Surrounded as it is by the coast and untamed wilderness, Hobart offers plenty of opportunity for active pursuits. Take a hike up Mount Wellington or get an adrenaline rush on a mountain bike ride down; take an exhilarating white-water jet boat ride on the stunning Huon River; journey through the treetops of the spectacular Tahune National Forest on the elevated Airwalk walkway; or simply explore the wilderness surrounding Hobart in one of the many World Heritage Areas such as Mount Field National Park. For more leisurely pursuits, Hobart is just a short trip to Port Arthur where you can learn about Australia’s harsh convict history, Moorilla estate where you can drink fine wine and visit the world class Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and Barilla Bay where you can shuck your own oysters, just fresh out of the water.
Take advantage of the long weekend following the conference to explore the many attractions that Hobart has to offer.
The Weather
June is winter in Tasmania and while the mountains surrounding Hobart are often sprinkled with snow during this season, at the city’s sea level the temperature average is between 5.2 °C and 11.6 (°C). Hobart has a low average rainfall during this season and is in fact the 2nd driest city in Australia (after Adelaide) resulting in clear, crisp days.
Travel
By Air
Four airlines, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways, operate regular daily jet services between mainland Australia and Hobart, Tasmania. A wide variety of flight times are available throughout the day. Frequent scheduled direct flights cross Bass Strait daily from Melbourne (approx one hour), Sydney (approx two hours) and Brisbane (approx three hours) to Hobart. Convenient connections from international hubs and all other Australian states are also available.
By Sea
Delegates may enjoy the opportunity to experience sea travel, journeying from Melbourne to Tasmania with their cars on the Spirit of Tasmania. On board, a range of accommodation options is available and entertainment options abound including restaurants, bars and lounges.
Of particular benefit is the ability to bring your own car to Tasmania, providing the perfect opportunity for pre and post-conference touring. The service departs Melbourne nightly at 9pm and arrives in Devonport (in northern Tasmania) at 7am the following morning.
To and from the airport
Wrest Point is located only 3 km from the city centre of Hobart and 24 km from the airport. There are a number of options available for travelling between Wrest Point and the airport:
- Hobart airport shuttle bus service provides transport to the centre of Hobart and direct drop-off to most accommodation providers – adult return fares are AU$25. Click here for more details.
- Several car rental companies are located at the airport just opposite the Domestic Terminal.
Several taxi companies regularly service the airport with a taxi rank located out the front of the Domestic Terminal – expect to pay approximately AU$40 for a one way trip.