To get to Hobart from mainland Australia you can either fly in from most major Australian cities, or catch a ferry from Melbourne’s dock precinct, Port Melbourne, to Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast. From Devonport you can drive, fly or catch a bus to Hobart.

Plane

Hobart city centre is 15 km from Hobart International Airport (HBA) in Cambridge. The following airlines fly there:

• Qantas flies from Melbourne and Sydney.
• Jetstar flies from Melbourne, Sydney and Coolangatta.
• Virgin Blue flies from Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
• Tasair flies from Burnie and Devonport.
• Tiger Airways flies from Melbourne.

An airport shuttle bus run by Redline (1300 360 000) runs from the airport to Hobart (single ticket $15, return ticket $25). On return trip, in the case of a plane departure before 7.30am, you need to make a reservation before 8pm the night before. There are several pickup points throughout the city, and tickets can be bought from the driver or at the bus station.

A taxi to the city will cost around $35.

Ferry

Catching the ferry across the Bass Strait from Melbourne can be a fun experience, although obviously slower and more expensive than flying. One advantage, apart from the exciting (if brief) ocean journey, is that you have the option of taking your car with you.

The main ferry service is run by the Spirit of Tasmania (+61 3 6421 7209). A passenger ticket is about $120-$170 but it’s more if you wish to take your vehicle. Book online or you’ll be charged a $5 phone fee.

Car

To get to Hobart it's a two hour drive from Launceston Airport, or a three to four hour drive from the ferry terminal in Devonport. You can book a hire car in advance, or just pick one up at either of these locations.