Family-Friendly Hotels in Hobart Near the Waterfront
Hobart is an easy city for families because almost everything worth seeing sits around Sullivans Cove. Salamanca Place, Constitution Dock and Battery Point are a short walk apart, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is on the waterfront, and kunanyi / Mount Wellington rises behind the city for a half-day outing. The 22 family-friendly properties listed here lean towards that compact centre: apartments at St Ives Apartments, Salamanca Suites and Sullivans Cove Apartments, indoor pools at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Vibe Hotel Hobart and DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, and heritage hotels such as Hadley's Orient Hotel and Lenna Of Hobart.
Hobart is Australia's second oldest capital, a small harbour city on the Derwent River with sandstone warehouses, Georgian cottages in Battery Point and a mountain on its doorstep. It feels calm and walkable, more relaxed than the mainland capitals, with a strong food and arts scene around Salamanca and MONA. For families, its size is the main advantage: the waterfront, the markets, the museum and the gardens are close together, and the wilderness of southern Tasmania starts a short drive away.
Apartments, Indoor Pools and Waterfront Walks
Hobart is cool for much of the year, so the hotel matters on rainy afternoons as much as on sunny ones. An indoor pool, a kitchen for early dinners and a location within walking distance of the waterfront do more for a family trip than a long list of facilities. I look for space first, then for something that keeps children busy when the weather turns, then for how easily you can walk to Salamanca Place and the ferries without moving the car.
Apartments give families the most room in Hobart, and several of the best rated properties here are self-contained. St Ives Apartments, rated 9 across 3,684 reviews, offers spacious apartments with cooking facilities in historic Battery Point, some with harbour or city views, a short walk from Salamanca Market. Salamanca Suites, rated 9.2, sits on Salamanca Place, 100 metres from Sullivans Cove, with a balcony or courtyard in each apartment and limited free parking. Sullivans Cove Apartments, rated 9, spreads full-kitchen serviced apartments with laundry facilities across five waterfront locations. I would choose one of these for any stay longer than two nights.
An indoor pool is a real asset in a city where the water outside is cold for most of the year. Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, rated 9 across 4,495 reviews, overlooks the Derwent River and Constitution Dock and has an indoor pool with views of Mount Wellington and a fitness club. Vibe Hotel Hobart adds an indoor swimming pool to air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms in the city centre. DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart combines an indoor pool, a sauna and sea-view rooms. The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel takes another route, with free swim passes to the Hobart Aquatic Centre and a 24-hour reception.
Hobart's heritage hotels can work well with children who enjoy a story. Hadley's Orient Hotel is a Victorian-era building close to Salamanca Place, with an on-site gallery and an audio trail that turns the corridors into a small history lesson. Lenna Of Hobart is a restored mansion in Battery Point Village, with harbour, mountain, city or park views from some rooms. The Henry Jones Art Hotel occupies renovated 1820s warehouses and a former jam factory on the waterfront, with original artworks throughout. The Shipwrights Arms Hotel, in a historic building, adds a seafood restaurant, an outdoor seating area and private parking.
Location decides how much of Hobart you can do on foot. From the waterfront hotels you can walk to Salamanca Market on a Saturday, watch the fishing boats at Constitution Dock and take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier to MONA, the museum upriver at Berriedale. Central options such as RACV Hobart Hotel, rated 9, and The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, rated 9.3, keep restaurants and the CBD close. For outings by car, such as the drive to the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, check parking before you book, as several properties in the centre offer limited spaces.
A traveler's takeI would book Salamanca Suites for a family trip to Hobart: each apartment has a kitchen and a balcony or courtyard, and you step out onto Salamanca Place, 100 metres from Sullivans Cove. My advice is to time the stay over a Saturday for Salamanca Market, then keep a clear morning for the drive up kunanyi / Mount Wellington, where the summit is often several degrees colder than the waterfront.
Family-friendlyThe Glebe Cottage
★4.8Family-friendly cottage with hot tub, garden, and full kitchens in the city centre
Why guests love itThe Glebe Cottage in Hobart gives families a home-style base with heritage charm: each unit has a kitchen, a washing machine, a private bathroom and a balcony. Outside there is a garden, a terrace, a hot tub and barbecue facilities, so evenings can stay relaxed after a day in the city. Guests rate it 9.6. My editorial advice: run a load of washing mid-trip, cook a barbecue dinner and keep the hot tub for when the children are in bed.
Family-friendlyOld Bishop's Quarters
★4.8Spacious apartments with garden, river or mountain views, close to Hobart's heart
Why guests love itOld Bishop's Quarters gives families a home-like base: five one or two-bedroom apartments set in an acre of gardens, some with views of the River Derwent or Mount Wellington. Free Wi-Fi and parking come included, and there are BBQ and laundry facilities. About 260 guests rate it 9.5. Our editorial advice: choose a two-bedroom apartment for children, use the BBQ for easy dinners and keep the garden for slow mornings.
Family-friendlyThe Pavilions at Mona
★4.7Luxury pavilions on the Derwent River with art, spa, and pool
Why guests love itThe Pavilions at Mona is a five-star stay on a private peninsula on the Derwent River, about 15 minutes from Hobart CBD. Each pavilion has a spa bath, a kitchen and artworks from the Mona collection. A heated lap pool, a spa and wellness centre and an on-site restaurant are on the property. Guests score it 9.4 across 30 reviews, an outstanding rating from a small sample.
Family-friendlyIslington Hotel
★4.7Historic luxury with Mount Wellington views and an infinity pond
Why guests love itIslington Hotel is a luxurious, tranquil city escape rather than a child-focused stay. The 1847 building has views of Mount Wellington, original artwork and antiques, landscaped gardens with an infinity-edge pond, a restaurant and a library with a fireplace. Massage services and airport transfers are available. About 210 guests rate it 9.4. Our editorial advice for families: choose it for a calm, special stay with older children.
Family-friendlyThe Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart
★4.7Luxury city stay with prime location and exceptional service
Why guests love itThe Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart is a 5-star hotel in the city centre, rated 9.3 by guests. I would recommend it to families who want a polished city base with service on hand, since the 24-hour front desk and concierge help with plans and late arrivals. The design mixes historic character with modern comfort, there is a restaurant, a coffee shop and a terrace, and Hobart's central sights are easy to reach on foot.
Family-friendlySalamanca Suites
★4.6Spacious apartments on Salamanca Place with balconies and spa facilities
Why guests love itSalamanca Suites offers apartment space on Salamanca Place, about 100 metres from Sullivans Cove, so the waterfront is on foot. Each apartment has a balcony or courtyard, a TV/DVD player and free WiFi, and there is a spa and wellness facility on site. Limited free parking is available. For families who want room to spread out in central Hobart, I would choose it, and the 9.2 score from 987 reviews is strong.
Family-friendlyThe Henry Jones Art Hotel
★4.6Historic waterfront hotel with art, luxury, and city convenience
Why guests love itThe Henry Jones Art Hotel is a 5-star heritage-listed property on Hobart's waterfront, set in restored 1820s warehouses and the former IXL jam factory. I would recommend it to families who enjoy history and art, because original artworks line the shared spaces and the building itself tells the story of the old docks. Rooms look over the water or the courtyard, and Salamanca Place and Victoria Dock are an easy walk for a day out without the car.
Family-friendlyLenna Of Hobart
★4.5A restored heritage mansion with harbour views near Salamanca Place
Why guests love itI recommend Lenna Of Hobart to families who enjoy a heritage setting with modern rooms. The restored mansion sits in Battery Point Village, a short walk from Sullivan's Cove and Salamanca Place, and rooms and suites in an adjoining building have contemporary furnishings and views of the harbour, mountain, city or a park. Free off-street parking is available. Guests rate it 9.0 from more than 1,800 reviews.
Family-friendlyHotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
★4.5Harbour views, an indoor pool, and a prime spot near Salamanca Wharf
Why guests love itHotel Grand Chancellor Hobart overlooks the Derwent River and Constitution Dock, so the fishing boats and the waterfront are part of the view from day one. Children can swim in the indoor pool, which looks out towards Mount Wellington, a welcome option in Tasmania's cooler months. Salamanca Wharf and the CBD are a short walk away, which suits families who want to visit the Saturday market area without driving or parking.
Family-friendlyPrince of Wales Hotel
★4.5Heritage charm in the city centre with a sun terrace and live music
Why guests love itThe Prince of Wales Hotel is a heritage building in central Hobart, with family rooms, a sun terrace, a restaurant and a bar. Rated 9 from 719 reviews, it suits families who want character and a city location rather than a resort. Short Beach and the Hobart Convention and Entertainment Centre are close by. The bar has live music, so light sleepers should ask about a quieter room. Our editorial advice: use the sun terrace for a relaxed family meal.
Family-friendlyRACV Hobart Hotel
★4.5City-centre comfort with family amenities and views of Hobart
Why guests love itRACV Hobart Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Hobart's CBD, rated 9 by guests, a short stroll from Constitution Dock and Salamanca Market. I would recommend it to families for its range of room set-ups, including rooms with a kitchenette or a separate living area that give children their own space. Rooms are air-conditioned, many with city or mountain views, the bar and restaurant are on site, and 24-hour check-in helps after a late flight.
Family-friendlySt Ives Apartments
★4.5Self-contained apartments in historic Battery Point, close to the waterfront
Why guests love itSt Ives Apartments are self-contained and set in historic Battery Point, with cooking facilities, free WiFi and cable TV. Some apartments have balconies with harbour or city views. Salamanca Market and the waterfront are a short walk, and the streets nearby hold restaurants and antique shops. That makes it a good fit for a family that wants to cook some meals and walk the rest. Guests rate it 9.0 from nearly 3,700 reviews.
Family-friendlySullivans Cove Apartments
★4.5Luxury waterfront apartments with full kitchens, perfect for families
Why guests love itSullivans Cove Apartments offers 5-star self-contained serviced apartments spread across five waterfront locations in Hobart, rated 9 by guests. I would recommend it to families who need room to spread out, as the apartments have full kitchens, laundry facilities and free WiFi, which suits longer stays with children. Every location is a short walk from the CBD, so dinners, shops and the waterfront are all reachable on foot without moving the car.
Family-friendlyShipwrights Arms Hotel
★4.5Historic, family-friendly hotel with a restaurant and a short walk to the beach
Why guests love itThe Shipwrights Arms Hotel in Hobart is a family-friendly stay in a historic building, with a restaurant serving seafood and Australian cuisine, a bar and an outdoor seating area. Free WiFi, private parking and rooms with private bathrooms are included, and Short Beach is a short walk away. More than 900 guests rate it 8.9. My advice: book it for the building's character and eat downstairs.
Family-friendlySalamanca Inn
★4.5Self-catering city stay with a rooftop pool near Salamanca Place
Why guests love itSalamanca Inn suits families and longer stays that need space and a kitchen in Hobart. The self-catering rooms make meals flexible, and the indoor rooftop pool and spa pool are a welcome extra when the weather turns. A restaurant and lounge bar are on site, and Salamanca Place is a short walk away, so the lively area is close without being on your doorstep. I would pick it for independence and a central location.
Family-friendlyGrosvenor Court Apartments
★4.4Self-contained apartments in Sandy Bay, perfect for city exploration
Why guests love itGrosvenor Court Apartments in Sandy Bay offers families a choice of self-contained studios, two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom house, so even a large group can stay together. The CBD, Salamanca Place and Battery Point are a short walk away, and the neighbourhood is quiet in the evenings. Some units are on the ground floor, while others are reached by stairs. More than 330 guests rate it 8.8. My advice: ask for a ground-floor unit if you travel with a pram.
Family-friendlyThe Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel
★4.4Self-contained apartments and hotel rooms near Hobart's waterfront
Why guests love itThe Old Woolstore is in a building with local history and gives a choice of hotel rooms or self-contained apartments. The waterfront, Salamanca Place and the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery are a short stroll. There is an on-site gym, a 24-hour reception, room service, and free swim passes to the Hobart Aquatic Centre, which helps families with children. Stockmans Restaurant and Baaa Bar are on site. Guests rate it 8.8 from over 3,500 reviews.
Family-friendlyCrowne Plaza Hobart by IHG
★4.4Family-friendly city stay with modern comforts and diverse dining
Why guests love itI recommend Crowne Plaza Hobart to families who want a comfortable city-centre base with a good restaurant downstairs. Soundproofed rooms, bathrobes and minibars add comfort, and free WiFi and flat-screen TVs are standard. A restaurant with varied options, a bar, an outdoor terrace and a fitness centre are on site. Guests rate it 8.8 from more than 1,800 reviews, a strong score for the city.
Family-friendlyGrand Old Duke
★4.4Historic aparthotel in the city centre with a garden and family amenities
Why guests love itGrand Old Duke is a family-friendly aparthotel in a historic Hobart building, in the city centre. Rooms have private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers and parquet floors, and a washing machine, microwave and dishwasher make longer stays easy. There is a garden and free Wi-Fi. About 145 guests rate it 8.8. Our editorial advice: cook some meals, do laundry mid-stay and enjoy the garden after a day in the city.
Family-friendlyDoubleTree by Hilton Hobart
★4.4City centre comfort with sea views, a pool, and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itDoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is a city-centre hotel with family rooms that have sea views and air conditioning. An indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a fitness centre handle downtime, and a restaurant serving Australian cuisine, a bar and a coffee shop cover meals. The indoor pool means swimming works whatever the Tasmanian weather does. An 8.8 score from 1,762 reviews is solid, and I would choose it for a family city stay.
Family-friendlyHadley's Orient Hotel
★4.4Victorian-era boutique hotel with heritage charm near Hobart's waterfront
Why guests love itHadley's Orient Hotel is a restored Victorian-era boutique hotel in central Hobart, described as Tasmania's oldest continuously operating boutique hotel. It is close to the city centre and a short walk from the waterfront and Salamanca Place. There is an on-site gallery and a unique audio trail, and the atmosphere is family-friendly. A rating of 4.5 stars and an 8.8 score from 2,089 reviews are strong, and I would choose it for history.
Family-friendlyVibe Hotel Hobart
★4.4City centre comfort with an indoor pool and family-friendly amenities
Why guests love itVibe Hotel Hobart is a city-centre hotel with air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms, each with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The soundproofing helps in a central location, and children are catered for with family-friendly layouts. An indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a restaurant are on site, so rain does not spoil the plan. Major attractions are close. Guests rate it 8.8 from over 3,100 reviews.
Local tips
- 1Pack warm layers even in summer: Hobart's weather changes quickly, and the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington can be much colder than the city.
- 2Plan around a Saturday if you can, as Salamanca Market fills Salamanca Place and is a short walk from St Ives Apartments, Salamanca Suites and Hadley's Orient Hotel.
- 3Choose Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, Vibe Hotel Hobart or DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart for an indoor pool that works on cold or wet days.
- 4Ask about the free swim passes to the Hobart Aquatic Centre if you stay at The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.
- 5Book an apartment with a full kitchen at Sullivans Cove Apartments or St Ives Apartments to keep early dinners simple with younger children.
- 6Confirm parking before you arrive, as central properties such as Salamanca Suites offer limited spaces and most day trips start by car.