A guide to living in Hobart
Topics covered
- Published: 19 May 2022
- Updated: 9 March 2026
Hobart is Tasmania's capital city and offers world-class study and research opportunities, a thriving art scene and top-quality regional food and drink.
Hobart combines big city benefits with a small city flair. It's the most affordable capital city in Australia and is one of the safest places in the world to study.
Things to do in Hobart
Experience the Tamar Valley
Tasmania's beautiful Tamar Valley is most accessible by car with some brilliant stops along the way, including lavender fields, wineries, art galleries, strawberry fields and penguin lookouts. Little townships throughout the valley is what make this area especially charming. Make sure you stop at one of the local pubs and soak up the atmosphere.
Visit Port Arthur
Port Arthur is Tasmania's most visited tourist spot, and for good reasons. Now a World Heritage site, the area features remains of a colonial prison which was established in 1830 to house some of Britain's worst convicts when they arrived in Australia.
Camp in the wilderness
To make sure you enjoy Tasmania to its fullest, spend as much time as possible in nature. One great way of doing this is to go camping. Bay of Fires, located on the northeast coast, is a pristine beachside camping ground well worth visiting.
Student Community
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Average monthly costs
Expenses | Approx. Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
Off-Campus Accommodation (shared/private) | $720–$1,400 |
On-Campus Accommodation | $900–$1,600 |
Groceries | $350–$500 |
Dining Out | $120–$250 |
Transport | $70–$120 |
Mobile Plan & Internet | $45–$90 |
Entertainment & Socialising | $100–$200 |
Study Materials | $50–$100 |
Clothes & Personal Care | $150–$300 |
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | $1,450–$2,600 |
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | $1,700–$3,000 |
Transport in Hobart
1) Buses
Tasmania’s biggest cities, Hobart, Launceston and Burnie are serviced by metro buses with each of the areas divided into zones. Hobart is divided into five zones: Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Brighton./
2) Taxis
You can find a couple of taxi rinks around Hobart where you can line up and get a taxi. Otherwise you can always try hailing one from the side of the road.
3) Uber
Uber X arrived in Hobart in December 2016. It’s been quickly taken up by tourist and locals alike and you can safely catch a ride around the city.
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