Chigwell

SuburbHobart, Tasmania

Chigwell is a SUB AREA in Hobart, Tasmania.

Chigwell, a peaceful suburb just 12 kilometers northwest of Hobart’s vibrant waterfront, offers a serene base for exploring Tasmania’s wilderness and culture. Surrounded by rolling green hills and with Mount Wellington as a dramatic backdrop, this small community feels a world away from city bustle yet is minutes from Hobart’s Salamanca Market and MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Take a short drive to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel for oyster farms and coastal walks, or hike the kunanyi/Mount Wellington trails right from your doorstep. Chigwell itself is quiet, with a local pub, a bakery, and a handful of shops—perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The Derwent River, just a stone’s throw away, invites kayaking and fishing. In summer, the air fills with the scent of eucalyptus and lavender from nearby fields. Autumn paints the hills in gold and crimson, while winter brings crisp, clear days ideal for fireside chats at local cafés. Despite its small size, Chigwell’s proximity to Hobart means you can enjoy city dining and arts by day, then retreat to star-filled skies at night. It’s an authentic Tasmanian experience, minus the crowds.

Best time to visit Chigwell

Summer (December–February) offers warm days (20–30°C) perfect for outdoor activities, festivals like the Taste of Tasmania, and exploring coastal walks. Autumn (March–May) brings mild weather and fewer tourists, with stunning fall colors. Winter (June–August) is cooler (5–15°C) and rainy, but ideal for cozying up in local pubs and visiting museums on quieter days. Spring (September–November) blooms with wildflowers and moderate crowds. For the best balance of weather and fewer people, March–April or October–November are excellent.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Overcast
Temperature
21°
Feels like
19°
Humidity
38%
Wind
8 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 10–19°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Great for outdoor activities; wildflowers.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

HBA

Hobart International Airport

International & Domestic

23 km away

Getting around

"Chigwell has limited public transport. Buses operated by Metro Tasmania connect the suburb to Hobart’s city center (route 530/531, about 30 minutes). Services are infrequent on weekends. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the wider region, including the Huon Valley and the Tasman Peninsula. Ride-sharing (Uber) is available in Hobart but may have longer wait times. Biking is pleasant on quiet roads, but be prepared for hills. Taxis can be booked via 13CABS. Walking within Chigwell is easy due to its compact size."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in Hobart cafés and accommodations; Chigwell has decent 4G coverage

Local SIM

Local SIM cards available at Hobart Airport from $10 (Telstra or Optus)

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low risk, but standard precautions apply. Wildlife on roads can be a hazard when driving at dusk.

Night safety

7/10

Low risk, but standard precautions apply. Wildlife on roads can be a hazard when driving at dusk.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Chigwell is very safe by global standards. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft from cars can occur in tourist areas—keep valuables out of sight. The suburb is quiet at night, with well-lit main roads. Stick to marked trails when bushwalking; weather changes quickly on Mount Wellington. Scams are minimal, but be cautious of unsolicited offers at popular markets. Emergency services respond promptly. Overall, standard precautions (lock doors, don’t wander alone after dark in unfamiliar areas) are sufficient."

Entry and health

Health information

"No specific vaccinations are required for Australia, but routine shots (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and yearly flu) are recommended. Tasmania has excellent healthcare, with the Royal Hobart Hospital 15 minutes away. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly advised. Tap water is safe to drink. Sun protection is essential even in winter due to UV levels; wear SPF 50+ and a hat. Pharmacies in Hobart stock basic medications. If you have a pre-existing condition, bring adequate supplies as local pharmacies may not carry all brands."

Culture

Local customs

"Tasmanians are relaxed and friendly. A casual ‘hello’ or nod to strangers is polite. Dress is generally informal; jeans and a jumper are fine in most settings, though smarter attire is expected at fine dining restaurants in Hobart. Punctuality is appreciated for tours or reservations. Tipping is not mandatory but is welcomed for exceptional service (10% in restaurants, round up for taxis). Always carry a reusable bag—Tasmania has a plastic bag ban. Remove shoes before entering someone’s home if asked. Respect Indigenous heritage and avoid taking natural souvenirs from national parks."
English (official)MandarinArabicCantoneseVietnameseItalianGreekHindiSpanishTagalogEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a typical dinner at a local restaurant costs around $20

Hotels

$100-200 | budget motels from $100/night; more in Hobart city

Local transport

$3-5 | bus ticket within Hobart region ~$3.60

Cost notes

Chigwell has no luxury hotels; most accommodation is in Hobart. Groceries are slightly above mainland prices.

Timezone

Australia/Hobart
Local time 15:01

More facts

Population

1,986

Type

Suburb

Frequently Asked Questions

Suburb