Welcome to Hobart—Tasmania’s charming capital where colonial heritage meets crisp mountain air and sparkling harbour views. Imagine sipping a flat white at a sun-warmed café by the waterfront, the scent of sea salt and fresh pastries mingling on the breeze. Yes, Hobart is one of Australia’s most delightful city escapes, blending rugged wilderness and urban warmth in a way few places can.
Iconic natural backdrop: Dominated by Mount Wellington, Hobart boasts dramatic hiking, cycling and panoramic views just minutes from the CBD.
Rich heritage: Georgian buildings and heritage-listed streetscapes in Battery Point and Salamanca reflect Hobart’s convict-era history and seafaring legacy.
Vibrant food scene: From Salamanca Market’s farm-fresh produce to Salamanca Place’s restaurants and waterfront eateries, local flavour shows in seafood, craft breweries and Tasmanian wines.
Creative culture: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has reinvented Hobart as a global art destination, while the Dark Mofo winter festival sparks imagination city‑wide.
Coastal lifestyle: Proximity to beaches, oyster farms, and boating means weekends often involve sunshine, fishing, or coastal exploration just a short drive away.
Living in Hobart offers a unique pace—spacious yet cosy, cultural yet grounded. Here’s how the city stacks up:
Housing & affordability
From waterfront apartments to heritage cottages and semi-rural acreages, Hobart offers variety. Prices have climbed, but options remain outside central areas.
Walkability & transport
Areas like North Hobart, Sandy Bay, and Battery Point are walkable and well-serviced by Metro buses. Car ownership is helpful for accessing outer suburbs or regional spots.
Vibe & community
The city blends student energy, retirees, and creatives. Hobart is known for its neighbourly feel and relaxed social rhythm.
Safety & diversity
With lower crime rates than larger capitals, Hobart is considered safe. It's growing in cultural diversity, especially in food, art, and community events.
Schools & amenities
Quality public and private schools are located in Sandy Bay, Lenah Valley, and Lindisfarne. Libraries, health clinics, and family hubs are easily accessible.
Nature & lifestyle access
A 20-minute drive gets you from the CBD to mountain trails or secluded beaches—ideal for those who love outdoor life.
Hobart’s infrastructure and services support a comfortable and connected lifestyle:
Cleaning & waste management: The City of Hobart operates regular kerbside collections, green waste services, and public street cleaning. Many suburbs also have access to local and commercial cleaning businesses, including eco-friendly and NDIS-approved providers.
Technology & internet: Most homes and businesses enjoy reliable NBN coverage, with fibre available in central suburbs. Public Wi-Fi is available in parts of the CBD and around key community areas.
Public services: There are well-maintained parks, public BBQ areas, bike tracks, and recreation centres. Public libraries in Hobart and Glenorchy offer free internet, study rooms, and community programs.
Healthcare access: The Royal Hobart Hospital is a major public facility, supported by private clinics, specialist services, and after-hours medical centres around the city.
Council support: Residents can access hard waste disposal days, recycling stations, and community clean-up programs via City of Hobart.
Climb or drive up Mount Wellington (Kunanyi)
Explore Salamanca Market on Saturdays
Visit MONA by ferry or car
Wander Battery Point’s heritage streets
Sample seafood at Mures on the waterfront
Take a river cruise or twilight sail
Tour Cascade Brewery’s historic site
Day trip to Bruny Island
Discover Tasmania’s whisky trail
I’m Sophie, a café owner in Battery Point, and here’s what makes this place special: "Anyone who’s spent a lazy Sunday at Salamanca Market, coffee in hand, oyster in the next, knows how sweet life in Hobart can be. We’re small enough to greet our neighbours by name, but big enough to attract world class art, music and cuisine."
Another local in Sandy Bay shares: "We love that our kids can grow up paddling at Long Beach and hiking Kunanyi. There's always something happening—markets, footy, music. It’s safe, green, and connected in a really grounded way."
Whether you’re after vibrant weekend markets, art that challenges, or wilderness walks with city views, Hobart delivers. Take your time, wander through heritage streets, climb the mountain, sail the Derwent—and you’ll soon see why locals stay, year after year. And hey, if you’re wondering what are the good and bad areas of Hobart?, know this: there’s something for almost everyone—just ask your local barista what their favourite street is.
What are the safest suburbs in Hobart?
Battery Point, Sandy Bay, and West Hobart consistently rate highly for low crime, good schools, and walkability.
Are there any less desirable areas in Hobart?
Parts of Glenorchy and Moonah have mixed reputations but are changing fast with new cafes, housing developments, and younger families moving in.
How’s the internet in Hobart?
Most of Hobart has access to high-speed NBN, with many suburbs offering fibre or fixed wireless options suitable for remote work and streaming.