobart to Mona is part of the experience, making it easy and scenic.
How long do I spend at Mona? You’ll have approximately 3-4 hours to explore the museum at your own pace, after the guided activities.
Does the tour include wine tasting? Yes, after the winery tour, you’ll experience a comprehensive tasting session in the underground tasting room.
What is the lunch like? The two-course lunch at The Source features locally sourced, fresh ingredients paired with Moorilla wines, highly praised for quality.
Can I customize my afternoon at Mona? The afternoon is free, so you can revisit exhibits or explore the grounds as you wish.
What is the maximum group size? The tour is limited to four travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
What is the price? At $169.70 per person, considering all inclusions, it offers good value for a full-day cultural and wine experience.
Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers? The tour is geared toward adults, especially wine tasting; check with the provider for family-friendly options.
How do I book? Most bookings are made well in advance, about 57 days on average, through the provider’s website or Viator.
What if the weather is bad? The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
This Moorilla Wine and Art Tour at Mona combines the best of Tasmania’s vibrant art scene with its world-class wineries. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a beautifully curated day out, it promises memorable moments wrapped in comfort and style.