Specialist migration information to assist you to relocate to Australia.

Hobart City Guide

Hobart, the nation’s second oldest city, has a quality of life the envy of other states.  Hobart’s lifestyle provides all the cultural and physical advantages of a capital city whilst retaining a relaxed, quality lifestyle.

Whether Hobart is your intended destination or just a brief stopover on the way to your new home, we have compiled this guide to help you get your bearings on arrival. To obtain more details about the city check out the websites listed at the end of this profile.

Population

With a population of 238,488 (2001), Hobart is the most popular city of Tasmania and the eleventh largest city of Australia. It is the capital of Tasmania and Australia’s second oldest and most southern capital city.

Geography

Hobart is located on the Derwent River and on the foot of Mount Wellington, southeast of Tasmania. The central business district and the city’s suburbs are located on the western shore.

Local Transport

There is an extensive network of Metro buses and some private bus services in the city which run from Hobart to most major towns around the state, although services can be sparse or non-existent on public holidays.


Housing

Housing in Hobart is more affordable than any other capital city in Australia.  The quality of housing is high, and a large selection is available from brand new homes to stately older mansions.  Due to its stunning location, most Hobart homes have beautiful outlooks, with many affordable homes having a scenic view of the Derwent River, Mount Wellington or both.

Shopping

Hobart's CBD is a lively, friendly destination with that magical blend of pavement, arcade and centre shopping, providing easy access to national department stores, fashion outlets, Tasmanian souvenirs and crafts and a cosmopolitan cafe society.  In the heart of the CBD, nestled amongst some of Australia's best examples of sandstone and colonial architecture, street cafes and restaurants mix with great shopping to provide hours of fun and entertainment.

Salamanca Place, renowned for the famous Salamanca Market is home of fine Tasmanian arts and crafts, showcasing the works of many of Tasmania's finest artists and craftspeople.  Located amongst beautiful heritage listed buildings and tree lined streets, the area is home to restaurants, specialist food shops, bars and niche shopping. 

Dining Out

In Hobart you can find many great restaurants.  Try the most delicious fresh seafood that comes right out of the South Pacific and the local produce from Tasmania’s fertile ground in one of  the many restaurants Hobart has to offer. Each year the Hobart Summer Festival takes place which starts just after Christmas and ending in mid January. The Taste of Tasmania is a major part of this food and wine festival, where locals and visitors can taste fine local and international food and wine.

Performing Arts

In Hobart you can find the beautiful Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest theatre, and the world-famous Tasmania Symphony Orchestra.  Hobart has long been home to a thriving folk, electro, metal, rock, hip-hop and punk music scene. Several festivals capitalise on the Hobart’s artistic communities. Vecause of this, live music is very popular in the bars throughout Hobart.

Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation

Nestled under Mt Wellington on the Derwent River Hobart is renowned for its heritage buildings, beautiful parks, fine restaurants, the Salamanca Markets and its Festivals.

Hobart is a city rich in maritime history, and is shaped and defined by water. A diverse range of craft including Antarctic supply vessels, sailing dinghies, catamarans, kayaks, ocean racing yachts, fishing boats and square riggers ply the waters of the Derwent. Beyond is Storm Bay and the vast Southern Ocean.

The Port is a central focus for the City providing both a busy commercial hub and also a place where residents and visitors like to spend time strolling along the docks talking with the local fishermen, watching the large cargo vessels load and unload or sampling some fine Tasmanian produce at one of the many cafes and restaurants located around the cove.

Hobart has a wide range of beautiful parks, natural reserves and high quality recreational facilities, ranging from neighbourhood parks to the extensive bushland reserves of the Queens Domain and Wellington Park.

Education

Hobart has a wide range of schools to choose from, both private and public.  The University of Tasmania is one of Australia's oldest and most respected, and the Hobart TAFE was voted Australia's Best Training Provider in 2000 and 2002.

Hobart on the Net

Hobart City
www.hobartcity.com.au

Weather

Average maximum temperature in Summer Average maximum temperature in Winter Bright sunshine hours per year Mean annual rainfall

21 Degrees Celsius 8.8 Degrees Celsius 2628 626 mm

Time

Hobart operates on Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT.