Data After Dark: Two Stories of Tasmania’s Night-time Economy
What the data on Hobart’s nightlife reveals about leadership and the missing link between culture and infrastructure.
Two national reports tell different stories about Tasmania’s night-time economy, revealing both the strength of its foundations and the gaps in leadership and coordination that hold it back.
The Council of Capital City Lord Mayors’ 2024 Measuring the Australian Night-Time Economy report paints an optimistic picture. Hobart’s night-time economy has grown steadily over the past decade, recording $1.1 billion in turnover, up 12% year-on-year, and employing more than 7,000 people across 650 businesses.
But dig deeper and a pattern emerges. Almost 80% of that turnover comes from food and drink, while only around 12% comes from entertainment and the arts. Without live performance, Hobart risks mistaking activity for vibrancy and becoming a city where we go out to eat, but go home early.
The newer Visa Night-Time Economy Index 2025 tells a different story. Hobart ranks 41st nationally and last among Australia’s capitals. For a city that sells itself as a bucket-list destination, that’s a disappointing scorecard. The data points to a decline in late-night dining, patchy public transport, and a lack of policy leadership.
So which is it? A thriving scene or a struggling one? Both, in part.
The CCCLM report measures economic activity such as spending and employment, while Visa’s index looks more broadly at vibrancy, accessibility and coordination. Hobart might be trading well enough, but it’s not working well together - there’s no night-time economy commissioner, no precinct strategy, and no alignment between planning, transport and culture.
And yet, the numbers also point to untapped opportunity. When Tasmanians do go out, we spend big. Hobart ranks fifth nationally for night-time spend per person, which is a clear sign of loyalty and latent demand. The pattern repeats across the state: South East Tasmania ranks first in Australia for per-person spend but only 59th overall, proving that demand isn’t the issue but access is. Launceston ranks 78th and the North West 80th, trailing regional centres such as Newcastle, Wollongong and Bendigo.
Cities that thrive after dark don’t get there by chance. They invest in governance frameworks that link planning, transport, licensing and culture.
We already know what works:
Music-friendly precincts with Agent of Change protections for venues.
Streamlined licensing and planning for small and outdoor gigs.
Shared infrastructure (lighting, power, and safety measures) that make activation easy.
A dedicated Night-Time Economy coordinator to link tourism, planning and culture.
These are achievable, low-cost reforms that deliver high-value outcomes: more jobs, more visitors, safer streets and stronger civic pride. More importantly, it builds community resilience - helping people feel more connected and at home in their own city.
Most other states have already done it. These aren’t radical ideas; they’re proven levers for unlocking both economic and cultural value. Tasmania’s night-time economy has enormous potential. What’s needed now is the political will to imagine what our cities and regional towns might sound like after dark and the coordination to bring them to life.
