The capital of the Australian island of Tasmania, Hobart is the country’s smallest and most historic capital. It sits at the southeastern edge on the River Derwent, overlooking the Tasman Sea. A mesmerizing meld of culture and art aside, Hobart is also famous for its quaint Colonial architecture. What’s more, Hobart, and Tasmania as a whole, is extremely Liberal and very welcoming towards the LGBTQ set. In fact, you’ll find a smattering of choices for gay accommodation in Hobart. And even though the gay scene is still developing, it’s very much a part of the fabric, and thriving indeed. In fact, Hobart even celebrates Tasmania Pride.
Another reason so many gay travelers flock to trendy Hobart is also because there’s so much to see. The picturesque city boasts a stunning harborside district that’s packed with galleries, museums, street cafes, and bars. Moreover, it’s also home to the only gay bar in Tasmania! The suburbs, on the other hand, feature striking Regency and Victorian cottages overlooking the harbor. And of course, there’s the utterly gorgeous Tasmanian outdoors right at your doorstep, and even beyond. For instance, Bruny Island, one of The 12 Most Beautiful Islands In Australia, is a mere hour away from Hobart.
Tasmania might be isolated from the rest of Australia, but it has reveled in it and transformed itself as very gay friendly. Hobart is at the helm of that change and is one amazing destination for LGBTQ travelers. To that end, here are the top 11 gay accommodations and hotels in Hobart.
Avalon City Retreat
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Stay in what is the most luxurious gay accommodation in Hobart that is an apartment, the Avalon City Retreat. The oh-so-contemporary digs lie in the heart of the historic harbor neighborhood of Salamanca. In fact, you’ll get what is the best view in Hobart from the hotel’s rooftop perch. For, the striking harbor, the majestic skyline, and Mount Wellington pretty much fill up the 360 degrees.
If you’re traveling with your partner, then this apartment makes for one romantic retreat. Wall-to-wall glazing with spectacular sea views and neutral shades and textured to instill a sense of homely comfort. Eclectic bric-a-brac, including a long local Huon pine doubling as a dining table, makes the place interesting. The place is the best of both worlds – a 24/7 concierge who’ll take care of everything, as well as ultimate privacy. A slew of entertainment options, along with deck chairs and a soaking tub, is perfect for nights in. The fridge is stocked to the brim with local and international goodies, right from bread and eggs to bacon, sausages, and even desserts! During the day, grab the free helmets and bikes and head off to explore on your own.
Two ensuite bedrooms lie at each end of the apartment. What’s more, they feature great hotel-like extras like bespoke bathroom products, slippers, robes, and slippers. And of course, there’s that view.
Hadley’s Orient Hotel
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A wallet-friendly, gay friendly stay in a Victorian-era hotel in Hobart – now who’d be able to resist that? Welcome to Hadley’s Orient Hotel, which sits smack dab in the city center, and within walking distance of Hobart’s sights. What’s more, the hotel is just around the corner from Flamingo’s, the only gay bar in not just Hobart, but Tasmania!
The 1834-built hotel brims with vintage charm, complete with Victorian-era furnishings and formal rooms for breakfasting, afternoon tea, dining, and drinking. You’re transported back to the 1920s in the afternoon tea room and bar and, complete with a ‘Great Gatsby’ charm. Cane chairs and chandeliers rule the roost in the bar, while the afternoon tea-hosting atrium sits beneath a skylit roof swathed in lush foliage. With a first-night turndown service, a permanent art gallery, and old-fashioned service and formality lend a distinct feel. Choose from a continental or hot breakfast, both of which are sumptuous, while the afternoon tea is an unmissable experience.
Compact but modern bathrooms are a mainstay, as are heavy drapes, fluffy beds, and modern amenities. If you prefer some quiet, then choose one at the rear of the hotel. If views are important, then the frontal ones have views of the cathedral.
Islington Hotel
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Camp out in quiet seclusion at the Islington Hotel, one of the most tranquil and romantic gay accommodations in Hobart. A short drive from the city center, the sophisticated hotel is akin to an indulgent secret and is full of cozy and quiet nooks where you can spend some romantic and intimate moments with your partner. With the hotel sitting amidst some of the prettiest historical streets in Australia, long romantic walks are not a bad idea.
A quintessential boutique hotel, Islington sits in an 1847-built Regency-style house and feels more like a private home. It’s filled with Tasmanian antiques and curios, complete with a most impressive art collection. When you arrive at the grand entrance, you’re welcomed into the salon and shown around. The staff is unfailingly efficient, and take care of every whim and fancy. The genteel facilities are perfect for privacy and a laidback vacation. You can lounge in the three gorgeous salons or sip on a drink from the honor bar while reading a book in the library. The ultimate experience is the garden, which is brimming with a veggie patch, fruit trees, and an ancient weeping willow. Aside from a hushed restaurant and a hearty breakfast, the hotel even leaves biscuits and muffins to sample.
Every last one of the 11 rooms has slick in-room mod-cons, overstuffed, cloud-like beds, and modern marble bathrooms. Enjoy long baths in the for-two freestanding bathtubs before moving to the soft bed and binging on-demand movies. Enjoy the hushed coziness while you sip on coffee or tea in the room. If you’re looking for the ultimate experiences, then go for the Regency suites.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel
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The Henry Jones Art Hotel occupies what has been Hobart’s prime real estate for a long, long time – the Old Wharf. The place is steeped in Tasmanian history and offers one of the best all-round views of Mount Wellington, the city, and the harbor. If you’re an LGBTQ traveler interested in exploring Hobart beyond the run-of-the-mill tours, then this is where you should be. Thus, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular and sought-after gay hotels in Hobart.
Henry Jones is touted as Australia’s first ‘art hotel’, and features a singular collection of contemporary Tasmanian art. The interiors are reminiscent of the early 21st-century while retaining elements of the historical architecture like the sandstone walls. However, the best historic highlight is the spiral staircase in the Peacock Suite, which is the oldest spiral staircase in all of Tasmania! Although there’s a gym on-site, we encourage you to forget about the usual facilities and instead focus on the local charm. For instance, there’s a terrific shop that not only has delightful local crafts but also hosts history and art tours. Plus, the concierge team at the hotel has some distinctive travel tips about Hobart’s hidden gems, which you should definitely know. Besides two restaurants, there’s even an à la carte breakfast in the lobby.
All rooms cleverly retain original architectural details with modern amenities like minibars and slick bathrooms. We’d recommend one of the Waterfront Spa suites, which have striking harbor views and huge spa baths.
The Corinda Collection
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The suburb of Glebe is nothing short of a halcyon hilltop hideaway, and the Corinda Collection is at its center. It’s one of the most charming gay accommodations in Hobart. Housed in a stunning Victorian inn, it combines spectacular views and serenity with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The surroundings are one for Instagram; fragrant gardens, scenic views, pretty streets, and heritage homes. In spite of the soothing silence, you’re a mere 10-15 minute walk from the city center.
The lovingly restored 19th-century home of a timber merchant retains its Victorian-era features, like the grand blackwood staircase. However, it’s the huge collection of books, artwork, and antique collectibles that make the place feel so personal and charming. The service is impeccably hands-on and gracious, and the owners are more than happy to delve into the history of the inn and the town. The standout here is the magnificent Wonderland-like adventure that is Corinda’s garden. It boasts a flourishing kitchen garden, as well as textured shrubs and exotic trees, and is a wonderful place to take a walk or botanical tours. Don’t forget to check out the remnants of a wall dating back to the Colonial era. Besides an honesty bar, the place even serves breakfast in the pretty veranda-conservatory.
Rooms here, which include two contemporary pavilions and three Victorian-style cottages, are generous in size. They’re all named after members of the merchant’s family and boast sweeping views of the harbor, the mountains, and the sea. Gorgeous bathrooms, cozy beds, and thoughtful décor make each of the rooms one pretty picture.
Salamanca Wharf Hotel
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One of the best gay hotels in Hobart on the waterfront, the Salamanca Wharf Hotel, was also one of the town’s hip pioneers. As the name suggests, the place boasts a historic and pretty harbor-front locale. It’s not only peaceful but also close to everything in the town, which is what adds to its appeal.
The hotel is the zenith of understated contemporary architecture and has 22 rooms are spread over 4 stories. Simple furnishings blend beautifully with bold landscape photography, accented kitchens, and natural woods. Since it’s an apartment-hotel, it doesn’t have anything in the way of amenities. However, the café downstairs serves a delectable breakfast; think coffee, waffles, healthy bowls, granola, corn fritters, full fry-ups, and the likes. It also hosts a late afternoon happy hour with Tasmanian beer and wine, post which you can explore Hobart’s nightlife. You do have access to the kitchen, in case you want to whip up some quick meals.
You can choose from lofts, studios, and premiums, all of which come with balconies. Signature deep-blue kitchens with excellent equipment and stockpiles of food rule the roost here. Go for the front rooms for views of the docks or the lofts for the huge spa baths.
The Pickled Frog
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Are you a social butterfly or a party monster looking for a budget gay accommodation in Hobart? Then look no further than the Pickled Frog, which sits right in the heart of town. What’s more, it’s right down the street from Flamingo’s, the only gay bar in Tasmania. It’s fun vibe also makes it the best party hostel in Hobart!
The center of all action at the Pickled Frog is the front lounge, which is a bar and a place to hang out all rolled into one. There’s an open fire, which is the perfect place to guzzle a Tasmanian beer in colder months. You’ll especially love the guitars that you can borrow and the book nook. There’s even a pool table as well as a dartboard where you can strike conversations with fellow travelers. The shared kitchen is perfect for whipping up quick and cheap meals. The fact that the staff is really knowledgeable about Hobart, and Tasmania in general, is a pleasant surprise.
When it comes to accommodation, you have the choice of both female-only/mixed dorms as well as private rooms if you want some privacy. Immaculate bathrooms and plush beds make staying here very comfortable.
Somerset on the Pier Hobart
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What’s better than staying right on the pier in Hobart? Welcome to Somerset on the Pier, one of the best gay hotels in Hobart on the waterfront. If you’re an LGBTQ traveler looking for a bit of more privacy and space while staying in Hobart, then this apart-hotel is where you should be. Soothing vistas of the sky and the sea aside, you aren’t far from the city center either.
Somerset offers immense value-for-money with well-designed interiors, fresh flowers everywhere, and even nice touches like apples on pillows and wine in the fridges. The staff is not only efficient but also accommodating and dishes out solid advice on what to do and where. Even though facilities are on the down-low, there is a large lounge area. It not only features an iMac and DVDs but also a collection of magazines and books. Despite not having an on-site restaurant, Somerset does give you vouchers from a glass of Tasmanian wine and a welcome cocktail at two of the best spots in the neighborhood. What’s more, it even offers room service between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
You can choose from the large, open-plan loft-style rooms or Premium apartments with harbor-facing balconies. Besides large bathrooms, the kitchens are well-equipped for longer stays. Plus, the beds tucked away on mezzanine floors are perfect for cozy sleep-ins.
Hobart Central YHA
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The Hobart Central YHA is another excellent budget gay accommodation in Hobart. It lies close to the waterfront as well as the town center and is the perfect base to explore the Top 12 Things To Do In Hobart. Don’t be put off by the YHA tag, for it’s one of the coolest hostels in Hobart. The massive social lounge is the hub of all action, and inaction, if all you want to do is watch TV. A laidback vibe permeates the entire space, right from the lounge to the shared kitchen, where you can whip up meals to combat untimely hunger pangs. The staff are big on local travel tips and even help you book onward tickets and tours. What’s more, the hostel has an ever-changing weekly roster of activities, right from barbeque nights to pub crawls. So, you don’t miss out on the fun.
Just like other hostels, you can choose from shared dorms, both female-only and mixed ones, and private rooms. The private rooms are of real value and come with private bathrooms, coffee/tea facilities, a heater, and TVs.
MACq 01
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Who says there isn’t style on the Hobart waterfront? The MACq 01 is Hobart’s most glamorous waterfront hotel, and also gay friendly at that. It sits on the most historic wharf in town, and boasts the best view in Tasmania, with the Derwent River, Mount Wellington, and the Tasman Sea. A comfortable 10-minute stroll will bring you right to the town center, and all its best entertainment, shopping, and dining.
From the inside, the hotel feels more like a cruise liner, with lots of white cypress and timber and low-slung cavernous interiors. The use of clever design touches is evident everywhere, especially using historic newspapers to decorate the Story Bar and circular seating around the main fireplace. Since it bills itself as a “storytelling hotel,” MACq 01 has in-house storytellers conducting regular free walking tours around the city, the waterfront, and the hotel. Besides a gym, the on-site restaurant and bar take care of all meals and drink cravings. In fact, the Story Bar is perfect for an after-dinner drink or a nightcap before you retire.
Choose from street-facing or waterfront-facing rooms and suites at the hotel, each of which is named for a prominent Tasmanian. All the latest gizmos, modern bathrooms, and balconies are a mainstay, but it’s the views that are the ultimate. It’s no wonder that this sleek Hobart accommodation is so gay-popular.
MontaCUTE Boutique Bunkhouse
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The MontaCUTE Boutique Guesthouse really lives up to its name and is one of the cutest gay accommodation in Hobart. The boutique hostel sits in an 1895-built mansion in the suburb of Battery Point, complete with lush gardens surrounding it. Moreover, it’s a mere 10-minute stroll from the town center. Run by a local couple, the hostel really is chic living on a budget. Is it a guesthouse? Not really. Is it a hotel? Not exactly. It’s best described as no hostel you’ve ever seen before.
It’s full of cozy nooks and crannies, patios and verandahs, and lovely lounges. There’s a spanking new shared kitchen, complete with excellent appliances that even include a sandwich maker! The lush lawns have picnic rugs for lazing out in the sun, as well as alfresco tables and umbrellas. During colder climes, the cozy sitting room with the open fire is the best place to warm up with your partner or swap stories with fellow travelers. The balcony is a lovely place to begin your day with a hearty, home-cooked breakfast.
Interestingly, this place offers both shared rooms with four bunks and private double rooms as well. What’s more, the bathrooms are just like the rest of the house – immaculate and chic.
Get Some Culture in Hobart:
- TasPride – The amazing and successful TasPride Festival unifies and celebrates the LGBTQ community of Tasmania. Besides a parade, there are art and cultural events, talks, and parties.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Hobart:
- Flamingos Dance Bar – The only, and rather fabulous, LGBTQI+ destination in Hobart. Themed parties and pumping disco/dance abound.
Best Gay Saunas in Hobart:
Hobart doesn’t have a gay sauna scene yet. However, you can talk to LGBTQ locals and find out more about massage places.