Travelling from Melbourne to Hobart
Hobart is positively thriving – showcasing world class attractions, exceptional food and wine, unique festivals, and an unrivalled cultural and arts scene. Book your flight from Melbourne to Hobart with Virgin Australia and experience this unique city for yourself.
Ready to explore? Book Melbourne to Hobart flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this artsy hub.
Arriving at Hobart Airport
Once you’ve landed at Hobart Airport it’s an 18-kilometre trip to the city-heart of Hobart.
For a great-value commute to Hobart CBD, catch the SkyBus service, departing every 30 minutes, and to 6 designated City stops. Tickets can be purchased on the SkyBus website or at the e-kiosks located next to the luggage carousels on arrival.
Alternatively travel to Hobart City and surrounds via taxi, rideshare, or rental car.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Hobart City):
- Taxi and rideshare: approx. $35 – 20mins
- Bus shuttle service: approx. $19.50
Read more in our Hobart Airport Guide.
Departing from Melbourne Airport
Located 23 kilometres from Melbourne CBD, Melbourne Airport is best reached by the Skybus service which runs regular services 24-hours a day, from various city locations including central Southern Cross Station.
Another option for the commute to Melbourne Airport is via taxi / preferred rideshare - or self-drive utilising the Melbourne Airport parking facilities.
The commute time is approximately 25-minutes from central Melbourne in non-peak hour, however it’s best to allow plenty of time during peak travel times in case of traffic.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 3 (T3) for your Virgin Australia Domestic flight from Melbourne to Hobart.
What time do you need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage for your flight, we recommend that you plan to arrive at Melbourne airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough time to grab a coffee and make your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed.
Read more in our Melbourne Airport Guide.
Hobart Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Hobart? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in the essential Hobart attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at Ginger Brown
After a great night’s sleep at your hotel, we love the industrial rawness of The Henry Jones Art Hotel and the luxurious waterfront hotel MACq 01, you’re ready to explore Hobart. For breakfast you’re off to Pigeon Hole in West Hobart, offering a true paddock to plate experience, the café evolved as a way to showcase the produce grown at their Weston Farm Produce.
10.00am – Salamanca Market OR Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
If you’re in Hobart on a Saturday, make tracks to Salamanca Market, Tasmania’s most-visited attraction, a combination of culture, history and local gourmet food. Alternatively, visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens showcasing everything from the Japanese gardens to native plants.
11.00am – Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Time for a bit of culture at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – where you’ll soak up the works of art, natural history and interesting convict heritage. Don’t miss out on the theatrical tour of the heritage buildings too.
12.30pm – Lunch at Frogmore Creek Cellar Door & Restaurant
Today is quite the culinary experience, with lunch booked at Frogmore Creek Cellar Door and Restaurant, located just 20-minutes outside Hobart CBD. Enjoy an outstanding meal and a Frogmore wine, whilst taking in the spectacular vineyard views.
2pm – Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
This afternoon you’re off to the must-visit Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), located within the Moorilla Winery, an easy ferry ride from Hobart. This outstanding museum was created by billionaire David Walsh, to showcase his private collection of contemporary, modern, and ancient art. MONA houses three levels of galleries hidden underground, a brewery, two wineries, and several bars. Events run at MONA include MONA FOMA - an electric arts and music festival, and her winter-sister Dark MOFO – celebrating the darkness of the southern solstice. Sip a cocktail from Void Bar as you peruse the museum over the afternoon.
4.30pm – Lark Distillery
Hop back on the ferry from MONA and you’re steps away to your next Hobart adventure - a visit to Lark Distillery located in central Hobart on Davey Street. Lark Distillery is one of Tasmania’s first single malt whiskey distilleries, and now also produces the already legendary ‘Forty Spotted Gin’ range. Try one of the limited releases or a ‘tasting flight’ on your visit.
7.30pm – Dinner at Peacock and Jones
After a freshen and frock up up at your hotel you’re off to Peacock and Jones for dinner, located within the The Henry JonesHotel – a converted sandstone warehouse on the Hobart waterfront. Peacock and Jones showcases their true passion for local-grown produce in their phenomenal meals, the menu constantly changing with the seasons.
9.00pm – A nightcap at IXL Long Bar
Time for a beverage or two at IXL Long Bar, which is also based within The Henry Jones Hotel. Serving up Hobart’s best by their cocktail masters, try one of their prizewinning spirits, craft beers – or signature cocktails with names such as “Island of Fire”.
Where to stay in Hobart?
Hobart offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets – throughout Hobart CBD and the inner-city precincts, each with their own personality.
Hobart CBD
Hobart CBD is a handy spot to stay, close to so many key attractions - Salamanca Markets, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Cascade Brewery, Constitution Dock – plus a variety of bars and restaurants. Hobart CBD features the largest offering in hotels in the city - from heritage, boutique luxury, and five-star luxury hotels.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a great area to stay for families, and nature and beach lovers. A quick 10-minute drive from Hobart city and you’ve reached Hobart’s exclusive beach precinct – more on the quiet side, but still offering a range of bars, restaurants and cafes to explore. Accommodation in Sandy Bay is generally pricier than the CBD, due to it being more upmarket.
North Hobart
North Hobart is a hipster hub, home to upmarket stores, restaurants, and theatres. This area is also renowned for the best nightlife in Hobart, with breweries and wine bars abound, and a great range of accommodation too.
When to visit Hobart?
Whatever time of year you visit Hobart, you’ll find plenty of things to do, with each season offering a broad range of unique activities, festivals and attractions.
Summer
Summer (December to February) is the best and the driest, time to visit Hobart, alongside comfortable temperatures. Ideal for hiking, it’s also a time jam-packed with iconic festivals such as Tasmanian Wine Festival and MONA FOMA. And of course, the boat fanatics know it’s the time to watch the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.
Autumn
During Autumn (March to May) you’ll watch the city come alive as it transforms with seasonal transition colours. Autumn is the ultimate time to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience seasonal Tasmanian produce (artisan cheeses meet black truffles) and immerse in the festival-vibes.
Winter
The Winter months (June to August) are cold in Hobart, making it an ideal time to enjoy indoor activities such as visiting the galleries and museums, a chance to wear your winter best, and attend one of the many music and art festivals including Festival of Voices and Dark MOFO. The days are crisp, making it ideal for outdoor adventures such as the 20-minute drive to Mt Wellington. Another winter highlight is Hobart’s Winter Feast, attracting thousands of foodies, and hundreds of brave people for the nude swim – a plunge in the freezing temperatures of the Derwent River, to mark the winter solstice.
Spring
Spring (September to November) is officially the wettest time of year, however Hobart is the second driest Australian capital city. Take a trip to Tuhune Airwalk, an adventure park immersed in a forest canopy - or hike at Mount Field National Park, a one-hour drive from Hobart City. It’s also a perfect time to visit Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens.
What to pack for your trip to Hobart?
Packing for your trip from Melbourne to Hobart depends on what you’re planning to do and the time of year you’re travelling.
During the summer months light clothing is enough, however temperatures can drop in the evenings so bring a light jacket.
Winter days are usually clear yet crisp, sometimes even colder than at home in Melbourne. The indoor restaurants and bars are often heated with an open fire, so bring layers, plus pack a warm jacket - and a woollen scarf and beanie never goes astray.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable waterproof walking shoes, and hiking shoes if you’re planning to do any national park walks.
Other essential items are an umbrella, a waterproof phone pouch, a compact tripod, woollen socks for the cooler months, a head lamp if planning to do some hiking or camping, a memory card (you don’t want to run out of photo storage), and a small pack for both urban and outdoor adventures.
Must Packs
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- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men, light jacket
- Autumn: a light-medium weight jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, wool scarf, long-sleeved tops, warm jackets, wind-proof fleece
- Spring: a light-medium weight jacket for cooler evenings, umbrella, waterproof jacket
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Melbourne to Hobart is 1 hour and 15 minutes direct.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
The average time for your flight from Melbourne to Hobart is 1 hour and 15 minutes direct.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 3 direct flights a day from Melbourne to Hobart, operating regularly scheduled flights from 9.15am to 8.10pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Melbourne to Hobart route. Find more information on our fleet here.