Popular destinations in Tasmania
Here you will find an introduction to some of the most popular destinations and activities in Tasmania. For more inspiration and valuable tips on your dream destination, simply follow the links under each destination. But first, the most popular top-five destinations in Tasmania followed by a range of more detailed and inspiring destinations, as well as good-to-know advice on when planning a trip here, or for when travelling in the area.
- Mount Wellington, Hobart; Head to Hobart’s highest point, the city’s best viewing point – Mount Wellington at just over 1,200 meters altitude. In clear weather, you can see all the way to Maria Island. During the colder months, the mountain is particularly beautiful, dressed in winter white above the clouds. For a fast-paced bike ride down the mountain, try the Mount Wellington Descent (wotif.com/things-to-do/mount-wellington-bicycle-descent.a264081.activity-details).
- Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, near Hobart; No trip to Tasmania is complete without having been close to a living Tasmanian devil. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo (wotif.com/things-to-do/tasmanian-devil-unzoo-admission.a264057.activity-details) is located in Taranna, an hour’s drive from Hobart. Here, the animal keepers are working hard to ensure that the Tasmanian devil can escape a dangerous tumour disease that quickly spreads among the wild animals.
- Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park, Tasmania’s East Coast; Experience the pink mountain that dramatically rises from the sea, forming a sheltered bay with a magical white sandy beach, Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park. The national park that is characterized by its pink tinted bedrock, its paradisiacal beaches and bird-rich lagoons are well worth a visit. Hike, snorkel, kayak or join in on a guided tour, a cruise or enjoy the area from above (wotif.com/things-to-do/search?location=Freycinet).
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmaniens wild west; Rugged cliffs and rough peaks gleaming in a soft snow during the winter season awaits the hardened outdoor lover. Wander through dense forests on mountainous terrain or around Australia’s deepest lake surrounded by high ridges. Climb for views that will take your breath away or try white water rafting or canoeing (wotif.com/things-to-do/search?location=Lake%20St.%20Clair,%20Tasmania).
- Tasmanian Food & Wine Trip; Tasty cheeses, sweet honey, crispy fruit and vegetables, fresh seafood and wine are some of the local delicacies Tasmania is famous for. See dairy cows and beef cattle that roam the fields among scattered vegetable plantations, all forming a beautiful patchwork a’ la nature in north-western Tasmania. Relax and join in on an arranged food and wine tour to one of the smaller islands for an unforgettable taste experience (wotif.com/things-to-do/bruny-island-gourmet-food-wine-day-tour.a423660.activity-details).
Introduction
Welcome to one of the world’s largest islands! A place where you can encounter the Tasmanian devil himself (a marsupial) in the demanding wilderness, see skittish little penguins at Bicheno Bay or enjoy spectacular views at the Wineglass Bay or the Cataract Gorge. An island full of green meadows, rocky grounds and a wilderness with a rich bird- and animal life. An island for those who want to see Mother Nature’s pristine creations or take part of the islanders inspiring stories. Something for the fearless nature-loving adventurer, the camper or the wanderer. If you need to get away from the noisy city-life or just the stress of modern everyday-life, this is a quiet place with nature on its doorstep. With clear waters and a rich ocean life, the location is interesting for both snorkelling and scuba diving.
A visit to Port Arthur and its old prison gives a true glimpse into Australia’s dark history. For car lovers, perhaps the total freedom equals a road-trip, to be surrounded solely by the wilderness and the engine’s humming. And for the four-wheel drive enthusiast and adventurer, Tasmania offers plenty of possibilities to play around. Why not take the opportunity to enjoy your car adventure when the international motorsports event Targa Tasmania takes place?
If you prefer the civilization’s more modern elements, it is Hobart you should head to. Over 40% of Tasmania’s inhabitants live in the state capital which is also the area’s largest city. This is where you will find cosy cafes, small antique shops and art galleries. You can also visit the popular Salamanca market. If you like yacht racing, you can enjoy the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race at the front row. And the multi-awarded art museum MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is a must for any art lover. MONA also arranges two music festivals during the year. Quite simply, Tasmanian is an island just waiting to be explored – or rather, 335 islands in total. In addition to the large main island (an area on 64,519 km²) the island-state Tasmania has a total of 334 surrounding islets, which together makes up an area of 3,882 km². For those who are nature lovers and see themselves as adventurers, explorers or even hermits, Tasmania’s wilderness might be high on the list. Of all Tasmania’s 344 small islands, there are some sparsely populated islands you can visit.
King Island is known for its endless wind, the Roaring Forties, which has left a lot of shipwrecks to study, but the wind is primarily a hot topic of conversation among surfers. In addition to the island’s famous winds, the islanders are known for their ecological thinking. Their products such as dessert cheese, cream products and shellfish are coveted among both connoisseurs and nobodies. Perhaps it is thanks to the islanders of King Island that Tasmania became the starting point for the world’s first environmental political party? For golf enthusiasts, some of the world’s best ranked courses are in a, to say the least, magnificent setting.
Destinations in Tasmania
- Central Hobart
- Tasmania’s East Coast
- Northern Tasmania
- Tasmania’s Wild West Coast
- Freycinet National Park
- Launceston
- Tasmania’s Central Highlands
- Around Hobart
Getting to and getting around Tasmania
The easiest way to get to Tasmania is by plane, but there are ferries to and from selected destinations. Important to know about Tasmania is that if you want to get around from one side to the other, or across, it is through some very inhospitable wilderness with only a few larger inhabited areas. Public transport is extremely limited, you do best to either book a bus, fly or drive yourself.
Keep in mind
For those who intend to go to Tasmania, it is important to investigate current temperatures and weather conditions. Some areas are known for their cold and windy subpolar climate. Make a careful choice to suit your style and double check what the forecasted seasonal weather is – then pack according to this!