Hobart: Live the slow life with city perks

Picture, for a moment, an Australian city with a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, with plenty of action and zest, yet not too built up but rather sprinkled with nostalgia through incredible heritage architecture. This is how locals describe life in Hobart, the captivating capital of Tasmania.

Surrounded by some of nature’s finest, the city embraces the majestic Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) in its backyard and the bays and estuaries that lead out to the Southern Ocean. It also sits on an ever-changing working harbour, anchoring its character and authenticity. Little wonder, then, that mainlanders are increasingly longing to call Hobart home.

City convenience with village vibe

According to Abi Freeman of Knight Frank Tasmania, affluent buyers are drawn to Hobart for its ease of living, where getting to and from the city’s vibrant cafes, world-class restaurants, and lush parks is made easy, together with pristine beaches, bushwalks, and native forests, all within an hour’s drive.

“I think the first thing people learn to do when they first move to Hobart is slow down, as it’s very relaxed and moves at a different pace to other cities around Australia,” says Freeman. “The typical person who lives in Hobart loves being outdoors, taking in the clean, fresh air, and eating at wonderful restaurants – it’s said that there are few better places to raise a family in the world, and as I have a young family, I do tend to agree.”

Although the Hobart property market is not immune to the impacts of interest rates and inflation pressures, Freeman notes that the local market has never really experienced a significant downturn historically.

“Our market is relatively small, and consistent demand keeps house prices steady, even in a changing market,” she adds. “It certainly helps that it’s such a special place to live, with most prestige homes having amazing views of the River Derwent, Kunanyi, or the Tasman Bridge, and sometimes, all three.”

Source of creativity and calm

While Hobart is Australia’s second-oldest city, it flaunts a flourishing contemporary culture, attracting creative types, like Steph Williams of Propel Studio, responsible for The Hobart Magazine, found at cafes across the city.

“Our office is in the city, and I live in South Hobart with my husband and two young kids where we love being the custodians of an 1860s cottage,” says Williams. “Some of my favourite local hangouts include Bear With Me for breakfast, second-hand stores like South Hobart Tip Shop for a wander through, and Lupin for a natural wine and snack.”

Originally from regional NSW, brought up in Devonport in Northern Tasmania, with stints in London and Sydney, Williams moved to Hobart five years ago to start her magazine.

“To be able to walk home from work along a bush track, then breathe mountain air so fresh, it’s so special,” describes Williams. “My kids have access to all the sports and cultural fun they need with excellent schools to grow into – after many years living in Sydney, life here feels fulfilling, allowing us to breathe and create.”

One to watch

SOLD - Price Withheld

186 Campbell Street, Hobart TAS 7000

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Completely transformed while honouring its historic circa 1850s architecture, Ingleside has been reimagined by Soul Interior Design, celebrating period features like its ​​long-arched hallway, sash windows, and Tasmanian oak floorboards, exuding grace and effortless luxury from room to room.