Holiday houses in Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is a suburb south of the Tasmanian capital Hobart known for its small, swim-friendly beaches along the Derwent River. The area has a lively vibe thanks to the large population of students at the University of Tasmania, and is in close proximity to Hobart’s central business district and its many shops and restaurants.

Sandy Bay’s night markets are a huge draw in the summer, while Hobart hosts the Salamanca Market, one of Tasmania’s biggest attractions, every Saturday throughout the year. Close neighbourhoods like Battery Point offer a chance to take self-guided history walks where you’ll see sandstone homes from the 1800s, and you can make a stop in the Narryna Heritage Museum. Further inland, take a trek up Mount Nelson for a panoramic peak of Sandy Bay and views of the mountains behind the river.

Sandy Bay’s weather is mild throughout the year. No matter the season, it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket and expect occasional light rains. Winter is the rainiest and coldest season, but the annual Festival of Voices in August brings a boost of cheer with live music. In spring, the botanical gardens are in full bloom, and you can expect warm weather during the day and cooler weather at night. On Friday evenings in the summer, check out Sandy Bay’s night market, where you’ll find small live music stages alongside craft and food booths. In autumn, the statewide cultural festival known as Ten Days on the Island brings visitors from all over Australia to explore the art, music, and traditions of this area.

Local Beaches

Explore Sandy Bay’s small, accessible coastline that stretches from Long Beach to Lords Beach. The beaches are small, but the river is calm, and there are plenty of paved walks, picnic areas, barbecues, and changing facilities. On your walk, you will also pass by Nutgrove Beach, Red Chapel Beach, local beachfront cafes, sailing clubs, shops, and parks with inviting green space.

Battery Point Sculpture Trail

Follow the two-kilometre Battery Point Sculpture Trail for a unique way to learn about the history of Sandy Bay and Hobart. You will pass nine different sculptures depicting different dates, measurements, or times that are strategically placed in front of historic buildings, parks, and old cottages. These sculptures help tell the story of the landmarks, but make sure to download the map from the Hobart City Council’s website to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

This 14-hectare space was founded in the early 1800s and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in all of Australia. Thanks to the cooler climate, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is home to some of the most unique plant life in the area with a Japanese garden, subantarctic plant house, orchid greenhouse, sculptures, water features, and more. You can spend a whole day here, refuel at the cafe, and then hit the gift shop on your way out.