Climate Risk in Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal inundation. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.
Is Hobart Safe from Climate Risk?
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Overall Risk Score
Hazard Breakdown
Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
What the mapping shows for Hobart
Part of Hobart is mapped as subject to coastal inundation.
4.8% of Hobart is mapped as subject to coastal inundation (coastal inundation hazard band, including 1% AEP storm tide at 2100)
33.8% of Hobart is mapped as subject to coastal erosion (coastal erosion hazard band mapped for the Tasmanian planning system)
Tasmanian Coastal Inundation Hazard Bands (20161201), State of Tasmania (Department of Premier and Cabinet), Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-23
This is a share of the suburb's land area from a published state dataset, not an assessment of any property. A ClimateNest report scores the individual address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Check an address in Hobart →Climate Hazard Breakdown for Hobart
Flood
Hobart faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Derwent River and surrounding waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Hobart is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland being more vulnerable. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Hobart is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Global warming
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Coastal inundation and erosion are potential risks for Hobart due to sea level rise. Low-lying areas along the Derwent River are particularly vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Hobart
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Hobart is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Global warming
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Hobart faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Derwent River and surrounding waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Coastal inundation and erosion are potential risks for Hobart due to sea level rise. Low-lying areas along the Derwent River are particularly vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Hobart is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland being more vulnerable. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in areas at high risk of flooding, bushfire, or coastal inundation.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area overlays.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal inundation.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.
How the region's climate is projected to change
Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.
Temperature
+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030
Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.
Rainfall
Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030
The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.
Fire weather
Harsher, magnitude uncertain
High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.
Sea level
+0.12 m by 2030
At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.
Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →
Adaptation Recommendations
Improve flood defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect low-lying areas from flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreStrengthen bushfire preparedness
ImmediateImplement stricter building codes in bushfire-prone areas and provide residents with resources to prepare for bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave response plan
Near-termCreate a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal areas
Long-termImplement measures to protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Hobart's Climate Risk Profile
Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, is situated on the Derwent River and surrounded by hills, making it susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The city's proximity to the coast and waterways increases its vulnerability to flooding and coastal inundation, while nearby bushland poses a bushfire risk.
Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Hobart. This includes more frequent and intense heatwaves, heavier rainfall events, and rising sea levels. These changes will likely exacerbate the existing risks and create new challenges for the city.
Flooding is a significant concern for Hobart, particularly in low-lying areas along the Derwent River. Heavy rainfall can cause the river to overflow its banks, inundating homes and businesses. Additionally, flash flooding can occur in urban areas due to inadequate drainage.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, especially in areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents in these areas should take precautions to protect their homes and families.
Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.
Local Government Resources
City of Hobart
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Hobart?
Hobart faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal inundation, all of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.
How is the City of Hobart preparing for climate change?
The City of Hobart is implementing various adaptation measures, including improving flood defenses, strengthening bushfire preparedness, and protecting coastal areas.
What can I do to prepare for climate change in Hobart?
You can take steps to protect your home from flooding and bushfires, develop a heatwave plan, and stay informed about the latest climate change projections.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Hobart?
You can find more information on the City of Hobart website, the Tasmania Fire Service website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Are insurance premiums likely to increase due to climate change?
Yes, insurance premiums may increase in areas at high risk of flooding, bushfire, or coastal inundation.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Hobart, use our analysis tool.
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections