Car Rental Hobart Downtown

Get ready to escape to one lovely little city! Hobart is the capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania (also known by the friendly nickname of ‘Tassie’). As the main hub of the Holiday Isle (and home to almost half its population) it promises and delivers many excellent attractions that even a larger place may struggle to offer. Plus, everything is fresh here: from the food to the purest drinking water, and especially the air.

Some say Hobart serves the best coffee experience in the country, second only to Melbourne on the mainland. It has gourmet tastes, which cross over to influence a wide range of cheaper eats. It’s home to one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary galleries (the must-see MONA), and the country’s oldest operating brewery (Cascade Brewing Co). It’s creative, cultured and attractive; yet humble, warm and easy-going. 

At first sight, you can’t miss Mount Wellington (kunanyi) – the iconic backdrop that dominates the city – visible from almost every part of Hobart. A pleasant 30-minute drive will take you to the peak at 1,270 metres. It’s pretty chilly up top – and temperatures have been known to plummet to zero and below – so don’t forget to rug up before you go. At Wellington Park you’ll find some fab walking tracks, and trails for mountain bikes and horse-riding too. Encounter waterfalls, cliffs, springs, eucalypt forests, and the towering dolerite columns of the Organ Pipes (popular with rock climbers) formed during the Jurassic era.  

Whether you prefer the outdoors or more urban pursuits, this compact city with a modern vibe and beautiful nature on its doorstep, presents a relaxing break – easily tailored to family vacations right through to solo travellers. Behind the wheel of your rental car, you’ll be able to see and experience a full holiday agenda starting right in the heart of downtown Hobart.

Visit some of Hobart’s favourite places in your hire car

Located on the Derwent River estuary, Hobart has a rich maritime history and a wonderful waterfront that’s great for strolling and shopping, drinking and dining. It’s a given that the seafood is always super fresh. Some fisherfolk even sell their catches straight from the boat. Galleries mix with markets, businesses and theatres. Yachts and charter cruises bob and dock in the deep harbour of Sullivans Cove – home to the boutique whisky distillery bearing its name. Take a tour and go tasting with a responsible driver in tow. Or you can always ‘wet your whistle’ at an old heritage Tassie pub. Enjoy a traditional experience at The Whaler – established in 1829, that harks back on Hobart’s whaling past. 

The Salamanca Markets are located in colourful Salamanca Place near the foreshore. Counted as one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions, Salamanca is ever vibrant and bustling with visitors. Grab a tasty bite at one of the food vans. Browse through 300 stalls of local produce and artisan fare, keeping an eye out for roving entertainment. Hobart is known for its design flair and hand-crafted goods, so you’ll easily be able to pick up some stylish gifts here, whatever your budget. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the nearby area. A few minutes later, you’ll be admiring the charming Georgian-era cottages at Battery Point – the oldest spot in the city. While you’re in the neighbourhood, pick up a loaf or pastry at Jackman & McRoss, a classic Hobart bakery on a sweet street with nice views of Mount Wellington in the distance.

The oldest capital after Sydney, Old Hobart Town has a quaint and charming side, with loads of historic sandstone buildings scattered around its streetscapes. As a former penal colony founded in 1804, you’ll still find fascinating convict and colonial architecture, from Salamanca Arts Centre to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). There are so many fascinating pockets to this compact city.

Your hire car can make a trip to Hobart even more appetising

Ramp up your Hobart holiday with one of the city’s favourite attractions: the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Drive or bus it to Berriedale; or head to the wharf and catch the high-speed ‘camouflage’ catamaran down the Derwent, which takes roughly 25-minutes. The sheep sculpture on board gives you a hint of the ironic and eclectic art that’s in store at this fascinating, attention-grabbing gallery. Leave several hours to wander before returning downtown. In June, don’t miss Dark Mofo – a week-long winter festival of international arts, music and feasting.

If that whets your appetite, make your way to North Hobart before you leave. Elizabeth Street is Hobart’s Eat Street. This northerly shopping and eating strip is where you’ll find a mix of cuisines and cafes, along with Hobart’s favourite arthouse multiplex cinema and bookshops. This city does casual with quality to a tee. Slip into some authentic Japanese at Bar Wa Izakaya. Steer your taste buds to India with the wide menu at Annapurna. Order a kimchi pancake at a quirky spot called Shoebox. Listen to live music and dig into the parmigiana at Republic Bar and Café. The good tastes, laid-back locals, and natural beauty of Hobart will make your holiday in Tasmania extra special.