Touring from Hobart using public transport

Hobart to the Huon Valley by Public Transport

Explore the scenic apple-growing country of the Huon Valley on this day trip from Hobart, which can be completed entirely using public transport. Learn about the production of apple cider at Willie Smith’s, stroll through charming Franklin and delve into Tasmania’s forestry heritage in Geeveston.

From the Hobart Interchange, catch the 410 Tassielink bus at 8:20 am, which heads south along the Channel Highway to Kingston before continuing towards Huonville. Alight at the Grove Store and make the short walk west to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed to learn all about their cider and apple brandy production. Tour the Apple Museum and marvel at the apple wall featuring more than 390 different varieties!

Return to the Grove Store and catch the 716 bus, which departs at 10:48 am and travels south through Huonville to picture-perfect Franklin. Here you can stroll along the banks of the Huon River, visit the Wooden Boat Centre or grab a bite to eat at one of the local cafes. Quaint cottages line Franklin’s main street while the historic Palais Theatre hosts the monthly Franklin Market. 

From Franklin, you can catch the 718 bus that departs at 1:04 pm and travels south to Geeveston. Known as the gateway to Hartz Mountains National Park, this atmospheric town was famously used as a shooting location for the ABC series “Rosehaven”. Stop in at the Geeveston Town Hall Visitor Centre to see a working woodturner and watch the resident linocut artist in action, then browse the products made using native Tasmanian timbers. 

From Geeveston, there are 716 bus services at 3:40 pm and 4:45 pm returning to the Hobart Interchange. 

 Please note that bus timetables are subject to change, so check current services closer to your departure date. Due to the limited bus services on Saturdays and Sundays, this itinerary is best completed on a weekday.

Hobart to MONA and New Norfolk by Public Transport

 Experience the celebrated Museum of Old and New Art on this easy day trip from Hobart using public transport. After a morning spent exploring its contemporary galleries and inspiring dining spaces, travel along the Derwent River to visit charming New Norfolk. Famed for its antique stores, this historic town also provides a setting for riverfront strolls. 

Catch the 9:22 am or 9:52 am X20 bus (9:10 am/9:40 am Saturday/Sunday/Public Holiday) from the Hobart Interchange to the stop just outside the entrance to MONA. This innovative museum houses cutting-edge exhibitions in its underground galleries, all of which can be explored with the help of the “O” handheld device. You can enjoy a glass of locally-crafted Moorilla wine at the Void Bar, feast on seasonal Tasmanian produce at the Source Restaurant or splurge at Faro. Give yourself time to visit the museum store, which is packed with art-related books and unique gifts. 

Be back at the MONA bus stop to catch the 12:25 pm or 1:25 pm 720 bus (12:50 pm/1:50 pm Saturday, 12:40 pm/1:40 pm Sunday/Public Holidays) to New Norfolk. Overlooking the banks of the Derwent River, this picturesque town is one of the oldest in Tasmania, having been settled by evacuees from Norfolk Island in 1807. Stroll around the traditional village square and admire what is one of Australia’s oldest pubs, then browse the treasures for sale in New Norfolk’s antique shops. One of the most inspiring is at Willow Court, which occupies the site of a historic asylum. 

From New Norfolk, you can catch the 5:29 pm or 6:09 pm 722 bus (5:30 pm/6:50 pm Saturday, 4:20 pm Sunday) back to the Hobart Interchange. 

Please note that bus timetables are subject to change, so check current services here and here closer to your departure date.