Hotels in Hobart, Australia

Best time to visit Hobart

With its seaside location, Hobart enjoys mild summers and mild winters. Summer months from December – March see maximum temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius. December and January are peak tourist months, so look out for deals and book your accommodation in advance. To avoid the crowds, you can visit between February – March when temperatures hover around 17 degrees Celsius. Another good time to enjoy the weather and outdoor activities but with lesser crowds is in autumn from April – May. If you are looking to indulge in winter sports and skiing, the snow season on Ben Lomond National Park runs from July – mid September.

Getting around Hobart

Downtown Hobart including the waterfront is a compact area that can be easily covered on foot. With several cycle-friendly routes, you can also hire a bicycle from one of the many centres in the city. Metered taxis are available in plenty. Flag down one on the roadside or find one at the designated taxi ranks. If you wish to make use of public transport, Metro Tasmania operates buses in Hobart and surrounding areas. A one-way cash ticket costs between $3.30 AUD – $6.90 AUD depending on the number of zones travelled. Hobart Water Taxi and Ferry service operates a water taxi service on the Derwent River. This is a picturesque way of exploring many of the waterfront areas in Hobart. For maximum flexibility to explore the surrounding areas, you can also consider car rentals from momondo.

Best places to stay in Hobart

The cosmopolitan seaside town of Hobart blends natural beauty and an old-world charm with everything current and contemporary. Apart from the Central Business District (CBD), some of the surrounding suburbs also offer a wide range of accommodation options in Hobart.

Hobart CBD

The fine sandstone and colonial architecture along with a vast variety of shopping, dining and entertainment, makes the Hobart CBD neighbourhood an excellent location to stay during your visit. The waterfront near Franklin’s Wharf is one of the most fashionable areas in the city, with several trendy cafés, bars, and specialist handicraft shops. Indulge in a luxurious stay at The Henry Jones Art Hotel which features grand rooms with river views. Or enjoy the contemporary boutique property of Mantra Collins Hotel on Collins Street in the heart of Hobart CBD. You also have Somerset on the Pier hotel, located in an old wooden wharf building that enjoys stunning views of the Derwent River.

Battery Point

With plenty of heritage buildings located near the Princess Wharf and Salamanca Place, Battery Park is a vibrant neighbourhood featuring many interesting shops, cafés, and waterfront restaurants. Consider staying at the Arthouse Salamanca, a heritage property set against the backdrop of the scenic Hobart waterfront. You can also enjoy the refined rooms with stained glass windows and antique furnishings when you stay at the Grande Vue Hotel on Mona Street.

South Hobart

A classy and green suburb close to the Hobart CBD, South Hobart has a mix of older homes and high-walled mansions. Enjoy a boutique stay at The Islington hotel on Davey Street, just a few kilometres away from the Wrest Point Tasmania Casino.

Sandy Bay

The Sandy Bay area is almost like a coastal resort, offering scenic water views, a large casino complex and some exceptional parks and gardens. Stay at a boutique bed and breakfast called Clydesdale Manor, which is within 0.5 kilometres of Wrest Point Casino, Royal Hobart Yacht Club, University of Tasmania, and the shops and restaurants of Sandy Bay. You also have the modern, Mayfair Plaza Motel where you can enjoy a comfortable stay at a convenient location in the heart of Sandy Bay.

Cheap hotels in Hobart

Choose between 1 – 4-bedroom, beautifully furnished apartments at Sullivans Cove Apartments, located near the vibrant Hobart waterfront. You also have the Quality Hobart Midcity Hotel and The Astor Private Hotel both located conveniently in the heart of Hobart CBD. In Battery Park, the redbrick building of Prince of Wales Hotel provides casual lodging at budget prices. You can also consider The Shipwrights Arms Hotel, locally known as ‘Shippies’ which features an award-winning bistro and a friendly old-school pub.

Snuggling at the foot of Mount Wellington and along the beautiful estuary of Derwent River, Hobart has plenty to see and do. Its deep-water harbour boasts a rich sea-faring tradition and the scenic waterfront attracts fresh seafood lovers all year round. The city’s rich history, culture, architecture, and beautiful trails in World Heritage wilderness are bound to make your Hobart trip a memorable one.

• In Hobart CBD, admire a wide range of art at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) Gallery. Also visit St. David’s Cathedral, a neo-Gothic styled cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows and the Theatre Royal which has an impressive neoclassical façade and charming interiors.
• Hike or drive up to the top of Mount Wellington for scenic vistas over Hobart city and also visit Wellington Park to appreciate the wildlife as well as the park’s natural beauty.
• Stroll along Salamanca Place where you will find unique pieces of Tasmanian art in the galleries, boutique shops, and cafés. On a Saturday, visit the Salamanca markets to check out over 300 stalls showcasing Tasmanian art, crafts, fashion, produce, and more.
• Wander around the Battery Point area to admire old colonial-style buildings to visit St. George’s Anglican Church and a collection of garrison officer’s cottages at the Arthur Circus. Dine at some of the finest waterfront restaurants in this area.
• In the Queens’ Domain area, visit the 14-hectare site of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens which is home to several historic and native Tasmanian plants. Stroll across the Tasman Bridge, a distinctive Hobart landmark that spans across Derwent River linking Queen’s Domain to the suburb of Montagu.
• In Sandy Bay, a 2-hour long walk along the Truganini Track will take you to the top of Mount Nelson Signal Station. On the way, you can also visit the Truganini Memorial dedicated to the aboriginal population of Tasmania.
• In South Hobart, tour the Cascade Brewery to get a glimpse of the brewing process and sample some popular local brews.
• Take a day trip to the World Heritage Site of Port Arthur to learn more about Tasmanian convict history. Also sample some award-winning wines from a wide range of wineries in the area.
• Get up close and personal with native Tasmanian animals such as Tasmanian devil, wombats, bettongs and wallabies at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in the Brighton area around 30 kilometres from Hobart CBD.
• Enjoy the quirky and slightly Bohemian ambience of the North Hobart neighbourhood. Catch an arthouse film at the State Cinema and admire the elegant 19th century mansion, Runnymede. Satisfy your cravings and enjoy a meal from a wide choice of international cuisine, including Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Italian, Thai, and more.
• Book a day cruise to Bruny Island to spot whales and seals, and bushwalk at the South Bruny National Park.