With Jetstar launching direct flights from Newcastle to Hobart this December, we thought we’d take a look at five things you’d actually want to leave our amazing city and fly to Hobart for.
Now, sure, you could spend your time at Salamanca Markets buying lavender soap and honey you’ll never eat, or take yet another photo outside MONA’s mirrored walls — but that’s what everyone’s going to be doing. This guide is for the culture chasers, the live music lovers, and the late-night bar crawlers who want to see the city the way the locals live it — loud, creative, and a little bit weird.
Starting from 2 December, Novocastrians can skip the Sydney stopover and head straight south three times a week to soak up Hobart’s weird, arty, and quietly rebellious charm. And if that’s not enough to get you packing, Jetstar’s celebrating the new route with a 24-hour sale kicking off at 11:00 am, which could bag you fares from as little as $59 one-way.
Catch a gig at Altar or Odeon
Hobart’s live music scene is small but mighty, and these two venues are its heart and soul. Altar, tucked behind the heritage-stone Republic Bar, hosts everything from experimental electronica to indie rock nights in an intimate, low-lit space that feels more Berlin than Bass Strait. And if the Odeon is hosting a touring act, you’d be mad to miss it. The iconic theatre, built in 1916, is one of the best spaces in the country to check out a show.
MONA after dark
Sure, everyone talks about MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), but there’s more to it than the Instagram-famous tunnel of light. Take the ferry up the Derwent River, grab a Moo Brew, and spend the day wandering through weirdness that’s equal parts genius and chaos. If you time it right, stick around for MONA Up Late, a series of after-dark gigs, DJ sets, and pop-up performances that turn the museum into an underground party with world-class sound.
Explore the hidden galleries
Beyond MONA, Hobart’s smaller art spaces are where the city’s creative edge really shines. Check out Contemporary Art Tasmania for installations and boundary-pushing works from emerging artists, or wander into North Hobart’s Good Grief Studios often hosts zine fairs, photography shows, and DIY exhibitions, a great place to meet the local art crowd over a locally roasted coffee.
Hit the Salamanca precinct after dark
Forget the usual Saturday morning market crowds; the real time to visit is after hours. Wander Salamanca Place and the surrounding waterfront bars where local musicians often pop up in alleyways, small bars, and hidden courtyards. Stop by Preachers for a craft beer beside the firepit, or hit Republic Bar & Café in North Hobart for live jazz and indie sets. The vibe is casual, unpredictable, and totes Tasmanian.
Bar hopping and cocktail sipping
Hobart’s nightlife has evolved from sleepy to seriously cool. Follow the locals to Rude Boy, a Caribbean-inspired rum bar pulsing with live DJs, or slip into Gold Bar, a hidden cocktail spot that feels like you’ve stepped into a speakeasy. If you’re in town on a weekend head to In The Hanging Garden, a sprawling outdoor precinct where you can move from a craft brewery to a DJ set without ever leaving the courtyard.
Jetstar’s new Newcastle–Hobart service runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 December 2025 to 21 April 2026. Visit newcastleairport.com.au for details.
