Overview
Hobart, the compact capital of Tasmania, rewards the long trip from the UK with wild scenery, well-preserved colonial streets and a genuinely world-class arts scene. Set on the River Derwent beneath kunanyi/Mount Wellington, it is walkable, friendly and refreshingly uncrowded. There are no direct flights to Hobart from the UK, so every routing involves at least two flights, but connections through Australia's main gateway cities are frequent and reliable. This guide covers when to fly, which airlines to weigh up and how to keep the fare down; for live pricing, use the price charts on this page.
Best time to fly to Hobart
Tasmania's peak is the Australian summer, December to February, with long days, temperatures near 21-23C and events such as the Sydney to Hobart finish. This falls during UK winter, so fares are at their highest, especially over Christmas and New Year. For better value and still-pleasant weather, aim for March to May (crisp autumn colour) or September to November (spring). Winter is cold and quiet, apart from the Dark Mofo festival in June. See the When to book chart above for how prices shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Hobart. The usual pattern is a long-haul flight from London to an Australian hub, then a short domestic connection. Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) serve Melbourne and Sydney from several UK airports; Qantas and Etihad are also worth comparing. From Melbourne, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia reach Hobart in about 1 hour 15 minutes; from Sydney it is nearer 1 hour 55 minutes. Allow roughly 24 to 30 hours door to door, depending on your layover.
Things to do in Hobart
Hobart packs a lot into a small area, with the waterfront a natural base.
- MONA: The Museum of Old and New Art, a daring underground gallery reached by catamaran up the Derwent.
- Salamanca Market: A Saturday institution of Tasmanian food, crafts and produce along Georgian sandstone warehouses.
- kunanyi/Mount Wellington: A 1,271-metre summit with sweeping views, about 30 minutes from town by car or tour.
- Battery Point: A historic quarter of cottages, lanes and cafes made for a slow wander.
- Port Arthur: A moving, well-preserved convict site on the Tasman Peninsula, an easy day trip by road.
At Hobart Airport (HBA)
Hobart Airport sits about 17 km east of the city at Cambridge, roughly a 20-minute drive. There is no train or tram: your options are the SkyBus airport service into the city centre, taxis and rideshare from outside arrivals, or a hire car from the terminal desks. A car is handy if you plan to explore the Tasman Peninsula, Bruny Island or the Coal River Valley wineries.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Hobart
- Book the long-haul leg roughly five to seven months ahead; last-minute fares to Australia are rarely a bargain.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK and Australian school holidays, plus the Christmas to New Year peak.
- Keep your dates flexible and try different hubs; routing via Melbourne is often cheaper and quicker to connect than Sydney.
- Compare Gulf and Asian carriers side by side, and check the price charts on this page before you commit.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) before departure, applied for through the official Australian ETA app; it carries a small service charge in Australian dollars and allows stays of up to three months. The currency is the Australian dollar, so budget from pounds accordingly. No special vaccinations are required, but Australia enforces strict biosecurity, so declare any food, plant or wooden items on arrival. The UK and Australia have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, though comprehensive travel insurance is still strongly recommended. UV levels are high even on cool days, so pack sun protection.
