TLDR: For most visitors, the best base is the waterfront and Salamanca area, because Salamanca Market, the waterfront restaurants and several of our tour start points are within walking distance. Choose a heritage hotel on Murray Street or Hunter Street for character, an apartment-style stay in Battery Point if you want a kitchen, a central Macquarie Street hotel for value, or Wrest Point in Sandy Bay if you'd like river views and a pool and don't mind a short drive.





Hobart is small enough that almost every central hotel is within a short walk of the waterfront, so the real decision is about the type of stay you want: a heritage hotel, an apartment, a large hotel with a pool, or a budget option. The second decision is how well the location suits your plans, especially if you're booking early-morning tours, because several of our tours start on the waterfront and others collect you from your accommodation.

This guide compares the main areas and fourteen properties with their verified addresses, sets them side by side, and shows how each choice fits the way Hobart actually works, so you can choose without opening twenty tabs. You can also compare hotel deals in the hotel booking section on our website, and add a guided day tour to your stay afterwards.


Hobart at a glance

A handful of facts explain how the city fits together.

  • The waterfront. Sullivans Cove, Constitution Dock and Franklin Wharf form the heart of the harbour. Brooke St Pier, at 12 Franklin Wharf, sits between Constitution Dock and Salamanca Place, and it's where the MONA ferry departs.
  • Salamanca Place. A row of sandstone warehouses by the water, home to Salamanca Market, which trades every Saturday from 8:30am to 3:00pm.
  • Battery Point. A residential neighbourhood of narrow streets just beyond Salamanca Place. The Kelly Steps link Battery Point down to Salamanca Place.
  • The city centre. Murray Street, Hunter Street, Elizabeth Street and Macquarie Street run through the CBD, a few blocks back from the water.
  • Sandy Bay. A suburb south of the centre, where Wrest Point sits roughly 3 to 3.5 km from Constitution Dock, according to several booking sites.
  • The airport. Hobart Airport is about 20 km from most central hotels, according to hotel listings.

How we compared the options

Every stay below was checked for its address, its position relative to the waterfront and Salamanca, and what the property itself says it offers. Prices change by date, so we haven't quoted nightly rates, and we've pointed out where details vary between sources. We looked at six things:

  1. Location: how far it is from the waterfront, Salamanca and the centre
  2. Tour fit: how well it suits early starts and hotel pick-ups
  3. Character: heritage, modern, boutique or large-scale
  4. Self-catering: whether you get a kitchen or kitchenette
  5. Facilities: pools, restaurants and on-site extras
  6. Parking: whether it's offered and how it works


The main areas compared

The waterfront and Sullivans Cove

This is the most convenient area for visitors. You can walk to Constitution Dock, Franklin Wharf, Brooke St Pier and the harbour restaurants, and Salamanca is a short walk away. Hunter Street, Murray Street and Davey Street hold several of Hobart's best-known hotels.

Best for: first-time visitors, couples, and anyone taking tours that start on the waterfront. 

Trade-off: you pay for the location, and the area gets busy on market days and during summer events.


Salamanca and Battery Point

Staying here puts you next to the market, the sandstone warehouses and Battery Point's residential streets. Properties tend to be smaller and more apartment-style.

Best for: longer stays, couples, and travellers who like a quieter evening with restaurants close by. Trade-off: Battery Point's streets are narrow, so parking can be tight, and the waterfront hotels are a few minutes' walk away.


The city centre

Elizabeth Street and Macquarie Street hold larger hotels and more budget-friendly options. You're a short walk from the waterfront, and shops and cafes are on your doorstep.

Best for: value, short stays, and travellers who want a reliable chain-style hotel. 

Trade-off: less atmosphere than the waterfront, and a longer walk to Salamanca.


Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a residential suburb with views of the River Derwent. Wrest Point is its best-known stay. Salamanca is about a 5-minute drive away, according to booking listings, but it's too far to walk comfortably after dinner.

Best for: travellers with a car, resort-style stays, and anyone who wants a pool and river views. 

Trade-off: you'll drive, take a taxi or catch a bus into the centre.


Beyond the centre

Budget stays, holiday parks and motels sit further out, including on the Derwent's eastern shore. These suit road trippers and travellers on a budget who have a car.

Best for: families on a budget and campervans. 

Trade-off: more travel time to the waterfront and tour start points.


Fourteen properties compared


The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Address: 25 Hunter Street, Hobart Area: waterfront

This hotel occupies a former jam factory on Hobart's docks and is billed as Australia's first dedicated art hotel. The building keeps the framework of its jam-making days, the walls carry modern art, and the hotel runs weekly art tours and has a bar, the IXL Long Bar. One directory lists it about 450 m from Franklin Wharf.

Suits: couples, art lovers, and tours that start at Franklin Wharf or Brooke St Pier. 

Check: room types and whether breakfast is included.


MACq 01 Hotel

Address: 18 Hunter Street, Hobart Area: waterfront

MACq 01 sits just across Hunter Street from the Henry Jones, with waterfront views over the Derwent. Tourism Australia describes a storytelling concept in which each of its suites is dedicated to a notable Tasmanian, with 114 suites in total.

Suits: couples and travellers who like a design-led hotel on the waterfront. 

Check: the view from your room type, since views vary.


The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Address: 12 Murray Street, Hobart Area: waterfront and city centre

The Tasman occupies a heritage building, with Tourism Australia placing it steps from Salamanca Market and the waterfront at Sullivans Cove. Directories list around 148 rooms.

Suits: special occasions, couples and travellers who want a full-service hotel close to the water. 

Check: current room categories and any minimum-stay rules.


Hadley's Orient Hotel

Address: 34 Murray Street, Hobart 7000 Area: city centre

Hadley's describes itself as Tasmania's oldest continuously operating boutique hotel, established in 1834, with Victorian-era style rooms and a central position within walking distance of shopping, eateries and the Salamanca precinct. The hotel advertises live piano in the Orient Bar.

Suits: travellers who like heritage character and a central address. 

Check: which room wing you're booking, since older buildings vary.


Customs House Hotel

Address: 1 Murray Street, Hobart Area: waterfront

Customs House is an 1846 sandstone hotel a few steps from the harbourfront, Parliament House and Salamanca Place, according to a Hobart hotel guide. One booking site lists a cooked breakfast, so check what's included for your rate.

Suits: couples and travellers who want an atmospheric stay close to the water. 

Check: breakfast inclusions and room size.


Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

Address: 1 Davey Street, Hobart Area: waterfront edge

This twelve-storey hotel sits close to the waterfront, with an indoor pool, a fitness club and large conference space, according to travel listings. It suits visitors who want modern facilities and a large hotel's range of room types.

Suits: families, business travellers and anyone who wants a pool. 

Check: parking terms and whether your room faces the water.


Salamanca Wharf Hotel

Address: 17a Castray Esplanade, Battery Point Area: Salamanca and Battery Point

Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a boutique self-contained apartment hotel with a diner, Gigi's Diner, on the ground floor. Directories list around 21 rooms with kitchenettes, and guest reviews mention a dishwasher and washer-dryer in some apartments. Reviewers also describe a car stacker system for parking, so confirm the parking terms before you arrive.

Suits: longer stays, couples and travellers who want a kitchen near Salamanca. 

Check: parking rules and apartment layout.


Salamanca Inn

Address: 10 Gladstone Street, Battery Point Area: Salamanca and Battery Point

A three-storey apartment hotel near Battery Point and the waterfront, listed in a hotel database as built in 1988 and last renovated in 2010. A directory mentions 48 rooms and a heated pool, which is useful for families and groups.

Suits: families, small groups and longer stays. 

Check: apartment sizes and the pool's opening times.


Lenna of Hobart

Address: 20 Runnymede Street, Battery Point Area: Battery Point

Lenna is a Battery Point stay on Runnymede Street. Check the property's own listing for room types and facilities before booking, since we couldn't confirm details beyond its address.

Suits: travellers who prefer a quiet residential street within reach of Salamanca. 

Check: facilities, parking and walking time to the waterfront.


Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

Address: 28 Elizabeth Street, Hobart Area: city centre

A larger hotel on Elizabeth Street, about 500 m from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, according to a directory. It suits visitors who want a centrally placed, full-service hotel without the waterfront price tag.

Suits: short stays, business travellers and value-minded visitors. 

Check: breakfast inclusions and the walk to the waterfront.


Travelodge Hotel Hobart

Address: 167 Macquarie Street, Hobart Area: city centre

A budget-friendly hotel on Macquarie Street, listed on one booking site with free WiFi and breakfast. It's a practical choice when you plan to spend most of your time out and about.

Suits: budget travellers and short stays. 

Check: whether breakfast applies to your rate.


Ibis Styles Hobart

Address: 173–177 Macquarie Street, Hobart Area: city centre

A hotel on Macquarie Street, in the central business district, on the same stretch as the Travelodge. It's another value option for visitors who don't need a heritage or waterfront setting, so check the walk to the waterfront on a map.

Suits: value-focused travellers, couples and short stays. 

Check: the room type and parking arrangements.


Wrest Point

Address: 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay 7005 Area: Sandy Bay

Wrest Point is a large waterfront hotel with views over the River Derwent and Mount Wellington. Listings mention an indoor heated pool, several restaurants, a casino and limited free on-site parking, available first-come, first-served. It's about 3.2 to 3.5 km from Constitution Dock, and Salamanca is about a 5-minute drive away.

Suits: families, travellers with a car and anyone who wants resort-style facilities. 

Check: the room's view and how you'll get into the centre.


Backpackers Imperial Hotel

Address: 138 Collins Street, Hobart Area: city centre

Listed on a booking site as a hostel, the Backpackers Imperial is the lowest-cost style of stay in this guide. Check the property's own listing for room types, shared facilities and current rates.

Suits: solo travellers and budget travellers. 

Check: shared facilities, security and whether you want a private room.


Discovery Parks – Hobart

Address: 673 East Derwent Highway, Risdon Area: eastern shore of the Derwent

A holiday park listed on booking sites on the Derwent's eastern shore. It suits travellers with a car, families and campervans. Check the cabin and site types on the listing, and the drive time into the centre for the hours you'll travel.

Suits: families, campervans and road trippers. 

Check: the drive to the waterfront and the cabin types.


Side-by-side comparisons

Henry Jones or MACq 01?

The two hotels face each other across Hunter Street, so location doesn't separate them. The Henry Jones is the art hotel, built inside a former jam factory and known for its art-covered walls and art tours. MACq 01 is the storytelling hotel, where each suite honours a notable Tasmanian. Choose the Henry Jones for heritage and art, and MACq 01 for waterfront views and a theme-led stay. Compare current room types and rates before deciding, since both sit in the same price bracket for many dates.


The Tasman, Hadley's or Customs House?

These three heritage-style hotels sit within a block or two of each other on Murray Street (numbers 12, 34 and 1). The Tasman is the full-service luxury option, Hadley's is the oldest boutique hotel in the state, and Customs House is a smaller sandstone hotel close to the harbour. If you want scale and service, pick The Tasman. For history and a quieter feel, choose Hadley's. For a short walk to the water with a smaller property, Customs House fits.


Salamanca Wharf Hotel or Salamanca Inn?

Both are apartment-style stays in the Salamanca and Battery Point area, so the choice comes down to facilities. Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a smaller boutique property with kitchenettes and a diner downstairs, while Salamanca Inn is a larger apartment hotel with a heated pool, according to its listing. Choose the Wharf for a boutique feel and the Inn if a pool matters.


Grand Chancellor, Mövenpick or Wrest Point?

These are the three larger-scale hotels on this list. The Grand Chancellor is on the waterfront edge and has an indoor pool. The Mövenpick is on Elizabeth Street, in the centre. Wrest Point is in Sandy Bay with river views and a pool, but it's the furthest from the waterfront. If walking to the waterfront matters most, choose the Grand Chancellor or the Mövenpick. If a resort feel and parking matter more, Wrest Point makes sense.


Travelodge, Ibis Styles or a hostel?

All three keep costs down. The Travelodge and Ibis Styles are on the same stretch of Macquarie Street and suit couples and short stays. The Backpackers Imperial suits solo travellers who want the lowest cost and don't mind sharing facilities. Compare current rates, since budget options move quickly with demand.


Types of stay compared


Heritage and boutique hotels. You get character, central locations and bars or restaurants on site, and you pay for the setting. They suit couples and special occasions.

Large hotels. Pools, restaurants, conference space and a wide range of rooms. They suit families, business travellers and anyone who values facilities over character.

Apartment-style stays. Kitchenettes or kitchens, more space and often laundry facilities. They suit longer stays and families who'd like to self-cater.

Budget hotels and hostels. The lowest rates, with fewer facilities. They suit short stays, solo travellers and anyone spending most of the day out.

Holiday parks. Cabins and sites at lower rates, with a drive into town. They suit families, caravans and campervans.


Heritage or modern: which style suits you?

Hobart's best-known hotels split into two camps, and knowing which you prefer narrows the list quickly.

Heritage and character. Hadley's Orient Hotel (established 1834), Customs House Hotel (an 1846 sandstone building) and The Tasman (a heritage building on Murray Street) trade on their buildings. Expect individual room layouts, period details and a sense of place. The compromise is that older buildings can have rooms that differ in size and quiet, so look at the room category and recent reviews rather than relying on the hotel's name.

Design-led and modern. The Henry Jones Art Hotel, built inside a former jam factory, and MACq 01 offer a more contemporary experience with art and storytelling woven through the stay. Rooms in a design-led hotel tend to be more consistent, and views over the harbour are part of the appeal.

Large-scale hotels. The Hotel Grand Chancellor, Mövenpick and Wrest Point offer consistency, facilities and a wide choice of room types, with fewer surprises on arrival.

Apartment-style. Salamanca Wharf Hotel and Salamanca Inn suit travellers who want space and the option to self-cater.

If you can't decide, think about how you'll use the room. If you're out from early morning until late, a simple central hotel does the job. If the room is part of the holiday, spend more on character or a view.


Noise, crowds and views

A few location details can change how well you sleep, and they're easy to check before you book.

Market days. Salamanca Market brings crowds to the Salamanca area every Saturday morning. If you'd like to be near it, a stay in Battery Point or on the waterfront works. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, ask for a room away from the street.

Waterfront nightlife. The harbour area has bars and restaurants. One guest of Salamanca Wharf Hotel noted it sits a short walk from the market area and the louder pubs, which shows how a few minutes can separate a lively street from a quieter one. Read recent reviews for mentions of noise, and request a higher floor or a rear-facing room if it matters to you.

Views. Rooms with water or mountain views usually cost more. Wrest Point advertises views over the River Derwent and Mount Wellington, and MACq 01 and the Henry Jones are on the waterfront. If you want a view, check the room category, since views vary within a hotel.

Building age. In a heritage hotel, the room's position and category can matter as much as the hotel itself.


Matching your stay to your tours

Because several of our tours start on the waterfront and others collect you from your accommodation, location matters more than usual if you're planning early starts. Here's how our tours begin, according to the tour listings.


Tours that start at Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock lifting bridge:


Tours that start at Brooke St Pier:


Tours with pick-up from your Hobart accommodation:


What this means for your booking:

  1. If you're taking a waterfront-start tour, a stay on Hunter Street, Murray Street or Davey Street lets you walk to the meeting point, and the Henry Jones is listed about 450 m from Franklin Wharf. Salamanca Wharf Hotel and the Battery Point stays are a short walk away too.
  2. If you're taking a hotel pick-up tour, the Bruny Island Day Tour collects from selected Hobart locations, so confirm that your accommodation is within the pick-up area when you book. The Cradle Mountain tour picks up from accommodation in Hobart city, so tell the operator which property you're staying at.
  3. If you're staying in Sandy Bay or further out, allow extra time for a 6:00am or 7:30am start, and check the pick-up arrangements in advance.
  4. If you have a very early start, ask the property about early breakfast options or a packed breakfast, and confirm the check-out process.

Three sample stays, built around our tours

These examples show how location and tour times fit together. Check each tour page for current days and times, since some tours don't run every day.

A waterfront stay without a car (four nights)

Base: the Henry Jones Art Hotel or MACq 01, on Hunter Street. 

Day one: arrive, walk the waterfront and Salamanca Place. 

Day two: the Iron Pot Cruise, with the waterfront on your doorstep, then dinner nearby. 

Day three: the Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site tour. Check in by 7:30am at Franklin Wharf, a short walk from Hunter Street, and return around 6:00pm. 

Day four: a lighter day, such as the Richmond Village & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Tour, then a farewell dinner.


An apartment stay for a longer visit (five nights)

Base: Salamanca Wharf Hotel or Salamanca Inn, so you have a kitchenette or apartment space. 

Day one: settle in and shop for breakfast supplies. 

Day two: Saturday, if your dates allow: Salamanca Market from 8:30am to 3:00pm, then a slow afternoon in Battery Point. 

Day three: the Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Day Tour, with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Confirm your accommodation is in the pick-up area when you book. 

Day four: a rest day or a self-guided walk. 

Day five: the Cradle Mountain tour, with a 6:00am pick-up and a return around 9:00pm, so ask the property about an early breakfast and late arrival.


A value stay with a hire car (three nights)

Base: a Macquarie Street or Elizabeth Street hotel, such as the Travelodge, Ibis Styles or Mövenpick. Day one: collect the car, and confirm parking at the hotel. 

Day two: the Drink Tasmania Signature Tour, so nobody needs to drive. Meet at Brooke St Pier at 10:30am, and plan your evening around the 5:30pm finish. 

Day three: use the car for a self-drive day, then return it before you leave. Compare car options in our car booking section.


Getting around and parking

Most central hotels are walkable to the waterfront, and the tours that start there are easy to reach on foot. A few practical points apply:

  • From the airport. Hobart Airport is about 20 km from most central hotels, according to hotel listings. Check transfer options before you arrive.
  • Parking varies. Wrest Point lists limited free on-site parking on a first-come basis, while Salamanca Wharf Hotel guests describe a car stacker system. For other hotels, confirm whether parking is included, charged or unavailable.
  • If you're hiring a car, compare options in the car booking section on our website, and read our guide to hiring a car or taking a guided tour in Tasmania to work out which days you'll need one.
  • If you're taking tours, you may not need a car at all, since many of our tours collect you or start close to the waterfront.

Timing your stay

Saturday mornings. Salamanca Market trades from 8:30am to 3:00pm, so a stay in Salamanca or Battery Point puts you close, though the area gets busy. Our complete Salamanca Market guide explains what to expect.

Late December. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts in Sydney on Boxing Day, and the fleet finishes in Hobart in the days that follow, so the waterfront is busy and accommodation fills early. If you're visiting then, book as soon as you can.

Summer generally. Demand rises through December to February, so book earlier for waterfront and heritage hotels.

Weekdays in the cooler months. You'll usually find more choice and easier booking.


Which stay suits which traveller

Couples. The Henry Jones, MACq 01, The Tasman or Customs House for a waterfront stay, or Salamanca Wharf Hotel for an apartment with a kitchenette.

Families. The Grand Chancellor or Wrest Point for pools, Salamanca Inn for apartments with space, or Discovery Parks if you have a car and want cabins.

Solo travellers. A central hotel such as Hadley's or the Mövenpick, or the Backpackers Imperial if you're on a budget.

Groups of friends. Apartment-style stays in Salamanca and Battery Point can spread the cost, so check each listing for layout.

Budget travellers. The Travelodge, Ibis Styles, the Backpackers Imperial or a holiday park. Our guide to Tasmania on a budget covers free things to do while you're here.

Travellers without a car. Choose the waterfront or the centre, so tour starts, restaurants and Salamanca are all within walking distance.

Travellers on a tight tour schedule. Pick the waterfront for early starts and make sure your hotel is within the pick-up area for hotel pick-up tours.


How to compare before you book

When two properties look similar, these questions settle most decisions.

  1. How far is it from the waterfront and Salamanca? Check the walking distance on a map, not just the area name.
  2. What do your tours need? Franklin Wharf, Brooke St Pier or hotel pick-up.
  3. Do you want a kitchen? Salamanca Wharf Hotel and Salamanca Inn are the apartment-style options here.
  4. Do you need parking? Confirm availability and cost.
  5. Is breakfast included? Compare rates with and without it.
  6. How flexible is the booking? Check cancellation terms, especially around busy dates.
  7. What do recent guests say? Read the newest reviews on the booking page, since facilities and service change.

You can compare current rates and availability in our hotel booking section, then add a tour to your stay.


Questions to ask a property before you book

Hotels are happy to answer practical questions, and a short message can prevent problems on the day. Useful ones include:

  1. Do you offer an early breakfast or a packed breakfast? This matters for a 6:00am Cradle Mountain pick-up or a 7:30am check-in at Franklin Wharf.
  2. Can I check in late? If you return around 9:00pm from a long day trip, confirm reception hours or self-check-in arrangements.
  3. Can you store luggage? Useful on the day you arrive or leave, especially for tours that start or end at the waterfront.
  4. Is parking included, and how does it work? Some properties have limited spaces, and some use a stacker system.
  5. Which tours collect guests from your property? For hotel pick-up tours, tell the operator the name and address of your accommodation when you book.
  6. Is the room quiet? Ask for a room away from the street if you're a light sleeper.
  7. What are the cancellation terms? Flexible rates are worth considering around busy dates.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Booking by area name alone. "Hobart waterfront" covers a wide stretch, so check the actual walk to the places you'll use.
  • Ignoring the pick-up area for hotel pick-up tours. Ask before you book if your tour collects from "selected Hobart locations."
  • Assuming parking is included. It varies by property.
  • Leaving it late for summer or Boxing Day weekends. Waterfront hotels fill early.
  • Choosing Sandy Bay without a car for an early tour start. Plan the transfer to the meeting point.
  • Overlooking the breakfast detail. It can change the value of a rate.


FAQ

What is the best area to stay in Hobart?

The waterfront and Salamanca area suit most visitors, because Salamanca Market, harbour restaurants and several tour start points are within walking distance.


Where should I stay in Hobart for the first time?

A waterfront or Salamanca stay such as the Henry Jones Art Hotel (25 Hunter Street), MACq 01 (18 Hunter Street) or The Tasman (12 Murray Street) puts you close to the main sights.


Is Hobart walkable?

Yes, the waterfront, Salamanca Place and the centre are all walkable, and the Kelly Steps link Battery Point down to Salamanca Place.


Where is the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Hobart?

At 1 Davey Street, close to the waterfront.


Where is Wrest Point?

At 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay, roughly 3.2 to 3.5 km from Constitution Dock, with Salamanca about a 5-minute drive away.


Which Hobart hotels have pools?

Wrest Point has an indoor heated pool, the Hotel Grand Chancellor has an indoor pool, and Salamanca Inn is listed with a heated pool. Check each property for current facilities.


Where can I stay with a kitchen in Hobart?

Salamanca Wharf Hotel (17a Castray Esplanade) lists kitchenettes, and Salamanca Inn (10 Gladstone Street) is an apartment hotel. Check the room type for kitchen details.


What's the best budget option in Hobart?

The Travelodge (167 Macquarie Street), Ibis Styles (173–177 Macquarie Street) and the Backpackers Imperial (138 Collins Street) are the lower-cost styles of stay listed here. Compare current rates.


Where do your tours start in Hobart?

The Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur tour and the Bruny Island Cruises Full Day Tour start at Franklin Wharf, and the Drink Tasmania tour meets at Brooke St Pier. The Cradle Mountain tour and several Bruny Island day tours collect you from your accommodation.


Do I need to be in a particular area for hotel pick-up tours?

The Cradle Mountain tour picks up from accommodation in Hobart city. The Bruny Island Day Tour collects from selected Hobart locations, so confirm your property is covered when you book.


How far is Hobart Airport from the city?

About 20 km from most central hotels, according to hotel listings.


Is parking available at Hobart hotels?

It varies. Wrest Point lists limited free parking, and Salamanca Wharf Hotel guests describe a stacker system. Confirm parking for your property before you book.


When is Hobart busiest for accommodation?

Summer, and especially late December, when the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts on Boxing Day and the fleet finishes in the days after.


Can I book a hotel and a tour together?

You can compare hotels in our hotel booking section and add a tour to your stay from our tours page.


Is it better to stay in Hobart or on the eastern shore?

Hobart's waterfront and centre suit most visitors, because tour starts and restaurants are close. The eastern shore, including Discovery Parks at Risdon, suits drivers who want a lower-cost cabin or site.


The bottom line

Stay on the waterfront or in Salamanca if you want to walk to restaurants, the market and tour start points. Pick a central Macquarie Street or Elizabeth Street hotel for value, an apartment in Battery Point for a kitchen, Wrest Point for resort-style facilities, and a hostel or holiday park to keep costs down. Whichever you choose, check the address on a map, confirm parking, and make sure it suits the start time of your tours.

Ready to plan? Compare stays in our hotel booking section, add a car in our car booking section, then book the tours that suit your dates, such as the Cradle Mountain: Hobart to Cradle Active Day Trip, the Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site or the Drink Tasmania Signature Tour, all bookable through Touring Tassie.