7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Hobart

Hobart, the charming capital of Tasmania, is not only a vibrant city for digital nomads to work from but also a fantastic base for exploring the natural beauty and unique attractions of the island. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend escape or an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Tasmania offers a variety of destinations that cater to every taste. From the stunning wilderness areas to quaint historic towns and everything in between, here are seven fun weekend getaways for those living the digital nomad life in Hobart.

Freycinet National Park

Just a couple of hours' drive from Hobart, Freycinet National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its iconic Wineglass Bay, pristine beaches, and granite peaks, it's a perfect spot for hiking, sea kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The park offers a range of activities from leisurely walks to challenging climbs, ensuring that there's something for everyone.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Freycinet National Park is by car. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Hobart.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Wineglass Bay lookout walk for a stunning panoramic view of one of Tasmania's most photographed locations.

Where to Stay: Freycinet Lodge offers comfortable accommodation with incredible views, while the Wineglass Bay camping area is perfect for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.

Where to Eat: The Bay Restaurant at Freycinet Lodge is known for its fresh, local seafood and offers a dining experience with a view.

Bruny Island

A short trip from Hobart, Bruny Island is a haven for gourmet food and stunning landscapes. The island is famous for its artisanal cheese, oysters, and chocolate. Nature walks, wildlife spotting, and the Bruny Island Lighthouse tour are just a few of the activities that make this a must-visit destination.

How to Get There: Take a 20-minute drive to Kettering from Hobart and then a 15-minute car ferry ride to Bruny Island.

Travel Tip: Make sure to book a Bruny Island Cruises tour to explore the island's rugged coastline and spot dolphins, seals, and whales during migration season.

Where to Stay: Adventure Bay Retreat offers luxury accommodation, while Bruny Island Camping provides a more rustic experience.

Where to Eat: The Bruny Island Cheese Co. is not only famous for its cheese but also for its wood-fired bread and locally brewed beer.

Mount Field National Park

For those who appreciate ancient forests and cascading waterfalls, Mount Field National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Just over an hour's drive from Hobart, the park is home to the famous Russell Falls and offers a range of walks for all fitness levels. In winter, the park also becomes a destination for snow sports.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Mount Field National Park is by car, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hobart.

Travel Tip: Visit during autumn to see the stunning display of the fagus, Australia's only cold climate deciduous tree, turning the landscape into a mosaic of reds and yellows.

Where to Stay: National Park Hotel offers cozy accommodation nearby, and for those looking to stay within the park, there are several campgrounds available.

Where to Eat: The Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery near the park entrance serves hearty meals and excellent coffee, perfect for fueling up before or after exploring.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site is a compelling mix of stunning scenery and a dark, intriguing history. As a former convict settlement, it offers a glimpse into Australia's colonial past with well-preserved ruins and interactive tours. The site is also a gateway to the remarkable coastal rock formations of the Tasman Peninsula.

How to Get There: Port Arthur is about a 1.5-hour drive from Hobart.

Travel Tip: Join a ghost tour in the evening for a spine-tingling experience as you explore the haunted grounds of the historic site.

Where to Stay: Stewarts Bay Lodge provides comfortable cabins with beautiful bay views, and Port Arthur Villas offer a convenient location near the historic site.

Where to Eat: 1830 Restaurant and Bar at the Port Arthur Historic Site offers a modern Australian menu with a focus on local Tasmanian produce.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

For a unique underground experience, visit the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. The caves are a series of dolomite formations, and guided tours reveal impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. After exploring the caves, relax in the nearby thermal pools surrounded by the tranquil forest.

How to Get There: Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are located about a 1.5-hour drive south of Hobart.

Travel Tip: Bring a swimsuit to take a dip in the thermal pool, which is maintained at a constant 28 degrees Celsius year-round.

Where to Stay: The nearby town of Dover offers several accommodation options, such as Driftwood Cottages with stunning waterfront views.

Where to Eat: The Southport Hotel & Caravan Park is a great spot for a casual meal and to sample some local Tasmanian beers and wines.

Cockle Creek

Cockle Creek is a remote and serene destination at the southernmost point of Australia's road network. It's a place where digital nomads can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. The area offers pristine beaches, hiking trails, and the chance to see the rare orange-bellied parrot.

How to Get There: Reach Cockle Creek by car in approximately 2 hours from Hobart.

Travel Tip: Take the short walk to the bronze whale sculpture on the beach, which commemorates the area's whaling history.

Where to Stay: Accommodation options are limited, so many visitors choose to camp or stay in self-contained cabins in the Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area.

Where to Eat: Due to its remote location, it's best to bring your own supplies and enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the great outdoors.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and orange-lichen-covered granite boulders. It's an ideal spot for beachcombing, fishing, and simply relaxing by the sea. The Bay of Fires stretches over 50 kilometers, offering plenty of secluded spots to enjoy.

How to Get There: The Bay of Fires is about a 3-hour drive from Hobart, making it a longer but worthwhile weekend trip.

Travel Tip: For photographers, sunrise and sunset offer the best light to capture the stunning contrast between the fiery boulders and the azure sea.

Where to Stay: Bay of Fires Bush Retreat offers glamping and bell tents for a comfortable yet close-to-nature experience.

Where to Eat: The coastal town of St Helens, located near the southern end of the Bay of Fires, has several dining options, including the popular Skippers Fish Shop for fresh seafood.