Ever thought about a trip to Hobart? If not, maybe it’s because Australia’s most southern capital is also one of its best kept secrets.

Along with all the amazing outdoor fun just a short drive away, you get the best of a city break - great restaurants, cafes, hotels – without the crowds and traffic. Not to mention a harbour that gives Sydney’s a run for her money. But don’t tell her we said that!

Instead, check out four more devilishly good reasons to hit Hobart.

Museum of Old and New Art

Close your eyes for a minute and picture “a subversive adult Disneyland”.  It’s probably not the first thing that came to mind, but this is how the owner of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) describes the experience of wandering through his business.

The artworks range from thought-provoking to jaw-dropping and there’s even one that digests food – plus some delicious local wines, a swimming pool, cafe, restaurant, hotel and…cemetery…on site.

Meanwhile, at the chic The Henry Jones Art Hotel Hobart you’ll find over 300 artworks dotting the walls and rooms, some of which you can buy.

Mount Wellington

Combine the natural gorgeousness and outdoor thrills of Tasmania with a trip up Mount Wellington, which rises around 4000 feet above Hobart’s harbour.

Even the drive is beautiful as you wind through the lush green rainforest up to the viewing platform – but hold on to your skirts, it gets seriously blustery up here!

Otherwise, you can bushwalk or take the Mt Wellington Descent Tour, a 21k mountain bike ride back to sea level.

Not sure what to eat after a long day sight-seeing? The Wrest Point Tasmania has 5 onsite restaurants offering everything from light snacks to fine dining by candlelight.

Cascade Brewery Tours

Quench your thirst for ‘Pure Beer’ (and riveting man-facts for the next backyard BBQ) with a tour of the famous Cascade Brewery.

There are options, depending on your available time, preferences and obsessiveness. But no matter whether you choose to wander the 3 acres of gardens to the museum, or get your face printed on a beer label there are always tastings for the over 18s.

And for foodies there’s even a beer and food matching experience!

Salamanca Terraces Apartments is in an ideal location by the historic waterfront, where you can pop into the craft shops and local art galleries.

Bonorong Wildlife Park

The first question they’ll ask you back on the mainland is, “Did you see any Tassie Devils?” So head to Bonorong Wildlife Park where you’ll discover that these feisty locals are not quite the psychopathic tornadoes that Loony Tunes would have us believe — but don’t let that get in the way of a good holiday story.

There’s also plenty of ridiculously cute echidnas and koalas, cheeky cockatoos and other native animals to meet.

The Grosvenor Court Apartments certainly know how to look after mums, dads and their little wild things  – they have DVD library, in-room kitchens and a 3- bedroom option for big groups.

See more great Hobart hotel deals.