🇦🇺 Hobart, Australia
Hobart Hostel
📍 41, Barrack Street, Hobart, 7000
Your stay — Hobart Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Hobart.
The Property — Hobart Hostel
Hobart Hostel is a practical, no-frills budget base a 10-minute walk from the city centre and Salamanca Place. The lobby feels like a busy student common room: worn sofas, noticeboards covered in tour ads, and a faint smell of toast from the shared kitchen. It suits solo backpackers and groups who care more about location and price than comfort—expect dorm bunks, basic private rooms, and a thin line between lively and chaotic.
Chronicles of Hobart
Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, Hobart is Australia's second-oldest city, built on whaling and convict labour. Its Georgian and Victorian sandstone warehouses along Sullivan's Cove survived 20th-century redevelopment, giving the waterfront a distinctly 19th-century character. Today, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) has reframed the city as a cultural outlier, drawing a younger, art-focused crowd while the old fishing port hums alongside craft breweries and market stalls.
Best Time to Visit
Full Hobart guide →Best months
January-February for warm summer days and the Taste of Tasmania food festival; March-April for mild autumn weather and quieter streets after school holidays.
Peak / festival surge
December-January (summer school holidays, Sydney-Hobart yacht race arrival on 28 Dec). Hotel prices often double, and dorms can sell out weeks ahead.
Budget shoulder season
May-June and October-November: cooler but cheaper, with fewer tourists. Expect discounts of 20-30% on peak rates.
Weather & packing
July in Hobart is winter: days hover around 10-12°C, with frequent rain and occasional snow on Mount Wellington. Pack a waterproof jacket, warm layers, and waterproof shoes—umbrellas are useless in the wind.
Live City Briefing — Hobart
- Salamanca Market continues year-round every Saturday until 3pm, but winter hours can start later; check for reduced stall numbers in July.
- Mount Wellington summit road (Pinnacle Road) is often closed due to ice/snow in July; check the Hobart City Council website before driving.
- The new EV charging station at Brooke Street Pier (Sullivans Cove) is now live, handy for visitors driving from the airport.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hobart Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on floors 3 to 5, facing the rear courtyard (away from Barrack Street). These floors sit above street-level bustle but are low enough for quick stair access if the lift is busy, and the rear aspect cuts traffic noise significantly.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (street-level noise and potential foot traffic from the entrance lobby) and any room facing Barrack Street directly – the street carries delivery trucks and early-morning traffic from the Salamanca direction. Ground-floor rooms near the reception or common areas can also pick up hallway chatter.
Best views
Rear-facing rooms overlook Hobart’s historic rooflines and, if high enough (floor 4–5), may catch glimpses of Mount Wellington. Front-facing rooms on Barrack Street see the street and St David’s Park trees, but with traffic noise.
Quietest floors
Floors 3, 4, and 5 are the quietest – buffered from street noise by lower floors and away from the rooftop or service areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Barrack Street is a main city route with delivery lorries from early morning (6am) and occasional night-time waste collection. The hostel’s ground-floor common area can generate chatter until 10pm. No bar or major venue on-site, but the street is close to Salamanca’s late-night pubs on weekends.
Insider tips
1) Parking is tight – use the nearby Centrepoint car park on Argyle Street (2-min walk) rather than street parking, which is metered until 8pm. 2) Request a room on the top floor (5) for less foot traffic overhead – but confirm the lift works, as stairs from ground can be a slog with bags.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hobart Hostel
Free Wi-Fi throughout; speeds adequate for browsing and streaming (approx. 20 Mbps download). No login constraint – just select the Hobart Hostel network.
No lift. The building is a converted 19th-century townhouse, all rooms on first and second floors accessed by stairs only.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. Common room has a small library of second-hand books and a communal TV (free-to-air channels). The building's original timber staircase and sandstone walls are preserved, giving a heritage feel.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 10:00 (free, luggage room). Late check-out until 12:00 costs $10 AUD. Reception open 08:00-20:00 daily; after-hours self-check-in via code sent before arrival.
Free for same-day drop before check-in and after check-out. Long-term storage (multi-day) by arrangement, $5 AUD per day.
No step-free access; main entrance has two steps, and there is no wheelchair-accessible bathroom or bedroom. Guests with mobility issues should choose another property.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Centrepoint Car Park (10-12 Argyle Street), $25 AUD per 24 hours. On-street metered parking free after 18:00 Saturday to 08:00 Monday (unmetered Sundays). No EV charging on-site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for most rates; a $50 AUD credit card hold is taken at check-in for incidentals.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Hobart City Church of Christ (210 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: St John's Presbyterian Church (469 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: St Joseph's Catholic Church (478 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: St Mary's Cathedral (628 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centrepoint Shopping Centre — 486 m · ~6 min walk
Mathers Place — 592 m · ~7 min walk
Army Museum of Tasmania — 695 m · ~9 min walk
Playhouse Theatre — 617 m · ~8 min walk
The Haven — 773 m · ~10 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Commonwealth Bank — 350 m · ~4 min walk
Chemist Warehouse — 505 m · ~6 min walk
American Convenience — 585 m · ~7 min walk
Hobart Transit Centre — 128 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Use ATM withdrawals at banks for best rates; avoid airport and hotel exchange bureaux which offer poor rates and high fees.
Credit/debit cards accepted almost everywhere, including contactless and mobile pay (e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay); carry a small amount of cash for markets or small cafes.
Not expected; round up for good service in restaurants or taxis (e.g. $1-5), but never mandatory.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard flat white or latte from a local café costs around $4.50–$5.
A simple takeaway sandwich, pie, or sushi roll from a bakery or deli for $8–12.
Pub meal or pasta main at a casual dining spot, $18–25.
Head to Salamanca Market on Saturday mornings for food stalls; otherwise, find cheap Asian takeaway shops in the CBD or near the waterfront.
Woolworths and Coles are the main budget supermarkets in the 7000 area.
Target and Kmart in the CBD for budget basics; op shops (thrift stores) in North Hobart for cheap vintage.
Bus day pass from Metro Tasmania costs about $5.20 for adults (zone 1) — the cheapest way; airport shuttle (SkyBus) costs $22 one-way, cheaper than taxis at $50+.
Buy groceries and cook in your accommodation to save on meals; visit free attractions like Mount Wellington lookout and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery; walk or cycle — Hobart is compact and walkable.
Good to know — Hobart
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.43 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
HobartFor all emergencies in Hobart, dial Triple Zero (000). For non-urgent police matters, call 131 444. Text-based emergency services for those with hearing or speech impairments: call 106 via TTY.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Hobart, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hobart Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Commonwealth Bank — 350 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Chemist Warehouse — 505 m · ~6 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Hobart Airport → Hobart CBD (Elizabeth Street)
💡 SkyBus drops you at Elizabeth Street near the bus mall, then it's a 10-min walk uphill to the Welcome Stranger. Take the free Metro shuttle for the last leg. Book online to save $2.
Hobart Airport (HBA) → Hobart City Bus Mall (Elizabeth Street stop, near The Elms)
💡 Buy return ticket online for 38 AUD—it's valid for 28 days. Get off at Elizabeth Street stop, then walk 5 mins north to The Elms. No luggage limit, but buses can fill up.
Hobart Airport → Welcome Stranger Inn (door-to-door)
💡 Book 24 hours ahead online. They’ll drop you at the hotel entrance. Best value if you’re solo and have luggage. Cash only for this service, so have exact change.
Hobart CBD (Elizabeth Street) → Welcome Stranger Inn
💡 Use the Metro Tas app for real-time tracking. The 701 and 702 routes go up Liverpool Street, stopping right outside the hotel. Day pass is $5.50 for unlimited local travel.
Hobart City Interchange (Elizabeth Street) → Stop 17, Elizabeth Street (The Elms)
💡 Buy a Greencard at newsagents for 5 AUD to get 20% off fares. Tap on and off. Walk up Elizabeth Street—it's uphill both ways—but the 19 drops you right outside the hotel.
Hobart Airport (HBA) → Welcome Stranger Inn
💡 Book with 13cabs app or call 131008 for fixed-price airport trips. The fare to the Welcome Stranger is usually around $50 if traffic is clear.
Hobart Airport (HBA) → The Elms, 452 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
💡 Cheaper than a standard taxi during off-peak. The airport pickup zone is just outside arrivals. Surge pricing happens after 10pm, so compare with 13CABS.
Hobart Airport (HBA) → The Elms, 452 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
💡 Book through 13CABS app to skip queues. Max 4 passengers, but luggage space is tight—if you've got big suitcases, ask for a Maxi Taxi.
About Hobart
Wikipedia ↗
Hobart ( HOH-bart; Southeast Tasmanian: nipaluna) is the capital and most populous city of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Located in Tasmania's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, it is the southernmost capital city in Australia. Despite containing nearly half of Tasmania's po...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hobart Hostel?
Ask for a room on floors 3 to 5, facing the rear courtyard (away from Barrack Street). These floors sit above street-level bustle but are low enough for quick stair access if the lift is busy, and the rear aspect cuts traffic noise significantly.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hobart Hostel?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 (street-level noise and potential foot traffic from the entrance lobby) and any room facing Barrack Street directly – the street carries delivery trucks and early-morning traffic from the Salamanca direction. Ground-floor rooms near the reception or common areas can also pick up hallway chatter.
Is Hobart Hostel noisy?
Barrack Street is a main city route with delivery lorries from early morning (6am) and occasional night-time waste collection. The hostel’s ground-floor common area can generate chatter until 10pm. No bar or major venue on-site, but the street is close to Salamanca’s late-night pubs on weekends.
Which rooms have the best views at Hobart Hostel?
Rear-facing rooms overlook Hobart’s historic rooflines and, if high enough (floor 4–5), may catch glimpses of Mount Wellington. Front-facing rooms on Barrack Street see the street and St David’s Park trees, but with traffic noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Hobart Hostel?
1) Parking is tight – use the nearby Centrepoint car park on Argyle Street (2-min walk) rather than street parking, which is metered until 8pm. 2) Request a room on the top floor (5) for less foot traffic overhead – but confirm the lift works, as stairs from ground can be a slog with bags.
What time is check-in at Hobart Hostel?
Check-in at Hobart Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hobart Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; speeds adequate for browsing and streaming (approx. 20 Mbps download). No login constraint – just select the Hobart Hostel network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hobart Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hobart Hostel?
A simple takeaway sandwich, pie, or sushi roll from a bakery or deli for $8–12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hobart Hostel?
Bus day pass from Metro Tasmania costs about $5.20 for adults (zone 1) — the cheapest way; airport shuttle (SkyBus) costs $22 one-way, cheaper than taxis at $50+.
When is the best time to visit Hobart?
January-February for warm summer days and the Taste of Tasmania food festival; March-April for mild autumn weather and quieter streets after school holidays.
Top Attractions in Hobart
💡 Arrive before 9am to beat crowds, then grab a scallop pie from the food stalls before they sell out.
💡 The 'Islands to Ice' exhibition on the top floor is excellent — gives real context to the landscape. Allow 1–2 hours. The gift shop has unusual local art prints, not overpriced tat. Entry is free but some special shows are ticketed.
💡 Skip the paid temporary exhibitions unless you're keen on the topic—the permanent collection is the highlight. Don't miss the thylacine displays.
💡 Go early (before 9am) to beat the crowds. The food stalls near the Princes Wharf end have the best coffee. If you're on a tight budget, avoid the souvenir tents and stick to the fresh fruit stalls.
💡 Pick up a free walking map from the visitor centre, or just wander the side streets—look for Arthur Circus, a tiny circular green with 1840s cottages.
💡 Grab a map from the Salamanca Visitor Information Centre or just follow the bronze plaques on the pavement. The route ends steeply at Arthur Circus — a perfect spot for a quiet picnic. Done properly it's 45 minutes, but allow two hours if you drift into cafes.
💡 Free guided walks run at 11am daily from the visitor centre. The Sub-Antarctic Plant House is unique—bring a jumper, it's kept cool year-round.
💡 The Sub-Antarctic Plant House is unique — it simulates Macquarie Island's climate. Free entry, but the guided tours (small fee) are worth it if you like botany. The cafe's scones are good, but cheaper to bring your own flask. Open daily 8am to 5pm or later in summer.