Known for its natural beauty and laidback locals, it’s no wonder more and more people are planting their roots in Hobart.
Thinking about making Hobart your new home? We’ve got everything you need to know about Tasmania’s capital.
In a rush? Skip to the info you need:
- Pros and cons of living in Hobart
- Best Hobart suburbs to live in
- Moving to Hobart from other cities
- Hobart’s dining scene
- Culture in Hobart
- Hobart’s climate
- Getting around Hobart
Living in Hobart: Pros and Cons
Think Hobart is all pretty trees and convict sites? Think again. Read up on the pros and cons of Hobart right here.
Pro: Houses are cheap
Tasmania offers the most affordable housing in Australia. In fact, a study has shown the price of one house in Sydney could get you two in Hobart. If you’re worried about renting for the rest of your life, moving to Hobart could make your dreams of becoming a home-owner come true.
Con: It’s a little detached from the rest of the country (literally)
As an island, Tassie can feel a little isolated at times. Sure, it’s just a short plane ride, but it takes planning and money to make a trip to the mainland. If your favourite band is touring the country or your footy team makes the grand final, it can be a bit of a pain not being able to jump in the car and drive interstate.
Pro: It’s as pretty as a postcard
Seriously, if you’re into breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, pack your camera and move to picturesque Hobart. This place is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, with plenty of photo opportunities everywhere you turn.
Con: It can be tough to get a job
Hobart isn’t exactly known for its career opportunities. Like with any new city, we recommend securing a job before you make the move.
Pro: The laidback culture
Things are a little slower in Hobart. Known for its friendly locals, this city has more of a country town feel. You can also look forward to fewer traffic jams than in other capital cities.
Best Hobart Suburbs to Live In
Whether you want to be on the water or in the mountains, Hobart is filled with beautiful suburbs to plant your roots.
Sandy Bay – Inner Suburb
Situated just south of the CBD, Sandy Bay is close to everything. It offers a mix of beautiful old and newer homes, and is home to buzzing restaurants and boutiques. It’s also within walking distance to the University of Tasmania, primary and high schools, and the Salamanca markets.
West Hobart – Inner Suburb
Want to make the most of city life without the noise and endless concrete? West Hobart is your quiet, leafy refuge, just minutes from the CBD. It has everything you need, from restaurants and grocery stores to primary and secondary schools. West Hobart is home to many professionals thanks to its proximity to the city.
If you like the closeness of Hobarts CBD, you’ll enjoy the ease of moving when you store your goods at our Moonah storage centre just 3km’s away. Get in touch when making the move to see how our centre can accommodate you.
Tolmans Hill – South Hobart
Leafy Tolmans Hill gives you some of the best views in the city. Surrounded by beautiful bushland, this quiet suburb is your picture-perfect escape. Just 5km from the CBD, Tolmans Hill offers the best of both worlds. It’s also close to several schools, making it a great option for families.
Blackmans Bay – South Hobart
This beachside suburb is just 15 minutes from the CBD. Most homes are just minutes from the beach and the shopping centre. Blackmans Bay offers all the convenience of suburban living with the beauty of nature. It also offers three primary schools.
New Town – North Hobart
Contrary to its name, New Town is one of the oldest Suburbs in Hobart. Dotted with stunning cottage-style homes, this friendly neighbourhood is filled with charm and character. It’s also home to several schools, a shopping centre, and speciality boutiques. New Town is just 4km north of the CBD. New Town is just 1km away from our Moonah storage centre which makes it ideal for keeping your goods secure while transition to the laid back life of Hobart.
Seven Mile Beach – East Hobart
Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Seven Mile Beach offers a laidback seaside lifestyle. The beach itself is arguably one of the best in Hobart, while the friendly locals and village feel make Seven Mile Beach a welcoming suburb. It’s also just five minutes from the airport.
Moving to Hobart from Other Cities
Living in Tasmania’s quaint capital may take a bit of adjusting depending on where you’re coming from.
Moving from Brisbane to Hobart
- Journey time: 2hr 50min flight
- Brisbane to Hobart removalist cost: $5,535 – $6,335
- Housing costs: The median price of a house in Hobart is $58,150 more affordable than the median price of a house in Brisbane ($426,850 vs. $485,000)
- Rent: Renting in Hobart is roughly $45 more affordable than renting in Brisbane ($365 vs. $410 median weekly rent)
- What you’ll miss from Brisbane: The weather
- What you’ll love about Hobart: The culture
Moving from Melbourne to Hobart
- Journey time: 1hr 15min flight
- Melbourne to Gold Coast removalist cost: $4,000 – $5,600
- Housing costs: The median price of a house in Hobart is $226,150 more affordable than the median price of a house in Melbourne ($426,850 vs. $653,000)
- Rent: Renting in Hobart is roughly $65 more affordable than renting in Melbourne ($365 vs. $430 median weekly rent)
- What you’ll miss from Melbourne: The fashion
- What you’ll love about Hobart: The natural beauty
Moving from Sydney to Hobart
- Journey time: 1hr 55min flight
- Melbourne to Gold Coast removalist cost: $4,750 – $6,650
- Housing costs: The median price of a house in Hobart is $388,150 more affordable than the median price of a house in Sydney ($426,850 vs. $815,000)
- Rent: Renting in Hobart is roughly $175 more affordable than renting in Sydney ($365 vs. $540 median weekly rent)
- What you’ll miss from Sydney: The nightlife
- What you’ll love about Hobart: The friendly locals
Removalist costs are based on the average cost of moving the contents of a 3-bedroom home. Prices will vary depending on your needs.
If you want to kick things back a notch and make the move, see our self-storage Hobart centres available and how we can best accommodate you for your next chapter.
Hobart’s Dining Scene
Some might argue there’s not much going on in Hobart compared to other capitals like Sydney and Melbourne. But Hobart’s bar and dining scene is just as booming. Here you’ll find tasty takeaway, traditional pubs, trendy bars, and more.
Salamanca Place – Battery Point, Hobart
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Italian, fresh seafood, or hearty pub grub, Salamanca Place is your one-stop spot for good food and good times. Lined with restaurants and bars, it offers a diverse range of cuisines for every budget, along with a relaxed nightlife with views of the Derwent River. And of course, it’s right near the famous Salamanca Market, where you can pick up your fresh produce every Saturday.
North Hobart Precinct – Elizabeth St, Hobart
Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Wander through North Hobart Precinct and you’re sure to find something to satisfy your tastebuds. Known as Hobart’s premier eating and entertainment zone, here you’ll find endless options for every meal, from fresh Asian fare to local food and beverages.
Culture in Hobart
Tasmania’s capital is bursting with culture. From its world-famous museum to performing arts, “sleepy” Hobart offers more than meets the eye.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – 655 Main Rd, Berriedale
A world of its own, it’s no wonder people visit Tassie just to spend a day wandering around MONA. Exhibiting over 400 antiquities and modern and contemporary art pieces from the David Walsh collection, MONA is truly an experience like no other. It also allows you to eat and drink (yay!) at the onsite Moorilla winery, Source Restaurant, bars, and café.
Theatre Royal – 29 Campbell Street, Hobart
Australia’s oldest working theatre, the Theatre Royal is host to an exciting annual program including contemporary text, traditional drama, dance, circus, multi-media, opera, contemporary music, music theatre, comedy and more.
Peacock Theatre – Salamanca Arts Centre, Battery Point
One of the city’s most popular venues, the Peacock Theatre is on the ground floor of the Salamanca Arts Centre. It features live music, theatre, dance, and more, and seats up to 150 people.
Hobart’s Climate
Hobart’s four seasons are pretty distinctive. This guide will help you prepare for the temperature and rainfall throughout the year.
Summer
January and February are the driest months of the year, and the beaches are finally warm enough to take a dip. Average temperatures in Hobart during summer range from 11.5 – 21°C, but summer days regularly rise above 25°C and beyond.
Autumn
Autumn in Hobart is calm and sunny, and the city is sprinkled with beautiful red and yellow trees. Average temperatures range between 9 – 17.5°C.
Winter
Things can get pretty cold and windy in Hobart during winter. Average daily temperatures range from 5 – 12.5°C, and Mount Wellington is dotted with snow.
Spring
Spring welcomes the most rainfall in Hobart (though the city is Australia’s second-driest capital city), and average temperatures range from 7.5 – 17°C.
Getting Around Hobart
Hobart is pretty easy to navigate, and getting where you need to go is simple with its public transport system. It’s easy enough to walk around the city, but buses and taxis are the most popular way of getting around.
Bus
The key bus routes in Hobart take you to and from the CBD and outer suburbs. You can buy a cash ticket or use a Greencard as a rechargeable electronic ticket that you tap on and off when riding.
Taxi
Taxis in Hobart are aplenty, but busy periods such as New Year’s Eve and during major festivals can make them harder to get.
Train
Hobart’s small rail system is mostly used for cargo and commodities, and doesn’t offer regular passenger services.
Make your move to Hobart a little easier with these 10 tips.
Moving to Hobart soon? Keep your stuff at one of our storage centres while you settle in. Discover our affordable, flexible options here and book today, or explore our box shop.