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Caravan Dump Points In Hobart, Tasmania

42.8794° S, 147.3294° E

Quick Overview

Hobart is Tasmanias capital and the main service centre for the whole south of the island, which makes it a key stop for anyone touring with a caravan or motorhome. We track several dump points in and around the city, and the one we reach for most is the free public facility on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground in Glenorchy. You reach it by turning at the Howard Road roundabout next to Bunnings, just off the Brooker Highway, about 15 minutes north of the CBD. Because facilities thin out across the rest of southern Tasmania and the east coast, Hobart is the most reliable place down here to empty tanks, refill water, and reset.

Alongside the free Howard Road point, the on-site Showground Motorhome Park has a dump point for paying guests, and there is a handy point at Alonnah on Bruny Island if you take the ferry across. Access details vary between the several sites, so it pays to confirm. Free camping is limited around greater Hobart, so the practical approach is a licensed caravan park or the RV-friendly Showground Motorhome Park. Self-contained vehicles are preferred at low-facility sites, and you are expected to leave no trace, which is very much the Tasmanian way given how the state trades on its clean, wild landscapes.

The caravan-park choice around the city is good and mostly clustered a short drive from the centre. The Hobart Showground Motorhome Park in Glenorchy offers self-contained powered and unpowered sites with a dump point, showers, and laundry. Discovery Parks Hobart provides landscaped grounds with powered sites and cabins about 15 minutes from downtown, Barilla Holiday Park sits among gum trees east of the city with a playground and mini golf, and BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park is near the airport with easy access to MONA and the city. Full options and current rates are on the Hobart Showground Motorhome Park page. We base larger rigs in Glenorchy or by the airport and drive in, because downtown Hobart and Salamanca are congested and hilly.

Once you are set up, Hobart delivers. kunanyi / Mount Wellington gives panoramic views from its summit road, MONA is a world-famous gallery reached by ferry, and Salamanca Place hosts the celebrated Saturday market among historic sandstone warehouses. A little further, the Bruny Island ferry from Kettering, about 40 minutes south, opens up coastline, a lighthouse, and local produce for a day trip. Summer and autumn, December through April, are the prime touring windows, while winter brings a cool, quiet, snow-dusted mountain backdrop. Whatever the season, Tasmanias weather swings fast, so pack layers and waterproofs, and use Hobart as your servicing base: refuel, refill gas, top up water, and empty tanks at one of the several dump points before heading into the quieter country beyond.

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Traveling to Hobart by RV

Getting to Hobart by caravan is manageable on the main southern routes. From the north, the Brooker Highway brings you into the city and links to the Midland Highway, the spine of the island running up to Launceston. From the airport and the east coast, the Tasman Highway feeds in. These are generally caravan-friendly roads, but Tasmania is genuinely mountainous and the weather turns quickly, so drive to conditions rather than the map, and keep an eye on exposed and elevated sections in poor weather.

Inside Hobart, the planning point is the city centre. Downtown and the Salamanca precinct are congested, hilly, and short on room for a big rig, so we base larger caravans and motorhomes in Glenorchy or near the airport and drive or catch a ferry into the waterfront. The Glenorchy sites sit only about 15 minutes from the CBD and right beside the free Howard Road dump point, which is convenient on the way in or out. If Bruny Island is on your plan, the SeaLink vehicle ferry runs from Kettering, roughly 40 minutes south, with fares charged by vehicle length, so factor that into your budget and travel self-contained. Details on the crossing are on the Discover Tasmania ferry page. Book ferry crossings and caravan sites ahead in the busy summer season, when both fill quickly.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Hobart, Tasmania, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Hobart

Hobart can be an economical base if you use the free options. The Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road is a free public facility, so many travellers spend nothing on dumping while in the city, and the on-site Showground point covers paying guests. Of the several sites we track, the free Howard Road facility is the one that keeps costs down. Powered caravan sites around Glenorchy and the airport sit in the typical mid-range for a capital-city fringe, with self-contained and unpowered options at the Showground Motorhome Park offering some of the better-value overnight rates close to town.

As Tasmanias capital, Hobart has competitive prices on fuel, LPG refills, groceries, and supplies compared with the smaller towns across the south and east coast, where scarcity pushes costs up. That is exactly why we resupply here. The one budget line to watch is the Bruny Island ferry, which charges by vehicle length, so a large caravan crossing adds up, and self-contained island camping keeps the rest of that trip cheap. The smart approach is to lean on the free Howard Road dump point, book a value self-contained site, and do your refuelling, gas refills, and grocery shop in Hobart before heading into the quieter, pricier regions beyond the city.

Free: 11 stations (85%)
Paid: 2 stations (15%)

Contact station for pricing details.

Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.

What RVers Are Saying About Hobart

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Best Time to Visit Hobart by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

3C (37F) - 12C (54F)

Crowds: Low

June to August is cool, with Antarctic southerlies and snow on kunanyi / Mount Wellington. Overnight temperatures can dip near freezing, so expect frost and pack proper cold-weather bedding. It is quiet and atmospheric, but keep water lines protected on cold nights and check for weather closures on the mountain road.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

8C (46F) - 17C (62F)

Crowds: Medium

September to November is changeable and the wettest season, with sunshine and cold showers often in the same day. Good shoulder-season value and fewer crowds, but pack layers and rain gear and be ready for Tasmanias famously fast weather swings.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

12C (54F) - 22C (72F)

Crowds: High

December to February is mild, dry, and the peak touring window, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring. Caravan parks fill fast and the Bruny Island ferry gets busy, so book sites and ferry crossings ahead. Still pack a warm layer, as evenings cool off quickly.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

8C (46F) - 18C (64F)

Crowds: Medium

March to May is settled and colourful, one of the best times to tour with comfortable days and thinner crowds. Mornings turn crisp toward May. A lovely, relaxed season for caravanning around Hobart before the winter chill sets in.

Explore the Hobart Area

Our first tip for Hobart is to make the free Howard Road dump point your friend. It sits just off the Brooker Highway in Glenorchy next to Bunnings, about 15 minutes from the city, so we empty there on the way in or out every time. It is the most dependable of the several local sites, but it can see queues in peak season, so dump whenever you are near a working point rather than letting tanks fill to the brim.

Base your rig smartly. Downtown Hobart and Salamanca are congested and hilly, so park a larger caravan in Glenorchy at the Showground Motorhome Park or a nearby holiday park, or out by the airport, and drive or ferry into the centre. Remember that free camping is limited around the city and self-containment is expected at lower-facility and island sites, so book a licensed park and always empty black and grey water only at a proper dump point, never into drains or onto the ground. Pack for Tasmanias famously fast weather: carry warm and waterproof layers year-round, protect water lines on frosty winter nights, and check for closures on the kunanyi summit road before heading up. If Bruny Island is on the list, book the size-based ferry ahead in summer, travel fully self-contained, and use the Alonnah dump point. Above all, treat Hobart as your resupply base, refuel, refill gas, top up water, and empty tanks, before touring the quieter south and east.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Hobart

Where can I find a dump point in Hobart, Tasmania?

We track several dump points in and around Hobart. The standout free public option is the Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground, reached by turning at the Howard Road roundabout next to Bunnings off the Brooker Highway, about 15 minutes north of the CBD. The on-site Showground Motorhome Park also has a dump point for paying guests, and Bruny Island has a point at Alonnah if you take the ferry across. Because Hobart is Tasmanias capital and main service centre, it is the most reliable place in the south to empty tanks before touring the quieter regions.

Is there a free dump point near Hobart?

Yes. The Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground is a free public facility open to travellers, which makes it the go-to for self-contained caravans and motorhomes passing through. It sits just off the Brooker Highway next to Bunnings, so it is easy to reach on the way in or out of the city. Beyond that, various caravan parks around greater Hobart include dumping for paying guests. Of the several sites we list, the free Howard Road point is the one we use most, and we always empty there before heading into the quieter southern and east-coast regions where facilities thin out.

Can I free camp or stay overnight in an RV around Hobart?

Free camping is limited around greater Hobart, so the practical plan is a licensed caravan park or the RV-friendly Hobart Showground Motorhome Park in Glenorchy. Self-contained vehicles are preferred at low-facility sites and you must leave no trace. Parks like Discovery Parks Hobart, Barilla Holiday Park, and BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park all sit around 15 minutes from the CBD with powered sites and dump points. If you want cheaper, more rustic stays, Bruny Island has self-contained sites such as Jetty Beach and Wood Cutters, but you must carry your own toilet and take all waste away with you.

What roads lead to Hobart for caravans?

Hobart is reached from the north via the Brooker Highway, which links to the Midland Highway running up to Launceston, and from the airport and east coast via the Tasman Highway. These routes are generally caravan-friendly, but Tasmania is mountainous and the weather changes fast, so drive to conditions. The Bruny Island vehicle ferry departs from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of the city, for those adding the island to their trip. Downtown Hobart and the Salamanca precinct are congested and hilly, so we base larger rigs in Glenorchy or near the airport and drive in rather than wrestling the city streets.

When is the best time to caravan around Hobart?

Summer and autumn, December through April, are the prime windows. Summer is mild, dry, and blessed with long daylight, ideal for touring, though caravan parks and the Bruny Island ferry get busy, so book ahead. Autumn is settled and colourful with thinner crowds, one of our favourite times to visit. Spring is changeable and the wettest season, offering shoulder-season value if you pack layers and rain gear, and winter is cool with snow on Mount Wellington, quiet and atmospheric but requiring cold-weather preparation. Whatever the month, Tasmanias weather can swing quickly, so always carry warm and waterproof clothing regardless of the forecast.

What caravan parks are near Hobart?

There is solid choice around the city. The Hobart Showground Motorhome Park in Glenorchy offers powered and unpowered self-contained sites with an on-site dump point, showers, and laundry, just 15 minutes from the CBD. Discovery Parks Hobart provides landscaped grounds with powered caravan sites and cabins, also about 15 minutes from downtown. Barilla Holiday Park, set among gum trees east of the city, adds a playground and mini golf, and BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park sits near the airport with easy access to MONA and the city. Between them you will find powered sites, dump points, and full amenities to base your Tasmanian touring.

How do I take a caravan to Bruny Island from Hobart?

You drive south from Hobart to Kettering, about 40 minutes, and board the SeaLink vehicle ferry, which runs frequently through the day for a roughly 20-minute crossing. Fares are charged by vehicle length, so a car sits at one rate while vehicles over 10 metres, including cars towing caravans, pay more, and passengers are included in the vehicle price. On the island, camp only if you are fully self-contained: sites like Jetty Beach and Wood Cutters suit self-contained rigs, there is a dump point at Alonnah, and you must take all waste away. Book the ferry ahead in summer, as the size-based crossings fill quickly in peak season.

Can I get water, gas, and supplies in Hobart?

Yes, easily. As Tasmanias capital, Hobart has full supermarkets, fuel, and shopping across Glenorchy, Moonah, and the CBD. LPG refill and gas bottle swap are available at service stations and outdoor retailers, and caravan and motorhome service centres operate in the northern suburbs if you need repairs or parts. Potable water is available at caravan parks and dump-point sites. Because the rest of southern Tasmania and the east coast have quieter, smaller towns, we treat Hobart as the main resupply base, filling fresh water, refilling gas, refuelling, and stocking the pantry here before heading out to the peninsulas, the Huon Valley, or up the Midland Highway.

Is it legal to empty tanks anywhere but a dump point?

No. In Hobart and across Tasmania you must empty black and grey water only at a designated dump point, never onto the ground, into drains, or at rest areas. Tasmania markets itself on clean, wild landscapes, and improper dumping pollutes waterways and can attract fines. With several dump points in the area, including the free public Howard Road facility and park-based points, there is no reason to do the wrong thing. We plan our stops so tanks are emptied at a proper point before leaving a serviced hub, which matters even more here because self-contained travel is expected at many of the islands lower-facility and free camp sites.

What are the must-see attractions around Hobart?

Hobart packs a lot in. kunanyi / Mount Wellington towers over the city, and the summit road delivers panoramic views over the Derwent estuary, weather permitting. MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is a world-famous contemporary gallery best reached by ferry. Salamanca Place hosts the celebrated Saturday market in a row of historic sandstone warehouses, and Constitution Dock and the waterfront are made for a stroll. A little further afield, Bruny Island rewards a ferry day trip with coastline, a lighthouse, and local produce. Any of these pairs well with a night at a Glenorchy or airport caravan park and a dump-and-supply reset.

Where should I base a large caravan in Hobart?

On the fringe, not in the centre. Downtown Hobart and the Salamanca precinct are congested, hilly, and short on space for a big rig, so we base larger caravans and motorhomes in Glenorchy at the Showground Motorhome Park or a nearby holiday park, or out by the airport, then drive or ferry into the city. The Glenorchy sites are only about 15 minutes from the CBD and sit right by the free Howard Road dump point and Bunnings, which is genuinely convenient. This keeps you on level, serviced ground and turns the compact, walkable waterfront into an easy day trip rather than a parking ordeal.

How reliable is the Howard Road dump point?

The Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground is a well-known free public facility and the most dependable of the several sites we track around the city, which is why it stays busy. That said, we still empty tanks whenever we are near a working point rather than waiting until they are full, because a single free facility can see queues in peak season and access details can change. If you are staying at the Showground Motorhome Park itself, the on-site blackwater point is available to paying guests. For touring beyond the city, top up and dump in Hobart first, as southern and island facilities are sparser.

What weather should I prepare for in Hobart?

Tasmania is famous for changeable weather, so prepare for anything. Summers are mild and pleasant in the low twenties with long daylight, autumns are settled and colourful, springs are the wettest and most variable, and winters are cool with Antarctic southerlies and snow on Mount Wellington, with overnight lows near freezing. The key habit is layering: you can genuinely see sun and cold rain within an hour, so carry warm and waterproof clothing regardless of the forecast and protect water lines on frosty winter nights. Plan mountain and exposed drives around the conditions, and check for weather closures on the kunanyi summit road before heading up.

Where can I find a dump point in Hobart, Tasmania?

We track {{stationCount}} dump points in and around Hobart. The standout free public option is the Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground, reached by turning at the Howard Road roundabout next to Bunnings off the Brooker Highway, about 15 minutes north of the CBD. The on-site Showground Motorhome Park also has a dump point for paying guests, and Bruny Island has a point at Alonnah if you take the ferry across. Because Hobart is Tasmanias capital and main service centre, it is the most reliable place in the south to empty tanks before touring the quieter regions.

Is there a free dump point near Hobart?

Yes. The Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground is a free public facility open to travellers, which makes it the go-to for self-contained caravans and motorhomes passing through. It sits just off the Brooker Highway next to Bunnings, so it is easy to reach on the way in or out of the city. Beyond that, various caravan parks around greater Hobart include dumping for paying guests. Of the {{stationCount}} sites we list, the free Howard Road point is the one we use most, and we always empty there before heading into the quieter southern and east-coast regions where facilities thin out.

Can I free camp or stay overnight in an RV around Hobart?

Free camping is limited around greater Hobart, so the practical plan is a licensed caravan park or the RV-friendly Hobart Showground Motorhome Park in Glenorchy. Self-contained vehicles are preferred at low-facility sites and you must leave no trace. Parks like Discovery Parks Hobart, Barilla Holiday Park, and BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park all sit around 15 minutes from the CBD with powered sites and dump points. If you want cheaper, more rustic stays, Bruny Island has self-contained sites such as Jetty Beach and Wood Cutters, but you must carry your own toilet and take all waste away with you.

What roads lead to Hobart for caravans?

Hobart is reached from the north via the Brooker Highway, which links to the Midland Highway running up to Launceston, and from the airport and east coast via the Tasman Highway. These routes are generally caravan-friendly, but Tasmania is mountainous and the weather changes fast, so drive to conditions. The Bruny Island vehicle ferry departs from Kettering, about 40 minutes south of the city, for those adding the island to their trip. Downtown Hobart and the Salamanca precinct are congested and hilly, so we base larger rigs in Glenorchy or near the airport and drive in rather than wrestling the city streets.

When is the best time to caravan around Hobart?

Summer and autumn, December through April, are the prime windows. Summer is mild, dry, and blessed with long daylight, ideal for touring, though caravan parks and the Bruny Island ferry get busy, so book ahead. Autumn is settled and colourful with thinner crowds, one of our favourite times to visit. Spring is changeable and the wettest season, offering shoulder-season value if you pack layers and rain gear, and winter is cool with snow on Mount Wellington, quiet and atmospheric but requiring cold-weather preparation. Whatever the month, Tasmanias weather can swing quickly, so always carry warm and waterproof clothing regardless of the forecast.

What caravan parks are near Hobart?

There is solid choice around the city. The Hobart Showground Motorhome Park in Glenorchy offers powered and unpowered self-contained sites with an on-site dump point, showers, and laundry, just 15 minutes from the CBD. Discovery Parks Hobart provides landscaped grounds with powered caravan sites and cabins, also about 15 minutes from downtown. Barilla Holiday Park, set among gum trees east of the city, adds a playground and mini golf, and BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park sits near the airport with easy access to MONA and the city. Between them you will find powered sites, dump points, and full amenities to base your Tasmanian touring.

How do I take a caravan to Bruny Island from Hobart?

You drive south from Hobart to Kettering, about 40 minutes, and board the SeaLink vehicle ferry, which runs frequently through the day for a roughly 20-minute crossing. Fares are charged by vehicle length, so a car sits at one rate while vehicles over 10 metres, including cars towing caravans, pay more, and passengers are included in the vehicle price. On the island, camp only if you are fully self-contained: sites like Jetty Beach and Wood Cutters suit self-contained rigs, there is a dump point at Alonnah, and you must take all waste away. Book the ferry ahead in summer, as the size-based crossings fill quickly in peak season.

Can I get water, gas, and supplies in Hobart?

Yes, easily. As Tasmanias capital, Hobart has full supermarkets, fuel, and shopping across Glenorchy, Moonah, and the CBD. LPG refill and gas bottle swap are available at service stations and outdoor retailers, and caravan and motorhome service centres operate in the northern suburbs if you need repairs or parts. Potable water is available at caravan parks and dump-point sites. Because the rest of southern Tasmania and the east coast have quieter, smaller towns, we treat Hobart as the main resupply base, filling fresh water, refilling gas, refuelling, and stocking the pantry here before heading out to the peninsulas, the Huon Valley, or up the Midland Highway.

Is it legal to empty tanks anywhere but a dump point?

No. In Hobart and across Tasmania you must empty black and grey water only at a designated dump point, never onto the ground, into drains, or at rest areas. Tasmania markets itself on clean, wild landscapes, and improper dumping pollutes waterways and can attract fines. With {{stationCount}} dump points in the area, including the free public Howard Road facility and park-based points, there is no reason to do the wrong thing. We plan our stops so tanks are emptied at a proper point before leaving a serviced hub, which matters even more here because self-contained travel is expected at many of the islands lower-facility and free camp sites.

What are the must-see attractions around Hobart?

Hobart packs a lot in. kunanyi / Mount Wellington towers over the city, and the summit road delivers panoramic views over the Derwent estuary, weather permitting. MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is a world-famous contemporary gallery best reached by ferry. Salamanca Place hosts the celebrated Saturday market in a row of historic sandstone warehouses, and Constitution Dock and the waterfront are made for a stroll. A little further afield, Bruny Island rewards a ferry day trip with coastline, a lighthouse, and local produce. Any of these pairs well with a night at a Glenorchy or airport caravan park and a dump-and-supply reset.

Where should I base a large caravan in Hobart?

On the fringe, not in the centre. Downtown Hobart and the Salamanca precinct are congested, hilly, and short on space for a big rig, so we base larger caravans and motorhomes in Glenorchy at the Showground Motorhome Park or a nearby holiday park, or out by the airport, then drive or ferry into the city. The Glenorchy sites are only about 15 minutes from the CBD and sit right by the free Howard Road dump point and Bunnings, which is genuinely convenient. This keeps you on level, serviced ground and turns the compact, walkable waterfront into an easy day trip rather than a parking ordeal.

How reliable is the Howard Road dump point?

The Glenorchy dump point on Howard Road at the Hobart Showground is a well-known free public facility and the most dependable of the {{stationCount}} sites we track around the city, which is why it stays busy. That said, we still empty tanks whenever we are near a working point rather than waiting until they are full, because a single free facility can see queues in peak season and access details can change. If you are staying at the Showground Motorhome Park itself, the on-site blackwater point is available to paying guests. For touring beyond the city, top up and dump in Hobart first, as southern and island facilities are sparser.

What weather should I prepare for in Hobart?

Tasmania is famous for changeable weather, so prepare for anything. Summers are mild and pleasant in the low twenties with long daylight, autumns are settled and colourful, springs are the wettest and most variable, and winters are cool with Antarctic southerlies and snow on Mount Wellington, with overnight lows near freezing. The key habit is layering: you can genuinely see sun and cold rain within an hour, so carry warm and waterproof clothing regardless of the forecast and protect water lines on frosty winter nights. Plan mountain and exposed drives around the conditions, and check for weather closures on the kunanyi summit road before heading up.

What is the highest-rated dump station in Hobart?

The highest-rated station is BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park with a rating of 4.5/5 stars.

Are there free dump stations in Hobart?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Hobart.