Frequently Asked Questions
We can’t wait to welcome you onboard our Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour! If you’ve got any questions about the tour, have a look through our FAQs to find the answer.
Tickets
WHERE DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?
Pre-booking is recommended for our Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour. Bookings are essential for our City Loop + Coal River Valley Explorer and City Loop + Mt Wellington tours. Purchase your tickets:
- Online: Click the BUY TICKETS button at the top right hand corner of this page. Once completed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation by email. Simply show your driver a copy of your booking confirmation (printed or electronic) when boarding the bus.
- Red Decker Booking Office: Brooke Street Pier, Franklin Wharf, Hobart. Open 7 days, 8:30am – 4:00pm.
- On the Bus: Credit card payment to the driver.
- Phone: 03 6236 9116 (within Australia) or +61 3 6236 9116 (outside Australia).
- Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre: Corner of Elizabeth and Davey Street, Hobart. Phone 03 6238 4222.
HOW LONG IS MY TICKET VALID FOR?
Your ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the time you first board the bus. For example, if you first hop-on the bus at 11:00am on Monday, your ticket will be valid until:
- 24 hour ticket: 11:00am on Tuesday
- 48 hour ticket: 11.00am on Wednesday
WHAT IS A CHILD TICKET?
A child ticket is available for children between the ages of 6 – 16 years. Children 5 years of age and under may travel free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHAT IS A FAMILY TICKET?
A family ticket is available for a family of 2 adults and 2 children who are aged between 6 – 16 years. Children 5 years of age and under may travel free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHAT IS A CONCESSION TICKET?
A concession ticket is a discounted ticket available for people who hold a current student or senior’s card. It is also offered to licenced travel agents.
DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS?
Yes, our concession ticket is available to all Australian and international seniors card holders.
DO YOU RECOGNISE THE COMPANION CARD?
Yes, we do! The Companion Card allows a cardholder's support person free entry on the bus. This applies to all our tours.
I HAVE AN ENTERTAINMENT VOUCHER OR A LET’S GO KIDS VOUCHER; DO I NEED TO MAKE A BOOKING?
No, simply present your discount voucher when you purchase your tickets at the Red Decker Booking Office or with your driver on the bus. These vouchers cannot be redeemed online or at any of our ticket agencies.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP DISCOUNTS?
Yes, a discount is available for group bookings of 10 or more people. Our buses are also available for private charters and tours. Please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au for more information or to receive a quote.
CAN I BUY A GIFT VOUCHER?
Yes, gift vouchers are available at the Red Decker Booking Office. You can also purchase a gift voucher online by clicking on the BUY TICKETS button at the top right hand corner of this page, then select the BUY GIFT CARD button.
DO I NEED TO SELECT A TRAVEL DATE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING?
At the time of booking you’ll be asked to select a travel date. If you need to, you are welcome to change your date of travel by handing your Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop ticket to your driver or contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited capacity and set tour times for our City Loop + Mt Wellington tour, you will need to select a specific date and time. If you need to change the date or time of your tour, as long as it is more than 24 hours prior to your tour departure, please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au to alter your booking.
I’VE ALREADY BOOKED ONLINE, BUT NOW I CAN’T MAKE IT ON THE DAY I BOOKED FOR. CAN I USE MY TICKET ON ANOTHER DAY?
Yes, you are welcome to change your date of travel by handing your Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop ticket to your driver or contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to limited capacity and set tour times for our City Loop + Mt Wellington tour, you will need to select a specific date and time. If you need to change the date or time of your tour, as long as it is more than 24 hours prior to your tour departure, please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au to alter your booking.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY?
Your Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop ticket can be used on any day and any date for up to 6 months from the intended date of travel. Due to limited capacity and set tour times for our City Loop + Mt Wellington tours, you will need to select a specific date and time. If you need to change the date or time of your tour, as long as it is more than 24 hours prior to your tour departure, please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au to alter your booking, subject to availability.
For all tour and ticket types, cancellations made within 7 days of the selected travel date incur a 100% cancellation fee. Refunds are issued for cancellations made with more than 7 days’ notice of the selected travel date and incur an administration charge of 30% of the total booking amount. We encourage our customers to purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
CAN I HIRE A DOUBLE-DECKER BUS FOR A PRIVATE CHARTER?
Yes, our unique fleet of six double-decker buses are available for social or corporate charters and tours including private hire for weddings, dinner transfers, conference delegate events, leaver’s dinners, wine tours and school groups. A liquor permit is available on request. Our fleet includes a mix of modern and vintage double-decker buses, two have an open top and four have a closed top. Please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au for more information or to receive a quote.
Visit our BUS CHARTERS page for further information.
TIMETABLE
WHAT TIMES DO THE BUSES OPERATE?
- There are 7 departures throughout the day. The first bus departs at 9:00am*. The last bus departs at 3:00pm and finishes at 4:30pm.
- Please Note: There is no 9am City Loop between May and September.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY BETWEEN BUSES?
Hobart is one of Australia’s smallest capital cities, so the frequency between buses may not be as often as you’ve experienced in other Australian cities or elsewhere in the world. This means there’s ample time for you to hop-off and explore Hobart’s sights and attractions at your own leisure:
- Buses operate every 60 minutes.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
DO YOU OPERATE EXTRA BUSES ON CRUISE SHIP DAYS?
On cruise ship days, our entire fleet of 6 iconic red open-top and closed-top double decker buses can be seen touring around the city. Additional departures are added on an as needed basis. Please ask your driver for a copy of the timetable on the day.
DO YOU OPERATE ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?
The Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour operates 7 days a week all year round. This includes all public holidays except Christmas Day (December 25th). On the following days, some departures will not operate:
- New Year’s Day (January 1st): No 9:00am departure. The first departure from the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre is at 10:00am.
- Anzac Day (April 25th): No 9:00am or 10:00am departures. The first departure from the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre is at 11:00am.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of Hobart’s attractions are closed on public holidays. Please check with each individual attraction if you plan to visit on a public holiday.
DO YOU OPERATE WHEN THERE ARE ROAD CLOSURES?
Throughout the year our service can sometimes be affected by road closures or events in Hobart which are out of our control. During these times we may operate on a diverted route. In some cases, it may be necessary for us to temporarily close bus stops or cancel departures:
- The Taste of Tasmania: Bus Stop C – Salamanca Place temporarily closed.
- Dark MOFO: Bus Stop C – Salamanca Place temporarily closed.
- MYER Hobart Christmas Pageant: 9:00am and 10:00am departures cancelled.
- Point to Pinnacle: 9:00am and 10:00am departures cancelled.
- MRA Toy Run: 2:00pm and 3:00pm city loop departures cancelled.
Please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au for current information or check our Facebook page for updates.
ROUTE AND BUS STOPS
WHERE DO I HOP-ON THE BUS?
The Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour departs from the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre (corner of Elizabeth and Davey Streets). You are also welcome to hop-on at any of the 20 stops along the route.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
WILL I RECOGNISE RED DECKER BUS STOPS?
All Red Decker bus stops are clearly marked with the Red Decker logo and timetable information for that bus stop.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
WILL I RECOGNISE YOUR BUSES?
Definitely, it’s hard to miss our iconic red double decker buses. Our fleet includes a mix of modern and vintage double-decker buses, two have an open top and four have a closed top. Your Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop ticket allows you to travel on any of our red double-decker buses.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE TOUR WITHOUT HOPPING-OFF?
The complete City Loop Tour takes 90 minutes. This is a 26km journey.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
WHERE DOES THE HOP-ON HOP-OFF CITY LOOP TOUR GO?
Red Decker’s Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour operates in Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart and the surrounding suburbs of Battery Point, Sandy Bay and South Hobart. Hop onboard and enjoy magnificent views of this beautiful city, including local landmarks such as the River Derwent, Tasman Bridge and kunanyi/Mt Wellington as well as an abundance of colonial architecture and city streetscapes.
Hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like or stay on board and do the 90-minute city loop tour – the choice is yours! Choose from 20 different stops featuring the best sights and attractions in and around Hobart.
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND WHICH BUS STOPS TO HOP-OFF AT?
Red Decker’s Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour features 20 stops for you to hop-off and explore. Whether you are interested in Hobart’s history, local attractions and landmarks, shopping precincts, parks and gardens or even wanting to sample some fine Tasmanian food and beverages, there is something for everyone along the route. Popular locations include:
- Brooke Street Pier
- Salamanca Place (Salamanca Market on Saturdays)
- Battery Point
- Wrest Point Casino
- Sandy Bay Village
- Cascade Brewery
- Cascades Female Factory
- Hobart CBD
- Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery
- Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Hobart Convict Penitentiary
- Hobart Aquatic Centre
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Visit our MAP & TIMES page for bus stop locations and times.
DO I HAVE TO HOP-ON AND HOP-OFF?
No, it is entirely up to you how you use your ticket and plan your day. You can choose to stay onboard for the complete City Loop Tour to get your bearings, see the sights and learn all about our wonderful city. Or you may choose to stay onboard for the complete City Loop Tour and then plan where you’d like to hop-off and explore for the remaining duration of your ticket. The choice is yours.
ON THE DAY
WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR?
We recommend leaving your car behind at your accommodation if possible and hopping-on the bus at one of our bus stops nearby. If you are not close to one of our bus stops, free parking is available at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, as well as areas in both Sandy Bay and South Hobart. Parking stations are also located throughout the city, the closest is on Argyle Street (opposite the Royal Hobart Hospital). For more information on parking station locations and fees, visit the City of Hobart website: www.hobartcity.com.au.
Please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au for more information.
WHERE CAN I PARK MY MOTOR HOME?
There’s a limited number of free large vehicle parking areas located at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, Metro Tasmania run the local bus service with access to and from most suburbs in and around Hobart. For Metro Tasmania timetable information, please ring the Metro Shop on 132 201 or visit the Metro Tasmania website: www.metrotas.com.au.
CAN I BRING MY PRAM ON BOARD?
You can bring your pram on the bus. If it is available, you can store your pram in the wheelchair bay, please apply the brakes and do not leave children or belongs unattended. Wheelchair users will have priority usage of the wheelchair bay.
ARE THE BUSES WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
Yes, our fleet of modern double-decker buses are wheelchair accessible. For ramp access, we recommend boarding at Bus Stop A outside the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre (corner of Elizabeth and Davey Street). Please listen to your driver’s instructions when boarding. The wheelchair bay is located on the lower deck towards the front of the bus.
PLEASE NOTE: The primary fleet of buses used for the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus are also wheelchair accessible. However, some services may not be wheelchair accessible. So it’s important to let us know before your tour. Reserve a wheelchair space when you book. Simply fill in the “Special Requirements” field. Or contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au to discuss any specific needs and we’ll certainly do our best to assist.
Visit our ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL page for further information.
CAN MY GUIDE DOG ACCOMPANY ME ON THE TOUR?
Guide dogs and service dogs are more than welcome on our buses. We kindly ask that dogs do not obstruct the walkway on the bus or distract the driver. Unfortunately, other pets will not be permitted to travel on the bus.
IS THE COMMENTARY AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES?
Our fleet of modern double decker buses have professional and informative commentary in 8 different languages. Available languages include English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Spanish. Complimentary earphones are available from your driver. On our fleet of vintage double decker buses, your driver will provide a live commentary in English.
DO YOU HAVE WI-FI ON THE BUS?
We sure do! There is free Wi-Fi on board our fleet of modern double decker buses so you can stay connected throughout your tour
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS WHEN I AM ON MY TOUR?
Our Hop-On Hop-Off City Loop Tour operates all year round, come rain or shine. Hobart is Australia’s second driest capital city, so the rain rarely gets in the way of a day of sightseeing! If it does rain on your day of travel, seating is available on the lower deck and disposable ponchos are available to purchase from your driver. During heavy rainfall, we are able to operate our closed-top double decker buses instead. Umbrellas are not allowed on the upper deck as they can be a safety risk. We recommend that you dress appropriately so you can stay comfortable for the duration of the tour.
IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN LEAVE MY LUGGAGE WHILE I’M ON THE TOUR?
Luggage storage is available inside Brooke Street Pier, on the lower level. Unfortunately, we do not have space on board our buses for storing large items such as suitcases.
If your question still hasn’t been answered, please contact us by phone on 03 6236 9116 or email bookings@reddecker.com.au and we’ll be happy to help you.