About Tasmania
Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Located in Tasmania's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, it is the southernmost capital city in Australia. Despite containing nearly half of Tasmania's population, Hobart is the least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-smallest by population and area after Darwin if territories are taken into account. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre (4,170 ft) kunanyi / Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world, with much of the city's waterfront consisting of reclaimed land. The metropolitan area is often referred to as Greater Hobart, to differentiate it from the City of Hobart, one of the seven local government areas that cover the city. It has a mild maritime climate.
Places to visit in Tasmania
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Museum of Old and New Art
Museum · 6 mi from centreA provocative private museum carved into a riverside cliff, mixing ancient artifacts with challenging contemporary art. Take the ferry from Hobart's waterfront, which is part of the experience, and allow at least half a day.
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Mount Wellington
Viewpoint · 4 mi from centreThe mountain rising behind Hobart, with a summit lookout over the city, river and coast. The road to the top can close in snow, and the summit is cold and windy, so bring warm layers.
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Salamanca Market
MarketA large Saturday market held in front of old sandstone warehouses on Hobart's waterfront, selling local produce, crafts and food. Come early for the best choice, and explore nearby Salamanca Place afterward.
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Port Arthur Historic Site
Historic · 33 mi from centreA former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula with ruined prison buildings and gardens. Allow a full day, including the harbor cruise, and consider staying for an evening ghost tour.
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Battery Point
NeighborhoodA historic hillside neighborhood of colonial cottages and narrow lanes next to Hobart's waterfront. Walk up Kelly's Steps from Salamanca Place and stop for coffee in Hampden Road.
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Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Park · 1 mi from centreHistoric gardens on the Queens Domain with a Japanese garden and a subantarctic plant house. They make a pleasant walk from the city center, and the café is good for a break.
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Bruny Island
Nature · 29 mi from centreAn island south of Hobart with sea cliffs, beaches, wildlife and local food producers. Take the car ferry from Kettering, and climb the Neck lookout for views over the narrow isthmus.
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Richmond Bridge
HistoricAustralia's oldest bridge still in use, built by convicts in the 1820s in a charming colonial village. Combine it with a stroll through Richmond and a stop at local wineries.
Things to do in Tasmania by type
62 tours, tickets and experiences across 7 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 22 experiences 2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Bundle 1 - Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay Launceston to Hobart -
Cruise & Water Tours 16 experiences Bruny Island Cruise -
Day Trips & Excursions 15 experiences Bruny Island Cruise from Hobart - Full-Day Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 12 experiences 2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Bundle 1 - Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay Launceston to Hobart -
Tour & activities 4 experiences Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary -
City tours 2 experiences Best of Hobart in a Day: Mountaintops to Marsupials -
Transport & Rentals 2 experiences Hobart to Port Arthur Round-trip Transfers - with Optional Port Arthur Historic Site Tickets
- Over 6 hours 28
- 1-3 hours 4
- 3-6 hours 3
- Up to 1 hour 2
- Small group 12
Top experiences in Tasmania
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 62 available.
Tahune AirWalk General Entry
From $25 per adult
Hastings Cave, Tahune Airwalk and The Huon Tasting Trail from Hobart - Full-Day Tour
From $140 per adult
Low Isles Morning Cruise from Port Douglas
From $181 per adult
Wineglass Bay and East Coast Trail (Hobart Return) - Full-Day Tour
From $137 per adult
Wineglass Bay and East Coast Trail (Launceston start and Hobart Finish)
From $137 per adult
Bruny in a Day: Nature, Wildlife and Gourmet Delights
From $145 per adult
Port Arthur and Tasman Highlights Day Tour with Harbour Cruise
From $116 per adult
Hastings Caves, Tahune Airwalk and Huon Tasting Trail Day Tour
From $161 per adult
2-Day Tasmanian Highlights: Bruny Island and Port Arthur Experience
From $249 per adult
Mount Field and Derwent Valley Tasting Tour
From $116 per adult
Launceston via Wineglass Bay - One-way Transfer
From $149 per adult
Bruny Island Sightseeing Tour with Wilderness Cruise - From Kettering
From $156 per adult
Where to stay in Tasmania
Popular hotels in Tasmania, out of 398 properties you can book.
Vibe Hotel Hobart
From $226 per night
RACV Hobart Hotel
From $179 per night
Travelodge Hotel Hobart
From $137 per night
Salamanca Wharf Hotel
From $152 per night
Mantra On Collins Hobart
From $137 per night
Hobart Central YHA
From $93 per night
Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
From $125 per night
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
From $327 per night
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
From $222 per night
Hadley's Orient Hotel
From $209 per night
MACq 01 Hotel
From $330 per night
Country Club Tasmania Launceston
From $161 per night
Best time to visit Tasmania
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tasmania is February to March, when average daytime highs are around 70–73°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Tasmania weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 70° 55° 46%
- Thu 22 Oct 83° 55° 6%
- Fri 23 Oct 83° 57° 55%
- Sat 24 Oct 67° 53° 74%
- Sun 25 Oct 53° 43° 78%
- Mon 26 Oct 53° 38° 75%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +61
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Australia/HobartUTC+11
- Capital
- Canberra
Upcoming public holidays in Australia
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Tasmania
These are the airports closest to central Tasmania. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- HBA Hobart Airport10 mi (17 km) from the city centre
Getting around Tasmania
Derwent Ferries operates services between Brooke Street Pier in the city and Bellerive Pier in Bellerive. There are no services on Sundays. All services have been totally free since 2026.
By bus
Metro operates services throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Hobart Interchange is located in front of the GPO (General Post Office) on Elizabeth Street in the city. All services have been totally free since 2026.
By car
Hobart is the favourite launching off point for visitors keen to explore other areas of Tasmania. A car is certainly the best and most convenient way of getting to the more rural and scenic spots. As most domestic travellers arrive by plane, there are plenty of options for car hires at Hobart Airport.
By bicycle
Hobart is hilly any which way you choose to head, so bike riders should be prepared for hills. There is a poorly developed network of off-road cyclepaths, but Hobart drivers tend to be tolerant of cyclists, and most roads tend to be wide enough to accommodate them. One old railway line from the city as far as Claremont has been converted to a first-class cycle and walking path (take care from motor vehicles at intersections).
Tasmania travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Tasmania is February to March, when average daytime highs are around 70–73°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Tasmania?
February is usually the warmest month in Tasmania, with average highs of 73°F (23°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 38°F (3°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 85 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Tasmania?
Hobart Airport (HBA) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (17 km) from the centre of Tasmania.
What currency is used in Tasmania?
Tasmania uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.
What time zone is Tasmania in?
Tasmania uses the Australia/Hobart time zone (currently UTC+11). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Tasmania?
Derwent Ferries operates services between Brooke Street Pier in the city and Bellerive Pier in Bellerive. There are no services on Sundays. All services have been totally free since 2026.
What are the best places to visit in Tasmania?
Top sights in Tasmania include Museum of Old and New Art, Mount Wellington, Salamanca Market and Port Arthur Historic Site. A provocative private museum carved into a riverside cliff, mixing ancient artifacts with challenging contemporary art. Take the ferry from Hobart's waterfront, which is part of the experience, and allow at least half a day.
What are the top things to do in Tasmania?
Popular experiences you can book in Tasmania include Tahune AirWalk General Entry, Hastings Cave, Tahune Airwalk and The Huon Tasting Trail from Hobart - Full-Day Tour and Low Isles Morning Cruise from Port Douglas. Destina Holidays offers 62 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Tasmania?
The most popular types of experiences in Tasmania are outdoor activities & adventure (22), cruise & water tours (16), day trips & excursions (15) and zoo, aquarium & nature (12). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Tasmania?
Popular areas for hotels in Tasmania include Hobart, Launceston-Tamar Valley and Prospect Vale. Well-reviewed options include Vibe Hotel Hobart and RACV Hobart Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Tasmania?
Destina Holidays currently lists 398 properties in and around Tasmania, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
