The best things in Hobart are free

Get freebies from Salamanca Market

Salamanca is budget heaven. Yes, there’s heaps of stuff to buy and since a lot of it is handmade, it’s expensive, but say these two magic words with us: free samples! Numerous food stalls will have samples for you to try, so grab some samples, make some small talk then skedaddle on out of there.

Explore the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Open 365 days a year, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are perfect way to spend a few hours in Hobart. Enjoy a stroll through some greenery, a feeling of zen in the Japanese garden and sitting by the lily pond with a picnic.

Hike kunanyi/Mount Wellington

There’s two ways that you can hike this behemoth of a mountain. You could drive up to the top, look out over gorgeous Hobart and do some of the hikes around the top of the mountain. Alternatively you could start at the base of Mount Wellington (from the Fern Tree Tavern carpark) and pick one of the many hiking trails for waterfalls, towering trees and look out points. Or you could do both! Your choice.

Swim at Seven Mile Beach

On a beautiful sunny day, we can definitely recommend Seven Mile Beach. Relax on the sand, swim in the water or go for a surf at the closest surf beach to Hobart.

Get your art on at Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)

Literally a two minute walk away from Hobart Central YHA, TMAG is 100% free and chock full of things to check out. From exhibitions exploring the lives of Tasmanian Aboriginal People to a collection featuring over 300 coins and medals, there is something here for everyone.

Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Jack Robert-Tissot

Dance the night away at Rektango

Held every Friday night in the Salamanca Art Centre’s courtyard, Rektango is a free live music event. Join locals for a night of drinks and dancing. The bands change every week, so there may be jazz one Friday and folk the next. It does get cancelled in bad weather, so this event isn’t reliable come winter time.

Wander through Battery Point

Walk up Kelly’s Steps in Salamanca and you’ll find yourself in Battery Point, one of Hobart’s most historic neighbourhoods. Full of gorgeous old homes, leafy green parks and cute boutique stores, there’s something charming and lovely around every turn.

Say "yes!" to hostel activities

Hobart Central YHA has a bunch of free hostel activities for guests to take part in! They offer a movie night, free hot chocolate in the kitchen, a games night and a free pancake breakfast, so there’s plenty of opportunities for you to stretch your dollar a little further and make some new pals in the process.

Free pancakes, yes!