Hobart, TAS - My Student Guide

City Info

City of Hobart, TAS

State capital of the island of Tasmania. Hobart was first established in 1804. It is named after Lord Hobart

Location

Hobart is located in the state's south-east on the estuary of the Derwent River.

Hobart, TAS CBD

The CBD has many important institutions such as the Supreme Court, Parliament House, Royal Hobart Hospital, Theatre Royal, State Library, the NAB Building, the Museum, and the Cenotaph.

Seasons

Winter
Jun to Aug
5°C - 12°C

Spring
Sep to Nov
8°C - 17°C

Summer
Dec to Feb
11°C - 21°C

Autumn
Mar to May
8°C - 17°C

Time

Eastern Daylight Time: GMT +11hours. Daylight Saving Time ends April , starts October

No Smoking

Smoking is not allowed at beaches, sporting statium near childrens playgrounds, restaurants, bars,clubs and at the workplace. Smoking is prohibited in all Public transport including train platforms etc.

Post Office

Mon – Fri: 09.00 am – 05:00 pm
* Some Open Saturday: 09:00 am – 12 noon

Population

221,000 people

Money

Notes or Bills
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100

Coins
5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2 (odd cents rounded to the nearest 5¢)

Education providers

CRICOS registered institutions for international students: 1 Public Universities

Electricity

240/250volts/50Hz

Weather

Oceanic Climate

Shopping

Mon – Wed: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thu (suburbs) & Fri (CBD): 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
Saturday: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm

Banks

Mon – Thu: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Some bank branches open Saturday morning: 9:30 am – 12 noon

Explore

EXPLORE HOBART

Hobart, capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses host galleries and cafes. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. The city’s backdrop is 1,270m-high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), built into underground galleries, exhibits art of antiquity along with contemporary works. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery focuses on Aboriginal heritage, local history and native wildlife, with notable colonial-era displays. Established in 1818, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens highlight native plants. North of the city, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rescued animals including Tasmanian devils, wallabies and kangaroos. Popular day trips include Port Arthur, a 19th-century penal colony preserved as a historic site, and rugged Bruny Island, known for its coastal wildlife.

Main attractions include:

Museum of Old and New Art
Salamanca Market
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens
Maritime Museum of Tasmania
Zoodoo Wildlife Park

Weekly markets selling quality fashion, art, handcrafts, fresh produce, etc.

(Courtesy of Wikipedia & Google)

EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE IN HOBART

www.hobarttravelcentre.com.au
www.kidsafensw.org/
www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Transport

Hobart Airport

https://hobartairport.com.au/
https://hobartairport.com.au/transportation/parking/
C 18 Kms approx. to CBD
20 minutes (allow more time for peak traffic hours)

Getting around

It is important to learn about all the public transport modes around Hobart. The cheapest and more convenient way to go around is get a Green Card which you can use on all buses see www.metrotas.com.au. You can also purchase a ticket when boarding the bus or from the bus depot. The closer your destination, the cheaper the fare is.

Useful tips

Students doing VET (Vocational programs) and Higher Education (University courses) can obtain discount in public transport. See www.metrotas.com.au/fares/student-fares/. If you are entitled to Student discount, carry your student ID card with you at all times.
If you are travelling late at night on weekends, find out if there is a night route that goes near your destination as some routes are not scheduled on weekends.
Disabled and elderly people as well as pregnant women have priority seating.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in public transport or in taxis.
Always make sure that you have your Metro Card topped up.

WALKING

is a healthy alternative for transport. When crossing a street, wait for the green pedestrian icon. Do not walk or run over a red pedestrian light.

BUSES

Make sure you hail the bus so the driver stops to pick you up! Always touch on at the beginning of the trip and then off at the end of trip before you leave the bus. The fare you pay for the trip depends on how far you travel (zones) and also the time of the day. Metropolitan fares apply to all areas within Hobart, and are defined within zones. Always keep a bus/train time table in your wallet see www.metrotas.com.au/timetables/. Or go to www.metrotas.com.au/communication/apps to download the app. Remember that times for the above services change on weekends and designated holidays.

RIDE A BIKE

To cycle you must wear a helmet at all times and follow the road rules.

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE

Always wear a helmet. It is now required by law to have a special motorcycle license for models of a certain size. Check with Department of State Growth Transport at www.transport.tas.gov.au/licensing

DRIVING

We drive on the left side of the road. To drive in Australia, you need an English translation of your driver’s license. For the driving rules in Tasmania, check this link http://www.transport.tas.gov.au. If you are going to drink alcohol, do not drive.

TAXIS

A safe mode of transportation in particular if you have been drinking after a party. You can pay the taxi fare with your credit card if you do not carry cash. Always ask for a receipt.

Hospitals

IMPORTANT NOTE:

International Students must go to Public Hospitals as their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) does not cover expenses in private hospitals.

Seeking Medical Assistance

Carry your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card with you at all times.
When visting the doctor, you will need to pay for their services (some doctors may bulk bill at no cost to you).
Keep all receipts so you can obtain reimbursement later.
All medical emergencies are covered by your Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC).
If you are unable to attend classes due to being sick, you should obtain a medical certificate from your doctor.