Hobart International Airport

Cambridge Aerodrome occupies a flat strip of land in the Derwent Valley, roughly 15 kilometres east of Hobart's city centre, serving primarily as a base for flight training and general aviation rather than scheduled commercial services. The aerodrome sits on the eastern shore of the Derwent River, surrounded by low hills and patches of farmland that make the approach both scenic and straightforward. ParAvion, the flight school operating from this field, runs training for private and commercial pilots, which means most of the aircraft you will see are Cessnas and similar light planes. The air traffic controllers here have a reputation for being genuinely helpful—a detail that matters if you are a student pilot or simply passing through. Although the aerodrome does not handle large passenger jets, it plays a quiet but essential role in Tasmania's aviation ecosystem: training the pilots who will later fly the routes that connect the island to the mainland and beyond.

Getting There

Cambridge Aerodrome is located on Kennedy Drive in Cambridge, about 15 minutes by car from Hobart's city centre. From Hobart, take the Tasman Highway (A3) east towards the airport, then turn off at the Cambridge Road exit. Continue straight until you reach Kennedy Drive; the aerodrome entrance is clearly signposted. If you are coming from the Hobart Airport (HBA), which handles the main commercial flights, it is even closer—barely five minutes away by car. There is no public transport that stops directly at the aerodrome. The nearest bus route (Metro Tasmania's 731 or 734) passes along Cambridge Road, but the stop is a 10-minute walk from the terminal. Taxis and rideshare services operate in Hobart and will take you to the aerodrome without issue, though you should book ahead if you are arriving late or on weekends, as availability can be sparse. Driving yourself is the most convenient option, and parking is free in the aerodrome's small lot. The road is sealed and well-maintained, so any vehicle can manage it.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Cambridge Aerodrome is modest—a single-storey building with a compact check-in area and a small waiting room. The building is wheelchair-accessible, with a ramped entrance and accessible car parking spaces close to the door. Inside, you will find a clean, functional space with a few chairs, a counter, and a noticeboard displaying weather charts and flight information. The toilet facilities include an accessible cubicle, which is a practical detail for passengers with mobility needs. There is no café or restaurant, so bring your own snacks and water if you expect to wait. The atmosphere is quiet and businesslike; most people here are pilots or students on a schedule, so there is little of the bustle you find at a major airport. The security check is minimal—essentially a brief word with the staff—so allow only a few minutes to get through. One thing to prepare for: the terminal is not staffed around the clock. It opens roughly an hour before the first flight and closes after the last departure, which on busier days might be late afternoon. If you arrive outside operating hours, you will find the doors locked, and there is no shelter other than your car.

The busiest times at Cambridge Aerodrome vary by day. Mondays see peak activity around 5 pm, Tuesdays at 2 pm, Wednesdays at 9 am, and Thursdays again at 5 pm. These peaks likely correspond to training schedules, so expect more aircraft movement and a slightly busier office during those windows. Fridays, weekends, and school holidays are generally quieter, making them a good choice if you prefer a relaxed experience.

Cambridge Aerodrome and Cambridge

Cambridge itself is a small town that has grown into a residential suburb of Hobart, yet it retains a distinct identity tied to its agricultural and transport history. The area was originally settled for farming, and the Derwent River's rich alluvial soils still support orchards and vineyards nearby. But the most significant shift came with the development of transport infrastructure: first the railway, then the Hobart Airport, and finally the aerodrome you are visiting today. Cambridge Aerodrome sits at the edge of this transformation, offering a glimpse of Tasmania's aviation heritage without the crowds of a major terminal.

For travellers stopping in Cambridge, the main attractions lie close to the aerodrome. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a 15-minute drive north-west, perched on the Derwent's banks, and is arguably Tasmania's most famous cultural draw. The museum's provocative collection and striking architecture make it a compelling half-day trip. Alternatively, the Coal River Valley, just a few kilometres south, is home to some of the island's best wineries and cellar doors—Frogmore Creek and Puddleduck are popular stops. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Meehan Range, a bushwalking area with trails that offer panoramic views over the river and city.

The aerodrome itself is worth a look even if you are not flying. Watching light aircraft take off and land against the backdrop of kunanyi/Mount Wellington is an understated pleasure. ParAvion offers scenic flights over Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula, which can be booked on the spot if the schedule allows. These flights give passengers a perspective on the region that road travel simply cannot match: the dramatic coastline of the Tasman National Park, the geometric patterns of vineyards, and the sprawling suburbs of Hobart all come into focus from a few hundred feet up.

What makes Cambridge Aerodrome genuinely interesting is its role in training the next generation of pilots. The aerodrome is not a destination in itself but a launchpad—for careers, for adventures, and for connections between Tasmania and the mainland. The helpful air traffic control staff, the instructors, and the students all contribute to an atmosphere that is focused and yet welcoming. It is a place where aviation feels personal, not processed.

Practical Information

Cambridge Aerodrome is not open every day. Operating hours vary, so check with ParAvion (the flight school and airfield operator) before travelling. Generally, the aerodrome is open on weekdays during training times, and occasionally on weekends for booked flights. The busiest hours are as follows: Monday 5 pm, Tuesday 2 pm, Wednesday 9 am, Thursday 5 pm. The website is http://paravion.edu.au/cambridge-aerodrome-ycbg/ and the phone number is +61 3 6248 5390.

One concrete piece of advice: If you are driving to the aerodrome for a flight, arrive at least 15 minutes early to park and check in, because the terminal is small and the staff may need to handle paperwork. Also, because there is no food or drink available inside, bring your own refreshments, especially if you are waiting for a flight or a scenic tour. And if the terminal appears closed, do not assume the flight is cancelled—sometimes the staff are on the tarmac. Call the number above to confirm.