Hobart is Australia’s only island state, with a reputation for fresh gourmet food. As the most affordable capital city in the world, Hobart is rapidly becoming one of the world’s best and safest study and tourism destinations. As Australia’s southernmost capital, Hobart was often forgotten, however the city is quickly being recognised with its world class festivals, art galleries, food venues and natural attractions.
Hobart was included in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities to visit in the world in 2013, with its captivating history, picturesque scenery and gourmet food experiences, the city has something for everyone. If you’re an exercise lover, there’s over 1000 mountain peaks to climb in and Hobart. If you’re a foodie, Hobart is home to many award-winning restaurants using the best Tasmanian produce.
Things To Do
Elizabeth Street Mall is Hobart’s major shopping street. It’s a pedestrian only mall and is Hobarts largest shopping area. It features a range of large department stores and with free Wi-Fi available throughout the mall.
For more shopping head to Salamanca Markets. The markets are held every Saturday morning, they’re an outdoor market with over 300 market stalls. It’s also free entry.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is located mostly underground and it NOT to be missed. It’s one of the most talked about art galleries in the world and located within a winery.
For some history, head to the Replica Mawson Huts. Adult entry is $15 – as Hobart is dubbed the “gateway to Antarctica” – you’ll learn about how early Antarctic explorers lived.
Mount Wellington is a natural reserve situated right on the doorstep of Hobart. It’s free and it’s spectacular. It’s a short 20-minute drive and has 18,000 hectares of pure beauty.
Open for over 190 years, Brunswick Hotel is Hobarts place to be. It’s modern but has character, Trivia on Wednesday and daily deals you can sink your teeth into – think parmi and pint Wednesdays and all you can eat wings on Tuesdays.
Dumpling World is another popular spot among the locals – located on Liverpool street, they specialise in all things Chinese, and are open until 9pm.
Also open until 9pm, Koma Ramen is cheap and delicious. They have homemade noodles and most mains sit around the $11 mark.
Urban Greek is your one stop shop for traditional family Greek meals, with an emphasis on sharing with friends. Dine in or Takeaway, stop here for the best Greek in town.
Our friends at UTas have compiled a list of the top 10 cheap eats around Hobart – there’s something for everyone.
Mt Nelson, only 10 minutes drive from the Hobart CBD is one of the best places to see Aurora Australis, a natural light show phenomena. The Southern Hemisphere’s version of the Northern Lights and it is best seen in the winter.
Go off the beaten track for a craft beer, cocktail or burger at Preachers. It’s an outdoor venue, the perfect place for a day session in their beer garden. They provide heaters when it’s nippy, so you can enjoy it all year round.
State Cinema, located in North Hobart is a must stop – they have a rooftop cinema and bar with a wide range of local and international films. They serve light meals and you can take your drink to your movie screening.
Hobart Twilight Markets are held October to March; 4.30-9pm on the first and third Friday of the month. It’s Friday’s hotspot, with heaps of vendors selling delicious food, fashion and homewares.
For a night of free live music, head to Rektango. It’s been going for 15 years and is held every Friday night. Local bands play all year round (unless it’s raining) and there are plenty of drinks to be shared. It runs between 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
MONA FOMA is held in January and you won’t want to miss it. The annual music and arts festival and is Tasmania’s largest contemporary music festival, featuring art forms such as noise, dance, theatre and visual art.
Next up for the to-do list is Festivale, held in February. It’s three days full of delicious wine, food and fun – it’s held in Launceston so it’s the perfect opportunity to take a weekend away from Hobart.
Dark Mofo is the Winter version of MONA FOMO, celebrating winter solace and old traditions and mythology of darkness and light. It goes for 14 days and is famous for the annual Nude Solstice Swim, which isn’t for the faint hearted.
October is home to the Royal Hobart Show – normally running 25-27th of October. Celebrating all things Australian, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn about rural Australia through unique hands on experiences for the whole family.
Head to Marion Bay for Falls Festival in December – an annual music and arts festival that sells out every year. Camp and enjoy local and international artists, markets and food trucks. Keep your ear to the ground for ticket releases, as they will sell out.
Things To Know
Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia, after Sydney
If you’re travelling to Antarctica, Hobart will be your last stop before embarking on your journey over
Hobart is the second-driest capital city in Australia. It receives about half as much rain per year as Sydney
The Hobart Theatre Royal (1836) is the oldest major theatre in Australia.
Summer runs from December to February and average temperatures range from 5 – 21°C (52.7 – 69.8°F). Head to the beaches during January and February, it’s warm enough to swim.
Autumn lasts from about March to May. Autumn temperatures fall between 9 – 17.3°C (48 – 63.1°F). Autumn turns the city deep red and yellow as trees begin to change.
Running from June to August, winter is the coldest season. Average temperatures range from 5 – 12.3°C (41 – 54.1°F). Winter brings southerly winds from Antarctica.
Spring averages temperatures of 8 – 16.9°C (46 – 62.4°F) with some warmer days, but you’ll still need an umbrella in your bag as it’s the wettest time of year.
For public transport you’ll need a GreenCard. They’re a prepaid card, much like a debit card, where you load money onto it at the station or other store (you can find such stores on their website) and use it to tap on and off public transport as you travel. The fares are based on how far you travel. If you don’t have a GreenCard, you’ll need to pay per ride, and cash fares are generally higher than those on the GreenCard.
Hobart is divided into five zones: Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Brighton. If you are eligible for a student concession, (you can check this here ) you will pay a flat fair across all zones.
Metro Buses are the best option for travelling around Hobart, be sure to check the local timetable for routes applicable to you.
Bikes are a super cheap and healthy way to get around the city. They can save you a lot in transport fees and are a great option for the environment. Please remember: it’s illegal to ride a bike without a helmet or a bell. You must also have a light on your bike to ride at night time. Stick to the bike lanes and learn the road rules, then you’re ready to go!
Taxis are another option and can be reasonably priced if you share the fare (especially on a night out). You can call 13Cabs Hobart on 132 227
Uber is legal in Hobart. Simply log in via their app and order one to drive you around, much like a taxi. Uber is often cheaper than a cab and you can confirm the fare before you take off, meaning you will know an approximate price before confirming the ride. Uber is also a great way to meet some locals who know their way around the city.
Travel concessions? Yes, you just have to provide proof of enrolment as a full time student in a senior secondary college, TasTAFE, university or Tasmanian College of English, check your eligibility
UNiDAYS – Use your student email account to sign up and receive 10-25% discount on a huge range of stuff. Visit their website for more info.
ISIC – The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the most internationally-recognised student ID offering amazing discounts on products and services throughout Australia and the world. It’s also handy if you need official proof that you’re a student. View their website to see if you qualify for the card on their website
Insider Guides offer their top tips on finding student discounts and have their own discount page – make sure you check it out.
Tourism Videos
Sources
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