Tasmania: Things To Do & Places To See

The island state of Australia, boasting fresh air, exceptional produce, intriguing history and natural beauty beyond compare. With over 40 per cent of the state reserved as national parks and world heritage wilderness, Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes. Here is an easy guide to the best of Tasmania.

 

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(Photo Credit: Jesse Hunniford)

 

The capital of Hobart boasts fascinating history, charming waterways, dynamic foods, an abundance of natural attractions and intriguing art scenes. Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or take a ferry to the MONA for an unforgettable modern art experience. Walk to the peak of Mount Wellington for an exceptional view over the city, dine in award-winning restaurants, meander along the waterfront and take in the elegant mix of heritage buildings and modern architecture.

 

 

 

Just over two hours north of Hobart, wander the quaint street shops of one of Australia’s oldest cities: Launceston. Take in the elegant colonial and Victorian architecture as well as century-old parks in one of Australia's finest-preserved early cityscapes. Visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, walk along Cataract Gorge, an easy 15 minutes from central Launceston or pick up local produce straight from the farmers themselves at the community farmers market.

 

(Photo Credit: Saffire Freycinet Lodge)

 

With an international culinary reputation, Tasmania offers an astonishing array of exceptional produce, wine, beer and more. Only 30 minutes from Hobart, Huon Valley is home to 80% of the state’s apple supply, meaning fresh, quality ciders are not hard to come by. Enjoy fresh-off-the-lease oysters on the Freycinet Peninsula or take a 20 minute ferry from Kettering, just south of Hobart and enjoy famed cheese, oysters, whiskey, berry farm and more on the gourmet trail of Bruny Island. Drive the Tamar Valley Wine Route linking almost 30 cellar doors, just over a half an hours’ journey north of Launceston or take to the Great Easter Drive along the eastern edges of Tasmania boasting beautiful vineyards and spectacular seafood and home-grown produce.

 

 

 

The natural beauty of Tasmania is mesmerising, with only just over 500,000 residents and over 40% of the state laying claim to national parks and reserves, an intimate connection with nature is not hard to find. The best way to experience the wilderness of Tasmania? A hiking adventure of course, with 5 of the Great Walks of Australia all reigning in the small island state. On the East Coast walk the Three Capes track, tread amid Freycinet National Park featuring Wineglass Bay and the Hazards, stroll Maria Island or walk the iconic Bay of Fires Walk.

 

(Photo Credit: Emilie Ristevski)

 

Head to the wild west of Tasmania and walk the iconic, craggy Cradle Mountain Overland Track and stay at the iconic Pumphouse Point on Lake St Clair. Journey through the diverse Tarkine Rainforest high on any enthusiastic walker's list because of its vast swath of seldom visited and primal rainforests, mountain ranges, and isolated rivers. Meander along the ‘Edge of the World’ at Gardiner Point or visit sleepy seaside towns such as Strahan, on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

 

(Photo Credit: Stu Gibson)

 

How To Get To Tasmania

Although an island state, Tasmania is relatively simple to access. Catch an easy flight from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane arriving in either Launceston or Hobart, or arrive from Melbourne to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania, scheduled daily. Once you have arrived in Tasmania, the best way to get around is by car, with countless scenic drives.

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