free fun
Well all like a little free stuff - whether we are locals or visitors it's nice not to dig your hand into your pocket sometimes. Below are a few of the many free offerings in and around Hobart. Of course there's plenty more- whether it's a walk in the wilderness or some gallery wandering that you're after.
artbikes - free hire - rosny barn
Artbikes- cycle and see - it's free! Artbikes is a free bike borrowing service that enables arts lovers to easily access Hobart’s arts precincts and galleries. Spend the day immersing yourself in Hobart's arts and culture with a state-of-the-art, Dutch designed Vanmoof bike. Simple, light and strong, with inbuilt solar-charged lights, Artbikes are available in male and unisex models. We’ll provide the helmet, lock and map – all you need is to do is provide the pedal power! Artbikes can’t be booked, they are offered on a first in, first served basis. To borrow an Artbike you will need: a credit card, photo ID and if under 18 you'll need a parent/guardian to ride with you.
Visit artbikes
Visit artbikes
museum of old & new art (MONA) - free for Tasmanians only
It would not be allowed for any visitor to come to Hobart and miss MONA. As Australia's largest private art collection it's a place that simultaneously challenges, excites, impresses, revolts and will likely leave you wide-eyed for the rest of the day. And that's just what owner David Walsh intends. You will find ancient, modern and contemporary art, as well as cemetery on site. The building alone is something to behold, and while you're there why not enjoy lunch at The Source, take a brewery tour or get carried away and book into luxury pavilion with your own private cellar. The museum is open every day apart from Tuesdays.
Visit MONA or find them on Facebook.
Visit MONA or find them on Facebook.
recyclibrary - various locations
Here at the Recyclibrary, we believe in books. Even those you may have already given up on. Books are hardy, portable, sometimes beautiful, and unlike e-readers, eminently recyclable. We believe that they should be given the opportunity to move freely, to inspire new readers, and that what goes around, comes around. All of the books in the Recyclibrary have been freely given by people who wanted to share them with others. See a book you like at one of our pop-up libraries? Bring it to the counter, where a recyclibrarian will put a check-out slip in it, stamp it, and it’s yours to take! You can keep it for as long as you like. But you know what they say - if you love something, set it free!
Visit recyclibrary or find them on Facebook
Visit recyclibrary or find them on Facebook
rektango - salamanca
Pop down to Salamanca of a Friday night and you'll typically find a very large crowd tucked in behind the Peacock Theatre. This free live music has become something of a Hobart institution and the friendly vibe makes for a fun evening. Rektango has a very family-friend feel, it's unlikely you won't see a young child up on Dad's shoulders enjoying the tunes. The quarry wall behind the stage offers a rustic, impressive backdrop and a good 'view from the top' is from Kelly's Steps just next door. Get amongst the locals and let your hair down!
Find rektango on Facebook
Find rektango on Facebook
royal tasmanian botanical gardens - hobart
Long before the alien sight of sailing ships entering the river mouth, the local aboriginal tribes had established regular camps within what is now the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, sustained by the abundant supplies of shellfish in the river nearby. Midden sites (mostly mounds of oyster shells), still evident within the RTBG and along the adjacent shores, attest to a long history of habitation. The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens hold historic plant collections and a large number of significant trees, many dating from the nineteenth century.
Visit rtbg or find them on Facebook
Visit rtbg or find them on Facebook
salamanca market - salamanca
Salamanca Market is known as Australia's very best outdoor market. And with around 30,000 strolling through during busy summer months, the market is always bursting with sights, flavours, sounds, action and colour. Each Saturday the market operates from 8.30am until 3pm in Salamanca Place, between the beautiful sandstone facade of historic warehouses and the grand trees of Salamanca Lawns. Here you can pick up fresh organic vegetables, handcrafted jewellery, fresh fruit, Huon pine treasures, local artwork and so much more. Be prepared to wander for a while, settle into the tunes of buskers and enjoy the Salamanca Market experience.
Visit salamanca market or find them on Facebook
Visit salamanca market or find them on Facebook
shearwater tours clifton beach - approx. 30 mins from hobart
Clifton Beach is located on the South Arm Peninsula about 25 kilometres southeast of Hobart. Our Parks & Wildlife Service offers a Summer Discovery Ranger Program that includes a tour to view the migratory shearwaters (or mutton birds) at Clifton Beach. The program generally runs just after Christmas through January and February and is a fantastic, free opportunity to see these incredibly migratory birds come in for the evening in their droves. Find out more at the link below.
Find out more about clifton beach shearwaters
Find out more about clifton beach shearwaters