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For those who wish to travel to Tasmania, the city of Hobart is often their first stop. Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, has a unique mix of natural beauty and rich culture. While it does not have the same international recognition as other Australian cities, Hobart is truly one of Australia’s hidden gems. In this guide, we will discuss how to get to Hobart, what to do there, where to stay, and popular day trips to take.
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Where is Hobart?
Hobart is the capital city of the Australian state of Tasmania. It is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Tasmania, which is located to the south of the Australian mainland.
How to Get to Tasmania
To get to Hobart, you must first get to Tasmania. There are a couple of ways to do this.
Flight
Hobart has an international airport. While it mostly receives domestic flights, there are also flights to and from New Zealand (and Antarctica!) a few times per week. If you are not already in Australia, I would recommend flying to the mainland first, then getting a flight to Tasmania.
I used Skyscanner and booked a last-minute flight from Sydney to Hobart for $70 USD.
Ferry
If you are feeling adventurous, you could also take a ferry from the Australian mainland to Tasmania. Expect to pay around $100 USD and for the trip to last around 9-11 hours.
Getting From Hobart Airport to the City
Bus
The most inexpensive way to get to Hobart from the airport is to take a bus. There is a company called SkyBus that offers inexpensive and quick rides to and from the airport. These electric buses also offer free WiFi.
You can book a ticket online or just buy it at the airport kiosk. Tickets for adults cost 19.50 AUD ($12.40 USD in 2023, see current rates here) but are free for kids.
Rental Car
If you are traveling to Hobart, I highly recommend renting a car! Many of Tasmania’s attractions are spread out, which makes renting a car very convenient for travelers. You can also find some that are reasonably inexpensive! While you can rent a car directly from the airport, it would be cheaper if you rent it from the city.
Best Places to Visit in Hobart
There are several impressive sites around Hobart where you can truly appreciate its beauty and culture. Here are my favorite places:
Constitution Dock
Constitution Dock is an iconic location in Hobart, and it is conveniently located near the center of town. As you walk to the waterfront, you will see an interesting mix of small, wooden boats and large modern ones. Normally, the waters of city harbors are pretty dirty. Here, however, the water is so clear that you can see marine life teeming below!
Once you finish admiring the scenery, check out some of the restaurants that are built right on the water! You can find everything from sit-down restaurants to “fast food” style eateries here.
Constitution Dock is also where many boat tours depart for destinations such as Bruny Island.
Local Museums
There were a ton of interesting museums that I saw while I visited Hobart. Just a few feet away from Constitution Dock lies the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. This museum offered a free exhibition while I was visiting.
Right across the road is the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. For those interested in the military, there is also the Air Force Museum and Army Museum of Tasmania right down the road.
Princes Park
There are several different parks worth visiting in Hobart, but my favorite was Princes Park. This park is located in the historical neighborhood of Battery Point, and provides an amazing view of the River Derwent. This is a popular place for people to bring their pets, and one of the few public places where pets are allowed to be off their leashes.
I was lucky enough to visit in October, which is Spring in Tasmania. Most of the flowers and trees were in bloom during this time, making Princes Park really stand out against the rest of the city.
Visit Nutgrove Beach
While Hobart’s beaches aren’t as impressive as other beaches in Tasmania, they offer a different kind of charm. The relative tranquility of these beaches, combined with their stunning natural surroundings, makes them the perfect escape to relax in Hobart.
My favorite beach was Nutgrove Beach. This is a little further south and provides great views of the rest of Hobart. You can rent a kayak, go for a swim, or just relax on the beach.
Salamanca Place
Salamanca Place is a street near the CBD that is home to many of Hobart’s bars. If that’s not your thing, there are also plenty of restaurants here to choose from. I recommend checking out Blue Eye Seafood. Try the Tasmanian scallops while you’re there!
Best Day Trips From Hobart
1. Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a historical penal colony for convicts in Australia. It has an interesting history and beautiful natural surroundings. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Port Arthur is a short drive from Hobart, or you can take a tour to get there.
2. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located near Port Arthur and is a great place to see Tasmania’s wildlife. Here, you will be able to interact with not only Tasmanian Devils, but also kangaroos, pademelons, and more!
3. Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is only a few kilometers away from Hobart and offers you panoramic views of the city. This is a great day trip because you can choose to either hike to the top or just drive. There are a couple of trails you can take, but most people hike to the top within 2-2.5 hours.
4. Bruny Island
Bruny Island, located off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, is famous for its landscapes and wildlife. You can find wallabies, seals, dolphins, and even whales if it is the right time of year.
For maximum convenience, you can take a tour to Bruny Island.
Where to Stay in Hobart
The price and availability of hotels can vary dramatically depending on the time of year. Therefore, it’s best to book your hotel in advance.
The Wrest Point Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Hobart. It is located right on the water and is a great spot for a romantic getaway.
If you are a budget traveler, I recommend staying at YHA Hobart Central. I stayed at this hostel for a few nights, and it was one of the most affordable options in the city. It is also conveniently located in the Central Business District (CBD).
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Hobart
The most popular time to visit Hobart is during the Summer, from December to February. That means that prices for accommodations and flights will also be higher during this time.
Winter occurs from June to August, and I would not recommend coming to Hobart during this time unless you have a specific reason to (like to see the Southern Lights). I would recommend coming between March and May, or September and November. Prices will be lower during this time, but the weather won’t be unbearably cold.
