Hobart is the southernmost capital city in Australia, and it is also one of the smallest. That suits anyone planning a budget stay. Hobart backpackers find the waterfront, Salamanca Market and the convict-era streets close together, with Mount Wellington rising behind the city.
This page covers the areas and settings worth considering as a base, plus the six caravan and holiday parks listed on this site. Check current availability directly with any property before you book. For other styles of stay, see our Hobart accommodation page.
Why Hobart works as a base
The city sits on the estuary of the River Derwent in Tasmania's south-east. Its skyline is dominated by kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which rises to 1,271 metres, and its harbour is the second-deepest natural port in the world. Hobart has a mild maritime climate.
Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, it is Australia's second-oldest capital after Sydney. Its drawcards include convict-era architecture, Salamanca Market and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), the Southern Hemisphere's largest private museum. Staying close to the centre puts most of that within reach. For wider planning, our Hobart destination guide is a good starting point.
Staying in the city or on the harbour
Hobart's hostels typically offer dorm, twin and double rooms, some ensuite, with communal kitchens, TV rooms, a bar area, a tour desk and friendly staff. Many local tour operators will collect guests from the door. Features vary by property, so confirm what is offered when you book.
A central base keeps you near Salamanca Market, the shops, cafes and nightlife, and the Elizabeth Street Mall. Down by the harbour you can set out on charters and cruises for the day. Constitution Dock and Parliament House are also in the city centre.
If you want something other than a hostel, we also have a page on Hobart hotels.
Caravan and holiday parks around Hobart
If you are travelling by campervan or want a cabin, the parks below are listed on this site. Each offers powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability before booking.
Clarence City Council area, east of the Derwent
Four listed parks sit in Clarence. BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park and Barilla Holiday Park are both in Cambridge. Discovery Parks - Hobart is in Risdon Vale, and Discovery Parks - Mornington Hobart is in Mornington.
Risdon has some history behind it. The first European settlement began in 1803 as a military camp at Risdon Cove, on the eastern shore of the Derwent, before it was moved to Sullivans Cove.
Kingborough and the Huon Valley
South of the city, Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Tourist Park is in Snug, in the Kingborough Council area. Further on, Huon Valley Caravan Park Tasmania is in Huonville, in the Huon Valley Council area.
| Park | Location | Council area |
|---|---|---|
| BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park | Cambridge | Clarence City |
| Barilla Holiday Park | Cambridge | Clarence City |
| Discovery Parks - Hobart | Risdon Vale | Clarence City |
| Discovery Parks - Mornington Hobart | Mornington | Clarence City |
| Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Tourist Park | Snug | Kingborough |
| Huon Valley Caravan Park Tasmania | Huonville | Huon Valley |
Drive times from Hobart
Where you stay shapes how much driving you do. These are road distances from the Hobart area.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Hobart to Huon Valley | 46 km | about 44 minutes |
| Bruny Island to Hobart | 76 km | about 102 minutes |
| Hobart to Tasman Peninsula | 91 km | about 78 minutes |
| Hobart to Port Arthur | 95 km | about 82 minutes |
| East Coast Tasmania to Hobart | 188 km | about 156 minutes |
| Freycinet Peninsula to Hobart | 197 km | about 169 minutes |
| Hobart to Launceston | 201 km | about 151 minutes |
| Hobart to Strahan | 290 km | about 235 minutes |
The Huon Valley is the easiest day trip, so a base at Huonville or in the city both work. Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula are under an hour and a half away, which makes a city base practical for them too. Freycinet and Strahan are better treated as separate trips.
Tours that start from Hobart
Staying without a car is easy enough if you book a tour. These are listed on this site, with prices as listed.
- Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Richmond Village Tour: from AUD 90, with a 48-hour red double-decker circuit and a four-hour Richmond excursion.
- Coal River Valley Wine Tour: from AUD 225, with four cellar doors, lunch and pickup from central Hobart.
- 2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Tour: from AUD 305, covering Hobart, Richmond and Bruny Island.
- Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch: from AUD 295, departing from Triabunna, 90 minutes south of Hobart.
- 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour: from AUD 445, with accommodation included and a maximum group of 13.
We would start with the hop-on hop-off ticket. It is the cheapest listed option and gives you two days to get your bearings.
Hobart weather by month
Summers are mild and winters are cool, which affects what you pack and how you plan hikes up Mount Wellington. These are 1991-2020 averages for the Hobart area.
| Month | Max C | Min C | Rain mm | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.0 | 11.9 | 59.8 | 8.3 |
| February | 20.8 | 12.0 | 51.1 | 8.2 |
| March | 19.3 | 11.3 | 55.5 | 10.1 |
| April | 16.4 | 9.4 | 57.8 | 10.7 |
| May | 13.8 | 7.9 | 51.2 | 11.1 |
| June | 11.7 | 6.4 | 61.3 | 11.8 |
| July | 11.2 | 5.7 | 64.0 | 13.7 |
| August | 11.7 | 5.6 | 75.8 | 14.3 |
| September | 13.2 | 6.3 | 65.9 | 13.6 |
| October | 15.1 | 7.5 | 64.0 | 13.3 |
| November | 17.0 | 9.0 | 65.4 | 12.1 |
| December | 19.0 | 10.5 | 64.1 | 11.0 |
August is the wettest month at 75.8 mm over about 14 days, and August also has the lowest average minimum at 5.6 degrees. January is the warmest, with a 21 degree average maximum. For tent campers, the cooler months are the ones to prepare for.
Frequently asked questions
Are there caravan parks near Hobart?
Yes. This site lists six: four in the Clarence City Council area (Cambridge, Risdon Vale and Mornington), one in Snug and one in Huonville. All offer powered sites and cabins, and rates should be confirmed with the park.
How far is Port Arthur from Hobart?
It is 95 km by road, about 82 minutes. The Tasman Peninsula as a whole is 91 km, about 78 minutes.
Where can travellers find more on Tasmania?
The official state tourism site, Discover Tasmania, covers the wider state, and Wikipedia: Hobart gives background on the city.
