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Hobart, Tasmania

Guide to Hobart

Aboriginal name: nipaluna (pronounced nip-ah-loona)

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  • Getting to Hobart
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In Hobart, you can see world-renowned art, eat freshly caught seafood and climb a mountain all in one day.

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is a dynamic city that surpasses expectations at every turn. Australia’s southernmost capital is brimming with history and bursting with creativity (hello MONA). It boasts an incredible food and wine scene with local produce making the short journey from farm to table, and is fringed by scenic wilderness.

Long before Hobart was called Hobart, the local muwinina and palawa peoples called this area of Tasmania ‘nipaluna.’ No capital letters are used in palawa kani (the traditional language), including place names.

To learn more about Hobart’s First Nations history, take the takara nipaluna – ‘Walking Hobart’ Aboriginal tour. Run by palawa/warlpiri woman Nunami Sculthorpe-Green, this special tour will give you a rich understanding of the palawa experience. 

  • Traditional name: nipaluna (pronounced nip-ah-loona)
  • Indigenous Peoples: muwinina and palawa peoples
  • Traditional languages: palawa kani
  • How to say g’day in palawa kani: ya

The easiest way to reach Hobart is by air. Flights arrive daily from several Australian cities.

  • Hobart Airport (HBA) is 18km (11mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
  • Hire cars, rideshare services and taxis are available from passenger terminals
  • The SkyBus shuttle service to Hobart's city centre departs every 30 minutes

Hobart is a relatively small city, so making your way around is easy. There is a clean and safe public bus network as well as a private ferry to take you to waterfront art museum MONA. You can easily walk to many attractions, and car hire is available for driving further afield on a road trip . Find more information about getting around Hobart .

Hobart has four distinct seasons and each is uniquely beautiful. Luckily for travellers, Hobart’s weather is relatively predictable, making it easy to plan. Overall, expect cooler temperatures year-round when compared with Australia's other capital cities.

  • High season: Summer (December to February) and winter (June to August)
  • Low season: Spring (September to November)
  • Don’t miss:  Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race  (December)

There are great accessible options for accommodation and attractions throughout Hobart. 

  • Arrival: Staff and facilities are available at Hobart Airport to provide accessibility assistance , including for travellers with hidden disabilities .
  • Getting around: All public buses are wheelchair accessible in central Hobart. Use the ‘Wheelchair accessible routes only’ option on the Trip Planner tool for buses outside of the city.
  • Accessible experience highlights: The popular kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus is wheelchair accessible , and the Museum of Old and New Art  has a range of accessible facilities , including an app that supports voice-over and screen reader functionality.
  • Helpful resources: Travellers who are blind or have low vision can access a range of immersive audio guides to Hobart via the Vacayit app . The City of Hobart’s handy mobility map is a great tool for those with limited mobility.

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12 Truly Epic Places to Visit in Tasmania (2024 Guide)

If you’re looking for a list of the top things to see and the absolute best places to visit in Tasmania, you’ve come to the right place.

Located across the Bass Strait, Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state. But for its size, it surely packs a punch with all of the great things to see and do.

From relaxing on white-sand beaches to climbing jagged mountain peaks, to exploring bustling city markets, we’ve got some awesome things to do in Tasmania for every kind of traveller.

READ MORE: Here’s our  Australia travel guide  to make the most of your trip.

One thing to note upfront before your trip: Tasmania is bigger than you might think, and many of the great places to visit in Tasmania are best reached with your own set of wheels.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

So if you can, plan to  road trip through Tasmania  to get the full Tassie experience.

Get ready for epic national parks, west coast wilderness and famous places like Bay of Fires, Bruny Island, Wineglass Bay and Mount Wellington.

Greens Beach Places To Visit In Tasmania

Table of Contents

1) Freycinet National Park

2) soak in the city of hobart, 3) cradle mountain lake st. clair national park, 4) get on the water at lake st. clair, 5) marvel at the bay of fires, 6) get local in bicheno, 7) venture to strahan, 8) get your culture on in launceston, 9) chase waterfalls at mount field national park, 10) check out the wildlife at bruny island, 11) the tasman peninsula (port arthur & cape raoul), 12) maria island, wrapping up the most amazing places to visit in tasmania, the absolute best places to visit in tasmania.

However you visit Tasmania, just be sure to check out these 10 amazing places before you leave the island:

This national park is one of the most popular places to visit in Tasmania for a reason. Freycinet National Park , on Tasmania’s east coast, is famed for its iconic vistas of Wineglass Bay, a curved stretch of sand filled with water so blue it seems almost otherworldly.

Stop in at Coles Bay to check out any opportunities to see what activities are planned throughout the national park or to rent kayaks or hop on this amazing cruise of Wineglass Bay.

Despite its popularity with visitors, it’s still possible to escape the crowds by heading out on one of the many hiking trails that wind through the park.

Before long, you’re likely to find yourself alone in the national park with your own private stretch of sand. Or on the top of a peak, if you decide to do the Mount Amos walk (highly recommended).

Actually, you may not be entirely alone. Watch out for the many friendly wallabies that ply these parts. And, yes, they’ve been known to hold still for some pretty epic selfies!

Freycinet National Park Tasmania

Sure, most people visit Tasmania to bask in its natural beauty. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect its capital of Hobart, a stunning and charming city that will bring out the urbanite in you.

There are so many incredible things to do in Hobart. Wander the stalls of the world-famous Salamanca Market. Stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Or head to the top of nearby Mount Wellington to admire the vistas of Hobart set against the Derwent River.

And be sure that you don’t miss out on the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Beware because MONA isn’t just another boring old museum. Many of its exhibits are interactive, immersive, and downright provocative.

Even getting to the museum is an experience. You arrive by ferry from downtown!

Just 40 minutes north of Hobart is Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge. If you find yourself driving out that way, stop and take a look because it’s pretty cool.

Oh, and if you’re the backpacker type (or even if you’re not!), be sure to stay at Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse – which is consistently rated as one of the best hostels in the entire world!

Why not book a city tour with a local? It’s a great way to explore Hobart in a unique way!

READ MORE: Plan your 2-week Tasmania itinerary using this guide !

Cradle Mountain is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Tasmania Wilderness . It’s not the highest mountain in Tasmania, but it’s the most famous!

In fact, apart from that little fiend the Tasmanian Devil, the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain are probably Tassie’s most recognisable symbol (that is, when you can see them through the clouds!).

Climbing Cradle Mountain is something of a rite of passage for backpackers travelling Tasmania.

And though the trek is manageable for most fit people, don’t underestimate the final rocky ascent, where you’ll have to scramble over boulders to make it to the top.

But regardless of whether you plan to summit it or not, a visit to the stunning scenery around Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park is not to be missed as one of the best places to see in Tasmania.

Cradle Mountain Hike

Technically part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Park, Lake St. Clair is very much worth its own spot on your list of places to visit in Tasmania.

Created by glaciers two million years ago, today Lake St. Clair offers a tranquil retreat for escaping it all, kayaking, boating, or just surrounding yourself with Mother Nature.

It’s also the finishing point for the famous Overland Track , one of the most famous hiking trails in the world. Be sure to plan in advance if you want to tackle the 6-day Overland Track hike.

Orange-red rocks, coloured by a unique moss, dot the shoreline of the Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s east coast and light up in the sunset glow each evening at this bay just north of Binalong Bay.

The rocks make for a spectacular view, and one that you would assume was the inspiration for the bay’s name.

In fact, the name was bestowed by a ship captain after witnessing the fires of the Aboriginal people on the beaches.

Bay Of Fires Tasmania

No visit to Tasmania is complete without at least one stopover at a quintessentially Tasmanian town.

And what better place to check that experience off your list of awesome things to do in Tasmania than Bicheno, a village of fewer than a thousand people on Tassie’s east coast.

If you’re the scuba type, Bicheno is a great base for exploring the Governor’s Island Marine Reserve, where you’ll find some of the best diving in Australia.

And don’t miss a visit to Diamond Island, a rocky outcropping just off the shore that’s only accessible via a thin sandbar.

Just be sure to wear your swimsuit, because when the tide comes up you’ll have to wade the several hundred meters back to shore!

READ MORE: Check out our camping guide for all the best places to camp in Tasmania.

Owing to its remote location on the far west coast of Tasmania, Strahan isn’t the easiest place to reach. But those who make the journey will be welcomed into one of the most charming port towns on the planet.

Nearby beaches and sand dunes call out to be explored here, or you can take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness railway to soak in the scenery from the luxury of a train car .

The top thing to do in Strahan, though, is to  take a riverboat cruise down the Gordon River.

The journey will take you through lush rainforest and wilderness so untouched that you may feel as though you are on the edge of the entire world.

This West Coast gem and all the Gordon River has to show you will be remembered for years.

Strahan Tasmania

Tasmania’s second city is a culinary paradise and a must-visit stop for any foodie. It’s also got culture to offer in spades, with plenty of art studios, museums, and boutique shops to explore.

Oenophiles won’t want to miss a tour of the many vineyards strewn about the surrounding Tamar Valley wine region.

And if you’re too tipsy from all that wine tasting to make the drive back into town, splash out a little bit with an overnight stay at the amazing Armalong Winery Chalets in Rosevears.

And while most people visiting the area look forward to the delicious food and drink of the Tamar Valley wine region, maybe you would better enjoy the sights from the water and book a Launceston cruise along Cataract Gorge.

Just a short drive from Hobart, Mount Field National Park is an accessible option for experiencing the magic of the Tasmanian wilderness.

One of the most popular Tasmania tourist attractions in the national park is Russel Falls, a gorgeous cascade of water accessible via a short and easy stroll from the visitor’s centre.

But here’s a tip for a really unique thing to do in Tasmania:  come back  to the falls in the dark of night and turn off your flashlight.

Why? Well, thousands of glowworms light up the nearby trees is a show-stopping spectacle!

Mt Field National Park Tasmania

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Tasmania, you’ll need to hop on a short car ferry to check out all the epic things to do on Bruny Island .

Once there, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful cliff-side views, plenty to do, and tons of delicious dining options.

Be sure to find your way to Truganini Lookout, a popular viewpoint for admiring a stunning narrow isthmus of sand.

Animal lovers will especially be at home on Bruny Island, where you can visit seals, dolphins, penguins, whales, and more.

For a unique way to experience Bruny Island, consider visiting as part of an organised boat tour. This will save you the car ferry journey and allow you to take in the island’s views from an entirely different angle!

The Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula is a Tasmanian UNESCO World Heritage site. It is here where Tasmania’s history merged with that of the Western world.

Founded as a lumber camp in 1830, shortly thereafter Port Arthur became a holding pen for thousands of British convicts, particularly those re-offenders who had already been transported to Australia.

You can tour the incredibly well-preserved Port Arthur historic site and easily stay busy for a day wandering through this part of Tasman history.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, this is also the starting point of the legendary Three Capes Track !

Further up the Tasman Peninsula is the Coal Mines Historic Site. This World Heritage listed historic site has preserved the living quarters and working conditions of the hundreds of convicts used to mine the region.

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Maria Island is a 45-minute minute ferry ride from Triabunna. and is home to some awesome biking and hiking trails, as well as some awesome wildlife!

A lot of people come over on a day trip, but we personally recommend spending a few days camping on the island, or book a bunkhouse in the old penitentiary.

We wrote a whole travel guide to Maria Island , but some of our favourite things to do here are checking out the Painted Cliffs, hike to the summit of Bishop and Clerk and explore all the old convict buildings.

Maria Island is also home to wallabies, kangaroos, wombats, Cape Barron geese, and even the world-famous Tasmanian devil.

You won’t find shops or vehicles on the island so be sure to take everything you need with you.

READ MORE: Check out these other great things to do in Tasmania.

Painted Cliffs Maria Island

There’s a lot to explore on this wonderful island, and Tasmania is deceptively large, so be sure to plan enough time to pack it all in!

You could definitely spend a few weeks exploring Tasmania, taking as much or as little time wandering between the east coast and west coast. Certainly, you want to be sure to have at least one week at a minimum.

If you have more time head out to the northwest and check out the Tarkine Drive – one of the wildest and most remote parts of Tasmania.

We hope you planned enough time to visit every national park on your list, to enjoy places like Wineglass Bay and Binalong Bay, and to have as much delicious food and wine as you can pack in at the Tamar Valley and Gordon River.

That’s it for this list of the best places to visit in Tasmania.

Do you love Tasmania? Drop a comment below with your favourite thing to see or place to visit in Tasmania.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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About the Author - Nate Hake

Nate is from Denver, Colorado and writes the travel blog  Travel Lemming , which focuses on exploring the world's emerging travel destinations. Nate recently completed a year-long trip around the world that took him to 43 countries across 6 continents.

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5 thoughts on “12 Truly Epic Places to Visit in Tasmania (2024 Guide)”

Wow, this travel guide looks amazing! I can’t wait to plan my next trip to Australia and explore all these beautiful places in Tasmania. Thanks for sharing!

Tarkine and Stanley are a must visit. In fact driving the whole of the north from west to east is quite lovely. It truely is a beautiful Island State. I’m from Queensland. I travelled the world for two years in the seventies, when the world was a kinder place. Enjoy.

Surprisingly Stanley and the Tarkine doesn’t get a mention. Absolutely stunning part of Tassie.

Got back from Tassie on Jan 14 from a 3 week vacation. Went on a tour of Tasmania with a mate and his family. Started in Hobart went west to the mining town of Queenstown. Then to Strahan then to Cradle Mountain. On to Launceston and back to Hobart. Then the following week to Cole’s Bay, Bichenro, St Mary’s and Scamander. MAN I love Tasmania!!!! Also don’t forget Sapphire panning in Derby!!! And Mona art Exhibit!!! Here’s to next year!!!

Wow, what a great trip. We can not wait to get to Tasmania. Richard made us very jealous after we read this article. Thank you for your suggestions and tips Paul. 🙂

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For those who haven't visited Australia's smallest state, Tasmania or "Tassie," seems shrouded in mystique. Perhaps it's the state's far-flung location, some 300 kilometers south of the Australian mainland across stormy Bass Strait. Maybe it's the vast expanses of windswept wilderness. Almost half of Tasmania's land mass lies in national parks and World Heritage Areas, with sparkling alpine lakes, wild rivers, and mist-cloaked peaks.

Perhaps it's the bizarre wildlife – from real life Tasmanian devils to the extinct thylacine, the Tasmanian tiger. Or is it the haunting convict history and beautifully preserved heritage towns, which seem frozen in time? Today, this mystique lures more and more tourists who are discovering the island's many jewels.

Shaped appropriately like a heart, Tasmania is also a foodie's delight. Gloriously creamy cheeses, crisp fruits, and succulent seafood are just some of the mouthwatering local treats on offer, and hanging out at a waterfront café or restaurant is one of the top things to do in the port city of Hobart.

If you're looking for a unique way to arrive on the island, you can travel from Melbourne to Devonport by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania . Best of all, you can bring your car with you. If you choose this option, check out a Tasmania attractions map, and plot a scenic road-trip.

Explore this enchanting state with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tasmania.

See also: Where to Stay in Tasmania

1. Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

2. get a culture fix in hobart, 3. port arthur historic site, 4. hike through freycinet national park, 5. see the views from kunanyi/mount wellington, 6. tasman national park, 7. walk the three capes track, 8. cataract gorge, launceston, 9. stroll around salamanca place, 10. visit bruny island, 11. mona museum and art gallery, 12. mount field national park, 13. franklin-gordon wild rivers national park, 14. marvel at the scenery on maria island, 15. richmond, 16. climb the nut, where to stay in tasmania for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tasmania.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

In the north of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is the jewel in the crown of the state's many natural wonders. Glacier-carved crags; glittering lakes; beech forests; alpine heathland; and jagged dolerite peaks, including 1,616-meter-high Mount Ossa (the highest point on the island), are some of its most breathtaking features.

Hiking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is legendary. Favorite day walks include the Lake Dove Walk , with magnificent views of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters), and the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer circuit through dense forests. If you're wondering what to do in Tasmania for a week, a hiking trip here could more than fill your days.

The northern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, is particularly beautiful. From the summit of Cradle Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the central highlands. The famous 80-kilometer Overland Track runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , the deepest lake in Australia .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3297

Hobart

Tasmania's capital has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater with a turbulent convict history to a hub of cutting-edge culture. Its beautiful setting between the sea and the soaring peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington has, no doubt, inspired many of its talented artists in all genres.

Opened in 2011, MONA: Museum of Old and New Art pushes the art world envelope with its provocative and confronting exhibits, while the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery takes a more traditional look at the country's art, as well as its natural history.

Foodies will also find plenty to smile about. The city's waterfront precinct buzzes with hip cafés and restaurants, and you can eat around the world on the restaurant strip in North Hobart.

Delving into the city's rich convict history is another one of the top things to do in Hobart. Visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary, and explore the historic sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place , now filled with shops, cafés, and antique dealers. From here, you can also follow the Battery Point Sculpture Trail to see elegant convict-built architecture.

Natural attractions are also never far away from the city buzz. Climb kunanyi/Mount Wellington to really appreciate Hobart's picturesque setting, and gaze out at the World Heritage wilderness in the distance.

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Hobart

Port Arthur Historic Site

The old convict settlement of Port Arthur offers a sobering look at Tasmania's turbulent past. About an hour's drive southeast of Hobart, the ruins are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property . Here, in 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur established a brutal penal settlement where convicts were forced to hew coal in the mines and fell timber.

In spite of a devastating fire in 1897, the remains of many buildings still stand, including the guard tower, church, model prison, and hospital. You can also browse fascinating documents and relics of the penal settlement in the museum, or visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site. Admission tickets give you two days to explore all the attractions here, and they also include an introductory walking tour and 25-minute harbor cruise.

Looking for unique things to do in Tasmania? Consider joining an evening lantern-lit "ghost tour" of the ruins .

After touring Port Arthur, take a drive along the coast to explore the soaring sea cliffs and sheltered coves of the spectacular Tasman peninsula.

Address: 6973 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Official site: http://portarthur.org.au/

Freycinet National Park

World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania's relatively sunny east coast, is one of Australia's oldest nature reserves and one of its most beautiful. Hiking the many scenic trails here is the best way to explore the park.

The star of this picturesque peninsula is the perfect curve of powder-white sand and azure sea at Wineglass Bay – one of the top beaches in Australia . Wander through pristine bushland to secluded bays and lookouts, or tackle the Wineglass Bay Circuit, one of Australia's top hikes . Along the way, keep a look out for some of the many birds in the park. Black cockatoos, kookaburras, and sea birds are just some of the resident species.

Take the 20-minute walk from the lookout to the southern end of Wineglass Bay to admire beautiful views of the Hazards , three striking pink granite crags rising out of the sea. The peaks are best photographed at sunrise and sunset when their color deepens in the golden light.

At the entrance to Freycinet National Park, the little beach resort of Coles Bay is a good base for walks and climbs in the surrounding hills, and you can also explore the entire region on the East Coast Escape scenic drive.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3363

kunanyi (Mount Wellington)

Undulating to the west of Hobart, the comforting presence of 1,270-meter-high kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a constant reminder of the unspoiled wilderness that lies on the doorstep of this waterfront capital.

Follow a winding 21-kilometer mountain road to the Pinnacle, often sprinkled with snow, for breathtaking views over Hobart, the Derwent Valley, and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. At the summit, boardwalks lead to panoramic viewpoints, and a pavilion displays old photographs of Hobart and Mount Wellington.

The mountain is a popular spot for biking and hiking through the temperate rain forests, and the distinctive Organ Pipes , a dolerite cliff, is renowned for its excellent rock climbing. Standing atop the summit and admiring the sweeping views is one of the best free things to do in Tasmania, but dress warmly as the weather here is notoriously fickle.

Official site: http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/

Cape Raoul, Tasman National Park

On the wind-lashed Tasman Peninsula, 56 kilometers east of Hobart, Tasman National Park protects some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. If you look at a map of Tasmania, this park cloaks the far southeast tip of the state, with nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica.

It's a place of raw beauty. Towering dolerite cliffs plunge 300 meters to the sea, islands shimmer just offshore, waterfalls tumble to the sea, and contorted rock formations wear the relentless forces of wind and water.

The Blowhole and Tasman Arch are two of the park's most famous features. Other top sites include Remarkable Cave , Waterfall Bay , and the Devil's Kitchen – a collapsed rock arch.

Wildlife also scores top billing here. Apart from many species of rare birds, the area plays host to Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales, fairy penguins, and possums. A popular way to explore this stunning national park is by hiking the Three Capes Track (see below).

You can also explore some of the top attractions by car, or hop aboard a boat to glimpse the soaring cliffs from sea level, or cast a line – fishing can be excellent here. In the southern end of the park, climbers scale the dolerite cliffs, and Pirate's Bay is popular with hang-gliders.

Nearby lies the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur , one of Australia's most poignant historic sites.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3868

Three Capes Track

Starting and ending in World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, the stunningly scenic Three Capes Track slices through more than 48 kilometers of awe-inspiring wilderness in Tasman National Park . A boat delivers you to the trailhead from Port Arthur, where you'll walk along the edge of the continent, with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from the cliff-top trail.

Along the way, you'll walk through pristine eucalyptus forests and windswept heathland; see spectacular dolerite columns rising from the sea; encounter wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and echidnas; and stay in comfy eco-friendly cabins.

Every hiker receives a guidebook with maps and notes about the journey, as well as stories to read as they sit on strategically placed benches along the track. This four-day, three-night hike is suitable for all levels of hikers – even children. It's one of the best things to do in Tasmania in spring, fall, or summer, although hardy hikers could also tackle it in winter if they dress appropriately.

Official site: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/experience.html

Cataract Gorge

A mere 15-minute stroll along the river from Launceston's city center, the wild and romantic Cataract Gorge is a deep chasm carved over many centuries by the South Esk River. Offering striking scenery, the gorge is one of the top attractions in Launceston .

Precipitous walking paths, first built in the 1890s, cut into the cliff face on both sides of the gorge, offering heart-stopping views of the river far below.

The less adventurous can hop aboard the world's longest single-span chairlift, and the Kings Bridge and Gorge Restaurant also afford fine views. On the south side, you can relax at a café and paddle in the bush-fringed swimming pool.

At Cliff Grounds on the northern side, lies a beautiful Victorian garden replete with ferns, strutting peacocks, and wallabies. River cruises offer another perspective of this popular attraction.

If you're looking for things to do in Northern Tasmania, Cataract Gorge deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Official site: http://www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/

Salamanca Place

Salamanca Place, with its lovingly restored sandstone buildings, is a tourist hub in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront. Built by convicts between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian buildings were once warehouses along the commercial center of old Hobart. Today, they house art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

You can dine alfresco along this cobblestone strip; shop for antiques and souvenirs; or visit the galleries, performing arts venues, and ateliers of the Salamanca Arts Centre . Every Saturday, tourists and locals alike flock to the Salamanca Markets , where more than 300 vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and woodwork to fresh produce.

Nearby Constitution Dock is a favorite spot to buy fresh seafood, and one of the most popular things to do in December here is watch the yachts cruise in after the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

From Salamanca Place, you can also descend Kelly Steps to Battery Point , a picturesque seaside suburb with heritage houses.

Australian fur seal on Bruny Island

About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Bruny Island is a popular day trip from the city for foodies and nature buffs. The island lies across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel from the seaside town of Kettering. It's famous for its delectable gastronomic treats, such as handmade chocolates, local berries, artisan cheeses, and succulent seafood, which you can sample on island tasting tours.

South Bruny National Park, on the island's southern tip, offers beautiful coastal scenery, with soaring green sea cliffs, sheltered beaches, and challenging surf breaks.

You can explore the park on an eco-cruise or hike the many nature trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Fur seals and fairy penguins swim offshore, and wombats, wallabies, and echidnas are often spotted on land. Built by convicts between 1836 and 1838, Cape Bruny Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the surging Southern Ocean.

Mona Museum and Art Gallery

Cutting edge and controversial, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart made a splash on the Aussie art scene when it opened in 2011. Its Tasmanian owner, David Walsh, described the thought-provoking collection of art and antiquities as a "subversive adult Disneyland."

After entering the museum's foyer at ground level, art lovers descend a spiral staircase to a subterranean gallery, where exhibits range from Sidney Nolan's Snake to an Egyptian sarcophagus and a machine that turns food into brown sludge. Portable touch screen devices provide commentary on the works.

Also on-site are entertainment venues, a trendy restaurant, library, cinema, and accommodation pavilions. The most popular way to travel to MONA is a 30-minute ferry ride along the Derwent River, which drops you off directly at the museum's steps.

Note that you need to buy tickets in advance. Check the website for details and opening hours.

Address: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Hobart, Tasmania

Official site: http://www.mona.net.au/

Mount Field National Park

About 80 kilometers from Hobart, Mount Field is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here, you can explore magnificent rainforests, tall swamp gums, alpine moorland, and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful walking trails wind throughout the park, which is often dusted with snow in the high moorlands until summer. The short Russell Falls Nature Walk to these triple-tiered cascades is suitable even for wheelchair-users. You can also hike around Lake Dobson , and experienced bushwalkers have a choice of more challenging routes.

One of the popular things to do in Tasmania in winter is cross-country skiing, and this is an ideal place to indulge, only a 90-minute drive from Hobart. In the fall, the park ignites with yellow, orange, and red-leafed trees. This is also the site where the last Tasmanian tiger was captured in 1930.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3589

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park has become a symbol of one of Australia's most famous conservation victories. In the 1970s and 80s, this majestic mountain region of primeval rainforest, steep gorges, and wild rivers was the subject of bitter controversy over a proposal to dam the Franklin River. The opponents of the scheme, with their battle cry "No dams!" were victorious, and the wild beauty of the Franklin River and its surrounding wilderness remains.

Today, the national park is the nucleus of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area , which also includes the rocky 1,443-meter peak of Frenchman's Cap . Its Aboriginal sites are evidence of a rich Indigenous heritage stretching back more than 36,000 years.

White-water rafting enthusiasts come here to tackle the tumultuous Franklin River, one of the top outdoor adventures in Australia , and hikers enjoy the short walks. A highlight is Donaghys Lookout Walk . You can also explore the park by car on the Lyell Highway. Better still, hop aboard a river cruise from the west coast village of Strahan .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3937

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania

In a land of wilderness escapes, Maria Island truly stands out. Sitting off the east coast of Tasmania, this pristine, car-free island is a nature-lover's Eden. Among the top tourist attractions are the island's Painted Cliffs . Etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, the Painted cliffs are a favorite subject for photographers. But you can also explore rugged mountains; wild, windswept beaches; fossil-flecked limestone cliffs; and dense forests.

Are you an animal lover? You'll find plenty of wildlife to ogle here, too, from wombats and wallabies to Tasmanian devils, ringtail possums, pademelons, and potoroos (small marsupials). Maria Island is also one of the top places to visit in Tasmania for bird-watching .

Wombat on Maria Island

Other popular things to do on Maria Island include hiking the scenic trails, biking around the island, snorkeling and diving (if you can brave the cold waters), and exploring the area's rich history. While you're here, you can visit World Heritage-listed convict sites and learn about the Indigenous Puthikwilayti people, custodians of the land and surrounding waters for more than 40,000 years.

Want to stay overnight? Maria Island accommodation is limited. You can stay in basic bunks at the Penitentiary in Darlington, or pitch your tent in a campsite. But most visitors come here on day trips from Hobart.

If you're traveling here on your own, the ferry ride from Triabunna to Darlington, the island's main settlement, takes about 45 minutes. You won't find any shops here, so you'll need to bring everything you need with you, and pack it all out.

Richmond Bridge

About 25 kilometers northeast of Hobart, Richmond is a kind of living open-air museum. Of all the early settlements in Tasmania, it presents the most complete and homogeneous picture of a Georgian colonial town. It was founded soon after the landing of the first settlers in Risdon Cove in 1803 and soon developed into the commercial center of a very fertile grain-growing district.

Richmond was also an important military post. Inmates from the town's penal colony constructed many of the buildings, as well as the Richmond Bridge , which dates from 1825 and is the oldest bridge in Australia.

Often seen in the background of bridge photos is the timber-topped St. Luke's Church , with beautiful stained-glass windows. It was so well constructed that the convict carpenter responsible was pardoned. A short distance to the north, the neo-Gothic St. John's Church , dating from 1837-59 is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia.

Other historic highlights include Richmond Gaol and the well-preserved heritage buildings of Bridge Street. Traveling with kids? One of the top Tasmania attractions for families, the Old Hobart Town model village recreates life in the 1820s.

Many day trips to Richmond from Hobart also include a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Park in Brighton, where you can get up close to favorite Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

The Nut

On Tasmania's northwest coast, the Nut is a 143-meter-high volcanic plug, which looms over the picturesque heritage town of Stanley . Matthew Flinders, who viewed it in 1798, thought it was reminiscent of a Christmas cake with its steep, rounded sides and flat top.

You can climb the steep path to the Pinnacle, which takes about 15 minutes, or hop aboard a chairlift for fantastic photo opportunities. At the top, trails of varying lengths lead visitors through fern-fringed forests and to scenic lookouts with 360-degree views of the curving coastline, the quaint hamlet of Stanley, and surrounding farmland. Look for pademelons and wallabies along the trails, and take a jacket, as the top can be quite windy.

We recommend these wonderful hotels in Tasmania's top tourist spots:

  • Saffire Freycinet is a luxury eco-hotel on the Freycinet Peninsula, with spectacular views and floor-to-ceiling glass-encased rooms.
  • The mid-range Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart is in a great location, with harbor views, a pillow menu, and a fantastic restaurant.
  • Salamanca Inn is a family-friendly all-suite hotel on Hobart's waterfront, steps from Salamanca Place. Choose from one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens.
  • About a 10-minute walk from Cataract Gorge and Launceston's CBD, The Mews Motel is a budget hotel in a heritage building. Chat with the friendly management, cook your own meals in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen, then snuggle into a comfy bed at this home away from home.

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It used to be a “mainlander’s” joke that Tasmania was twenty years behind the rest of Australia. And in some ways this island state remains old-fashioned, a trait that is charming and frustrating by turns. Yet increasingly Australians are beginning to wonder whether the joke might have been on them after all. The isolation that once stymied growth in Tasmania is now seen as an asset. More and more Aussies find themselves lured across the Bass Strait by the relaxed pace of life and outstanding wine and cuisine, as much as the state’s famously pristine environment. An increasing number of luxury hotels have appeared, too – chintz and doilies in heritage stays are out, cool contemporary beach-houses are in – and Australia’s most cutting-edge gallery, MONA in Hobart, definitively refutes accusations that Tasmania is backwards. The Tasmanian landscape – vast swathes of rainforest that date back to the last ice age, jagged glaciated mountains and white-powder beaches – still brings many visitors to the island. Even if you’re not particularly outdoorsy, the experience of visiting such a pure environment brings a tingle of exhilaration.

The Aboriginal peoples of Tasmania

First white settlement, decline of aboriginal people, around hobart, cradle mountain–lake st clair national park, overland track practicalities, deloraine and walls of jerusalem national park, the east coast, the far south, all aboard the bush line, a walk into the southwest national park, launceston and around, the midland highway, national parks and bushwalking, the northwest coast, the southwest national park, the tasmanian tiger, the tasman peninsula, tour and expedition operators.

Tasmania has come a long way since it was known as Van Diemen’s Land. The sink of the British Empire, it hosted the worst of the worst convicts, and its name became so tainted with penal brutality that the state decided to rebrand when transportation ended in 1853. Even in the Nineties it still had a reputation as somewhere brooding, almost gothic. It was also renowned for its ties to the Old Country. Not only British in scale at roughly the size of Ireland, Tasmania retains rolling hills, hawthorn hedges and stone villages that recall England’s West Country, largely in the midlands between its two largest cities that were the axes of development, capital Hobart and Launceston in the north.

Yet if anything defines (and divides) Tasmania it is the environment. This is the closest point in Australia to the Antarctic Circle. The next land west is Argentina – air monitoring stations record the air in the state’s northwest as the purest in the world. With forty percent of the island protected in parks and reserves, Tasmania is one of the cleanest places on Earth. Much of the southwest is pure wilderness; a place of wild rivers, temperate rainforests, buttongrass plains and glacially carved mountains and tarns. Protected as a vast World Heritage Area, it offers some of the best wilderness walking and rafting in the world.

Cradle Mountain in the centre and Strahan on the west coast are the gateways from which most people experience the wild, forming two stops on a much-travelled loop that includes capital Hobart, with its must-see gallery and burgeoning food and arts scenes; convict history on the Tasman Peninsula; the string of beautiful beaches along the sunnier, drier east coast , the state’s holiday playground; and Launceston, the state’s second city and gateway to the vineyards of the Tamar Valley. Tick off the lot and you’ll have a taste of the state. Yet those less-visited corners are equally appealing: places like the far south down to Cockle Creek, a blend of wilderness, scenery and food culture; the sparsely populated northeast corner, home to the mesmerizing Bay of Fires beaches and Mount William National Park, a haven for Forrester kangaroo; or in the northwest small resorts like pretty Stanley or the isolated shack villages at Arthur River. All are places to slow down; to discover astonishing scenery and wildlife, perhaps settle into a free bushcamp for the night and revel in the purity of this environment.

Brief history

The Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted the island in 1642. Landing a party on its east coast, he named it Van Diemen’s Land in honour of the governor of the Dutch East Indies. Early maps showed it connected to the mainland, and several eighteenth-century French and British navigators, including Bruny d’Entrecasteaux, William Bligh and James Cook did not prove otherwise. It was Matthew Flinders’ discovery of the Bass Strait in 1798 that confirmed Tasmania as an island (and reduced the journey to Sydney by a week). In 1803, after a French expedition had been observed in the island’s southern waters, it was decided to establish a second colony in Australia, and Lieutenant David Bowen settled with a group of convicts on the banks of the Derwent River at Risdon Cove. In the same year, Lieutenant-Colonel John Collins set out from England with another group to settle the Port Phillip district of what would become Victoria; after a few months they gave up and crossed the Bass Strait to join Bowen’s group. Hobart Town was founded in 1804 and the first penal settlement opened at Macquarie Harbour (Strahan) in 1821, followed by Maria Island and Port Arthur; they were mainly for convicts who had committed secondary offences after transportation. Lurid tales of the harsh conditions and violent regime enshrined Van Diemen’s Land in British folklore as a prison-island hell. In truth, many convicts enjoyed higher standards of living than they had in British and Irish slums, and some free settlers made fortunes.

The environmental debate

If we can revise our attitudes towards the land under our feet; if we can accept a role of steward, and depart from the role of conqueror; if we can accept the view that man and nature are inseparable parts of the unified whole – then Tasmania can be a shining beacon in a dull, uniform, and largely artificial world .

Olegas Truchanas, conservationist, 1971

Tasmania’s recent history has been shaped not by the postwar industrialization and immigration that transformed the mainland, but by battles over natural resources . Forests, fast-flowing rivers and mountainous terrain meant that forestry and hydroelectricity schemes began early here. The flooding of Lake Pedder in 1972 for the HEC (Hydro Electricity Commission) led to the formation of the Wilderness Society , a conservation organization that went on to lead the largest civilian protest in Australian history in 1982 – the so-called Franklin Blockade , which saved one of Tasmania’s last wild rivers and led to World Heritage status for a fifth of the state. Bitter controversy over the balance between conservation and exploitation of natural resources has long polarized the state’s population between “greenies” and loggers.

Yet after thirty years of conflict, sometimes fought tree by tree, the balance of power is shifting. After a moratorium on logging in 2010, the World Heritage area was extended by 170,000 hectares in June 2013 to include high-value old-growth forest in the Styx Valley , the nearby Weld and Upper Florentine valleys and the Great Western Tiers around Lake St Clair. Simultaneously a moratorium on logging remains in forests of the Blue Tier . Yet although state forestry arm Forestry Tasmania seems to accept the need for reform, forced by a collapse in native timber markets, the battleground has shifted. In February 2013, as timber prices slumped and prices for iron ore and bauxite soared through Asian demand, the federal government approved open-cut mining in the Tarkine region in the northwest, also home to the largest Gondwanan rainforest in Australia. At the time of writing, the Save the Tarkine movement ( w tarkine.org ) had appealed to the Federal Court.

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The demise of the Aboriginal peoples of Tasmania is one of the most tragic episodes of recent history. Ironically, were it not for American and British sealers and whalers, who had operated on Van Diemen’s Land since 1793 and lived with Aboriginal women on the Furneaux Islands in the Bass Straits, the Tasmanian Aborigines could have disappeared entirely. Until recently, schoolbooks stated that the last Aboriginal Tasmanian was Truganini , who died at Oyster Cove, south of Hobart, in 1876. Not true – in fact, a strong Aboriginal movement has grown up in Tasmania.

Raised ocean levels after the last Ice Age separated the Aboriginal people of Tasmania from the mainland and caused isolation that was both genetic and cultural : for example, they couldn’t make fire but kept alight smouldering fire-sticks, and their weapons were simple clubs and spears not boomerangs. In appearance , the men wore their hair in long ringlets smeared with grease and red ochre (women’s heads were closely shaved) and, to keep warm, they used a paste of animal fat, ochre and charcoal.

Upon white settlement in the early 1800s, there were reckoned to be about five thousand Aboriginal people in Tasmania, divided into bands who shared a language and culture, socialized, intermarried and – crucially – fought against other bands. They also traded and moved peacefully across neighbouring territory to share resources. Once the nomadic tribes realized the white settlers were not going to “share” resources in this traditional exchange, confrontation was inevitable. Tit-for-tat skirmishes in the 1820s led state governor George Arthur to declare martial law in 1828, expelling all Aboriginal people from settled districts and giving settlers licence to shoot on sight. To end the bloodshed, the government planned to confine the remaining Aborigines on Bruny Island , and in 1830, a militia of three thousand settlers swept the island in a dragnet known as the Black Line.

The ploy failed, but betrayal between rival bands did the job instead and in 1834, the last 135 Aborigines were moved to a makeshift settlement on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait. Within four years most had died through disease or the harsh conditions. The 47 survivors were transferred to their final settlement at Oyster Cove, near Hobart, in 1837. The skeleton of that group’s last survivor, Truganini, originally from Bruny Island, was displayed in the Tasmanian Museum until 1976, when her remains were finally cremated and scattered in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

The mixed-race descendants of the Aboriginal Tasmanians, known as the Palawa, were given a voice by the establishment of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre ( TAC ) in the 1970s. A push for land rights handed it control of historic areas of Flinders Island in 1999 and, in 2005, Cape Barren Island to its south. Pride in Aboriginal roots grew, too: in a 1981 census, 2700 Tasmanians ticked the Aboriginal box; by 2001 that number was 16,000. Ironically, this has riled the TAC, whose sympathies lie with the Bass Strait communities who can trace their lineage back to the late 1700s.

Water, wilderness and wildlife – in many ways the landscapes around Hobart are Tasmania in miniature. Once the region that put the apple into the state’s Apple Isle nickname, the bucolic D’Entrecasteaux Channel south of the capital has diversified in produce recently – nowadays this area has more than its fair share of artisan producers making fine cheeses and wines. Even Bruny Island across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel has acquired a foodie focus, but it’s still better known as Hobart’s favourite getaway because of its beautiful beaches, bushwalks and a superb eco-cruise – small wonder it’s shifting rapidly upmarket. North of Hobart are two day-trips that sum up the diversity so close to the capital. Northwest, the forest and subalpine landscapes of the Mount Field National Park hint at the great southwest wilderness beyond, while Richmond northeast is all about the cosy character of a pretty historic village.

A jagged fin rising to an upturned crescent ridge, Cradle Mountain ’s outline is so perfect it could have been designer-drawn; indeed it has become visual shorthand for the state itself. It has also turned Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park into the best-known of Tasmania’s wilderness regions, and the park’s 1612 square kilometres have loads to offer, including the country’s best bushwalk, the Overland Track . One of the most glaciated areas in Australia, this wild region of rivers, buttongrass plains and alpine moorland covers some of Tasmania’s highest land and is punctuated by its highest point, Mount Ossa (1617m), one of many jagged dolerite peaks in the park. Lake St Clair , which bookends the park’s south end as Cradle Mountain does the north, is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia at over 200m.

Cradle Mountain is easily accessible from Devonport, Deloraine or Launceston, and the park’s southern Lake St Clair end from Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Hobart. Most visitors spend a day around Cradle Mountain only – a breathtaking sight despite its popularity; the south is less obviously scenic even though good walks are within reach. The Overland Track threads between the two, attracting walkers from all over the world to lose themselves in pure wilderness and stunning scenery over six or more mud- and often leech-filled days of exhilarating exhaustion.

The Overland Track

Some moan it’s in danger of being loved to death, but most hikers agree the Overland Track remains Australia’s greatest extended bushwalk: 65km, unbroken by roads and passing through fields of wild flowers, and forests of deciduous beech, Tasmanian myrtle, pandanus and King Billy pine, with side-walks leading to views of waterfalls and lakes, and starting points for climbs of the various mountain peaks. Most of the track is well-maintained boardwalk but you may still end up ankle-deep in mud. Along the route are six basic coal-stove- or gas-heated huts (not for cooking – bring your own stove), with composting toilets outside. But there’s no guarantee there’ll be space, so you need a good tent – they’re usually warmer than huts, too – and a warm sleeping bag even in summer.

The direct walk generally takes six days – five, if you catch a boat from Narcissus Hut across Lake St Clair, or up to ten if you want to go on some of the side-walks – and demands that walkers carry enough food and fuel for the duration, plus extra supplies in case you have an accident or bad weather sets in. All water en route is potable.

Around eight thousand people walk the track each year, most between November and April. While the track is at its most crowded from Christmas to the end of January, it is at its best during February and March when the weather has stabilized. Such is the route’s popularity, a quota system has been introduced to regulate numbers to 60 departures a day between October and May. Walkers must book their place to walk ( overlandtrack.com.au ) and pay $200 per person in addition to the park entry fee; if it softens the pain of the outlay, your money goes to the park’s conservation. During this period, the walk is north to south only, a good idea at any rate since it’s more downhill than up.

During other months you can register in the national park offices at Cradle Mountain or Lake St Clair, where you receive an obligatory briefing and have your gear checked over. At either end you can purchase Tasmap’s Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair map – an essential purchase despite the boardwalks – and pick up one of several guidebooks that are useful for novice walkers.

With moderate fitness and experience, appropriate gear and a fair reserve of stamina, most walkers can tackle the track. However, guided tours will share the loads of tents and food, provide a richer appreciation of the wilderness and get someone else to do the cooking. Both of these depart from Launceston.

Tasmanian Expeditions tasmanianexpeditions.com.au . Runs trips from the standard six to nine days, including trips that divert into Pine Valley and winter treks that require the use of snowshoes.

Cradle Mountain Huts cradlehuts.com.au . Provides wilderness without the wild thanks to accommodation in private lodges – you’ll have hot showers and a delicious meal before a proper bed each night.

There’s beautiful scenery west of Launceston. Tiny towns sit in rich farmland and beside green river vales, all rolling up to the wall-like Great Western Tiers , where Tasmania’s Central Plateau drops abruptly to the surrounding plains. The area’s main destination is Deloraine , which leads a double life as a farming and arts centre, and the nearby village of Mole Creek , gateway to the caves of Tassie’s only underground national park. Both serve as a base for day-walks but the best walking hereabouts is in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, fast gaining a reputation as an alternative to Cradle Mountain.

Deloraine and around

Draped over hills beside the Meander River , DELORAINE is a pleasant spot on the route west. The area was settled by Europeans in the 1830s, but Deloraine was a late-starter, developing from 1846, and today it’s National Trust classified, its backstreets stuffed with historic houses. But don’t let that put you off – architecture is only a backdrop to this town’s quietly bohemian vibe. Numerous arts and crafts galleries line the streets – for a taster there’s Deloraine Creative Studios, the outlet for several local producers, and the largest of the many shops in town. For crafts overload, there’s the Tasmanian Craft Fair in late October/early November, when around ten thousand visitors browse and buy from the largest crafts gathering in Australia.

Bushwalks near Deloraine

Close to prime bushwalking areas in the Western Tiers, Deloraine doubles as a base for walkers. Pick up the free leaflet issued by Forestry Tasmania, Visiting the Great Western Tiers, from the Deloraine visitor centre; it has a map of the Meander Forest Reserve that includes surrounding day-walks. Popular tracks include the stroll to Alum Cliffs , an impressive and unexpected gorge in the Mersey River (40min return) of Aboriginal significance, that’s signposted on the road between Chudleigh and Mole Creek; a difficult walk to Quamby Bluff , renowned for its myrtle rainforest (6.5km; 6hr; beginning at Brodies Rd, off the Lake Highway); and the track to gorgeous Liffey Falls (8km; 3hr; beginning at the picnic ground 5km west of the tiny community of Liffey). Another excellent day-walk visits Meander Falls in the Meander Forest Reserve, about 25km south of Deloraine, although on our last visit the Meander Falls Bridge had been washed away. Seek updates at the visitor centre.

Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Part of the World Heritage Area, the Walls of Jerusalem National Park is one of Tassie’s finest wilderness areas. It jigsaws into the Cradle Mountain area and shares many of its characteristics – a series of craggy dolerite peaks that enclose a central basin and miles of glaciated lakes, pencil pines and open moorland. What sets the Walls of Jerusalem apart from Cradle Mountain is the lack of visitors. Snow is possible even in January, so be well prepared. The most settled months are February and April.

As the Walls of Jerusalem is the only national park in Tasmania you can’t drive into, the walk in begins outside the park boundaries. The standard approach is from Mole Creek, then south, following the Mersey River via the unsealed road east of Lake Rowallan to a car park. You ascend through forest into the park, which has no ranger outpost (although rangers do patrol). However, tracks are well kept, with boardwalks laid in places, there’s plenty of clean water to drink from the streams and there are a couple of camping platforms with composting toilets – the old wooden trappers’ huts are really for emergencies only.

For years the Walls was something of a walkers’ secret. Now visitor numbers have so increased that, in 2013, PWS mooted summer quotas to preserve the delicate habitat. Visit the website for up-to-date information.

If anywhere in Tasmania conforms to the Aussie stereotype of white beaches and azure seas beneath a cloudless sky, it is the east coast . Sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and washed by warm currents (well, warm by local standards), this is the state’s holiday playground; cheerful and unpretentious, not to mention sunnier and drier than elsewhere thanks to prevailing weather patterns. Small wonder it’s popular – prices go up and accommodation is scarce from Christmas to mid-February during school summer holidays.

The Gold Coast this is not, however. The coastline itself remains relatively undeveloped, and the few settlements are small-fry fishing and holiday towns like Swansea and Bicheno . It speaks volumes that St Helens , gateway to the spectacular white beaches of the Bay of Fires, is the largest settlement with a population of just over two thousand. If even that seems too many, there are four national parks for escape, including Maria Island (the whole island), an entire peninsula at Freycinet National Park and staggeringly beautiful empty beaches in Mount William National Park at the northeast tip of the state. Come to kayak, surf, swim or just enjoy the salt-tanged atmosphere. And if that sounds good, the string of bushcamps here lets you stay at the fringes of one beautiful beach after another, often without paying a cent.

Bay of Fires Coastal Reserve

Perhaps the best reasons to visit St Helens are the sugary white beaches which arc before an aquamarine sea in the Bay of Fires Coastal Reserve . Explorer Tobias Furneaux coined the name in 1773 when he passed a coastline illuminated by the cooking fires of Aboriginal tribes. The reserve stretches north up the coast for over 30km, all the way to Eddystone Point, but most people are content to dawdle on those that scallop the coast north of Binalong Bay , 17km east of St Helens and still a sleepy village despite its magic setting. Beyond the beach at the village, beaches are accessed off the road to The Gardens, each with a basic bushcamp behind. The Gardens itself, 13km north, is gentrifying fast with holiday shacks being replaced by glass-walled holiday houses. Note that there’s no transport to Binalong Bay but it’s an easy cycle ride from St Helens.

Mount William National Park

The northern end of the Bay of Fires falls within the lower half of Mount William National Park ; to get there take the rough road running inland north for 54km from St Helens to the pink-granite tower of the Eddystone Lighthouse. The northern end of the park is reached via Gladstone (east of Launceston) on an unsealed track to Great Musselroe Bay , where there’s a free basic campsite . There are no real tracks within the park itself, but plenty of astonishingly beautiful beach and headland walking, and lots of Forrester kangaroos.

The Freycinet Peninsula

The fame of Wineglass Bay, the most celebrated beach in Tasmania, ensures a steady stream of visitors to Freycinet National Park (pronounced “fray-zin-ay”) even in winter. It is one of the east coast’s poster destinations, something that grants its gateway village, Coles Bay, a popularity out of all proportion to its size. Fortunately the beach and national park beyond live up to the hype – there are beautiful beaches, thick bush, granite mountains that glow orange at sunset and some excellent walking, including what is arguably Tasmania’s best introduction to multiday bushwalking (certainly its sunniest).

The park begins just beyond Coles Bay at the national park office , which sells maps and booklets on day-walks. Here, too, is Richardsons Beach, the first of many idyllic little beaches further around the bay; Honeymoon Bay is gorgeous. Walking tracks into the park proper start at the Walking Track Car Park , a further 4km from the office. Water is scarce, so carry all you’ll need or ask the rangers about safe streams. Shorter walks are well-marked: most walkers head off on the easy ascent to the lookout over exquisite Wineglass Bay , with its perfect curve of white beach. To make a half-day of it, continue down to the beach itself (2.6km return to the lookout, 1–2hr; 5km return to the beach, 2hr 30min–3hr 30min), then return by cutting across the isthmus and following the shore back. For longer hikes, the 27km peninsula circuit is excellent. You could blast it in 10hr, but it’s best done over two days with a night at a campsite on Cooks Beach – a good dry run (literally) for longer Tassie hikes.

Maria Island National Park

Uninhabited save for its park ranger, Maria Island (pronounced “Ma-rye-a”) is 15km off the east coast and accessed by ferry from Triabunna. The beaches are excellent, and the walks and mountain-bike rides are easy, with broad tracks and few hills to climb. Maria Island also appeals for its wildlife, especially the prolific birdlife , with over 130 species; it’s the only national park containing all eleven of the state’s endemic bird species, including the rare forty-spotted pardalote and Cape Barren geese. A decision to transfer a small population of threatened Tasmanian devils to the island in 2013 only confirmed Maria’s status as a Noah’s Ark for native species. You can just about sample the island on a hurried day-trip, but if you crave playing the castaway, treat yourself to an overnight stay.

The Huonville Highway (A6) is the fast route to a great escape south of Hobart. Initially, it rolls through the pretty bucolic landscapes around Huonville. Yet the further you go, the more the landscape takes over. Forestry remains important around Geeveston and while some magnificent old-growth rainforests in surrounding valleys were included in the expansion of the World Heritage Area in 2013, the conservation battles in the area are unlikely to end soon. The Tahune Forest AirWalk is the leading tourism sight, though if you prefer your scenery without railings the alpine Hartz Mountains National Park may appeal. Arguably more inspiring still is Cockle Creek , the most southerly point accessible by road in Australia and the gateway into the Southwest National Park.

Once the Ida Bay Railway was just a hauler of timber for export. Today the claim to fame of this tiny 1940s bush-train is that it is Australia’s southernmost railway. Journeys embark south of Southport at Ida Bay and pootle through the bush to reach a lonely bit of coast. In theory it’s a two-hour return journey, but this makes an ideal day-trip if you bring a picnic then catch a later train home.

For many visitors, Cockle Creek provides an accessible taste of Tasmania’s south coast; an utterly remote region otherwise experienced only by hikers who tackle the South Coast Track , an isolated nine-day haul that’s for very experienced and well-prepared bushwalkers only. From the statue of the southern right whale, an easy walk to Fishers Point takes you around a headland (4km return; up to 2hr). But since you’ve come this far, it’s better to make a day-trip of it and walk to South Cape Bay (4hr return; moderate difficulty). After a boardwalked though occasionally muddy hike through rainforest, you emerge at a sweep of wild surf beach where civilization feels long distant and the next land south is Antarctica. Magic.

Australia’s most southerly city, state capital HOBART is small but beautifully sited. On one side is the broad Derwent River and behind rises Mount Wellington, often dusted with snow in winter and a hint of the southwest wilderness beyond. Both conspire to make the city feel that bit more remote than other Australian capitals. For decades Hobart was derided as the backwater of Australia and the tourist experience was low-key; visitors came to eat and drink at the pubs near the old docks, or to browse the craft shops at the historic stone warehouses of Salamanca Place. But the opening of MONA gallery in 2010 has been a game-changer. Hobart has always had an alternative, creative streak, and nowadays it positively hums with optimism. Every weekend, interstate visitors fly in to see the gallery, sample the profusion of restaurants, cafés and shops and sample the city’s relaxed lifestyle. And in 2013 Australian luxury travel magazine Gourmet Traveller named Hobart the most happening city in Australia.

This newly acquired gloss is laid over a fine architectural heritage, accounting for much of Hobart’s appeal. Australia’s second-oldest city after Sydney, Hobart escaped the worst excesses of developers, and its early buildings are better preserved than those in any other antipodean city. There’s a wealth of Georgian architecture – over ninety buildings are classified by the National Trust, most on Macquarie and Davey streets – while urban village Battery Point can hardly have changed in appearance in 150 years.

Yet architecture is not really the point. A couple of outstanding museums aside – not least MONA – Hobart has little that demands your attention, but much to enjoy. With its blossoming arts and food cultures, and its backdrops of water and historic buildings, Hobart has matured into a nicely quirky, quietly self-assured capital. It’s not nearly as contemporary as Sydney, Melbourne or even Perth, of course, nor would Hobartians want it to be. As they never tire of telling you, its small size and relaxed pace make it one of Australia’s most liveable capitals, and for visitors that makes it a great place in which to simply hang out. There are some great walks in its backyard, too.

Accommodation in Hobart is not especially cheap, especially during peak season when bookings are essential. City centre and dockside hotels command premium prices. Motels are generally cheaper but situated outside in Sandy Bay, about 3km south of the centre. Backpackers’ hostels can be fairly shabby – don’t be afraid to ask to see a room but be aware that your options are limited in January.

Eating and drinking

Hobart’s eating scene has never been more exciting, with critics celebrating its concept restaurants that showcase seasonal, local ingredients. All very impressive, yet fish and chips eaten from fishermen’s punts in Constitution Dock can provide as enjoyable a meal and old favourites retain the easy charm of Tassie dining. Salamanca Place offers the widest choice in the centre – a couple of superb options aside, the CBD is better for cafés – while the short bar-and-restaurant strip in North Hobart (aka “NoHo”) is the choice of many Hobart locals.

Entertainment and nightlife

In the centre, Hobart’s small nightlife scene centres on the water: Salamanca Place and Franklin’s Wharf are boisterous good fun at weekends. To tap into the locals’ scene try North Hobart – most pub gig venues appeal for a drink, too. Free gigs are staged in the open-air courtyard behind the Salamanca Arts Centre on Friday evenings during “Rektango” sessions – a local institution.

Festivals and events

Hobart’s premier event is the last part of the Sydney–Hobart yacht race . The two hundred or so yachts, which leave Sydney on December 26, start to arrive in Hobart on December 28, making for a lively New Year’s Eve waterfront party. The race coincides with the state’s largest festival, The Taste ( tastefestival.com.au ), an erstwhile food jamboree to promote Tasmanian produce that has morphed into a week-long party with music and theatre. The Australian Wooden Boat Festival runs over three days in early February in odd-numbered years, and fills the docks with beautiful historic craft ( australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au ). In late October the Royal Hobart Show agricultural festival provides four fun days of country fare.

MONA has recently added a couple of events to the Hobart calendar. MONA FOMA ( mona.net.au ), aka MOFO , brings free gigs from artists on the avant-garde side of rock, such as Nick Cave, DJs and performance artists to Princes Wharf, Salamanca, for a week in mid-January. And in June, MONA’s winter solstice arts festival, DARK MOFO , sees the iconoclastic gallery run riot around the city, with cutting-edge arts installations at several sites.

As the second-largest city after Hobart, with around 104,000 inhabitants, LAUNCESTON is the natural rival to the capital. Like Hobart, it is sited on a waterway, the Tamar River, and has plenty of historic architecture along with a matching colonial history; it has even acquired similar art and food cultures, and locals argue that their city stands up to comparison with Hobart. In truth though, Tasmania’s “northern capital” remains an oversized provincial town. Not that that is such a terrible thing. A small scale means that nothing in the town – from the excellent gallery-museum and increasingly sophisticated restaurant and café scene to the rugged beauty of Cataract Gorge – is more than twenty minutes’ walk away. And the surrounding vineyards of the Tamar Valley or the ice-shattered summit of Ben Lomond National Park are well within an hour’s drive.

Wines in the Tamar Valley

Fine soil, sun-soaked slopes and a warm(ish) climate have elevated the Tamar Valley into Tasmania’s premier wine country. Growing areas cluster around Rosevears on the west bank and the Pipers River area east of George Town but are spread throughout the area. Armed with a Tamar Valley Wine Route brochure from the visitor centre in Launceston ( tamarvalleywineroute.com.au ), you could explore the countryside dropping into vineyards to sample crisp and fresh cool-climate wines – pinot noir and sparkling wines are specialities. Most are open daily 10am–5pm, though many close in July and August.

Delamere Vineyard delamerevineyards.com.au . Pinot Noir and Chardonnay crafted by traditional methods are the mainstay of this small-scale vineyard, one of Tasmania’s longest running family-owned wine estates – and a lovely rustic place it is too. Also produces a more experimental range under the Naissante brand.

Jansz jansztas.com . The first vineyard in Tasmania to pioneer the traditional méthode champenoise to produce sparkling wine, and their Premium Cuvée recently took top honours for international sparkling wine at awards of wine magazine Decanter . Also produces a rosé and a few whites.

Pipers Brook Vineyard kreglingerwineestates.com . Established in 1974 though now part of the Kreglinger group, Pipers Brook is among the area’s most well-known wine estates, renowned for its Pinot Noir, though also producing a refined Riesling, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris. Its winery in a modern complex also has a café and lovely vine-covered courtyard.

Anyone heading north via the Midland Highway rather than the east coast is generally in a hurry. The fast three-hour route between Hobart and Launceston more or less follows the coaching road between the colony’s first towns. Those origins and the early colonial villages en route have led the tourist board to christen this The Heritage Highway. Former garrison and sheep towns, they are places to break up a journey rather than destinations in their own right.

All national parks in Tasmania charge daily entry fees , often on an honour system. A 24-hour pass costs $12 per pedestrian or cyclist, or $24 per vehicle (including up to 8 passengers); or an eight-week Holiday Pass costs $30 per person or $60 per vehicle. This doesn’t include camping fees, though many sites are free.

Tasmania’s wilderness has always attracted thousands of bushwalkers , and many tracks are boardwalked to avoid erosion to the fragile park environments. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service’s website ( parks.tas.gov.au ) offers walking guidelines, which are also available in the leaflet Minimal Impact Walking from the PWS desk at the Service Tasmania shop in Hobart. Detailed Tasmaps of walking tracks are available in most visitor centres, outdoors shops and Service Tasmania outlets.

Never underestimate the Tasmanian wilderness. It can be dangerous – even lethal – if you’re ill-prepared; the weather changes rapidly, and even on a warm day, hail, sleet or snow can suddenly descend in the highlands where hypothermia is a possibility even in summer. Never go alone, always inform others of your plans, and sign in and out of walks in the books provided at the start of a track. As a minimum, you’ll need wet-weather gear, thermal clothing, walking boots, a sturdy tent, a warm sleeping bag, a fuel cooking stove, maps and a compass. Gear can be rented from shops in Hobart and Launceston.

There’s a sense of heading into the wilds as you progress along the northwest coast. After the cities of Devonport and Burnie (both missable), the towns grow smaller and more spaced out as you skip beside the Bass Strait to Stanley , a historic village-resort with a spectacular setting. It serves as the best base for a visit to the area; a hub for day-trips to Wynyard, Boat Harbour Beach or the ragged coast of the Rocky Cape National Park.

Keep going beyond Stanley and civilization (and any form of public transport) starts to peter out, then the roads get narrower, and finally you roll into dairy village Marrawah . Pushing on to Arthur River , you’ll find just a few holiday shacks and houses around the river. Here, there’s a sense of life at the edge; of settlements buffeted by what is officially the cleanest air in the world and a raw coastline pounded by waves that have rolled all the way from South America. Magic.

The battle for the Tarkine

The Tarkine refers to the raw coast south of Arthur River and the plains of the Arthur Pieman Reserve as much as the fabled forests that spread east to the A10. The name was coined by conservationists after the local Tarkiner Aboriginal people in an effort to highlight Tasmania’s largest unprotected wilderness; “greenies” had been pushing for a Tarkine National Park since the 1960s. Of its 593,000 acres of forest, seventy percent constitutes Australia’s largest tract of temperate rainforest, second only in global significance to tracts in British Columbia: a “forgotten wilderness” of giant myrtle forests, wild rivers and bare granite mountains.

So environmentalists were horrified when a road was proposed through its heart from Arthur River to Corinna then Zeehan. Dubbed “ the Road to Nowhere ”, the Western Explorer was constructed hastily and finished in 1996. During the run up to the Australian federal election in 2004, 180,000 acres received protection from forestry, and awareness of the area grew as a moratorium on logging of ancient native forest was declared in 2011. The conservationists’ push for a national park seemed unstoppable.

As it turns out, logging was the least of their worries. In February 2013, as Australia rode an Asian minerals boom, the government gave a green light to open-cut mining in the Tarkine – the area had been fabled for rich iron, tin and bauxite deposits since the early 1900s. The Save the Tarkine coalition brought about a legal challenge, which cited apocalyptic predictions for the Tasmanian devil in this, one of its last redoubts. But by August 2013, work on two of at least six mines had begun. Mass protests on a scale not seen since the Gordon River dam campaign have been proposed. For updates about campaigns and ways to help, visit the website of pressure group Save the Tarkine ( w tarkine.org ).

When first settled in 1826, STANLEY was described by Lieutenant-Governor Arthur as being “beyond the ramparts of the unknown”. A century on, it somehow retains a suggestion of being at the edge of the world. Amazing, really, considering the thousands of holiday-makers who visit each year to de-stress here, delighting in the historic looks, cosy atmosphere and couple of good beaches on either side of the pretty fishing village and holiday resort. The town remains utterly in awe of The Nut . The eighteenth-century colonial explorer Matthew Flinders called Stanley’s landmark a “cliffy round lump in form resembling a Christmas cake”, not a bad description of the solidified core of a prehistoric volcano rising sheer from the ocean to nearly 150m. Circular Head as it’s officially called (also the name for the surrounding municipality) provided shelter for the fledgling town, founded as the original headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company and the first settlement in northwest Tasmania. It has spread out from the original wharf area but remains a postcard-pretty core chock-full of small historic houses.

VDL and Woolnorth Tours

…how is it that an absentee owner across the world got this magnificent and empty country without having paid one glass bead?

Cassandra Pybus

The Van Diemen’s Land Company (VDL) was the brainchild of a group of well-connected individuals. Through a Royal Charter in 1825, they acquired 250,000 acres of the then-unexplored tip of Tasmania to produce fine wool on sheep farms. The Tranmere duly arrived at Circular Head with the personnel, livestock, supplies and equipment to create the township of Stanley.

The first flocks were grazed at Woolnorth on Cape Grim, a plateau of tussocky grass that was ideal – and also prime hunting land for the local Aborigines. When hunting parties began to take sheep, whites killed Aborigines in retaliation, and a vindictive cycle of killings began that culminated in 1827, with thirty unarmed Aborigines being killed by shepherds and their bodies thrown over the cliff (now euphemistically called “Suicide Bay”).

In the 1840s the company changed its emphasis from wool to the sale and lease of its land, a fifth of which it still owns. Although now controlled by New Zealand company Tasman Farms, which owns 98.4 percent of the shares, VDL remains registered on the London Stock Exchange and is the only company to operate under a Royal Charter. It also retains Woolnorth on Cape Grim , where the Baseline Air Pollution Station records the air, carried thousands of kilometres across the Great Southern Ocean, as the cleanest in the world. Woolnorth tours take in the colonial farm estate, Cape Grim and its 62-turbine windfarm and depart from Smithton ( woolnorthtours.com.au ).

Even in a state as wild as Tasmania, the Southwest National Park is spoken of with something approaching reverence. A blank space on the map of arrow-sharp mountain ranges and broad grassy plains, nowhere else in the state so epitomizes the grandeur and spirit of wilderness nor such edge-of-the-world isolation. For experienced bushwalkers, that escapism and rough terrain is a draw. If you’re thinking of joining them, being able to use a compass and read a map is as vital as a cheerful attitude to unpredictable weather even in summer – the southwest has more than two hundred days of rain a year. The surprise, then, is that you can get a taste of the Southwest National Park by driving in on the road beyond Maydena – the ranger for this end of the Southwest National Park is at Mount Field, so drop in to ask about conditions. Admittedly the scenery is not as spectacular as that on hikes deeper into the park. But the route includes vast panoramas and child-friendly walks like the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail 2km after the Scotts Peak turn: a taste of the forest elsewhere.

Few animals in Australia arouse such fascination as the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) . The irony is that it’s extinct. Probably. The peculiar, dog-like marsupial, which had a rigid tail, stripes and a backwards-opening pouch, was hunted out of existence by sheep farmers fearful for their stock and encouraged by a bounty put on the creature’s head from 1888 to 1909. The last animal is supposed to have died in Hobart zoo in 1936. Yet thylacine sightings are still reported; ask around in remote areas of the northwest and southwest and someone will tell you they’ve seen one. And although Sydney’s Australian Museum shelved plans to resurrect the species using DNA from pickled specimens in May 2005, a research team at Pennsylvania University successfully sequenced the genetic data in 2008.

The Tasman Peninsula is one of the most visited parts of the state. Everyone comes on a day-trip for the penal settlement of Port Arthur – the most popular attraction in Tasmania before Hobart’s MONA gallery – yet this peninsula is worth a visit in its own right: there are superb bushwalks around its spectacular south and eastern coastline, incredible nature cruises and a good wildlife park. That your Port Arthur ticket is valid for two days is just one more reason to stay overnight. The fastest route from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula is northeast along the Tasman Highway then across the Sorell Causeway to the small town of Sorell , your last chance for shopping and banking.

Devils in danger

Made world-famous by the angry cartoon character “Taz”, the Tasmanian devil , Sarcophilus harrisii , is actually a stocky nocturnal black-haired animal about the size of a squat bulldog. That makes it the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial , with an appetite for carrion, reptiles and insects to match. The name was coined by European settlers who found the marsupial’s call, ranging from a low groan to a banshee screech, positively demonic.

Yet devils need all the friends they can get right now. Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFDT), a contagious cancer that is transmitted by saliva and causes fatal bulbous lesions, has spread across the state at around 15km a year since it was detected in northeast Tasmania in 1996. In the ensuing decade, there was a 95 percent decline in devil sightings. While geneticists race to map the twelve strains of the disease, the state’s Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme ( w tassiedevil.com.au ) is pinning hopes on breeding colonies such as Trowunna Wildlife Park and Devils@Cradle, as well as large disease-free enclosures in Tasmania and on the mainland. These programmes are the last line of defence for a top predator whose demise threatens to destabilize the entire Tasmanian ecosystem. The species went onto the “Endangered” list in 2010; not quite on the brink of extinction, perhaps, but close to the edge.

Port Arthur historic site

In 1830, PORT ARTHUR was selected to host a prison settlement on the “natural penitentiary” of the Tasman Peninsula, its “gate” at Eaglehawk Neck guarded by dogs. It was intended for convicts who committed serious crimes in New South Wales or Van Diemen’s Land after transportation. The regime was never a subtle one: Van Diemen’s Land Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur believed that a convict’s “whole fate should be … the very last degree of misery consistent with humanity”. However, his aim was to create “a machine to grind rogues honest”. This was rehabilitation rather than punitive punishment; work with the system and your years would slip past, fight it and you would be crushed.

The first 150 convicts established a timber industry, then Port Arthur became a self-supporting centre of industry, with shipbuilding, brickmaking, shoemaking, even agriculture. In a separate prison for boys at Point Puer , inmates were taught trades. Meanwhile, prison officers and their families enjoyed gardens, a drama club, a library and regular cricket. After transportation ended, psychological punishment replaced physical. The Separate Prison , based on Pentonville Prison in London, opened in 1852, where prisoners were held in tiny cells in isolation and silence, always referred to by numbers and hooded whenever they left their cells. The idea represented progressive penal ideas that let convicts contemplate their misdeeds, but by the time Port Arthur closed in 1877 it had its own mental asylum full of ex-convicts, as well as a geriatric home for ex-convict paupers.

Tasman Peninsula eco-cruises and diving

An eco-cruise along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman Peninsula is reason enough to visit. Tours in high-speed boats hug the 200m cliffs and nose into sea-caves – expect to see sea eagles, albatross, seals on Tasman Island, possibly dolphins, and if you’re lucky, whales from September to December and April to May. All in all, highly recommended.

Eaglehawk Dive Centre eaglehawkdive.com.au . Provides dive-boat charters (equipment included) into the spectacular dive sites of the Tasman coast: caves, shipwrecks, kelp forests and nearby seal colonies, with an underwater visibility of 15–30m.

Tasman Island Adventure Cruises www.tasmancruises.com.au . Based in Eaglehawk Neck, this operator makes a return trip from Pirates Bay, so no cruise past Port Arthur but two runs up the superb coastline.

Tasman Island Cruises tasmancruises.com.au . An award-winning outfit that sails out from Port Arthur to jet down to Tasman Island, then zip up the coast to Pirates Bay (Eaglehawk Neck), with a return by minibus.

Tasmania deserves at least a fortnight but if time and money are tight, tour operators will whisk you around the major sights. In addition, activity providers offer expeditions that are a holiday in their own right. All of those here include park entry fees and accommodation.

Green Island Tours cycling-tasmania.com . Supported and self-guide cycle tours around the state, from four to eleven days.

Jump Tours jumptours.com . Young, lively backpacker tours that are among the cheapest available (though don’t include meals) from a new Hobart-based company. Hostel accommodation with an opportunity to upgrade from dorms.

Pepper Bush Adventures www.tasmanianwildlifetours.com.au . High-end bespoke tours with unique experiences and good tucker from one of the best wildlife guides in the state, Craig “Bushy” Williams. Based in Launceston.

Rafting Tasmania raftingtasmania.com . One of the most experienced providers of tours along the magic Franklin River – one of the world’s greatest raft adventures over five to ten days – but also runs day-trips on the Derwent and Picton rivers.

Tarkine Trails tarkinetrails.com.au . Speciality operator for the northwest Tarkine region; coast and forest walks, plus speciality photography trips.

Tasmanian Expeditions tasmanianexpeditions.com.au . This Launceston-based company is the leading adventure provider in the state. Trips cover all wilderness walks (including some serious expeditions) and acts as a retailer for upmarket cabin-based walks, plus cycle and multi-activity trips.

Under Down Under Tours underdownunder.com.au . Small-group hostel-based backpacker tours plus Discovery Tours with hotel accommodation. Two- to nine-day trips take in the major sights, with short walks in national parks, plus breakfasts. Also operates day-trips to major sights from Hobart and Launceston.

It’s the lure of wilderness that attracts a certain type of traveller to Tasmania: the thrill of walks in a pure environment and boat expeditions through primeval rainforest. For those who’d like a taste of this adventure, the west’s holiday hub of Strahan is the place to head. Once a lonely fishing village at the edge of the world, Strahan was transformed into one of Tasmania’s leading wilderness resorts almost overnight by a campaign to preserve the wild Franklin River .

The fast road to Strahan is the A10 which spears southwest of Burnie through tiny mining towns in various stages of atrophy to Queenstown , the rough ’n’ ready heartland of west-coast mining. The road was built in the 1960s to improve access to the northwest forests and logging remains a major industry hereabouts. Along the route the extent of plantation forest may come as a shock (due to its monoculture, it’s the eco equivalent of desert), especially if you’re used to the lushness and biodiversity of the protected wilderness elsewhere. On the stretch from Strahan to Hobart, the A10 passes through the pristine wilderness of the UNESCO-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and the bottom edge of Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park; a section of road that’s worth lingering over.

Australia’s original eco-war

The future of the Tasmanian wilderness could have been very different had it not been for a bitter battle waged by environmentalists in the 1980s. In 1972 the flooding of Lake Pedder led to the formation of the Wilderness Society , which began a relentless campaign against the next target on the Hydro Electricity Commission’s (HEC) agenda – a huge dam on the Lower Gordon River. It had state government backing despite the catastrophic effect on Tasmania’s last wild river, the Franklin. In a blocking manoeuvre the whole southwest area was proposed for the World Heritage List. It was officially accredited on the same day that the Wilderness Society’s Franklin Blockade began – December 14, 1982. The Tasmanian government had chosen to ignore the UNESCO accreditation.

For two months, protestors from all over Australia took to inflatable dinghies, paddling upriver from Strahan to stand in front of bulldozers in nonviolent protest. The blockade became a cause célèbre in Sydney and Melbourne and attracted international attention – British botanist David Bellamy was among the twelve hundred or so arrested for trespassing. During the course of the campaign, a new federal government was voted in, and in March 1983, following a trailblazing High Court ruling, it over ruled the state’s backing for the HEC plans. Although the blockade itself had failed to stop preparatory work on the dam, it had changed the opinion of many Australians forever and enshrined the value of Tasmanian wilderness at state and national levels.

Rafting on the Franklin River

You can cruise up the Gordon or fly over it from Strahan, but to really experience the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park ’s utterly pristine scenery and awesome sense of remoteness, you need to raft the Franklin River. One of the great rivers of Australia, saved from destruction by protests in the early 1980s and the only major wild river in Tasmania, it races through canyons in grade 3 to 4 rapids – even grade 6 in places – and through thick inaccessible rainforest. No wonder this is known by rafters as one of the greatest paddle adventures in the world.

Rafting trips generally run between December and early April on five- to ten-day trips, depending on where you start. From Collingwood River , off the Lyell Highway, it takes about three days to raft the Upper Franklin , riding rapids through subalpine scenery. The Middle Franklin is a mixture of pools, deep ravines and wild rapids as the river makes a 50km detour around Frenchmans Cap. Limestone cliffs overhang the Lower Franklin , which involves a tranquil paddle through dense myrtle beech forests with flowering leatherwoods overhead, and Kutikina Caves and Deena-reena –Aboriginal sights that are only accessible to rafters.

Due to the dangers of the trip, visitors should go with a specialist tour operator . You don’t have to be experienced to sign up – just fit, with lots of stamina and courage. It’s not cheap, but this is an experience of a lifetime.

Rafting Tasmania raftingtasmania.com . Five-, seven- and ten-day rafting expeditions, from the company of Grant Mitchell, one of the first kayakers to explore the river and instrumental in saving it. The ten-day trip includes an optional day-walk to Frenchmans Cap.

Water by Nature franklinrivertasmania.com . Water by Nature offers a five-day trip on the Lower Franklin, a seven-day trip on the Upper Franklin, or ten days rafting the full navigable length of the river. The ten-day trip also includes the Frenchmans Cap.

STRAHAN is not just the only town and port on Tassie’s wild west coast; it is also one of the premier tourist destinations in Tasmania. “The best little town in the world”, said the Chicago Tribune newspaper in 2011 of what is just an over-sized village. The reason is twofold: its setting on Macquarie Harbour , a body of water over six times the size of Sydney’s harbour; and the surrounding southwestern wilderness.

Such is its fame that, in summer at least, Strahan has ceased to be “real” in the normal sense. For all the hype about a typical west-coast village, fishing is a sideshow to tourism. Strahan is on a different level from other towns in west Tasmania, with more agencies offering sightseeing trips and activities than in the rest of the area combined. What saves it from tackiness is that it remains an attractive place – the tourism infrastructure on the harbour is far from the eyesore it could have been – and the surrounding wilderness is as compelling as ever.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway

In 2002 a $30-million investment saw trains once again rattle along the old Abt Railway between Queenstown and Strahan. The original railway was completed in 1896 to transport copper ore from Queenstown to Regatta Point in Strahan, but closed in 1963, when road transport became more economical. Reconstruction took three years, only six months less than it took the original workers to hack through the rainforest by hand, two of the line’s four surviving steam locomotives were restored and replica carriages were built using native woods. Known as the West Coast Wilderness Railway (5hr; previously from $111), the line was a popular trip from Strahan – on our last visit its former operator had been sold and the line had been taken into government hands as new bidders were sought. It was due to reopen in December 2013. Contact the West Coast Visitor Centre in Strahan for the latest.

Previously, it ran twice daily, with most visitors embarking at Strahan, then swinging through the King River Valley and climbing up to Dubbil Barril on a 1:16 rack-and-pinion track system before they arrived in Queenstown in a reconstructed station opposite the Empire Hotel . From here, most returned by bus, while new passengers embarked at Queenstown for the return. Either way, each trip divided between steam and diesel trains, with the changeover at a reconstructed mine settlement in the rainforest. If the trains are running again, try to secure a riverside seat; when facing forward, sit on the right-hand side from Strahan, or left from Queensland.

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updated 12.10.2023

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There is so much to engage with while you are in Tasmania, and the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre is here to help you plan and book all the experiences you have dreamed of as part of your Tasmanian holiday. Our team is passionate about our home state and fully trained to provide extensive advice on all things Tasmanian.  We can even go so far as to give you our experiences with tours and accommodation having experienced many of them ourselves. Whether you're simply considering Tasmania as the destination of your next holiday or your flights are booked and your bags are packed, we promise that we can help you get something extra out of your holiday!

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When you travel Tasmania you will find several diverse and enticing destinations with their own unique attractions and things to do.

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Remote, wild and devilishly subversive: Here's why Americans are coming back to Tasmania

If you want to escape it all, there's remote, and then there's Tasmania.

The island off the southeastern coast of Australia is more than 10,000 miles and 15 time zones from New York and an 11-hour ferry ride from Melbourne, the nearest major city.

There were only 3,300 American trips to Tasmania last year , according to tourism officials. But more are on the way in 2023, predicted Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania . "We've seen more interest in Tasmania from North America than we have in years," she said.

One of them is Alissa Musto. She made the one-day trek from Boston to Hobart, the capital city, in December. That's midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the best times of the year to explore the city's vibrant culture and restaurant scene.

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"One of the highlights was a wilderness boat tour, where I got an amazing view of the rugged coastline, cliffs, caves, penguins, seals and other wildlife," said Musto, a musician from Boston.

It's the year of the far-cation, with more Americans taking international trips than ever since the start of the pandemic.

"We've seen an uptick in interest in travelers wanting to get out into nature, and Australia's remote island of Tasmania is a perfect choice," said Travis Pittman, CEO of TourRadar .

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What to do in Tasmania

  • Outdoor activities. Roughly half of Tasmania's land area is protected as national parks and reserves. Tasman National Park , with its towering dolerite cliffs, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , with its diverse hiking paths and mercurial weather, are standouts. 
  • Beaches. Tasmania's rugged coastline is filled with surprises – painted cliffs, powdery white sand, and green seas. There's world-class surfing at Shipstern Bluff, but you can find people surfing at almost all the local beaches. Boat tours, such as Pennicott Wilderness Journeys' Iron Pot Cruise , will get you close to abundant wildlife, including penguins.
  • Cultural attractions. Hobart is the cultural center of what locals call "Tassie." But its heart is the Museum of Old and New Art , a mostly subterranean art museum built on a winery just outside of town. It's home to entrepreneur David Walsh's $110 million private collection and has been described as a subversive "adult Disneyland."

Why are Americans visiting Tasmania?

"Tasmania's size holds immense appeal," explained Rachel Cooper, an Australia specialist with Red Savannah , a tour operator. "There's very little traffic, and it's easy to get around, making it easy to see so much – even for those with limited time."

So while it takes a while to get there – about 24 hours of flying between the U.S. and Tasmania – once you've arrived, you're close to everything. Tasmania is Australia's smallest state, slightly bigger than Switzerland.

Cooper said there's so much to do it's sometimes overwhelming. Her favorites include rafting, kayaking, biking, caving, diving and rock climbing. She's also a fan of the five-star accommodations, including the Saffire Freycinet, the Henry Jones Art Hotel, and Freycinet Lodge.

You don't have to go far to find hiking trails through ancient fern forests to the mountain peaks where you can be completely alone with your thoughts. One of the most popular day tours in Hobart is Mount Wellington.

An operator like Walk on Kunanyi can take you to the famous Organ Pipes rock formation in a few hours, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the city and River Derwent.

"To experience the same diversity in mainland Australia you would need to spend money on flights to get around, and you would need more time," said Cooper.

Although some visitors will plan an independent trip, as Beelen did, it is not for everyone. Driving on the left side of the road can be a little intimidating for Americans coming to Australia, and some of the roads in the national parks can be rough.

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Daniel Schoedler, managing director of Premier Travel Tasmania , said many Americans prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

"It takes some time to get used to driving on the other side of the road, and who wants to do that on vacation?" he said. Many visitors also prefer a guided tour, which you can book through a site like TourRadar. It has 58 organized adventures in Tasmania, all of which allow you to avoid driving.

Story continues below.

Tasmania is a wild place

But let's be honest: Tasmania is all about animals. Musto, the musician from Boston, saw them everywhere.

"I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you get up close and personal with many of Australia's native species, like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats," she said. 

One of the highlights of a Cradle Mountain tour is a visit to the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary . It's a breeding and conservation facility for three of Tasmania's threatened carnivorous marsupials; the Tasmanian devil, the Spotted-tail quoll, and the Eastern quoll. The famous devils are particularly threatened because of a transmissible parasitic cancer. 

Devils are not at all what you expect if you grew up watching Bugs Bunny cartoons and remember the completely unhinged character named Taz. They're about the size of a small dog, solitary and nocturnal. They love to spar with one another in captivity, but they're also shy around people.

Is Tassie worth the trip?

So is it worth spending two full days in the air to get to Tasmania? Even if you just rent a home in Hobart and never leave town, it probably is. The capital has the vibe of a Western U.S. city like Grand Junction, Colorado, or Boise, Idaho.

People in Tasmania are also friendlier than in Australia's big cities (although they drive the same way – but that's a topic for another time). But there is also the feeling of being on the world's edge as you look south into the Tasman Sea, knowing you could sail to the Antarctic in two days. Now that's remote.

There's also the promise that you will return from a Tasmanian adventure with a tale to tell. Maybe it will be seeing monster waves at Shipstern Bluff on the south end of Tassie. Maybe it will be a chance encounter with a wombat in Strzelecki National Park. Or maybe, if you're lucky, on a moonless night at a campsite in Corinna, you will meet a devil.

"Tasmania," said Matt Casey, general manager of Federal Group Tourism , "is all about the stories."

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Tasmania’s AFL team name officially confirmed as Devils ahead of planned 2028 entry

Headshot of Chris Robinson

Tasmania will tap into its heritage for the image of its new AFL team, which will be known as the Devils and wear the state’s traditional colours of myrtle green, primrose yellow and rose red.

It comes as the league and American entertainment giant Warner Bros Discovery reached an ‘amicable agreement’ on the use of the Devils moniker that bears similarity to the long-standing Tasmanian Devil cartoon character.

The club’s name, colours and emblem were revealed in Devonport on Monday, with Tasmanian great Matthew Richardson on hand to help make the announcement in front of delighted locals.

The new Devils logo.

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The logo features a side-on image snarling Tassie Devil with its mouth open and teeth visible, while the jumpers will include the map of Tasmania bearing a ‘T’ that have been similar to State of Origin jumpers of years past.

The AFL granted the licence for the club in May last year, with the intention to join the competition as its 19th team in 2028.

The Game AFL 2024

The club had to negotiate for the right to tap into the long-touted Devils name, with Warner Bros Discovery holding the copyright to the character first featured in 1954.

“Warner Bros Discovery and the AFL have come to an amicable agreement and look forward to seeing footy fans across Tasmania support the AFL’s newest football club, the Tasmania Devils. The ‘Devils’ will no doubt be a club that unites the state and showcases the best of Tasmania,” a joint statement said.

The Tasmania Devils Foundation jumper is revealed during the Tasmania Football Club Launch at Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon lauded the announcement as a “truly historic day” for the state.

“Tasmania has waited to have its own team competing in the national competition for a long time and the passion and excitement shown by so many Tasmanians who gathered to celebrate this major milestone shows how much the Devils will mean to the state,” Dillon said.

“Tasmanian boys, girls, men and women who dream of playing AFL and AFLW football can now aspire to play for the Devils on the national stage in the state’s iconic jumper and colours.

“To watch the Devils run out for their first games in the AFL and AFLW competitions wearing the famous map on a jumper that represents the long, rich history of famous victories and players produced by the heartland football state, will be a moment of immense pride for so many.”

The jumper on display.

An AFL licence condition is the construction of a $715 million 23,000-seat roofed stadium at Hobart’s Macquarie Point, which is proving a divisive state election issue.

The state Liberals, who are aiming for a fourth term at Saturday’s poll, support the project but have pledged to cap their spend at $375 million.

Labor leader Rebecca White describes the stadium as not the right priority, indicating she wants to see a team prove itself at existing grounds initially.

Dillon said the stadium, which is part of the licence contract and must still be voted through parliament for approval, is not negotiable.

The federal Labor government is contributing $240 million and the AFL $15 million, with private investment slated to cover any cost overruns.

The club has released $10 foundation memberships and is expected to start selling merchandise in coming months.

Tasmania has produced a host of elite Aussie Rules players including Australian Football Hall of Fame legends Darrel Baldock, Ian Stewart, Royce Hart and Peter Hudson.

The club’s board includes Burnie-born three-time premiership winner Alastair Lynch, while Richmond great and Hobart-born Jack Riewoldt has been involved in community tours.

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Some Palestinians can now travel to Australia after cancelled visas reinstated but others remain trapped

Hani sitting listening to headphoens on the plane.

Several Palestinians who had their temporary Australian visas cancelled last week are still awaiting clarity from the federal government, though others have had their visas reinstated.

Last week, some Palestinians who had been able to flee Gaza had their Australian visas cancelled, leaving them stranded in other countries.

Many were told the government had determined they did not genuinely intend to stay in Australia on a temporary basis.

The ABC has been told additional security and other checks have since been conducted by the Home Affairs department, resulting in some visas being reinstated.

The department did not explain what those additional checks entailed.

The Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) Foundation, which has supported the families of those with cancelled visas, said there were still questions for the government to answer.

"Crucially, throughout this process there have been no security issues or concerns raised with the individuals," PARA said.

"It has been a matter of diligently navigating established processes to address the administrative challenges faced by Palestinians leaving Gaza and seeking refuge in Australia."

The Australian government granted 2,273 temporary (subclass 600) visas for Palestinians with connections to Australia between October 7 and February 6 this year, according to figures from the Department of Home Affairs.

The department also granted 2,415 visitor visas to people declaring Israeli citizenship during that period.

That visa type means recipients cannot work or access education or health care in Australia.

Rasha Abbas, the co-founder of PARA, said in eight of the 12 cancellation cases it was managing visas had been reinstated.

The government would not provide the number of visas cancelled and reissued, but said it was a small group.

Leaving Gaza 'without explanation' a factor

On Friday, the government suggested the way in which some Palestinians fled Gaza was a factor in their visas' cancellation.

"If people make it out of Gaza without explanation, or their circumstances change in any meaningful way, we will take the time to understand those changes before proceeding," a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said.

Many Palestinians who had their temporary Australian visas approved late last year have been unable to exit out of Rafah, with many forced to wait for the green light from border officials.

Some say the process of getting Palestinians out of Gaza has broken down since, and some have told the ABC that their family members in Gaza have had to resort to other means to be able to get out.

The spokesperson said the government recognised the distress many people in the community were feeling.

"We have made a strong commitment to assisting people who are trying to leave Gaza. But we make no apology for doing everything necessary to maintain our national security," the spokesperson said.

Concerns for those still in limbo

The ABC has spoken to Hani, a 23-year-old Palestinian man who has been trapped at an Istanbul airport for several days following his visa being cancelled before his flight to Australia. It has not yet been reinstated.

Hani does not have access to his luggage and fresh clothes. PARA said it was increasingly concerned for his safety and wellbeing.

"It is frustrating that there is no other country in this world that can open its doors to me … I'm just wandering in every inch and corner waiting for my destiny," Hani said.

"I'm just feeling so lost. I don't know how to do anything in this airport."

"I'm not used to being alone, separated from them (my family) … This is my first time flying internationally."

Visa cancelled just before family boarded plane

Last week, the ABC spoke to the family of two sisters who were stuck in Cairo after having their temporary visas cancelled.

One of the women was told her visa was cancelled right before she went to board her flight to Australia with her children.

Those women and their children are now travelling to Australia to be reunited with family after having their visas reinstated.

A journalist from Gaza, his wife and their three children — who are all under the age of 10 — have also been able to continue their journey to Australia after having their visas cancelled suddenly upon their arrival in Istanbul last week.

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  1. The Official Tourism Tasmania Website

    As part of a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania's deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

  2. Home

    Tourism Tasmania's purpose is to drive visitation and lead a sustainable visitor economy, delivering social, environmental and economic value for all Tasmanians. Tourism Tasmania Corporate undertakes tourism marketing to encourage holiday travel to Tasmania.

  3. Board of Directors

    Grant O'Brien. Grant O'Brien is the Chair of the Tourism Tasmania Board of Directors. He is a Tasmanian through and through, growing up on the north west coast. Grant entered employment with Woolworths Limited in 1987 as an Assistant Accountant and then rose through the ranks to become the CEO and Managing Director at Woolworths Limited, a ...

  4. Visit Tasmania

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tasmania with our comprehensive Tassie travel guides, vacation resources, and package deals for an enjoyable trip to our island. Visit Tasmania.com. Skip to content. Blog; Call Us 1300 282 762; Concierge; Book;

  5. Visitor Information Centres

    Acknowledgement of Country. We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita (Tasmania). We honour the uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, skies and waterways, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As part of a tourism industry that welcomes visitors ...

  6. Tourism Tasmania

    In 1997 Tourism Tasmania was established as a statutory authority . In August 2002 the Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts (DTPHA) incorporated Tourism Tasmania. Tourism Tasmania became a stand-alone State Authority from 1 July 2014 [7] At various stage it has been also incorporated into other departments: The websites and ...

  7. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Tasmania

    3. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. 2,341. Nature & Wildlife Areas. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (pronounced "Bon-a-rong" - Aboriginal meaning "Native Companion") was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania's most popular wildlife park.

  8. Things to do in Tasmania

    Established in 1916, it is one of Tasmania's oldest and most famous national parks, drawing visitors to its white sandy beaches, waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Hobart, Freycinet offers many activities such as kayaking, boating, camping, fishing, bird watching, and exploring the diverse marine life.

  9. Travel Guide to Hobart, Tasmania

    The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is a dynamic city that surpasses expectations at every turn. Australia's southernmost capital is brimming with history and bursting with creativity (hello MONA). It boasts an incredible food and wine scene with local produce making the short journey from farm to table, and is fringed by scenic wilderness.

  10. Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre

    TASMANIA_TRAVEL TASSIETRAVEL. Receive Deals, News and Events! Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive all of the above and more. Subscribe. Local Weather. 21°C. Email. [email protected]. Address. 20 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000. Phone +613 6238 4222 (Phone Worldwide GMT+10)

  11. The 12 BEST Places to Visit in Tasmania (2024 Travel Guide)

    Table of Contents. The Absolute Best Places to Visit in Tasmania. 1) Freycinet National Park. 2) Soak in the City of Hobart. 3) Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park. 4) Get on the Water at Lake St. Clair. 5) Marvel at the Bay of Fires. 6) Get Local in Bicheno. 7) Venture to Strahan.

  12. Trip Planner

    As part of a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania's deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

  13. 16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

    Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania. In a land of wilderness escapes, Maria Island truly stands out. Sitting off the east coast of Tasmania, this pristine, car-free island is a nature-lover's Eden. Among the top tourist attractions are the island's Painted Cliffs. Etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, the Painted cliffs are a favorite ...

  14. Your Essential Tasmania Travel Guide: Start the Journey!

    Tasmania, the king of islands, offers a feast for the senses with its vibrant food scene, cool-climate wines, and over 120 beaches to explore. Embrace the island's deep and complex history while honouring the stories, songs, art, and culture of the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this beautiful land.

  15. Tasmanian tourism snapshot shows fewer visitors, but longer stays and

    According to the Tasmanian Tourism Snapshot, in the year to March the state had 744,200 visitors, which was down on 2019's figure of 1,324,100. While visitor numbers have not returned to pre ...

  16. Tasmania Travel Guide

    The Aboriginal peoples of Tasmania. The demise of the Aboriginal peoples of Tasmania is one of the most tragic episodes of recent history. Ironically, were it not for American and British sealers and whalers, who had operated on Van Diemen's Land since 1793 and lived with Aboriginal women on the Furneaux Islands in the Bass Straits, the Tasmanian Aborigines could have disappeared entirely.

  17. Tourism Tasmania, Tasmanian Visitor Information Network, Start With I

    Whether you're looking for information to plan your holiday or help to book your accommodation and activities while you're here, we recommend you start with i. The Tasmanian Visitor Information Network Inc. (TVIN) is a network of Visitor Information Centres strategically located throughout Tasmania who provide a quality service for visitors.

  18. Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre

    Despite a relatively quiet two years during Covid-19, Tasmania continues to retain its strong tourism profile as a place of spectacular nature, outdoor activity, arts, culture and gourmet food trails. Please send us your contact details and fill in your interests and we'll be in touch to discuss your ideas further with you.

  19. Tasmania Tourist Guide

    A tourist guide for Tasmania with v isitor information on attractions, what to do and where to stay in Tasmania. With the intention it will inspire you to discover Tasmania. When you travel Tasmania you will find several diverse and enticing destinations with their own unique attractions and things to do.. Destinations, like the Russell Falls which is situated on the boundary of Mount Field ...

  20. It's 'easy to see so much' in Tasmania: Why Americans are going

    Tasmania, Australia, is more than 10,000 miles and 15 time zones from New York and an 11-hour ferry ride from Melbourne, the nearest major city.

  21. AFL 2024: Tasmania team name, colours revealed

    The Tasmania Devils are alive, with the AFL officially unveiling the full name, logo and colours of the league's 19th men's and women's club on Monday night.

  22. Itineraries

    Our pre-planned, multi-day regional itineraries are a great way to get around Tasmania. Follow our lead, or use these for inspiration to build your own one-of-a-kind Tasmanian adventure, which you can tailor, extend, save and share using the Trip Planner.. To enhance your stay, download the Discover Tasmania app for real-time tips and updates tailored to your location.

  23. Tasmania's AFL team name officially confirmed as Devils ahead of

    Tasmania has produced a host of elite Aussie Rules players including Australian Football Hall of Fame legends Darrel Baldock, Ian Stewart, Royce Hart and Peter Hudson. The club's board includes Burnie-born three-time premiership winner Alastair Lynch, while Richmond great and Hobart-born Jack Riewoldt has been involved in community tours.

  24. Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre Hobart

    Acknowledgement of Country. We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita (Tasmania). We honour the uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, skies and waterways, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As part of a tourism industry that welcomes visitors ...

  25. Some Palestinians can now travel to Australia after cancelled visas

    Some Palestinians can now travel to Australia after cancelled visas reinstated but others remain trapped By political reporter Chantelle Al-Khouri Posted 8h ago 8 hours ago Mon 18 Mar 2024 at 1:47am

  26. Contact Discover Tasmania

    For corporate information, please contact Tourism Tasmania tourismtasmania.com.au . TOURISM TASMANIA Postal address. GPO Box 399 Hobart, Tasmania 7001 Australia . CORPORATE ENQUIRIES Telephone. 03 616 55334 Int'l: +61 3 616 55334. Email. [email protected]

  27. Tours

    The official Tourism Tasmania website. Version 1.1.1032. This website stores cookies on your device. Our site uses cookies. By continuing to use our site you agree that you are happy for us to use cookies. These cookies will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. Accept Decline.