Hobart & kunanyi/Mt Wellington: Explorer Bus & City Hop-On Hop-Off

Summary

Kunanyi summit winds city stories Salamanca scents and quiet gardens

You’ll feel both small and lucky standing on kunanyi/Mt Wellington’s summit, then slip back into Hobart’s rhythm with unlimited hop-on hop-off access. Taste fresh market snacks at Salamanca Place, find quiet corners in the Botanical Gardens, or just let yourself wander — all with easy city transport sorted.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a bit nervous about the height of kunanyi/Mt Wellington — 1270 meters sounds dramatic when you say it out loud. But curiosity won. The bus climbed out of Hobart, winding through eucalyptus forest that smelled sharp and green after a morning drizzle. Our driver, Mark, pointed out Fern Tree Tavern as we passed; he joked that locals swear by their pies. At the summit, the wind hit me first — cold enough to make my eyes water but honestly kind of thrilling. The view over Hobart made the city look like a toy village tucked between river and mountain. I tried to take a photo but ended up just standing there, hands in pockets, breathing in that crisp air.

Back down in Hobart, switching to the red double-decker felt almost surreal — from wild mountain to city bustle in half an hour. I sat up top for the full loop at first (the commentary is actually pretty interesting), then hopped off at Salamanca Place because someone on the bus said Saturday market was “unmissable.” They weren’t wrong: sandstone warehouses, bright stalls with handmade soap (lemongrass everywhere), old men selling apples from crates. I got talking to a stallholder about how quickly Tassie weather changes — she just shrugged and said “that’s Hobart for you.”

I wandered into the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens later on a whim — it was quieter than I expected, with magpies poking around and this sort of earthy smell near the lily pond. Not sure why that sticks with me. By then my legs were tired so I just let myself drift back onto the next bus, no plan really. That’s what I liked most: not needing one. You could jump off at Cascade Brewery for a tasting paddle or just stay onboard and watch locals going about their day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — kunanyi/Mt Wellington and Hobart city tour

• Travel to kunanyi/Mt Wellington summit
• Explore summit views and observation area
• Take short Zig Zag Track walk
• Optional hop-off at Fern Tree Park
• Walk Pipeline Track to Silver Falls
• Visit Fern Tree Tavern for lunch
• Optional hop-off at The Springs
• Walk Lenah Valley Track to Sphinx Rock
• Visit Lost Freight Cafe
• Optional hop-off at The Chalet
• Walk Organ Pipes Walk between The Springs and The Chalet
• Return to Hobart city
• Hop-on Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• Optional hop-off at Brooke Street Pier
• Optional hop-off at Salamanca Place
• Optional hop-off at Wrest Point
• Optional hop-off at Cascade Brewery
• Optional hop-off at Female Factory
• Optional hop-off at Village Cinema
• Optional hop-off at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
• Optional hop-off at Maritime Museum
• Optional hop-off at Hobart Convict Penitentiary
• Optional hop-off at Aquatic Centre
• Optional hop-off at Botanical Gardens

Top questions

How long does the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour take?

The return trip takes about 2 hours including 30 minutes at the summit.

Can I get off at different stops on Mt Wellington?

Yes, you can hop on and off at Fern Tree Park, The Springs, The Chalet, and Big Bend for walks or exploring.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you can buy food at places like Fern Tree Tavern or Lost Freight Cafe along the route.

How long is my City Loop ticket valid?

Your Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop ticket is valid for 48 hours from first use.

Are buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both buses are wheelchair accessible and have space for prams or strollers.

What attractions can I visit using the city hop-on hop-off bus?

You can stop at Salamanca Market, Cascade Brewery, Botanical Gardens, Maritime Museum of Tasmania, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, among others.

Is there commentary during the tours?

Yes, English commentary is provided onboard both buses.

Are there toilets available during the Mt Wellington part?

Yes, there are toilets at several stops including Fern Tree Park and at the summit observation area.

What’s included

Your day includes an all-day kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Pass with English commentary and air-conditioned comfort plus a 48-hour Red Decker City Loop ticket to hop on and off around Hobart as you please. There’s WiFi onboard both buses if you want it (I barely checked my phone), plus a sightseeing guidebook and bushwalking map so you don’t get lost — though honestly it’s more fun sometimes when you do.