Wild mountain wilderness of Tasmania, Australia's island wilderness
🇦🇺Australia

Hobart

6/10

Australian travellers wanting Southern Lights combined with Tasmania's extraordinary wilderness and culture

Aurora Score
6/10 ✦
Daily Budget
$130/day
Access
✈️ Easy access
Dark Hours (Winter)
14h

About Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania's capital, is Australia's southernmost city and an increasingly recognised Southern Lights destination. At 42.9°S, it sits at a latitude equivalent to northern Spain or the southern US, but on the geomagnetically favourable side of the planet. The Aurora Australis is visible from southern Tasmania during periods of high solar activity — typically 3-5 times per year — most reliably from June to August. The city is far more than just an aurora gateway: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is one of the world's most provocative art museums; the Tasmanian whisky scene has become internationally acclaimed; and the surrounding wilderness — Cradle Mountain, Southwest National Park — is extraordinary. Hobart is also the primary Australian departure point for Antarctic research vessels.

Best Time to Visit

Monthly Weather & Aurora

MonthAvg TempDark HoursAurora Chance
Jan+17°C3h
Feb+17°C5h
Mar+15°C8hLow
Apr+12°C11hLow
May+9°C13hMed
Jun★ Best+7°C14hMed
Jul★ Best+7°C14hMed
Aug★ Best+8°C13hMed
Sep+10°C10hLow
Oct+13°C7hLow
Nov+14°C5h
Dec+17°C3h

Activities

Getting There

Direct flights from Melbourne (1.5h), Sydney (2h), and Brisbane. Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia all fly. Well-connected Australian domestic hub.

Accommodation Highlights

  • Boutique Hotels
  • Historic Inns
  • Wilderness Retreats

Location

Budget Estimator

3 nights21 nights
Budget
$683
Typical
$910
Comfort
$1,274

Based on avg $130/day in Hobart. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.

Quick Info

LanguageEnglish
Regionantarctic
Coordinates-42.88°N, 147.33°E

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Nearby Destinations

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Hobart?+
The best months for aurora viewing in Hobart are 6, 7, 8. Hobart has an aurora score of 6/10.
How much does a trip to Hobart cost?+
The average daily budget in Hobart is around $130 USD, covering accommodation, meals, and activities.
How do I get to Hobart?+
Direct flights from Melbourne (1.5h), Sydney (2h), and Brisbane. Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia all fly. Well-connected Australian domestic hub.
What activities are available in Hobart?+
Popular activities in Hobart include Southern Lights Tours, Antarctica Cruise Gateway, Wildlife Watching, Wilderness Hiking, Kayaking, Whisky Distillery Tours, Mona Museum, Photography Tours, Hiking, Antarctica Cruise, Wildlife Photography.