Exploring Hobart and the Museum of Old and New Art by ferry

There is something deeply civilised about arriving in a city by water.

From Del Sol Treehouse, the river becomes your thoroughfare. A gentle 20 minute walk brings you to the Bellerive ferry terminal, where the Derwent opens wide and Hobart begins to reveal itself slowly, unfolding with the morning sun.

Board the ferry and let the city come to you. Houses cling to the hillsides, boats drift at their moorings and the air carries that familiar mix of salt and eucalyptus. The crossing is short but restorative, a pause between worlds.

Salamanca by water

Disembark at Salamanca and step straight into the historic heart of Hobart. Sandstone warehouses line the waterfront, now home to galleries, makers, wine bars and long lunches that stretch into the afternoon.

If your visit falls on a Saturday, Salamanca Market is worth a wander through. Locally grown produce, handmade ceramics and crafts, snacks, coffee and slow conversations unfold beneath the plane trees. On quieter days, wander the docks, browse boutique stores or settle in with a warm coffee and watch the rhythm of the harbour.

From here, Hobart is yours to explore at an unhurried pace.

Onward to MONA

When ready, return to the water and continue upriver to MONA. The ferry ride itself is a part of the experience, and the posh pit upgrade for your ride to the museum is recommended. Sip champagne and nibble canapes as the ferry carries you past working wharves, bush edged shoreline and private jetties that hint at lives lived close to the river.

MONA is best approached with curiosity rather than expectation of what a museum is supposed to be. As you ascend the steps, download their app the O on your phone, which will help guide you through the art. Then, descend into its subterranean galleries, admire the stone architecture, take your time exploring and allow the experience to unfold on its own terms, and get lost amongst the immersive art. The point of art is to generate discussion, so make sure you spend some time debriefing afterwards with a drink on the lawns overlooking the river before journeying home.

Book the ferry and museum tickets in advance, particularly during weekends and festival seasons. Please note that the MONA opening hours are Thursday to Monday, 10am⁠–⁠5pm. Be sure to check their website for the most up to date information.

Returning as the light softens

As afternoon drifts toward evening, board the ferry once more and head back across the Derwent. The return crossing often feels quieter, the city receding as the eastern shore draws close. On calm days, the water mirrors the sky and the hills blush with the last light over kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

Back at Del Sol Treehouse, the day settles gently. Shoes are kicked off, wine is poured and the house seems to exhale along with you.

Some days are meant to be filled. Others are meant to be crossed slowly, by ferry, with nothing much to do but watch the water.