Hobart
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Positives
- Roaring forties exposure
- Beaches and points
- Peninsulas and indented coast
- Uncrowded and mountainous
Negatives
- Windy and chilly winter surf
- Occasionally flat SE coast
- Slow access
- Expensive
Hobart surf travel guide
Around 10,000 years ago, Australia's sixth state was joined to the mainland but it is now about 240km away across the shallow Bass Strait. Tasmania has become synonymous with the incredible right ledge on the Tasman Peninsula known as Shipstern Bluff, where the slightly insane take on triple lips, stepped faces and huge screaming barrels. The majority of surfers will be seeking less life-threatening spots and Hobart makes a good base to explore from.
Surf spots in Hobart
Research the 14 surf breaks in Hobart and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 14 breaks in Hobart.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Hobart
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 1,260,000
- Population
- 515,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1USD = 1.61 AUDLast updated: Thu, 02 Jan 2025
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar operate frequent direct flights. Melbourne/Hobart starts around AU$115 r/t, Sydney from AU$300 and Brisbane from $420 (rarely direct). Launceston is the main north coast entry: cross the Bass Straight with Spirit of Tasmania ship (9-11h, overnight crossing, AU$150min/p + $99 car).
Getting Around
The road system is dense around Hobart (like the Derwent 5-lane concrete-arch Tasman Bridge) and topography gets wild with islands and peninsulas. Change coasts, catching ferries (Bruny) & hiking to spots takes time. Car rental starts at AU$35/d. Renting a campervan is a great shout for seeing the island.
Accommodation
Staying in Hobart is an option but driving times increase considerably. Favour Taranna (Masons cottages AU$100/n), or Port Arthur (Sea Change Safety Cove, AU$55/single, $127/dble). Enjoy a wide spectrum of berry fruits and apples, world-beating ales and wines or full flavoured cheeses.
Activities
40% of Tassie is National Parks, making an outdoor playground free of pollution. Ski and surf on the same day (Ben Lomond resort). Climb Mt Wellington or visit Port Arthur's penal settlement. Keep your eyes peeled for Tasmanian devils or the presumed extinct Tasmanian tigers!
Hazards & hassles
Although crowds are rare, some spots are very sensitive, so be very respectful to locals. Mind the nasty rips when close to rivermouths. Be ready to walk and get wet if camping.
Handy Hints
Plenty of well stocked surf shops in and around Hobart including RHS in town. Based at Clifton Beach Coastrider Surf Academy offer a big range of surf lessons and equipment hire. Check out tassiesurf.coms youtube page for lots of local vids.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.