Mount Wellington and MONA tour from Hobart: Summit views and art

Stand at Mount Wellington's summit, then descend into MONA's underground galleries

A fully guided Hobart tour that climbs Mount Wellington to its panoramic summit, visits Cascade Gardens and the Cascades Female Factory, then takes a scenic ferry along the Derwent River to MONA, Australia's largest private art collection. Your driver-guide handles the route. Entry to MONA and the return ferry are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off at the ferry terminal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mount Wellington1h 15m
2. Museum of Old and New Art4h · entry included
3. Cascades Female Factory5m

Mount Wellington and MONA tour

• Ascend Mount Wellington
• View Organ Pipes rock formation
• Stop at The Springs for hot drink
• Enjoy summit panoramic views
• Explore Observatory and short walks
• Visit Cascade Gardens
• View Cascades Female Factory exterior
• Take scenic Derwent River cruise
• Explore Museum of Old and New Art
• Enjoy meal at MONA restaurants

The experience

The tour starts with a climb through Mount Wellington's changing ecosystems. As you ascend, the Organ Pipes rock formation comes into view, and a stop at The Springs lets you grab a hot drink before the final push to the summit. From there, the panorama spreads across Hobart City, the suburbs, waterways, and on clear days all the way to Bruny Island. The Observatory and short walking tracks at the top give you time to take in the alpine environment the driver-guide explains as you go.

After descending, you visit Cascade Gardens, historic gardens planted in 1827, and see the remains of the Cascades Female Factory, a former female prison where your guide provides the history of the women once held there. Then comes the scenic ferry ride along the Derwent River, where MONA's striking architecture appears as you approach. The museum houses Australia's largest private collection, ranging from Egyptian mummies to edgy contemporary installations. After you explore the galleries at your own pace, you can eat at the Source Restaurant, Museum Cafe or Wine Bar before the return ferry takes you back.

The full day runs 7.5 hours. Hotel pickup is included. The tour ends at the ferry terminal rather than returning to your hotel, so factor in the ferry ride back to the city if you need transport onward.

What’s included

• MONA entry.
• driver-guide in English.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• return ferry ticket along the Derwent River.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideSpanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese and Japanese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Experience Tasmania Gray Line Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Hobart's geography from its highest point and then spend time inside one of Australia's most talked-about art museums in a single day. The 7.5-hour structure fits both the mountain and the galleries without rushing either one, though you'll end at the ferry terminal rather than returning to your hotel, so plan accordingly if you need onward transport.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What can I see from the top of Mount Wellington on this tour?

Mount Wellington's summit offers a panoramic view across Hobart City, the surrounding suburbs, waterways, and Bruny Island on clear days. The Observatory and short walking tracks let you spend time taking in the alpine landscape and the city spread below.

What is the Cascades Female Factory and why does the tour stop there?

The Cascades Female Factory is the remains of a former female prison in Hobart. The tour visits the exterior so you can see the site, and your driver-guide explains the history of the women convicts who were imprisoned there.

Do I need to arrange my own way to MONA, or is transport included?

Transport to MONA is included as part of the tour. After visiting Cascade Gardens and the Cascades Female Factory, you take a scenic ferry ride along the Derwent River that brings you directly to the museum, so no separate arrangement is needed.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Once you reach MONA, you can eat at the Source Restaurant, Museum Cafe or Wine Bar on-site at your own cost.