🇦🇺 Hobart, Australia
Quest Waterfront
📍 Hobart
Your stay — Quest Waterfront
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 — Quest Waterfront
Quest Waterfront sits in a converted 1840s stone warehouse on Hobart's historic wharf. The lobby smells of salt air and polished timber, with exposed brick and brass fittings that nod to the mercantile past. Rooms are compact but smartly equipped — solid kitchenettes and desks for working travellers. It suits independent visitors who want the working waterfront at their doorstep more than a resort pool.
Chronicles of Hobart
Hobart was founded in 1804 as a penal colony on the Derwent estuary, making it Australia's second-oldest city. Convict labour built many of the sandstone buildings that still line Salamanca Place, now a hub for galleries and craft breweries. The 1990s MONA museum jolted the city from sleepy port to cultural destination, and today Hobart balances its convict heritage with a confident food-and-art scene. Contemporary architecture like the sandstone-and-glass Tasmanian Museum extension sits alongside Georgian terraces.
Best Time to Visit
Full Hobart guide →Best months
January and February: summer highs average 22°C, with long evenings and the Taste of Tasmania food festival. March also works — still warm but quieter.
Peak / festival surge
December–February, especially January for the Sydney–Hobart yacht finish and Taste of Tasmania. Hotel prices can double; book six months ahead. The Wooden Boat Festival in February also drives demand.
Budget shoulder season
March and April: autumn hits gradually, temperatures stay 15–19°C, crowds thin, and hotel rates drop 20–30%. Also good for hiking kunanyi/Mt Wellington without summer traffic.
Weather & packing
Hobart can see four seasons in one day — a sunny morning can turn to sleet by lunch. Pack a waterproof shell jacket and a mid-layer (fleece or merino) even in summer.
Live City Briefing — Hobart
- The Hobart Light Rail tram linking the waterfront to northern suburbs is still in planning; for now the free 'Hobart Hopper' bus runs from Salamanca to the CBD every 20 minutes.
- Mona's summer festival MONA FOMA (MOFO) runs January 2026; buy tickets early as visitor numbers spike.
- New direct flights from Auckland (Air New Zealand) and Singapore (Scoot) started 2025, increasing weekday availability in Hobart's tight accommodation market.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Quest Waterfront, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors, ideally 5th floor or above, to minimize street noise from the waterfront area. The concrete floors on the higher floors will also help reduce noise from foot traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially near the service entrance or lift, as you may be disturbed by staff activity and noise from guests entering the hotel.
Best views
Rooms on the east-facing side of the hotel may offer views of the harbor, while rooms on the west-facing side may have views of the city skyline.
Quietest floors
The 5th floor and above are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's waterfront location and higher elevation.
🔊 Noise notes
As a waterfront hotel, there may be some noise from passing boats and seagulls. However, the hotel's location in Hobart's CBD means that there is also some background noise from traffic and pedestrians.
Insider tips
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air. Also, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot or use a nearby parking garage.
- 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 — Quest Waterfront
free, 500 MB per device per day; 1 GB upgrade available for AUD 10
serves all floors; stairs-only section on levels 1-3 due to historic building constraints
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via in-room tablet; no physical papers
3:00 PM, no early check-in, late check-out until 12:00 PM with AUD 50 fee
available at AUD 10 per bag per day; no long-term storage
step-free access via main entrance; wheelchair-accessible rooms available on request
limited on-site parking available for AUD 25 per night; nearest public car park at Hobart City Parking, 5-minute walk, AUD 20 per day; no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: AUD 3 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: AUD 100 credit card pre-authorization on arrival
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Baha'i Centre of Learning (384 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Mission to Seafarers Australia Hobart Station (686 m · ~9 min walk)
- Synagogue: Hobart Synagogue (725 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: St David's Cathedral (787 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Cat and Fiddle Arcade — 838 m · ~10 min walk
Cenotaph — 571 m · ~7 min walk
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery — 342 m · ~4 min walk
Federation Concert Hall — 72 m · ~1 min walk
The Haven — 729 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Bendigo Bank — 92 m · ~1 min walk
Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse — 649 m · ~8 min walk
Asian Town CBD — 871 m · ~11 min walk
Hobart Cruise Ship Terminal — 455 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
Travellers can exchange money at the Tasmanian Travel Centre in the Hobart Airport, but be aware that the rates might not be the best. For better rates, use ATMs or exchange bureaux in the city centre.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Hobart, including at most cafes, restaurants, and shops. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also popular.
Tipping in Australia is generally not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around $3-4, with many cafes offering a good cup of coffee for this price.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a pie or a sausage roll from a bakery, which costs around $5-7.
A affordable dinner option is a pub meal, with a main course costing around $15-25.
Salamanca Market on Saturdays is a great place to find affordable street food, with a range of vendors offering everything from fish and chips to gourmet burgers.
IGA and Woolworths are common supermarket chains in Hobart, with multiple locations throughout the city.
The Salamanca Market on Saturdays is also a great place to find unique and affordable clothing, with many local designers and makers selling their wares.
A day pass for the Hobart bus network costs around $8, and the best way to get to the city from the airport is by taking the airport bus (Route 401) for around $5.
Buy a MyMulti pass for unlimited public transport travel in Tasmania.Take advantage of the free ferry ride on the Mona Ferry.Shop at the Salamanca Market on Saturdays for unique and affordable goods.
Good to know — Hobart
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.44 · 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 Quest Waterfront
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Bendigo Bank — 92 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse — 649 m · ~8 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 Quest Waterfront?
Request a room on the higher floors, ideally 5th floor or above, to minimize street noise from the waterfront area. The concrete floors on the higher floors will also help reduce noise from foot traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Quest Waterfront?
Avoid rooms on the lower floors, especially near the service entrance or lift, as you may be disturbed by staff activity and noise from guests entering the hotel.
Is Quest Waterfront noisy?
As a waterfront hotel, there may be some noise from passing boats and seagulls. However, the hotel's location in Hobart's CBD means that there is also some background noise from traffic and pedestrians.
Which rooms have the best views at Quest Waterfront?
Rooms on the east-facing side of the hotel may offer views of the harbor, while rooms on the west-facing side may have views of the city skyline.
What are insider tips for staying at Quest Waterfront?
Consider requesting a room with a balcony for a better view and some fresh air. Also, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot or use a nearby parking garage.
What time is check-in at Quest Waterfront?
Check-in at Quest Waterfront is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Quest Waterfront have Wi-Fi?
free, 500 MB per device per day; 1 GB upgrade available for AUD 10
Is there a city or tourist tax at Quest Waterfront?
AUD 3 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Quest Waterfront?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a pie or a sausage roll from a bakery, which costs around $5-7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Quest Waterfront?
A day pass for the Hobart bus network costs around $8, and the best way to get to the city from the airport is by taking the airport bus (Route 401) for around $5.
When is the best time to visit Hobart?
January and February: summer highs average 22°C, with long evenings and the Taste of Tasmania food festival. March also works — still warm but quieter.
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.