Hobbs was born in Australia in 1952. She spent many years in the United Kingdom, during which time she directed the documentary film ''Steppin' Out
(1979) featuring the UK act Secret Affair, and hosting Hobbs' Choice'' television show, before moving to
Hollywood in the United States. In 1983, she directed the short film,
Dead on Time, starring
Rowan Atkinson. In 1987, she directed her first and to date only full-length feature film,
Back to the Beach starring
Frankie Avalon and
Annette Funicello. Hobbs also worked in episodic television, directing episodes of ''
Parker Lewis Can't Lose and The Wonder Years'' in 1990 and 1991, respectively. Her life story was documented on the
Australian Broadcasting Corporation's
Australian Story episode "In Her Father's Eyes" in 2007. ==Personal life==