Your Guide To The MONA Ferry
Image credit: MONA
If you’re hitting up Hobart, chances are you’ll want to go to MONA - the Museum Of New And Modern Art. I’ve spoken about it at length in this article, but MONA rules. MONA is epic. Even if you’re not into art, I urge you to carve out a chunk of your day for MONA—I promise you won’t regret it. (Well, you might regret it a little, I don’t know.)
What Is MONA?
Nestled on the banks of the River Derwent, the Museum of Old and New Art is the brainchild of David Walsh, a professional gambler turned art collector and philanthropist. Since opening its doors in 2011, MONA has shaken up the art world with its avant-garde approach, becoming a pilgrimage site for art lovers and non-art-lovers-but-mildly-curious-about-what-the-fuss-is-about alike.
Stepping into MONA is like walking into a subterranean labyrinth filled with ancient artifacts next to cutting-edge installations. Intriguing, inspiring, educational, and…mildly creepy.
What Is The MONA Ferry?
You might be tempted to skip the ferry and just drive to MONA, but the MONA Ferry is part of the MONA experience.
The MONA Ferry service began as David Walsh's vision to offer a unique and memorable approach to visiting MONA. Given that MONA’s location is pretty unique, Walsh wanted to integrate the journey to MONA as part of the overall vibe, having the ferry ride blend seamlessly with the museum's philosophy of offering unexpected and unconventional experiences.
With a fleet of eye-catching camouflaged vessels, including the famous 'Mona Roma' ferries, the ferry ride is almost as memorable as the destination. Almost.
Okay, Okay, I Get It—Where Can I Get The Ferry?
The MONA ferry departs from Brooke Street Pier on Hobart's waterfront. The schedule’s pretty flexible—ferries typically run multiple times a day from morning to late afternoon.
For the latest in 2024, make sure to check the official MONA website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ferry times, prices, and special instructions.
The MONA Ferry Journey & Pricing
The ferry ride itself is a prelude to the MONA ethos - quirky and comfortable. There’s fun graffiti, the little plush seats and tables inside are cool, and you might even spot a whale or two if you’re lucky. The trip is very quick, it takes around ~20 minutes or so, so I spent the bulk of it hanging out on the deck for a nice view of the River Derwent.
If you want to get fancy, you can spring for the Posh Pit, which is a private lounge where you’re served complimentary drinks and canapés. I personally don’t think it’s worth the price tag for a 20-minute boat ride—I think it’s more than double the price of the regular ferry. Plus you can already get drinks and snacks on the regular, non-posh ferry like the rest of us plebs, but TREAT YO’SELF if you feel like it!
PS: Send me a message and let me know how much you liked (or hated) the ferry ride!
