Above the shield is the silver helmet with gold and blue mantling and above the helmet is a silver and blue wreath, upon which is set a gold three-masted ship (the Flying Childers).

The Tasmanian emu and the forester kangaroo are taken from the Council's unofficial crest, used from the 1850s, and also provide a connection with the Coat of arms of Australia.

The base of the shield is a green island, and the blue wavy lines represent the surrounding seas.

A scroll below the arms reads Sic Fortis Hobartia Crevit translates as Thus in strength did Hobart grow.

The motto Sic fortis Hobartia crevit was part of the Council's old Common Seal and was retained when the new Coat of Arms was introduced.