A Soulful Guide to Tasmania
Tasmania is a destination full of some of Australia’s most exciting adventures. From the historic capital of Hobart which holds many cultural and modern attractions, to the many beautiful national parks and beaches dotting the island. To the sensational food and wine scene, and the unique wildlife that call Tassie home.
Here’s a glimpse at what there is to see and do in Tasmania, and why you’ll be wishing you had stayed a little longer.
Hobart
The capital city of Tasmania and Australia’s second oldest capital, Hobart holds a rich history that still remains alongside its modern features. Its natural surroundings such as towering mountains and scenic waterways, make for a beautiful backdrop when visiting the wide range of attractions, or when sampling some of the city’s world famous produce.
Make sure to stop by the popular outdoor Salamanca Market held every Saturday, where you can enjoy browsing a huge selection of local produce, food, arts & crafts and more. If you’re after a drink, a visit to Australia’s oldest brewery, the Cascade, is a treat.
Port Arthur
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, is a significant landmark that brings Australia’s convict roots to life. Wander through over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes while hearing the stories of what life was like in the penal settlement during the 1800s.
Choose from multiple tours that range from learning of attempted escapades, to witnessing the cemetery of the Isle of The Dead.
MONA
Either catch a ferry or take a short drive to visit Australia’s largest private museum, the Museum of Old and New Art. Featuring stunning architecture within its three levels of underground galleries, this gallery is constantly changing its works so you never know what you might find.
Alongside the museum are plenty of wineries, bars and restaurants, making MONA the perfect place to satisfy your mind and taste buds.
Tahune Airwalk
Walk 50 metres above the Huon River Valley on the Tahune Airwalk, and get a bird’s eye view of the luscious forest and mesmerising Huon River.
Stay a little longer and explore the walking tracks on the ground so you can see this beautiful part of Tasmania from all angles.
Launceston
The gateway to many of Tasmania’s Northern scenic splendours, Launceston is a city that has continued to preserve its Colonial and Victorian architecture, which makes for a charming stay.
Get your art fix at Australia’s largest regional museum, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, which contains Indigenous and colonial historical art, a blacksmith shop, planetarium and more.
Visit the Harvest Market on a Saturday morning to browse up to 80 stalls of local produce, and enjoy tasting the fruits of the labour of bakers, brewers, farmers and growers.
Cataract Gorge
Cataract Gorge lies in the centre of the city, and takes advantage of its unique natural formation with the world’s longest single-span chairlift, suspension bridge, lookouts and many short walking trails. With wide-open picnic areas, restaurants, cafes, and even a swimming pool, a visit to Cataract Gorge can take as long or as little as you’d like.
Make sure to stop by the Penny Royal Adventure Park, which fuses a recreation of Van Diemen’s Land in the 19th Century, with adrenaline activities such as cliff jumps and zip lining.
Tamar Valley
Adventure North of Launceston for a visit to Tamar Valley, where you can taste the flavours of Tasmania’s premium wine-growing region for yourself. The wineries are located amongst beautiful riverside towns, lavender fields, farmlands and forested hills to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
When you’re not indulging in the abundance of paddock to plate food options, take a stroll along the Tamar Valley nature trail for a glimpse at peaceful gravelly beaches. And to get a bit more wild, visit the world’s largest jumping pillow or bare it all at the nudist beach.
Richmond
A trip to this picturesque town located in the Coal River Valley wine region, brings the atmosphere of an early Australian colonial village. Richmond is a short drive away from Hobart and is full of historical delights.
Some of Australia’s oldest structures reside here, such as the popular Richmond Bridge, and the Richmond Gaol both built by convicts in the 1820s.
Enjoy a stroll down the main streets of Richmond, passing over 50 preserved Georgian buildings, or visit Hobart Town Historical Model Village to see what life was like in the time of settlers.
Wild Tasmania
So many diverse and stunning national parks on an island that is only a 2 hour drive from top to bottom. Tasmania is a nature lover’s paradise, where the ones who slow down to experience its breathtaking landscapes, will be the ones who reap the biggest rewards.
From Hobart
kunanyi/Mt Wellington
Just a 20-minute drive from Hobart, Wellington Park makes for a wonderful day trip through sub-alpine flora, glacial rock formations and a stunning view of Hobart and its surroundings from the summit (which you can drive up to). Make sure to check out the historic bush walks to immerse yourself in the cool forest climate.
Bruny Island
Spot fur seals and ferry penguins or try a variety of artisanal delicacies such as cheeses, seafood, wine and fudge on this picturesque island. The stunning nature of Bruny Island can be experienced in all sorts of ways, from bushwalks and beach strolls, to an eco-cruise and kayaking that will net your up-close views of the gorgeous coastline.
Tasman National Park
Tasman National Park is an easy trip from Hobart, where the towering forests are met by the spectacular sea cliff formations of the Tasman Peninsula.
Whether viewing its stunning dolerite spires via the many award winning coastal walks, a relaxing ocean cruise, or from high above in a seaplane, enjoy witnessing the dramatic landscape that collides with the cool Southern Ocean waters.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Just as impressive as Tasmania’s East Coast is the wild landscape of the West. Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers is a destination full of surging rivers, dramatic mountain peaks and overgrown vegetation that deserves your attention.
The rugged terrain can be explored via a number of rainforest walks, or try a river cruise to float amongst the lush, forested area.
Maria Island
A tranquil island located on Tasmania’s East Coast, Maria is known for its sandy beaches overshadowed by impressive sandstone cliff sides carved out by the elements. Many walking trails will net youself fantastic views of the coastline, where the oceans contain diving birds and even whale migrations.
Make sure to wait for low tide so you can explore Maria’s most remarkable spectacle, the Painted Cliffs, where the power of the Southern Ocean is shown off in all its might.
From Launceston
Cradle Mountain
One of Australia’s most famous national parks (and for good reason), the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must do on a Tasmanian visit. Located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain is renowned for its stunning variety of landscapes and wildlife.
Wander through moss-covered rainforests, climb its recognizable snow-covered mountain peaks, and stroll alongside its glacial lakes and through its river gorges. It’s a real treat to explore its many walking trails no matter the season you visit. Keep your eyes peeled for Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, quolls and so much more.
Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
Secluded bays filled with white sand and pristine water. Towering pink, granite peaks. Sleepy coastal towns and bird-filled lagoons. The Freycinet National Park is home to many beautiful coastal walking trails that have made the region world famous.
From Coles Bay in the North to the iconic Wineglass Bay in the South (which is the magical jewel of the region), Freycinet National Park is the perfect place to become lost in the peaceful tranquillity of Tasmania’s East Coast.
Bay of Fires
This 50km stretch of the East Coast is famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and orange lichen-cloaked boulders that can be discovered on the award-winning Bay of Fires Walk.
Take your time to indulge in the many bays and beaches of this area, with a dip in its cool ocean waters and a sunrise viewing to watch its colours light up with the day. The Bay of Fires is an exciting location fit for exploration and relaxation.