Dating in Hobart: Best Free Sites & Apps

Hobart’s singles scene

Hobart sits between the River Derwent and kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and its harbour, sandstone buildings and quick access to nature have made it one of Australia’s most appealing small cities. More people have moved down from the mainland in recent years, attracted by the lifestyle, which has brought new energy to the food, arts and café scene.

The dating pool is small, though. Many people know each other, and you may find your match already has friends in common with you. The University of Tasmania brings in students and researchers, including at its Sandy Bay campus, and health, tourism, government and Antarctic and marine research are important employers.

Sites and apps in Hobart

All the services in our Australia ranking work in English. In a small market like Hobart, a site that matches your age or education can save time:

• eHarmony for a long-term relationship, with a free questionnaire and match suggestions; messaging is paid.
• 40sDating and 60sDating, for people who want to meet their own age group, a sizeable part of Hobart’s population.
• Academic Singles for graduates and researchers.
• MeetWithMature for age-gap dating.

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble offer free chat with matches. You may want to widen your radius to include the Huon Valley, the eastern shore and Kingston.

Salamanca, North Hobart and the mountain

Salamanca Place, with its old sandstone warehouses, is the place for a drink or dinner by the waterfront, and the Salamanca Market on Saturdays is a lively, relaxed place to wander together. Battery Point, right next door, has quiet streets and cafés.

North Hobart, around Elizabeth Street, has restaurants, pubs and a small independent cinema. The waterfront around Constitution Dock is good for fish and chips and a walk. MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is reached by ferry from the city and makes a memorable date.

For outdoor types, a drive or hike up kunanyi/Mount Wellington gives views across the city, and there are many walking tracks in the foothills. Kayaking on the Derwent, bushwalking clubs, running groups and community choirs are good ways to meet people. Bring layers: Hobart’s weather changes quickly.

Safety tips

Meet the first time in a public place in the city, and tell a friend where you are. Because Hobart is small, take your time before sharing details such as your workplace. Never send money to someone you met online.

Which site fits you in Hobart?

All services work in English. In Hobart, being selective is often more useful than swiping widely.

Marine scientist, 34, recently moved from Sydney to Sandy Bay

Academic Singles helps you meet other graduates and professionals. Free tip: a Saturday stroll through the Salamanca Market is an easy first meeting.

Chef, 29, working in North Hobart

Hinge and Bumble let you chat for free once you match. Free tip: suggest a morning coffee, since evenings are busy in hospitality.

Public servant, 47, in New Town after a divorce

40sDating keeps you among people at a similar stage. Free tip: a walk along the waterfront to Battery Point is a calm first date.

Retired nurse, 68, in Kingston

60sDating is made for singles over 60. Free tip: the beach at Kingston and its cafés are good for a relaxed first meeting.

Dating in Hobart: FAQ

Is Hobart a good place for dating?

It is friendly and beautiful, but the pool is small. Combining a focused site with a free app works best.

What is the best dating site in Hobart?

eHarmony is our top pick for serious dating. 40sDating and 60sDating help you meet people your own age.

Which dating apps are free in Hobart?

Tinder, Hinge and Bumble all have free chat with matches.

Where do people go out in Hobart?

Salamanca Place, the waterfront, Battery Point and North Hobart.