REVIEW · HOBART
Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Richmond Village Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Red Decker Company · Bookable on Viator
A bus that lets you choose your own pace is a big win. This combo pairs a Richmond Village outing (with time to wander) with a 48-hour Red Decker hop-on hop-off loop around Hobart’s top sights, from museums to gardens. I like that you get both guided context and freedom to move at your speed, and I also like the practical extras: onboard Wi‑Fi, plus a complimentary guidebook to help you plan your next hop.
Here’s the one thing to think about: the Richmond part is limited, and the total experience is about 4 hours. If you’re the type who wants to linger everywhere, you’ll probably feel a little rushed unless you keep using the hop-on hop-off loop after you finish Richmond.
In This Review
- Key Points That Matter
- Hobart at Your Pace: Why Richmond + the City Loop Works
- Price and Value: What $64.55 Covers
- Your Timing: From 12:30 Start to Two-Day Sightseeing
- Richmond Village and Richmond Gaol: Where the Walking Feels Worth It
- The Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop: 48 Hours of Easy Options
- Stop-by-Stop: What Each Hop-Off Spot Is Good For
- The Driver Makes the Difference: Commentary, Style, and Punctuality
- Comfort You Can Actually Feel: Wi‑Fi, Air-Conditioning, and Open Views
- What’s Not Included: Food, Fees, and How to Plan Smart
- Who Should Book This Richmond + Hop-On Hop-Off Combo?
- Should You Book This Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off and Richmond Village Tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Does the ticket include hop-on hop-off bus service for more than one day?
- Where can I start the bus tour?
- Is Wi-Fi included on the bus?
- How much time do I get in Richmond?
- Are entrance fees included?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Points That Matter

- A combo ticket: Richmond Village time plus 48-hour hop-on hop-off city sightseeing
- Open-top double-decker views on the city loop, with plenty of stops to change plans
- Onboard Wi‑Fi and air-conditioning, so the ride stays comfortable
- A real free-time window in Richmond, not just a quick look
- Loop start and finish built in, making it easy to structure your afternoon and next day
Hobart at Your Pace: Why Richmond + the City Loop Works

This is the kind of ticket I’d choose when I want two different styles of sightseeing in one go. Richmond is about slow wandering—Georgian streets, old stone work, and that feeling of stepping into a preserved pocket of Tasmania. Hobart’s city loop is about getting your bearings fast, hopping off when something grabs you, and then hopping back on when you want to keep moving.
A smart part of the design is that the bus isn’t just for transportation. The English commentary and the included sightseeing guide help you understand what you’re looking at, even when you’re off the bus exploring. And because you’re not locked into a strict schedule, you can adjust if you spot a café line you’d rather wait for—or a viewpoint you want to revisit.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hobart.
Price and Value: What $64.55 Covers

At $64.55 per person, you’re not paying for just one attraction. You’re bundling:
- a 48-hour hop-on hop-off city loop ticket
- a 4-hour Richmond Village experience (including 3 hours in Richmond for leisure)
- a complimentary Hobart sightseeing guide
- Wi‑Fi on board, plus an air-conditioned vehicle
That value equation matters in Hobart, because the city loop format means you can stretch the experience across two days. If you’re arriving midday or early afternoon, a hop-on ticket can turn that awkward timing into something useful: you can get oriented immediately, then come back the next day for anything you missed.
If you’re only in town for a short time and you want the simplest way to hit highlights without paying entrance fees for every stop, this combo tends to make sense.
Your Timing: From 12:30 Start to Two-Day Sightseeing
The experience starts at 12:30 pm. You can catch the bus at either Brooke Street Pier or the Hydro Tasmania Building, depending on which is easiest for you.
From there, the plan has a guided Richmond component and then a city loop component you can use for 48 hours. Because the loop ticket is valid longer than the Richmond section, you can treat Richmond like your guided anchor, then spend the next day (or later that day) filling in museums, gardens, and waterfront areas at your own pace.
Richmond Village and Richmond Gaol: Where the Walking Feels Worth It

Richmond is known for its preserved Georgian character, and this tour leans into that. You get a 4-hour Richmond Village segment, and you actually get about 3 hours in Richmond to spend leisurely. That’s key. A lot of “historic town” tours feel like a checklist sprint. Here, the time is long enough to browse shops, pop into a café, and take photos without feeling like you’re racing the clock.
The experience also includes a stop at Richmond Gaol. It’s the kind of place that can hit hard because it’s very direct about Tasmania’s penal era. In practice, it works well for most schedules because you’re not forced to do it in the middle of a long walk—you can plug it into the day and then return to lighter exploring afterward.
One small detail I’d plan for: Richmond tours often move you through areas with views that look like they belong in England. People notice that right away, and it makes the whole town feel more than just “another stop.” If you want to add a personal layer, you’ll also find quiet corners that people love for family research and reflective wandering—especially around cemetery areas you may pass while exploring on foot.
The Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop: 48 Hours of Easy Options

Once you’re on the Red Decker City Loop, you’ll have 48-hour hop-on, hop-off access. The buses are open-top double-deckers, so you’ll get panoramic viewing when the weather is kind. If the sky isn’t cooperating, the air-conditioning on board helps you stay comfortable while still getting views when you look up.
The loop is set up around a 90-minute city loop that starts and finishes at Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre. After that, you can hop off at stops that match your interests and then catch your next bus when you’re ready.
The tour includes 20 convenient stops. Your stop list for the loop covers a lot of the Hobart “greatest hits,” so you can build a day that feels tailored instead of generic.
Stop-by-Stop: What Each Hop-Off Spot Is Good For

Below is how I’d use the loop stops to shape a simple plan. The best approach is to pick 3–5 stops for a first loop pass, then return for the rest during your second day.
Brooke Street Pier
A practical starting area with waterfront energy. If you want photos early, this is a solid place to grab them before the light changes.
Hydro Tasmania Building
Another convenient pickup point. If you’re staying nearby or want to start from here, it keeps your afternoon from turning into a transit scavenger hunt.
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre (Start/Finish)
This is your “reset button.” Start here, then hop off, and come back here to get back on without confusion.
30 Morrison St (Outside Princes Wharf No.1)
A waterfront setting that’s useful if you like maritime scenery and dockside views. It also helps you connect the city center to the harbor vibe.
3 Castray Esplanade (Outside CSIRO)
This is more about location than sight-seeing structure. If you’re interested in science-related institutions or you’re staying around that side, it’s a helpful stop.
34 Hampden Rd (Corner of Hampden Rd and Colville St)
A neighborhood corner stop. It’s useful for getting to local dining or for reaching accommodations not directly in the center.
22 De Witt St (Near Cromwell St intersection)
Same idea: a local access point. If you want to explore without retracing every block, a stop like this saves time.
64 St Georges Terrace (Near Sandy Bay Rd)
This side of town is helpful if you’re moving toward Sandy Bay. Use it when you want to split your day between downtown and the university/estuary areas.
Wrest Point (Outside main entrance)
A recognizable landmark that works well as a meeting point. If you want an easy “where will we regroup” option, this stop makes it simpler.
143 Sandy Bay Rd (Corner of Sandy Bay Rd and Queen St)
Good for accessing that district without walking from a single downtown hub. If your hotel or plans land around here, you’ll appreciate the convenience.
Cascade Brewery Bar
A strong choice if you want a break from sightseeing with a drink or snack option nearby. Even if you’re not doing a full tasting, it’s a fun stop for a social pause.
123 Cascade Rd (Corner of Cascade Rd and McRobies Rd)
Useful as a nearby access point to the Cascade area. If you’re planning around the brewery zone, this helps you arrive with less walking.
409 Macquarie St (Corner of Macquarie St and Weld St)
A central-ish pickup that helps you reach shops and mid-city streets efficiently. If you’re doing errands or browsing, this stop is handy.
Village Cinemas Hobart (Near Barrack St intersection)
A practical stop for downtime. If you want a low-effort evening plan, this makes the loop ticket useful even when you’re not hunting monuments.
119 Collins St (Near Murray St intersection)
A downtown anchor for shopping and city-center wandering. This is a good place to hop off if you’re craving a classic “walk around and see what’s there” block.
Maritime Museum Tasmania
A clear sightseeing target. If maritime themes are your thing, this stop deserves time—especially on a second day when you’re not rushing.
101 Campbell St (Corner of Brisbane St and Campbell St)
A helpful central access stop for walking to nearby attractions. It’s the kind of stop that makes “just one more thing” realistic.
University Rose Gardens (Corner of Brooker Hwy and Liverpool Street, opposite ABC building)
This is a lovely “pause and breathe” stop. Gardens are perfect when your legs need a break but you still want scenery.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (Outside main entrance)
One of the most rewarding stops on the loop if you like peaceful walking. Even if you only spend a short time there, you’ll feel like you got a reset from the city bustle.
Zero Davey Boutique Apartments (Corner of Davey St and Hunter St)
A useful accommodations-facing stop. If you’re staying around Davey Street, it can be the difference between an easy day and a long walk.
The Driver Makes the Difference: Commentary, Style, and Punctuality

This is one of those tours where the people on board shape the experience. The guides I saw highlighted in the feedback include Suze, Ed, and Jason. The consistent thread: warm welcome, clear explanations, and storytelling that helps you see why places matter, not just what they are.
In Richmond, that kind of commentary matters because you’re looking at preserved streets and stonework that might otherwise feel “just old.” When a guide connects the dots—prison life at Richmond Gaol, or why a town’s shape feels so English—you end up remembering more than photos.
On the bus side, good drivers also help you make choices. People loved when drivers pointed out what to watch for, gave straightforward directions, and kept hop-off times clear so free exploration stays stress-free.
Comfort You Can Actually Feel: Wi‑Fi, Air-Conditioning, and Open Views

This combo balances comfort and visibility. The city loop is open-top, so you’ll get those wider-angle views from the upper deck. But you’re not stuck in the weather for the whole ride because the vehicle is air-conditioned.
And then there’s onboard Wi‑Fi. That’s more useful than it sounds. You can map your next hop, check if your chosen museum is worth prioritizing, and share the best shots right away instead of doing it later at midnight.
What’s Not Included: Food, Fees, and How to Plan Smart
You won’t have food or drinks included, and entrance fees aren’t included either. That’s normal, but it changes how you should plan your time on and off the bus.
My practical advice: treat the hop-on loop as your transportation and orientation tool, then decide on entrances based on what you genuinely care about that day. With a second day available on the ticket, you can spread paid entries out rather than trying to do everything in one go.
Also, since there’s no food included, consider bringing a snack for the bus transfer windows. Even a simple plan keeps you from losing time hunting for something when you’re already mid-tour.
Who Should Book This Richmond + Hop-On Hop-Off Combo?
This ticket fits best if you:
- want self-guided flexibility in Hobart rather than a single fixed walking route
- are interested in historic Richmond but still want leisure time, not just photo stops
- like the idea of returning for a second day without paying for another tour
- appreciate guided commentary that makes stops feel clearer and more connected
It’s probably not the best fit if you hate time limits. The Richmond portion is timed (with about 3 hours to enjoy Richmond itself), and one reviewer noted the wish for more time to see everything.
Should You Book This Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off and Richmond Village Tour?
If you’re trying to stretch limited time in Hobart into a day and a half worth of sightseeing, I think this combo is a strong bet. You’re paying for real flexibility: a hop-on ticket that lasts 48 hours plus a Richmond experience that actually gives you walking time.
Book it if you want an easy way to hit major sights, enjoy an historic town with time to explore, and rely on a guide to make the key stops click. Skip it only if you know you want a slower, longer Richmond stay with multiple paid attractions packed in—because the time is structured, not endless.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The Richmond Village and Hobart hop-on hop-off experience is listed as about 4 hours.
Does the ticket include hop-on hop-off bus service for more than one day?
Yes. It includes a 48-hour Red Decker hop-on hop-off City Loop ticket.
Where can I start the bus tour?
The start time is 12:30 pm, with city pick-up options at Brooke Street Pier and the Hydro Tasmania Building.
Is Wi-Fi included on the bus?
Yes. Wi-Fi is included onboard.
How much time do I get in Richmond?
You get 3 hours in Richmond for leisure as part of the Richmond Village tour.
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees are not included.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.


























