Hobart on a Budget: A Scenic Adventure

Discover Hobart on a budget without compromising on experiences.

21 June 2023

Hobart, Australia is a great destination for budget travelers with plenty of affordable accommodation options and free attractions. Take a stroll through the vibrant Salamanca Market and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Wellington. Don't forget to indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the many budget-friendly seafood restaurants.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Hobart on a Budget

  • Start with a free self-guided walking tour of Hobart's historic Battery Point, admiring beautiful colonial architecture and quaint cafes.
  • Visit Salamanca Market (every Saturday) for a taste of local produce, live music, and unique handicrafts. Be sure to try a hot Tassie scallop pie!
  • Take a scenic drive up to Mount Wellington (entry is free), where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Hobart and its surrounds.
  • Head to Constitution Dock for lunch and watch the boats come in. Try the famous fish and chips at Flippers or grab a bargain at the nearby fishmonger.
  • Afternoon wander through Mawson's Hut Replica Museum (entry $5) to learn about the epic Antarctic explorations of Sir Douglas Mawson and his team.
  • End your day at the Hobart waterfront with a stroll along the boardwalk, admiring the boats and enjoying a sunset.
  • Note: Don't forget to bring warm clothing and comfortable shoes for potential walking/hiking activities. Also, be sure to bring cash for market stalls and smaller cafes.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hobart, Australia by plane is to fly to Hobart International Airport from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Some airlines that fly to Hobart include Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantas. Direct flights from Melbourne take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while flights from Sydney take around 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Car

To get to Hobart by car, you can either drive from major cities in Tasmania or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport, which takes around 10-11 hours. Once in Tasmania, it takes around 2.5 hours to drive from Launceston to Hobart and around 3.5 hours to drive from Devonport to Hobart.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no passenger train service that goes directly to Hobart or Tasmania. However, you can take a train from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to the closest mainland city, which is Melbourne. From there, you can take a ferry or fly to Hobart.

Boat

The best way to get to Hobart by boat is to take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. The journey takes around 10 hours and the ferry departs twice a day. From Devonport, it takes around 3.5 hours to drive to Hobart. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship that stops at the Hobart port, which is located in the city center.

Bus

The best way to get to Hobart by bus is to take the Redline Coach from cities like Launceston or Devonport. The journey takes around 3 hours from Launceston and around 4.5 hours from Devonport. The Redline Coach also offers a shuttle service from Hobart International Airport to the city center.

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