Hobart (Tasmania Australia)

Hobart is Tasmania's main cruise port, having Australia's deepest harbour. The port is located on Derwent River, while the city's background is dominated by Mount Wellington. Hobart is the country's capital city located on Tasmania Island. The state is part of the Commonwealth of Australia and is approx 240 km (150 mi) south of mainland Australia.

The city has population around 220,000 and attracts bouth Australian and international tourists with its unique environment, rich heritage, numerous galleries and museums, festive events and festivals. Among the most popular is the annual "Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race". The race starts in Sydney NSW (on Boxing Day / the day after Christmas Day) and finishes in Port Hobart. The distance is approx 1170 km (730 mi). The yacht race is sponsored by Tasmania's Royal Yacht Club and is considered one of the world's most difficult ones.

The Port's cruising season starts in October and ends in April.

In Hobart is homeported the French icebreaker shipL'Astrolabe (2017-built). The ship operates on roundtrips to Antarctica, serving the Dumont d'Urville Station (France) located in Adelie Land.

Hobart cruise port statistics

For season 2013-2014, the Port handled a total of 64 cruise ship calls. During season 2016-2017, Tasmania ports served a total of 236,794 cruise ship tourists, which was a 45% increase over season 2015-2016. TasPorts handled a total of 95 cruise ship calls, including 22 in Port Arthur, 17 in Burnie, 6 in Wineglass Bay (located near Hobart, ranked among the world's top 10 beaches) and 1 at Flinders Island (in Bass Strait, located to the northeast of Tasmania).

During season 2016-2017, TasPorts invested USD 2,9 million in port upgrades - building new marine fenders (on the quay walls) and bollards (mooring posts) allowing large liners to dock in port. In December 2016, Port Hobart was visited by its largest cruise ship so far - RCI's Ovation of the Seas.

For season 2018-2019, a total of 125 cruise liners were booked at ports Hobart and Burnie, another 29 in Port Arthur, and 6 to anchor off the island's east coast (Wineglass Bay / Freycinet National Park).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, for season 2022-2023, Port Hobart had booked/scheduled a total of 78 cruise ship calls (out of Tasmania's total 148). TasPorts' cruise schedule displayed 78x visits for Hobart, 33x for Burnie, 23x for Port Arthur, 6x for Bell Bay, 6x for Coles Bay, 2x for Devonport.

Hobart cruise terminal

Hobart tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Wellington Park: all Tasmanian nature in one. The park offers a lot of opportunities for different activities including mountain bike trials, horse riding, four wheels driving, rock climbing and much more.

Louisa’s Walk: history tour (won several awards) that will surely fascinate and touch you. Interesting for children too.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: interact with many sheltered animals.

Cascade Brewery: join some of the tours and taste the beer. The menu offers also gourmet food. You can also have your own beer personalized with photo and label.

Salamanca Market: located at the Salamanca Place streets. You can buy clothing, crafts, gourmet food, coffee, stalls and much more. The market is every Saturday.

Battery Point: wander among small cafes, historical and architectural sights that date since the begging of the 19th century.

Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) : the newest museum in the city.

Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens: close to the city center is located the beautiful botanical garden. You can just spend some time walking in the amazing gardens or have a picnic with your company.

ZooDoo Fun Park: see many exotic animals, join the safari or feed kangaroos by hand.