Where to stay in Hobart

Even the CBD in Australia’s smallest capital brims with charm, especially around the historic waterfront. Widen the search just a tad to discover several other areas well worth your time and effort: North Hobart, Battery Point, South Hobart and Sandy Bay.

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Hobart CBD

Exploring Hobart unavoidably involves the CBD, particularly its waterfront on Sullivans Cove. Take your time to soak up the pleasant setting exactly where the city of Hobart emerged in 1804.

Across from each other, Hunter Street (north) and Salamanca Place (south) feature 1800s warehouses. These have been repurposed into popular restaurants and bars, stylish hotels and cultural draws, including the Salamanca Arts Centre.

In the heart of the waterfront are Constitution Dock and Victoria Dock, harbouring a mix of fishing boats, fancy yachts and historic vessels. Plus, floating punts provide low-key servings of fish and chips.

For a more sophisticated seafood experience, go for Mures Lower Deck, between Constitution Dock and Victoria Dock, or Fish Frenzy, at Elizabeth Street Pier. Whisky lovers may want to continue with the locally made products at the nearby Lark Cellar Door.

Other draws within steps of the water are the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Maritime Museum of Tasmania and Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum. If you want even more inspiration, hop onto the handy ferry to Mona (after booking ahead).

Move inland to find the denser, more predictable part of the CBD. For retail therapy, check out Elizabeth Street Mall, between Collins Street and Liverpool Street, and The Cat and Fiddle Arcade, where the cat plays a little tune as the clock strikes the hour, encouraging the cow to jump over the moon.

But if it’s a Saturday morning, turn back to the waterfront to sniff out finds at the famous Salamanca Market.

I expected convenience but was surprised by how much character the CBD has, especially around the historic waterfront.

Sleeping in Hobart CBD

MACq 01 Hotel

Discover the extra thrill of staying at a storytelling hotel. On Macquarie Wharf, each of these 114 luxurious rooms represents a Tasmanian profile, with the design inspired by their traits.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Enter the former IXL jam factory complex, with some structures dating back to the 1820s. Over 500 artworks by local artists are scattered throughout the 5-star hotel, adding a flair that would have made jam magnate Henry Jones himself proud.

The Tasman

Be lured by an upscale blend of eras, from 1840s Edwardian architecture to contemporary floor-to-ceiling windows.

North Hobart

A gastronomical hotspot, North Hobart lures people (a 20-minute walk) away from the CBD’s waterfront and up to the higher reaches of Elizabeth Street. You’ll find plenty of mouthwatering options for every meal of the day.

Try Born in Brunswick for brunch, perhaps with the signature Tasmanian octopus scrambled eggs. Another trendy hangout is Room for A Pony, where breakfast casually turns into wood-fired pizza lunch and drinks.

Go to Bar Wa Izakaya for flavours of Japan, including crowd-pleasing oysters and sake. If you prefer an old-school pub vibe, order wings or a burger with a good old beer at The Winston instead.

Eating and drinking are not the only pleasures, though. Those hoping for live music should check the schedule at Hobart’s most iconic scene: Republic Bar & Café. There is also the elegant 1913 State Cinema, complete with a cafe, bookstore and, for balmy summer evenings, a rooftop screen.

Sleeping in North Hobart

Rydges Hobart

Looking for a North Hobart springboard? Rydges offers boutique-style accommodation across several structures, including the heritage-listed main building, within a ten-minute walk of Elizabeth Street.

Battery Point

Battery Point is all about the history. Home to defence batteries during the 1800s, the suburb rises above the waterfront and Salamanca Place, which can be reached by walking down Kelly’s Steps (think a 15-minute walk to Constitution Dock).

Neatly positioned at the suburb’s highest point, the sandstone 1838 St. George Anglican Church shoots up over countless other buildings dating back to the 19th century. Enter one of them — the Narryna, a museum set in a neoclassical 1830s merchant’s house — for a glimpse into life during the early days of European settlement. As picture perfect, at least, is Arthur Circus, a tiny oval park surrounded by quaint old-time cottages.

A large green patch, Princes Park is the former military site that gave the suburb its name. When visiting, keep an eye out for the few remaining traces of the past era, including the signalman’s cottage with its adjoining mast. Just peering at the River Derwent through the trees that grace the sloping lawns makes stopping by worth your time, though.

Supplying classic pies in a heritage-listed red-brick building, Jackman & McRoss Bakery is an excellent pick for a quintessential breakfast or lunch along the local hub of Hampden Road. Founded in 1846, the Shipwright Arms Hotel is another inviting option for eating or drinking.

I loved simply wandering around Battery Point, often feeling like I had stepped back in time.

Sleeping in Battery Point

Grande Vue Hotel

This quaint Queen Anne mansion only has nine guest rooms, adding to the home-away-from-home feeling. Some spaces, including the cosy dining area, feature soothing views of the boat-dotted bay below.

Lenna of Hobart

Be wowed by grand early-colonial architecture right above Salamanca Place. The modern accommodation wing contains rooms facing the mountains, harbour or adjacent Princes Park.

Moss Hotel

Settle into a fancy room in one of the iconic mid-1800s warehouses on Salamanca Place. Waking up here is extra exciting on Saturdays, when guests have the buzzing Salamanca Market on their doorstep.

South Hobart

The scenery is green and the air is crisp in South Hobart, nestled between Mount Wellington’s peak and the city centre’s buzz. While many visitors only pass through as they travel up and down the mountain, making a longer stop pays off.

Boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, the remains of the 1828 Cascades Female Factory packs a punch with stirring stories. Whether you prefer history or golden nectar, the 1824 Cascades Brewery, a castle-like, seven-storey landmark, has you covered.

Behind the brewery, the 4-km out-and-back Cascades Track traces the Guy Fawkes Rivulet through mossy, fern-dotted forest. Those who feel adventurous can extend the hike to reach picturesque waterfalls or even conquer the summit of Mount Wellington.

Sleeping in South Hobart

Islington Hotel

The Islington provides high-end luxury in a Regency-style 1847 mansion enhanced with an atrium (the spot for breakfast) facing the courtyard. You can expect an exclusively produced bed, fascinating artworks and an even better Mount Wellington backdrop.

Sandy Bay

Appropriately named, Sandy Bay idyllically stretches out along the River Derwent. It’s directly south of the CBD but feels a world away.

Everyone can enjoy a walk on Nutgrove Beach or a picnic on Long Beach, watching boats come and go. For the local kids, swimming through the notoriously chilly water to conquer Little Sandy Bay’s pontoon is a summer rite of passage.

Resting on a hill are the remnants of Alexandra Battery. Check out its gun emplacements, tunnels and ammunition rooms or simply stand gawping at the spectacular view, stretching from the idyllic shoreline directly below to the dramatic mountains on the horizon.

Sleeping in Sandy Bay

Wrest Point

A sprawling tower with a casino, Wrest Point is a surprising sight in Sandy Bay. Guests can take advantage of top amenities, including a swimming pool and a fitness center, and effortlessly absorb the surroundings.

Which area of Hobart should you choose?

Although Hobart is compact and easy to navigate, its neighbourhoods feel surprisingly distinct. Your ideal base depends on whether you prioritise convenience, atmosphere or scenery.

Best for first-time visitors

Hobart CBD is the most practical choice. You’ll be within walking distance of the waterfront, Salamanca Place and many of Hobart’s main sights, so you won’t have to think much about logistics.

The CBD is so convenient for exploring Hobart that I just don’t think you can go wrong with it.

Best for history buffs

For old-world charm, you can’t beat the picture-perfect Battery Point. It’s quieter than the CBD, yet still close enough to walk to Salamanca Place and the harbour.

Best for food lovers

North Hobart is Hobart’s foodie hub. Slightly away from the waterfront, it rewards visitors with a concentration of top-notch eateries — ideal for anyone prioritising meals over views.

Best for beach bums

If you prefer a relaxing setting by the water, Sandy Bay makes an excellent alternative. It feels quieter and more spacious, particularly compared to the busier central areas.

Best for nature seekers

South Hobart stands out as the greenest and most residential. It’s ideal if you want an undisturbed base with proximity to bushwalks, while still being just a short drive from the city centre.

In case you wonder…

More Hobart

Best things to do in Hobart

When to visit Hobart