Book cheap flights to Hobart

Descending into the capital of Tasmania reveals a city defined by its deep-water harbour and the imposing presence of Mount Wellington, which rises 1,271 metres above sea level, towering over the urban landscape. As the second oldest city in the country, this destination serves as a vital maritime gateway where the rugged wilderness of the south meets a sophisticated, small-scale metropolis.

The city’s heritage is anchored in the sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place, an area that now pulses with contemporary galleries and bustling outdoor markets. A short ferry journey leads to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a subterranean architectural marvel that has redefined the regional cultural scene, while the historic streets of Battery Point preserve the charm of 19th-century maritime life.

Visitors find a destination where colonial history and modern creativity exist in constant dialogue. Whether exploring the botanical diversity of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or investigating the convict history at nearby Richmond, the atmosphere remains grounded in a unique blend of cool-climate elegance and untamed natural beauty.

Long summer evenings on the Derwent

The high season in Hobart spans from December to February, bringing mild temperatures that typically hover between 17°C and 23°C. During these months, the city sheds its quiet reputation as the southern sun lingers well into the evening, providing nearly 15 hours of daylight for exploration. Visitors arriving at Hobart Airport during this window are greeted by a bustling maritime atmosphere, as the harbour becomes the focal point for global events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Life during the warmer months revolves around the waterfront and outdoor markets. The famous Salamanca Market thrives under clear skies, while the Taste of Summer festival showcases the region’s premium produce to large crowds. The air is crisp and the landscape is lively, making it the ideal time for trekking the 1,271-metre pinnacle of kunanyi / Mount Wellington. This period represents the city at its most social, defined by a fast-paced calendar of festivals and a lively alfresco dining culture.

Winter stillness and the low season

As the low season takes hold from June to August, the city undergoes a dramatic transformation into a moody, atmospheric retreat. Temperatures often dip to between 4°C and 12°C, and a dusting of snow frequently coats the surrounding peaks, creating a stunning backdrop for those arriving at the airport. While the days are shorter, the city embraces the cold with a unique cultural intensity, shifting the focus from coastal activities to cosy indoor galleries and roaring fires.

The winter identity of the city is anchored by the Dark Mofo festival, which draws travellers into a world of large-scale art installations and communal winter feasts. This season offers a slower, more contemplative pace of life where the mist sits low over the River Derwent and the streets feel more intimate. For many, the appeal of the colder months lies in this stillness, offering a chance to experience the raw, natural beauty of the south without the peak-season bustle.

Australia’s island state of Tasmania is served by two main airports: Launceston Airport in the north and Hobart Airport in the south, the arrival point for most travellers on a flight to Hobart. The journey for these visitors begins at a coastal facility that provides the essential link between the mainland and the rugged wilderness of southern Tasmania.

Getting to and from Hobart Airport

Hobart International Airport (HBA) is located approximately 17 km north-east of the city centre, situated within the Cambridge district. Despite its international designation, the airport primarily functions as a domestic hub, with frequent flights to Hobart arriving from major mainland cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The facility consists of a single integrated terminal building that handles both arrivals and departures, serving as a key base for carriers like Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

Upon clearing the arrivals hall, travellers can easily access the city via the SkyBus Hobart City Express, which departs regularly and reaches the Hobart CBD in roughly 20 to 30 minutes. This shuttle service stops at several key locations, including the Elizabeth Street Bus Mall and the Brook Street Pier. For those seeking a more direct route to their accommodation, taxis and ride-hailing services are available at the designated ranks outside the terminal, offering a travel time of about 20 min to reach the Waterfront or Battery Point. Additionally, several car hire providers operate desks within the arrivals area for those planning to explore the wider Tasmanian wilderness.

As you step off the plane, the crisp, clean air of the south sets the stage for an exploration of a capital that feels both intimately historic and dynamically modern.

• Salamanca Place serves as the cultural heart of the waterfront, where rows of 1830s sandstone warehouses have been transformed into a sophisticated precinct of galleries, artisan studios, and bustling markets.
• Battery Point offers a quiet journey back in time, featuring narrow winding streets and preserved colonial cottages that capture the maritime essence of the city’s early settlement.
• kunanyi / Mount Wellington provides an impressive vantage point at its 1,271-metre summit, offering panoramic views that stretch across the city and out towards the distant peaks of the South-west National Park.
• Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) challenges traditional gallery experiences with its subterranean architecture and provocative contemporary collections, accessible via a scenic ferry ride from the pier.
• Constitution Dock is the focal point of the city’s seafaring heritage, famous for hosting the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and serving as a working harbour where fresh seafood is landed daily.
• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens showcases a unique collection of cool-climate flora, including the world’s only Subantarctic Plant House, set within 14 hectares of meticulously landscaped grounds.
• Cascade Brewery, the oldest operating brewery in Australia, stands as a grand Gothic-style landmark at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by lush heritage gardens and woodland trails.
• Elizabeth Street Pier extends into the harbour, providing a contemporary space to watch the fishing fleet while enjoying the reflection of the city lights dancing on the water at twilight.

Setting your travel plans in motion for a trip to Hobart takes very little effort once the right search tools are in front of you. Leave some room around your departure dates and let the intuitive search tools at Opodo do the rest; before long you will have a flight that fits your schedule perfectly. If you are often on the move, an Opodo Prime membership adds extra savings and member benefits, making the journey down to Hobart Airport beneath kunanyi even smoother.