Mona

Mona – the Museum of Old and New Art – is Australia’s most audacious cultural destination. Buried into a sandstone cliff on the Derwent River, this subterranean wonderland fuses ancient artefacts with boundary-pushing contemporary works, all wrapped in a playful, irreverent atmosphere. It’s not just a museum; it’s a day-long sensory adventure that challenges, delights and often bemuses.

Highlights & What to See

• The O (The Museum) – three levels of galleries that wind down into the earth, showcasing everything from Egyptian mummies to a machine that turns poo into art. Don’t miss the Bit.Fall waterfall of text or the Cloaca Professional (the poo machine).
• MONA FOMA (MoFo) – if visiting in summer, this music and arts festival takes over the grounds with avant-garde performances and installations.
• The MONA Library – a dimly lit, two-storey library housing a curated collection of books on art, sex and death, with a bar tucked inside.
• Cellar Door – the on-site winery and brewery where you can taste MONA’s own Moorilla wines and Moo Brew beers, often paired with live music.
• The Grounds – explore the sculpture park, the tennis court with a giant wombat, and the quiet nooks along the river for a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least half a day – four to six hours – to do Mona justice. The ferry from Hobart (a 25-minute ride) is part of the experience; catch the first one in the morning to beat crowds. Pace yourself: dive deep into a few galleries, take breaks at the café or bar, and wander the grounds. If you’re an art lover, you could easily spend a full day, especially if you join a guided tour or visit during a festival.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hobart – the vibrant capital is just across the river, with Salamanca Market, the Battery Point historic district, and the waterfront restaurants.
• Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) – drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Hobart and the Derwent River, a perfect morning before Mona.
• Richmond – a charming Georgian village 25 minutes away, home to Australia’s oldest bridge and a lovely Sunday market.
• Bruny Island – a day-trip from Hobart for pristine beaches, lighthouse walks, and exceptional local produce (cheese, oysters, chocolate).
• Port Arthur Historic Site – about 90 minutes southeast, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed penal settlement offers a sobering counterpoint to Mona’s irreverence.

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