Things to do
The Argyle Motor Lodge is within walking distance of the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and the buzzing North Hobart restaurant precinct, including the historic State Cinema. Just blocks away you’ll find local delicatessen Hill Street Grocer, Porters Liquor, and a renowned French patisserie to stay well-supplied.
Regular bus services connect you to Hobart’s CBD and iconic waterfront, or enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk to the city centre, making the motel a great base to experience major events like Saturday’s Salamanca Market, the Wooden Boat Festival, Taste of Tasmania and Dark Mofo – all while being a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle.
Sports fans will appreciate proximity to North Hobart Oval, Tasmanian Hockey Centre, the Domain Athletic and Tennis Centre, and be well placed to access family-friendly events such as NBL basketball at MyState Bank Arena. There’s a public gym and heated pool at the Health and Fitness Centre just across the road.
Argyle Motor Lodge also makes a convenient and peaceful stay for visiting nearby Calvary Hospital, Royal Hobart Hospital or Turnbull Funeral Home.
Here’s some of our favourite iconic attractions that make a memorable day trip, easily accessed by car:
MONA
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is one of Hobart’s must-visit attractions, offering a bold, provocative collection of contemporary and ancient artworks. Located on the banks of the River Derwent and accessed by either car or ferry (20 minutes), this world-renowned museum provides an immersive experience through art, architecture, and cutting-edge exhibitions. It has some great eateries, too.
kunanyi/Mount Wellington
The iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington towers over Hobart, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, the River Derwent, and over endless mountains and oceans. A popular spot for bushwalking and cycling with lush forests and towering dolerite cliffs, it’s a 40 minute drive from Hobart to the summit and will make you feel on top of the world. Watch for road closure updates if there’s snow!
The Huon Valley
The Huon Valley, located 30 minutes south of Hobart, is a picturesque region known for its rolling hills, lush orchards, and charming small towns. Famous for its apple farms, local produce, and stunning riverside landscapes, it’s perfect for leisurely drives, wine tasting, and exploring Tasmania’s rich agricultural heritage. Be sure to stop for a cider at Willie Smith’s!
Bruny Island
Bruny Island, accessible by car ferry just 35 minutes south of Hobart, is known for its rugged coastal beauty, diverse wildlife (including white wallabies!), and gourmet local produce – think artisan cheese, oysters, and whiskey. It makes a well-rounded day trip from Hobart. We recommend jumping on the 3-hour wilderness cruise aboard Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s Bruny Island Cruises to get a taste of the rugged Great Southern Ocean and its marine mammals!
Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most beloved national parks, is home to lush fern forests and alpine moorlands with the iconic Russell Falls just a short walk from the visitor’s centre. Just over an hour’s drive from Hobart via the popular country town New Norfolk and the historic Salmon Ponds, there’s a range of bushwalks to suit all abilities and abundant wildlife – perfect for enjoying a picturesque picnic with!
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur makes a fascinating day-trip from Hobart just 90 minutes away. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Port Arthur is the former convict settlement and penitentiary located on the ruggedly beautiful Tasman Peninsula dotted with lookouts, sea cliffs and emerald coves. Immerse yourself in Tasmania’s raw colonial past at this iconic site with well-preserved buildings, tours, and haunting stories. It’s a globally-significant must-visit for history enthusiasts, or just the curious.
