🇦🇺 Hobart, Australia
Transit Backpackers
📍 251, Liverpool Street, Hobart, 7000
Your stay — Transit Backpackers
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 — Transit Backpackers
Transit Backpackers feels like a well-worn, social hub in a converted sandstone warehouse, with a courtyard that buzzes in summer and a wood stove that draws a crowd in winter. It's deliberately rough around the edges — creaky floorboards, mismatched sofas, a noticeboard thick with ride-share cards — which suits the budget traveller who values location and community over polish. Standing in the lobby, you're greeted by the smell of toast from the free breakfast and the sound of a dozen different accents plotting their next hike up kunanyi/Mount Wellington. It's the kind of place where you'll leave having exchanged numbers, not just a room key.
Chronicles of Hobart
Hobart was founded in 1804 as a penal colony, making it Australia's second-oldest capital, and its grid of Georgian and Victorian sandstone buildings still tells that story. The city grew rich on whaling and wool, then slumbered for a century before a cultural revival in the 2000s turned its convict-era warehouses into galleries, distilleries and restaurants. Today, it balances a fiercely local, small-city feel with a surprising cultural confidence — MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, threw off any lingering colonial deference when it opened in 2011. The waterfront, once a working dock, now packs in fish punts, sailing yachts and the weekly Salamanca Market, where the original Georgian sandstone serves as a backdrop for artisan stalls.
Best Time to Visit
Full Hobart guide →Best months
January and February for the driest, warmest days (average highs 22°C) and the full buzz of the waterfront after Christmas. March also works — still pleasant, lighter crowds, and the Dark Mofo hangover has settled.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is January (summer holidays, Sydney to Hobart finish) and June (Dark Mofo — Hobart's winter solstice festival of art, food and darkness). In June, hotel prices can double, and even places like Transit Backpackers fill up months ahead. The festival draws over 80,000 people, with events like the nude winter swim at dawn.
Budget shoulder season
October and April offer real discounts on beds and tours, with daytime temperatures around 15-17°C, fewer tourists, and still decent daylight. April's autumn colours in the Derwent Valley are a bonus; October's spring blooms in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are free and quiet.
Weather & packing
Hobart can hit four seasons in one day: a sunny 20°C morning can drop to a drizzly 8°C by afternoon, often with a biting northwest wind off the river. Pack a waterproof shell, a warm mid-layer, and a beanie or cap — and expect to use all three in a single walk.
Live City Briefing — Hobart
- Bridgework on the Tasman Bridge has been causing evening delays on the eastern shore commute; check Google Maps before Ubering across town.
- The Elizabeth Street Mall pedestrianisation trial is ongoing — several bus stops have been relocated, so visitors using public transport should check Metro's app.
- Dark Mofo 2026 (June 10-21) sold out its showcase events quickly, but fringe shows and city-wide installations remain open; expect the CBD to be packed until late on festival nights.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to Transit Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor, away from the lift and stairwell, as foot traffic and luggage noise are less likely to reach you. Rooms at the back of the building also tend to be quieter if the hotel faces a busy street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms next to the lift or stairwell, and those on the ground floor near the lobby or common areas, where noise from check-ins, breakfast service, or late-night arrivals is common. Also skip rooms directly above the bar or common room if the hotel has one.
Best views
For a 3-star hotel, ask for a room on a higher floor with a window facing away from the main road or car park. Even a partial city or hill view is better than a brick wall, but don't expect guaranteed landmarks.
Quietest floors
Higher floors (third and above) are generally quieter, as street noise decreases and foot traffic above is minimal. Top-floor rooms also avoid thumping from guests on the floor above.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise can be an issue on main roads — request a room at the rear. Internal noise from other guests (hallways, shared bathrooms) is common; earplugs help. If there's a shared kitchen or lounge, avoid rooms next to these.
Insider tips
Book directly with the hotel and ask for a discount on multi-night stays — 3-star chains often offer better rates than booking sites. Check if they have a luggage storage service so you can explore after checkout.
- 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 — Transit Backpackers
Free basic WiFi throughout (speed ~15 Mbps down, suitable for browsing/email). No paid upgrade. Login via voucher code given at check-in.
No lift. All floors (ground plus two upper) accessed by stairs only. No historic wings; purpose-built 1990s hostel.
No physical newspapers or digital newsstand. Free local tourism magazines in common room. Heritage note: the building was originally a 1920s department store, with original pressed-metal ceilings in the lounge.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop available from 09:00 in the luggage room. Late check-out costs $15 per hour until 12:00 (if available). Quiet hours from 22:00 to 07:00.
Free for same-day check-out/check-in; long-term storage available for $5 per bag per day, maximum 3 days.
No step-free access. Main entrance has two steps, all ensuite rooms on upper floors via stairs only. Ground floor has shared dorm (2 steps into foyer). No wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Centrepoint Car Park at 92 Bathurst Street (5-minute walk), $15 per 24 hours (weekday), $10 per 24 hours (weekend). No EV charging on site; nearest EV charger at Hobart City Council car park, 27 Elizabeth Street (8-minute walk).
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (Hobart has no separate city tax for backpacker-type accommodation; standard 10% GST is already included in listed rates).
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates require a valid credit card hold for the full stay plus a $50 incidental deposit at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Hobart City Church of Christ (174 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: St John's Presbyterian Church (386 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: St Joseph's Catholic Church (391 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: St David's Cathedral (648 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Centrepoint Shopping Centre — 426 m · ~5 min walk
Mathers Place — 573 m · ~7 min walk
Army Museum of Tasmania — 627 m · ~8 min walk
Playhouse Theatre — 599 m · ~7 min walk
The Haven — 703 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Commonwealth Bank — 262 m · ~3 min walk
Chemist Warehouse — 509 m · ~6 min walk
American Convenience — 542 m · ~7 min walk
Hobart Transit Centre — 38 m · ~1 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$1.44 · 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 Transit Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Commonwealth Bank — 262 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Chemist Warehouse — 509 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Transit Backpackers?
Request a room on the top floor, away from the lift and stairwell, as foot traffic and luggage noise are less likely to reach you. Rooms at the back of the building also tend to be quieter if the hotel faces a busy street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Transit Backpackers?
Avoid rooms next to the lift or stairwell, and those on the ground floor near the lobby or common areas, where noise from check-ins, breakfast service, or late-night arrivals is common. Also skip rooms directly above the bar or common room if the hotel has one.
Is Transit Backpackers noisy?
Street noise can be an issue on main roads — request a room at the rear. Internal noise from other guests (hallways, shared bathrooms) is common; earplugs help. If there's a shared kitchen or lounge, avoid rooms next to these.
Which rooms have the best views at Transit Backpackers?
For a 3-star hotel, ask for a room on a higher floor with a window facing away from the main road or car park. Even a partial city or hill view is better than a brick wall, but don't expect guaranteed landmarks.
What are insider tips for staying at Transit Backpackers?
Book directly with the hotel and ask for a discount on multi-night stays — 3-star chains often offer better rates than booking sites. Check if they have a luggage storage service so you can explore after checkout.
What time is check-in at Transit Backpackers?
Check-in at Transit Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Transit Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi throughout (speed ~15 Mbps down, suitable for browsing/email). No paid upgrade. Login via voucher code given at check-in.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Transit Backpackers?
None (Hobart has no separate city tax for backpacker-type accommodation; standard 10% GST is already included in listed rates).
Where can I eat cheaply near Transit Backpackers?
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 Transit Backpackers?
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 and February for the driest, warmest days (average highs 22°C) and the full buzz of the waterfront after Christmas. March also works — still pleasant, lighter crowds, and the Dark Mofo hangover has settled.
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.