Mona sits at Berriedale, about 11 km north of the city centre, in a building cut deep into a sandstone cliff above the River Derwent. It opened in January 2011 and is owned by the Tasmanian collector David Walsh, who built it to show his own collection of ancient and modern art side by side. The galleries are dark, sprawling and deliberately unconventional: you are given a handheld device rather than wall labels, and the building itself, with its stairwells, tunnels and underground levels, is part of the experience. The collection ranges from Egyptian antiquities to provocative contemporary installations, and some works deal with death, sex and the body in ways that divide visitors. Plan on at least half a day, because the site also holds a winery, a brewery, restaurants and a bar, and the ferry ride is part of the day out. It is not a gentle museum, and that is the point.
What to do
Start with the ferry from Brooke Street Pier, a roughly 30-minute trip up the Derwent that suits the mood of the place, and walk up from the jetty to the entrance. Inside, use the handheld device to read about whatever you are looking at, and move through the galleries at your own pace, using the lower levels first if you want the building to unfold gradually.
Outside, the lawns, bar and food outlets make a pleasant place to pause, and wine from the estate and beer from the on-site brewery are part of the Mona identity. Many visitors split the day between art and an unhurried lunch.
Planning
Mona currently opens Thursday to Monday, and the museum's visit page recommends booking because timed entry slots are limited. A small transaction fee applies to most advance bookings, the site is cashless, and Tasmanian residents get free entry with a ticket and ID. The museum also sells a two-day ticket for people who want to return.
Check the opening hours page before you go, because days and times can change, and ferry times shift between the current timetable and the summer peak timetable that starts in early December. Free metro buses also serve the site if you prefer to avoid the water.
Fitting it in
Allow half a day at the least, and a full day if you want to eat and drink on site. The ferry leaves from the waterfront, close to Salamanca Place, so Mona pairs easily with a morning at the Saturday market or an afternoon walk through Battery Point.
Parking on site is limited, so the ferry or the bus is the easier choice. It is suitable for teenagers and adults rather than for small children, and some content is confronting, so read the advice at the entrance and decide who in your group will enjoy it.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a large underground museum, using a handheld device instead of wall labels, with a ferry ride, a winery, a brewery and food outlets on site.
Best time
Arrive on an earlier ferry in the morning and book a timed entry slot ahead, especially on weekends and in summer.
How long
Allow half a day, or a full day if you plan to eat and drink on site.
Tips
Check the opening days first, bring a card because the site is cashless, and wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and the walk from the jetty.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults and teenagers who want a bold, unconventional art experience unlike any other museum in Australia.
- Families
- Better for older children and teens, because some works are confronting and the museum advises visitors to read the guidance at the entrance.
- Couples
- Take a morning ferry, wander the galleries, then linger over a long lunch with estate wine on the lawns.
- Pair with
- Pair it with the waterfront and Salamanca Place, or with a late afternoon at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in the city.
- Time needed
- Half a day at the minimum, and a full day if you add lunch and a tasting.
Good questions
Which days is Mona open?+
Mona opens Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. Hours can change, so check the opening hours page before you travel.
How do I get to Mona from Hobart?+
The ferry from Brooke Street Pier takes roughly 30 minutes and is the recommended way to arrive. Metro buses also serve the museum, and parking on site is limited.
Do I need to book in advance?+
Booking is recommended because timed entry slots are limited. Most advance bookings carry a small transaction fee, and the venue is cashless.
Is Mona free for Tasmanians?+
Tasmanian residents get free entry, but they still need a ticket and must show ID on arrival. Everyone else pays an admission fee, with concessions for some groups.
Is Mona suitable for children?+
Children under 12 enter free, but some works deal with adult themes. Older children and teenagers are the better fit, and parents should read the entrance advice first.
