Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, Australia's island state, and one of the country's oldest cities. It spreads along the Derwent River estuary beneath the bulk of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, with sandstone warehouses on the waterfront, a lively food scene and wilderness only a short drive away. For travellers from Singapore, flights to Hobart open up a very different side of Australia: cool air, clean seas, historic villages and some of the best produce in the country.

About the airport serving Hobart

Location

Hobart Airport (HBA) is in Cambridge, on the eastern shore of the Derwent, and the road into the city crosses the Tasman Bridge with views over the river. It is the main airport for southern Tasmania and the usual starting point for trips to the Tasman Peninsula, the Huon Valley and Bruny Island.

Terminals

The airport has a single terminal building for passenger flights, which keeps arrivals simple: you step off the plane, collect your bags and find car rental desks and ground transport just outside. Cafés and a few shops are available airside and landside.

Getting to and from the airport

An airport express bus runs between the terminal and the city centre, stopping at central points in the CBD. Taxis and ride-hailing services wait outside arrivals, and many visitors hire a car at the airport because Tasmania is best explored by road. Allow extra time during the weekday morning and evening peaks on the bridge.

Direct and connecting flights to Hobart

Hobart is mostly served by domestic flights from mainland Australian cities, with Melbourne and Sydney the busiest links and Brisbane also well connected. From Singapore, you normally fly to one of these cities and connect on a domestic flight to HBA. Use the Direct filter on Traveloka to see which cities offer nonstop flights to Hobart, and pick a connection with enough time to clear immigration and customs at your first Australian airport. If you prefer more comfort for the long overnight sector, compare business class flights to Hobart as well, since cabins can differ between your international and domestic legs. Check Australia's entry requirements for your passport before you travel.

When to fly to Hobart

Hobart has four clear seasons, and they run opposite to the northern hemisphere. Summer, from December to February, is mild, with long daylight hours, ideal for walking, sailing and sitting outside at the markets. Autumn brings crisp days and golden leaves in the hills. Winter, from June to August, is cold, sometimes with snow on the mountain, and it is the season for winter arts festivals and a chance of the southern lights on clear nights. Spring is fresh and changeable.

Singapore's June school holidays fall in Tasmania's winter, which suits travellers who like cosy fireside evenings, while the December holidays line up with summer and the festive season, the busiest period for the city. For cheap flights to Hobart, look at autumn and spring, compare air fares with the month chart on this page and set a Price Alert for your preferred dates.

Popular places in Hobart

Salamanca Place

A row of restored sandstone warehouses on the waterfront, now home to galleries, cafés and bars. The Saturday market fills the area with stalls selling local produce, crafts and street food.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

The mountain that towers over the city has a summit lookout with sweeping views over Hobart, the river and the coastline. Dress warmly, as conditions at the top can be much colder than in town.

MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art, set in a riverside winery north of the city, is one of Australia's most talked-about galleries. Many visitors arrive by ferry from the waterfront.

Battery Point

Hobart's historic maritime quarter is full of colonial cottages, narrow lanes and old pubs. Arthur Circus, a ring of small houses around a green, is a favourite spot for a stroll.

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

South-east of Hobart, this World Heritage convict site sits within dramatic coastal scenery of sea cliffs and blowholes. It makes a rewarding full-day trip by car.

Where to stay in Hobart

The CBD and waterfront put you close to Salamanca, the ferry terminal and the best restaurants. Battery Point offers character and quiet streets within walking distance of the harbour. North Hobart is known for its lively restaurant strip, while Sandy Bay, along the river to the south, is residential and close to the university and beaches. Visitors who want countryside often base themselves in the Huon Valley or the historic village of Richmond.

Food to try in Hobart

Tasmanian oysters

Grown in the cold, clean waters around the island, the local Pacific oysters are fresh, briny and often served straight from the shell.

Scallop pie

A Tasmanian speciality: a pastry pie filled with whole scallops in a light curry sauce, found in bakeries all over the island.

Fish and chips on the docks

Floating fish punts at Constitution Dock have long served freshly fried local fish, perfect for eating by the water.

Leatherwood honey

Made from the flowers of a tree that grows only in Tasmania's rainforests, this honey has a strong, floral taste that visitors love to take home.

Tasmania is a long way south of Singapore, and that is exactly the appeal. Find flights to Hobart on Traveloka, pick a mainland connection with a comfortable layover and pack a warm layer, whatever the season.