48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Planning a trip to Tasmania’s charming capital? This 48-hour hop-on hop-off tour by Red Decker offers a convenient way to explore Hobart’s best sights at your own pace. With a mix of scenic views, engaging commentary, and flexible sightseeing, it’s a popular choice for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

We particularly appreciate the unrivalled views from the open-top double-decker bus, the informative guides who bring the city’s stories to life, and the option to hop on and off at 20 different stops. The convenience of a 48-hour ticket means you can spread your exploration over two days, fitting in the sights around your pace.

One potential consideration is that the operating hours are between 9:00 and 16:30, so it’s best to plan accordingly if you want longer days of sightseeing. This tour suits travelers who value flexibility, want to get a good overview of Hobart quickly, and enjoy learning about their destinations through engaging commentary.

This tour is an excellent way to get your bearings in Hobart while enjoying authentic local insights, making it a worthwhile investment for your Tasmania adventure.

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Key Points

Flexible 48-hour ticket allows multiple hop-offs and re-boards
Spectacular views from the open top deck enhance sightseeing
Informative multilingual commentary adds contextual depth
20 stops cover Hobart’s top attractions, from Salamanca to MONA
Guides like Tony are praised for their personality and added info
Accessible and family-friendly for all travelers

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why We Love This Tour

The Red Decker city loop stands out because of its combination of practicality and engaging storytelling. The open-top bus lets you catch panoramic views of Hobart’s historic buildings, scenic waterfront, and surrounding hills—perfect for photo ops or just soaking in the scenes. The professional guides make a difference; one reviewer highlighted guide Tony for his humor and extra info, which turns a simple ride into a memorable experience.

The multilingual commentary is a thoughtful touch, accommodating international visitors with options in seven languages—a rare feature among city tours. Plus, the onboard WiFi and free sightseeing guidebook add comfort and value, helping you plan your day with ease.

The flexibility is another strong point. With 20 stops, you can tailor your time—whether it’s hopping off at historic sites like the Cascades Female Factory or checking out the vibrant Salamanca Market area. The 90-minute loop provides a quick overview, making it ideal for first-timers who want to identify spots for more in-depth visits later.

Want to see more of Hobart? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Ticket Validity

Meet at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre at the corner of Elizabeth and Davey Streets, or hop on at any stop along the route. Once aboard, your 48-hour ticket kicks in immediately, giving you the freedom to hop on and off as often as you like within two days.

The Route and Stops

The city loop covers some of Hobart’s most iconic sites, including:

MONA ferry terminal at Brooke Street Pier: a great launching point if you’re planning to visit the Museum of Old and New Art later.
Salamanca Place: famous for its lively markets and historic sandstone buildings.
Battery Point: a charming, historic neighborhood with boutique cafes and colonial architecture.
Wrest Point Casino: offering entertainment and waterfront views.
Sandy Bay Village: a relaxed seaside suburb perfect for strolls or dining.
Cascade Brewery: Australia’s oldest operating brewery, great for a tasting and tour.
Cascades Female Factory: a UNESCO World Heritage site, revealing Tasmania’s convict past.
Hobart CBD: the city’s bustling heart, full of shops, cafes, and cultural spots.
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery: for those wanting a dose of local art and history.
Maritime Museum of Tasmania: showcasing Hobart’s maritime and naval history.
The Tench Penitentiary Chapel: a historic site with stories of early justice.
Hobart Aquatic Centre: a modern sports facility if you’re interested.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Victoria Docks: where working port scenes add a touch of industrial charm.

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The Ride and Commentary

Traveling on the open-top bus means you’ll love the views of Hobart’s waterfront, rolling hills, and historic architecture. The professional guides provide commentary in English, with some buses offering seven additional languages. The GPS-guided commentary offers fun facts and historical tidbits, making the journey feel lively and educational.

Reviewers have praised guides like Tony for their humor and extra insights. One said, “Tony was great in giving us additional info and he was funny, which made the ride more enjoyable.” The commentary isn’t just filler; it gives real context, making each stop more meaningful.

There's plenty more to explore in Hobart

Hop-On, Hop-Off Flexibility

The main appeal of the tour is its flexibility. You can stay on the bus for the full 90-minute loop or hop off to explore specific sites in depth. Return to the bus later, as many times as you like during the 48-hour window. This makes it a fantastic option for travelers who want to combine guided overview with independent exploration.

Additional Features and Comfort

The free WiFi onboard is handy for sharing photos or checking maps, and the complimentary sightseeing guidebook helps you plan your route. The buses are wheelchair accessible, making this tour suitable for most travelers.

Pricing and Value

At $36 per person, the price is quite reasonable considering the scope of the experience. The 48-hour validity is a major plus, allowing you to spread out your sightseeing or use it as a quick, rundown on your first day. When you consider the cost of individual entry fees for some attractions, the tour provides good overall value, especially with the added benefit of guided narration and flexibility.

What Reviewers Say

Many travelers find the tour extremely useful for orientation. One said, “I highly recommend doing this on your first day in Hobart so you know which places you want to visit later.” Others appreciated guides’ personalities, with one mentioning that “Tony’s humor made the whole experience more enjoyable.” The ability to hop off at popular spots like the Cascade Brewery or Salamanca Market means you can tailor your day without worry.

Practical Tips

Plan to ride the full loop at least once to get a good overview.
Use the 48-hour ticket to revisit your favorite spots.
Check the schedule—buses run from 9:00 to 16:30, so arrive early if you want to maximize your day.
Bring your own headphones if you want to listen to the commentary in your preferred language.
Remember that weather can be unpredictable; the open-top bus is most enjoyable on clear days.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want a quick orientation of Hobart’s top sights. It’s also ideal for travelers on a tight schedule seeking flexibility, as you can hop off at attractions that interest you most. If you’re traveling with family, the wheelchair accessibility and engaging guides make it a practical choice.

Those interested in local history and culture will value the commentary and stops like the Cascades Female Factory and the Maritime Museum. Budget-conscious travelers will especially appreciate the value for money given the 48-hour duration and multiple stops.

The Sum Up

The 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Red Decker offers a comprehensive, flexible way to see Tasmania’s capital. Its combination of scenic views, engaging guides, and the convenience of multiple stops makes it a smart choice for exploring Hobart efficiently. Whether you’re keen to snap photos from the open top deck or dive into the city’s history at key sites, this tour helps you do so comfortably and affordably.

The tour’s professional guides, especially those like Tony, add personality and depth to the experience, turning a simple bus ride into a memorable part of your trip. The multilingual commentary broadens its appeal, ensuring international visitors feel welcomed and informed.

For travelers who want a balanced mix of guided insight and independent exploration, this tour offers excellent value and a solid introduction to Hobart’s charms. It’s a practical, fun, and insightful way to start your Tasmania adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes a 90-minute city loop tour with multilingual GPS commentary, unlimited hop-on hop-off access within 48 hours, a free sightseeing guidebook, and onboard WiFi.

Can I hop off and on at any stop?
Yes, you can hop on and off as many times as you like during the 48 hours from the first time you board, at any of the 20 stops along the route.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making this option suitable for most travelers with mobility needs.

What languages is the commentary available in?
English is standard, with select buses offering commentary in seven additional languages: Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Korean.

What are the operating hours?
The buses run daily from 9:00 to 16:30, so plan your day accordingly to maximize your sightseeing.

Where do I meet the tour?
You can meet at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre or hop on at any of the stops along the route.

Is the ticket worth the price?
At $36 for 48 hours, it offers good value—especially considering the flexibility, guided commentary, and the chance to explore at your own pace.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the tour?
Yes, tickets are available at the meeting point or at stops along the route, and purchasing in advance can help secure your preferred schedule.

What makes this tour different from a standard city walk?
The open-top bus provides panoramic views, and the guided commentary adds context that you simply can’t get from a self-guided walk. Plus, the hop-on hop-off structure lets you customize your day.

Would this tour be suitable for families?
Yes, it’s family-friendly with accessible buses, and children often enjoy the open-air ride and lively guides.

This tour offers a practical, well-rounded way to get acquainted with Hobart. It’s the kind of experience that sets the tone for your whole Tasmania trip—informative, flexible, and just fun enough to make it memorable.