Mount Wellington & MONA

Experience overview

Heighten your visual senses with a tour of nature and scenery combined with art and culture. Begin your excursion by getting a feel of life in Hobart as you join an experienced and knowledgeable local driver guide who will share tales of life in Hobart. Pass Anglesea Barracks, the oldest Australian Army barracks still in use today. Travel towards Mount Wellington, through the suburbs of south Hobart and Ferntree, and take note of the multiple eco systems you pass through as you ascend the mountain. View the massive rock-formation known as the Organ Pipes, and then arrive at Mount Wellington summit, a harsh rocky alpine environment affording unsurpassed views on a clear day, where you will be able to witness the panoramic spectacle of Hobart and its surrounding suburbs, towns, and vast waterways. Dusted with snow in winter, Mount Wellington is crowned by alpine vegetation. After some free time to appreciate the view, your tour continues heading back down the Mountain to your next stop, view the exterior of the ruins of the Female Factory. This was a once a female prison, famously mentioned in Bryce Courtenay's book, "The Potato Factory." You will then be dropped off at the ferry terminal to board a modern catamaran for a 30-minute journey up the Derwent River to the museum. From the first glimpse of this striking building rising from the cliffs on the riverbanks, be prepared to experience the controversial and enthralling nature that constitutes the foundation of this celebrated establishment, housing Australia's largest private collection of art and artifacts. MONA exhibitions deliberately set out to take people out of their comfort zone, and get them thinking and talking. You will have two and a half hours to explore the museum, and perhaps enjoy some wine or sample a unique boutique beer, all produced on site and available for purchase. After the museum, you will be returned to Hobart's waterfront and your cruise ship.