Ah, Tasmania. The little island state off the south coast of Australia where the sun sometimes shines and the air is always clean and fresh.
Tasmania is known for breathtaking wilderness, delicious gourmet food, wine and a thriving arts scene. Visitors tend to gravitate towards the state’s two biggest cities, Hobart and Launceston, but Tassie has so much more to offer than just picturesque towns.
There are arts and culture festivals, impressive museums and endless farmers and artisan markets to visit on the weekends. Tasmania is best explored by car, so hire one once you arrive and keep it for the duration of your trip to get the most authentic experience.
1. Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park and Great Oyster Bay offer visitors truly unique vistas. Located off Tasmania’s east coast, the area has rocky granite peaks, abundant wildlife and oh-so-beautiful white sand beaches at Wineglass Bay. Located just over a two hour drive from Hobart, it’s a delightful spot for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking.
2. Bay of Fires
Located on Tasmania’s north-east coast, Bay of Fires is an Instagrammers dream. The rocky landscape is saturated with colour both warm and cool, and looks unreal in photographs.
3. Cradle Mountain National Park
Cradle Mountain is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is one of the most visited places in Tasmania. Cradle Mountain is surrounded by glacial lakes, ancient rainforest and Aboriginal sites. Not only is it one of the best places to go for nature walks, horse riding or serious hikes, but you can spend a night at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and enjoy a Scandinavian winter experience right here in Australia.
4. Museum of Old and Modern Art
MONA is the jewel of the Tasmanian art scene. Owned by eccentric professional gambler David Walsh, the Museum of Old and New Art is one of the world’s most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities, and often has unbelievable exhibitions. For the best experience, time your visit to Tasmania to coincide with the winter arts festival hosted by the museum, Dark Mofo, or the summer festival, Mona Foma.
5. Bridestowe Lavender Estate
If you’ve ever liked a photo on Instagram of some well-dressed influencer frolicking through seemingly endless rows of bright purple lavender in the peak of summer, it’s likely that it was taken right here at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. The site is open all year round, but the best time to visit is December through to February, when the flowers are in full bloom. There’s also a shop and cafe on site, and it’s just a 45 minute drive from Launceston.
6. Port Arthur Historic Site
The Port Arthur Historic Site is located on the Tasman Peninsula and has more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored homes dating back to the establish of the convict prison in 1830. It’s one of the most historically important locations in Tasmania and doing a tour is well worthwhile.
7. West Coast Wilderness Railway
The West Coast Wilderness Railway will show you a side of Tasmania that few people get to experience. Located three and a half hours from Launceston, the railway offers many different tours through the Tasmania wilderness. It’s the closest you’ll get to riding the Hogwarts Express in Tasmania.
8. Mount Wellington/Kunanyi
Mount Wellington is a pleasant 20-minute drive from Hobart and the view from the lookout offers a splendid panorama of the city below. Keep in mind it does snow on this mountain, so dress accordingly when visiting in winter.
9. Tahune Adventures
Walk among the treetops at Tahune Airwalk, which stands 50 metres above the riverbank. Just a 90-minute drive from Launceston, the experience offers a unique view of the forest canopy and the waters of the Huon and Picton rivers. Unfortunately, due to the January bushfires of 2019, the site is currently closed until the end of 2019 when all damage to the site has been repaired.
10. Bruny Island
A small island accessible by ferry (take your car!) from Kettering, Bruny Island is home to gourmet local food and produce. Feast upon berries, cheese, oysters and whiskey, and don’t forget to grab a photo of the iconic Bruny Island ‘Neck’.
11. Salamanca Market
No list of Tasmanian sights is complete without Salamanca Market. Occurring every Saturday on Hobart’s waterfront from 8:30am to 3pm, the market is home to local artisans, makers, crafters and producers who sell their handmade wares. You’ll find gorgeous Tasmanian timber products, hand-worked glass, jewellery, organic produce, art, leather goods, cheese, bread, wine and delicious food vans!
You might also like:
5 outrageously decadent things you can do in Tasmania
5 incredible day trips from Hobart
5 things to do in winter in Tasmania
Want a look inside Freycinet Lodge? Check out this video below.
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