Introduction
If you’re planning a visit to Hobart and want a memorable way to experience the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), the “Mona Like a Rockstar” tour might just be your ticket. This package promises a blend of luxury, art, and fine dining, all wrapped into a well-paced 6.5-hour adventure. We particularly love how it elevates the typical museum trip with a splash of glamour and personalized touches. From the lavish private ferry lounge to the curated gallery access, this tour stands out for its focus on comfort and exclusivity.
One of the best features is the posh ferry experience—a smooth, comfortable journey with complimentary drinks and snacks, making the transfer from Hobart to Mona a highlight rather than just a means to an end. On the flip side, the price point is higher than standard entry tickets, so it’s best suited for those looking for a more indulgent, curated experience rather than a budget-friendly visit. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Mona’s impressive collection with some added luxury, art lovers keen on curated experiences, or anyone celebrating a special occasion.
Key Points
- Luxury transportation: Private ferry with a lavish lounge, bar, and deck creates a first-class travel experience.
- Gourmet dining and drinks: Enjoy a specially curated meal from a renowned chef paired with Monan wine.
- Exclusive access: Get entry to Mona’s monumental collection and James Turrell’s light installation, Event Horizon.
- Personalized service: With a small group (maximum 4 travelers), you’ll receive attentive, tailored attention.
- Authentic experience: Combines art, gastronomy, and scenic views for a well-rounded, memorable day.
- Price and value: At around $373 per person, it offers a premium experience that emphasizes comfort, exclusivity, and cultural enrichment.
The Journey Begins: From Hobart to Mona in Style
The adventure kicks off at Brooke Street Pier at 10:00 am, with the tour officially starting at 10:15 am. What immediately sets this experience apart is the ferry journey. Unlike the usual crowded tourist boats, this is a private, plush lounge aboard the Posh Pitthe ferry. As you settle in with a drink in hand, you’ll glide along the River Derwent for about half an hour, soaking in the sights of Hobart’s waterfront while being treated to complimentary canapés and beverages.
Traveling in the Posh Pit is the kind of upgrade that turns a simple ferry ride into part of the luxury experience. One reviewer enthusiastically mentioned that paying extra for the Posh Pit was “fantastic” with “non-stop drinks and a small platter of food,” adding a layer of comfort and indulgence you won’t find on standard ferry rides. The crew’s friendliness and professionalism also earn praise, making you feel like a VIP from start to finish.
Arriving at Mona: Art and Hospitality Converge
Stepping off the ferry, your host will meet you on the jetty and escort you directly to the Void Bar, a sleek, modern space where you’ll be introduced to the bartender. Here, you’ll receive a cocktail, carefully chosen to set the tone for your visit. This isn’t just a quick drink—it’s part of the whole luxury, curated experience.
After a quick toast, you’ll dive into Mona’s galleries. The experience isn’t rushed; instead, it allows for a relaxed exploration of some of the most daring contemporary and ancient artworks. Mona is famous for its bold, sometimes provocative pieces, but also for its stunning architectural layout and immersive environments. The inclusion of James Turrell’s Event Horizon adds a mesmerizing, sensory dimension, as you experience a shimmering, neuron-stimulating light installation that’s as much a psychological journey as an art display.
Culinary Highlights: Dining Like a Rockstar
At around noon, the tour moves to the Faro Bar and Restaurant, a stylish space within Mona, where a feast curated by renowned chef Vince Trimin awaits. The meal isn’t just a standard museum café offering; it’s a thoughtfully crafted menu, with elegant dishes and a selection of matched drinks from Mona’s extensive wine cellar. This pairing elevates the experience, making each bite and sip a deliberate act of savoring art and flavor simultaneously.
Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and drinks, and one reviewer notes that the “brilliant food served and the smooth cruise” made the trip feel indulgent and special. The restaurant’s modern design and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape provide a fitting backdrop for a leisurely lunch.
A Moment of Reflection: The Final Stop and Gift
By 3 pm, your host will take you to The Source Restaurant for a final panoramic view—this spot offers sweeping vistas of Hobart and the surrounding scenery, perfect for a last sip or photo. Before heading back underground, you’ll receive a special gift, adding a personal touch that enhances the feeling of exclusivity.
Then, it’s time to explore Mona’s underground galleries, home to a fascinating collection of art and antiquities. This part of the experience feels like uncovering secret treasures beneath the museum, making it a fitting finale to a day of art, food, and scenic luxury. As you return to the ferry, snacks and drinks are again available, allowing for a relaxed reflection on your memorable day.
The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect
The Transportation: Above and Beyond
The ferry ride is the cornerstone of this tour’s appeal. The private lounge with its elegant decor, bar, and deck creates a luxury cruise vibe. We loved the way this transforms a simple transfer into part of the overall experience, setting a tone of exclusivity and comfort. The half-hour journey offers plenty of time to enjoy scenic views, sip a drink, or chat quietly while cruising past Hobart’s waterfront.
Art and Exhibitions: Curated, Bold, and Accessible
Once docked, the access to Mona’s galleries is thoughtfully curated. The tour emphasizes curiosity and immersion, with the added bonus of visiting James Turrell’s “neuron-tingling” light installation, Event Horizon. This piece is a highlight for many visitors—its sensory effects can be quite profound, and it’s included in the tour, adding a dimension of contemporary art that’s both engaging and introspective.
Dining and Beverages: From Gourmet to Casual
The meal at Faro Bar and Restaurant is a showcase of Mona’s culinary ambitions. Expect delicious, well-presented dishes paired with a selection of wines from Mona’s cellar, which means you’re tasting some of Tasmania’s finest. The reviews repeatedly mention the quality of the food and drinks—an important consideration if you’re seeking a gastronomic component to your art experience.
The Underworld Collection: A Hidden Treasure
The subterranean galleries, curated by David Walsh, are more than just an afterthought. They house some of Mona’s most intriguing art and antiquities, giving visitors a chance to explore beyond the surface. This part of the tour feels like uncovering a secret world beneath the main museum, adding a sense of discovery.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
At $372.97 per person, this tour is a significant investment, but it’s also packed with luxury touches and curated content. When considering what’s included—private ferry, gourmet lunch, drinks, exclusive gallery access, and a personalized experience—the value becomes clearer. For art lovers or those celebrating a special occasion, this high-end experience offers a level of comfort and exclusivity that standard visits can’t match.
One reviewer summed it up nicely: “Indulge and travel like the rockstar that you deserve!” It’s not just about seeing Mona—it’s about experiencing it in a way that feels tailored, indulgent, and memorable.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who want more than just a typical museum visit. If you value luxury transportation, appreciate fine food and wine, and seek exclusive access with a small group, you’ll find this tour highly rewarding. It’s particularly good for special occasions, art enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to treat themselves to a high-end cultural outing.
It’s also a great choice for those who enjoy scenic, leisurely travel combined with cultural enrichment. However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more independent, self-guided visit, this might feel like paying for extras you don’t need.
The Sum Up
The “Mona Like a Rockstar” tour offers a distinctive way to experience Hobart’s flagship art institution. Its focus on comfort and exclusivity—through luxurious ferry rides, gourmet dining, and private gallery access—makes it perfect for travelers who want to indulge and enjoy Mona’s bold, provocative collection without the usual crowds or rushed visits.
While the price is on the higher side, the overall value lies in the personalized service, curated experiences, and the seamless blend of art, gastronomy, and scenery. It’s especially suited for those celebrating something special or for travelers who want a more refined, memorable way to appreciate Mona’s art.
Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or just want to experience Hobart’s cultural scene in style, this tour promises a day of indulgence, discovery, and delight.
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Since most travelers can participate and service animals are allowed, it’s generally suitable for a wide age range. However, the focus on gourmet food and art may appeal more to adult travelers.
How long does the ferry ride last?
The ferry journey takes approximately 30 minutes, providing a relaxed, scenic start to your day.
What’s included in the tour?
You get the private ferry with lounge and bar, a cocktail upon arrival, admission to Mona, a gourmet lunch with matched drinks, and access to James Turrell’s Event Horizon and the underground galleries.
Are snacks and drinks available throughout the day?
Yes, snacks and beverages are provided on the ferry, at lunch, and during the return trip, ensuring a continual sense of indulgence.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.
What’s the best way to book?
Booking in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and typically booked about 46 days ahead, especially in peak seasons.
This in-depth look at the “Mona Like a Rockstar” tour highlights a truly curated, luxurious way to enjoy one of Australia’s most talked-about museums. Whether you’re an art aficionado or someone looking to treat yourself, it’s a day that promises both cultural enrichment and unforgettable comfort.