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Tasmania is a hidden gem perched on the sting of the world. This island state is Australia’s wild-hearted surprise, the place misty mountains brush towards mystical lakes, the place seashores are unspoiled and the air is clear.
If it’s your first time in Tassie, you’ll discover a treasure trove of wonders to find. One second you’re wandering by means of convict-built streets and the subsequent, you’re tracing cliff-hugging trails the place the one different dwelling being you’ll meet is a curious wallaby.
Tasmania is a spot the place the locals are heat, the character is unequalled, and the historical past beckons. On this information, we share the highest locations to go to in Tasmania, so you’ll be able to uncover one of the best this island has to supply.
1. Hobart
Hobart is the historic capital of Tasmania, however it isn’t your conventional capital with honking noises and excessive rises. Hobart has a small city really feel – it’s charming, inviting, walkable, and one in every of Australia’s oldest cities. It’s simply accessible from mainland Australia, with direct flights from main cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Nevertheless it shouldn’t be used as a gateway, it has heaps to see and do in and across the space – we spent 6 days right here, and will simply have prolonged our keep.
The historical past continues to be alive with its nineteenth Century sandstone warehouses that now function cafes, eating places, and artists’ studios. Quaint cottages and colonial mansions are everywhere in the small metropolis.
After which there’s the backdrop of Mount Wellington rising above the town and the River Derwent racing by means of its coronary heart. Get a splash of historical past by wandering across the historic harbour, Battery Level, and Salamanca, particularly the Salamanca Markets. And naturally, there’s the unimaginable Museum of Outdated (MONA Museum), which has a few of the greatest trendy and new artwork in its reveals.
Hobart additionally has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries providing beers produced on the island. Attempt a froffy pint from Boag’s, which has been working for over 140 years, or Cascade, Australia’s oldest brewery.
Learn extra: What to do in Hobart
Want a spot to remain in Hobart? We stayed on the Salamanca Inn and loved the placement and apartment-style lodging. Discover extra lodging in Hobart right here.
2. Richmond
Historic Richmond is a beautiful small city inside simple attain of Hobart (25 km northeast) and is effectively price visiting to spend a couple of hours exploring the historic websites. We took a stroll alongside the river earlier than grabbing a chunk to eat on the Richmond Arms Lodge, adopted by espresso and cake on the in style bakery.
Richmond is residence to Australia’s oldest bridge (inbuilt 1825) and Australia’s oldest Roman Catholic church, St John’s. You can even try the Richmond Gaol and simply wander round city wanting on the quite a few heritage-listed buildings.
In case you like meals and wine, you may like a Richmond meals and wine half-day tour from Hobart.
3. Port Arthur
Tasmania is well-known for its convict historical past, and if you’re searching for sights that inform that story in an immersive and delicate means, then head over to Port Arthur Historic Web site on the Tasman Peninsula.
Port Arthur has a violent and troubled historical past as a penal colony for a few of Australia’s hardened convicts, and is accessible by way of a day journey from Hobart.
We did a Ghost tour of Port Arthur, which was a mix of historical past and folklore. It was lots of enjoyable, and even our youngsters loved it, although you may wish to determine for your self whether or not your youngsters would discover it scary. I like to recommend you e book tickets for the ghost tour prematurely because it’s massively in style.
And for a fantastic chunk to eat on the way in which, don’t miss the Doo-Lishus meals truck at close by Eaglehawk Neck for one of the best fish and chips in Tasmania, plus home made scallops, rabbit, and venison pies.
4. Bruny Island
Ruggedly lovely with towering sea cliffs and deep sea caves, fur seals, fairy penguins, an abundance of fowl life and in case you’re visiting in the appropriate season, the chance to see migrating whales.
Bruny Island is one other simple day journey from Hobart, and is well-known for its pure magnificence, oysters, honey and recent produce.
One of the best ways to expertise Bruny is with native legend Rob Pennicott from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, who takes guests on a high-speed boat tour across the island to rise up near its towering cliffs. It’s among the finest excursions we did in Australia.
Learn extra: Our boat tour on Bruny Island with Rob Pennicott
5. Coles Bay
Coles Bay is about in a spectacular location with uninterrupted views of the crimson and pink granite peaks often known as The Hazards.
It’s a small city with a couple of retailers and cafes – don’t miss Tombolo Restaurant and occasional bar for nice espresso, free vary meals, and wood-fired pizzas with gorgeous views.
This city is generally often known as the gateway to Freycinet Nationwide Park (our favorite place in Tasmania). Close by Honeymoon Bay is good and it’s best to contemplate going kayaking within the lovely bay. We may simply spend per week based mostly right here exploring Freycinet and all its walks.
6. Freycinet Nationwide Park
Certainly one of our high three in our checklist of Greatest Nationwide Parks in Australia to set foot in, Freycinet is a spectacular, peninsular of pink granite mountains, pure white sand seashores, coastal dues, and dry eucalypt forest.
Inside this peninsular is the well-known Wineglass Bay – a seashore constantly rated as one of many world’s greatest. Three pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – rise dramatically, defending the bay from the infiltration of humanity. It’s stated to be an unimaginable place to view the dawn.
And Hazards Seashore is a seashore that’s pure, distant, desolate, peaceable, and breathtaking. Each these seashores function in our checklist of one of the best seashores in Australia. Freycinet is a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart.
7. Bay of Fires
On the north east coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires is a area of pristine white seashores, blue water, and these unimaginable rock formations (orange-hued granite) wherein the color is produced by a lichen.
It’s broadly considered probably the most lovely locations in Tasmania. And we just about had the entire place to ourselves. It’s a two and a half hour’s drive from Launceston, or base your self in St Helens or Binalong Bay.
Learn extra: Information to visiting the Bay of Fires
8. Binalong Bay
Binalong Bay is a small coastal city located on the southern finish of the Bay of Fires.
This sun-splashed stretch of shoreline is the quintessential Tasmanian coastal escape. Suppose blissful days of seashore wandering, snorkelling over clear shallows, and watching the sky flip sherbet-pink at sundown.
9. Bicheno
We solely stopped for lunch in Bicheno, however wished we’d deliberate an evening. The seashore is a nice shock, simply lovely, as is the coastal stroll across the rocky headland overlooking the bay.
The city is primarily a fishing port in style with holidaymakers and retirees for its gentle local weather and sunny climate. Bicheno can also be a well known place for seeing fairy penguins.
10. Strahan
Attending to Strahan on the west coast of Tassie entails a good half to a full day of driving (relying on the place you’re coming from), but it surely’s undoubtedly well worth the effort.
Strahan is a small port city with among the finest sunsets we have now ever seen wherever, and from the place we did our cruise down the well-known World Heritage Gordon River, one of many highlights of our month in Tassie.
11. Corinna
Distant, quiet, small, and a real wilderness expertise that’s Corinna. It’s a former mining city on the banks of the Pieman river and on the finish of the Tarkine (the biggest temperate rainforest in Australia) and the northernmost level the place the well-known Huon pine grows.
Keep in a country cottage, stroll amongst the rainforest, kayak down the river, or take a cruise on the historic Arcadia II. Entry to Corinna is by barge boat (if coming from Strahan) and is a novel expertise in Tasmania away from mass tourism.
12. Penguin
Located on the shores of Bass Strait, Penguin is one of the best city to base your self on to discover the northwest area of Tasmania. We actually loved the vibe of the city, Kalyra preferred the massive Penguin wearing a Santa swimsuit, and the native markets had been successful with Caz.
Don’t miss the close by Turners Seashore Berry Patch (nice for the children), Hellyers Street Distillery in Burnie for an unimaginable single malt whisky, the Nut in Stanley (stays of an historical volcanic plug), and the coastal drive to Ulverstone.
13. Cradle Mountain Nationwide Park
One of the crucial iconic locations in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is named the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Nationwide Park.
There are over 20 completely different self-guided strolling tracks, starting from 20 minutes to 9 hours, together with the world-famous Overland Monitor, an impressive 6-day stroll that takes you thru the center of a few of the most interesting mountain terrain.
We did a 6km stroll round Dove Lake, which sits on the base of Cradle Mountain. This space can also be nice for recognizing wombats within the wild all yr spherical, they even like rolling round within the snow. Cradle Mountain is 1.5 hour’s drive from Devonport or 2.5 hours from Launceston.
14. Launceston and Launceston Cataract Gorge
There’s not an entire lot happening in Launceston itself, but it surely’s a fantastic base to discover some glorious locations close by, and it’s additionally the most cost effective metropolis to fly into from the Australian mainland.
When you’ve had breakfast at Contemporary cafe, seen Metropolis Park, the James Boags Brewery, and completed the Saturday Harvest Market, one of the best close by attraction is the attractive Cataract Gorge, which is thought for its wild mountain climbing trails and swimming pool.
The Gorge, because the locals name it, is simply outdoors of city. It’s exhausting to consider such a fantastic gorge exists merely minutes from the town centre, no surprise it’s an area favourite. Soak up one of many leisurely strolling or mountain climbing trails, or bounce on the world’s longest single-span chairlift, go abseiling, and spot wildlife.
Click on play to see the video of Cataract Gorge.
15. Evandale
Once you arrive in Evandale you are feeling as if time has been wound again 100 years. It’s a Nationwide Belief-classified Georgian village with unspoiled heritage buildings making it a well-liked place for vacationers and simply accessible from Launceston. Clarendon Home, simply outdoors of the village, is claimed to be one in every of Australia’s best Georgian homes.
We devoured a espresso and cake on the Ingleside Bakery positioned contained in the previous Council chambers inbuilt 1867. Sit within the fairly courtyard bursting with flowers or, within the winter, by the comfortable hearth inside.
16. Brickendon Property
Brickendon Property is a convict World Heritage Web site close to Launceston, and Brickendon’s uniqueness lies in the truth that it’s nonetheless a lived-in and dealing farm with a wealthy Australian historical past of convicts and free settlers working collectively and a panorama that is still just about untouched for 200 years.
Smokehouses and ovens, outhouses, and shearing sheds can nonetheless be explored and the previous blacksmith store is left because it was within the Nineteen Thirties. You’ll be able to keep over at Brickendon in historic cottages and rustic cabins. Sit by an open hearth and get up to gorgeous views overlooking the paddocks.
Click on play on the video under to see extra about Brickendon Property
17. The Tamar Valley
Simply 10 minutes drive north of Launceston brings you to The Tamar Valley, a wine area recognized (secretly) as among the finest wine areas in Australia. The Important Journey journal (UK) named the Tamar Valley Wine Route as “One of many high 10 wine routes on this planet”.
The cool local weather the realm enjoys is ideal for producing high-quality and chic wines, so you should definitely try a few of the wineries and vineyards and revel in a crisp Aussie Sauvignon Blanc.
Our favourites had been at Ninth Island and Moores Hill. There are many native pubs, eating places, and cafes scattered alongside the realm. And don’t miss the Tamar Island Wetlands Stroll.
Click on play to see our go to to Moores Hill Vineyard.
18. Liffey Falls
There’s a sizzling debate amongst Tasmanian as to what’s the greatest waterfall in Tasmania: Liffey Falls or Russel Falls within the south of the island? We didn’t get to Russel Falls, however we are able to suggest you go see Liffey.
That is one other one in every of Tassies World Heritage Areas, and a 40-minute stroll within the forest will convey you to Liffey Falls throughout the Liffey Falls State Reserve, an space of cool temperate rainforest, that includes myrtle, sassafras, and leatherwood on the slopes of the Nice Western Tiers.
19. Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe, Elizabeth City
No, not a city, however nearly a vacation spot in itself. Once we requested our Fb followers for recommendations on issues to see and do in Tassie, so a lot of them beneficial the Raspberry Farm Cafe and stated we should go there.
The Raspberry Farm additionally got here beneficial extremely by the locals we met on the bottom in Tassie, so we did and gorged ourselves on chocolate and raspberry mud cake, lemon tarts, and scones. My fave was the mud cake with raspberries:
The stone and timber café overlooks lush inexperienced lawns working right down to a lake stuffed with water lilies. The backyard options native bushes and a herb backyard overlooking the raspberry canes within the distance.
Different foodie stops price contemplating close by embody Ashgrove Cheeses in Elizabeth City (handmade and award-winning), and for the entire chocolate expertise go to the Home of Anvers in Latrobe (attempt the Aztec sizzling chocolate).
20. Maria Island
Maybe probably the most distinctive locations in Tasmania is the painted cliffs of Maria Island. Maria Island is simply off the east coast of Tasmania and is a nature lover’s paradise. For one factor, there aren’t any automobiles on the island, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from being on a distant, nature-run island with out the spoils of metropolis life.
Probably the most well-known landmark on the island is the Painted Cliffs. The cliff’s face has elegantly, naturally made swirls of yellows, oranges, and reds in its rock. The attractive pure phenomenon is the results of groundwater percolating that occurred thousands and thousands of years in the past.
The patterned rocks are fragile and repeatedly change by the waves and weathering.
21. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
One of many high causes to go to Tasmania is to see the wildlife. In case you’re affected person, you’ll be able to see wildlife throughout Tassie within the nationwide parks and in distant areas, however in case you don’t have time to spend ready, one of the best place to see native animals is on the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
Not like zoos, Bonorong is a rescue middle the place guests can get shut viewings of endangered native animals who’re being rehabilitated on the middle. Some animals get to be launched again into the wild, however some are unable to outlive within the wild and keep on the sanctuary.
Bonorong is the most important sanctuary in Tasmania and is residence to a number of native animals, equivalent to Tasmanian Devils, wombats, wallabies, quolls, koalas, kangaroos, lizards, snakes, and emus.
22. Tessellated Pavement
Positioned an hour out of Hobart is one other distinctive place to go to in Tasmania, recognized for its uncommon pure phenomenon. The Tessellated Pavement is a tile-like look that happens on the rocks by the water. This pure, geographic website just isn’t solely a cool website for photographers however a thriving rock pool stuffed with crabs and different marine life.
The rocks are simple to see from a viewpoint by the automobile park, however it’s also possible to stroll right down to the rocks by taking some a number of steps to the underside. The rocks are equally as spectacular up shut!
23. Three Capes Monitor
We informed you that Tasmania was for nature lovers, and to show our level, there’s the Three Capes Monitor hike. It’s a four-day, 48km hike that takes you previous a few of the most unimaginable nature spots, together with dramatic coastal cliffs, wild bushes and dense eucalypt forests.
You’ll go by Australia’s highest sea cliffs, and be fully reduce off within the wilderness. Bliss! However don’t fear, this path has been designed to be an achievable expertise for all ages and talents, and has been largely pathed.
You don’t want to fret about pitching a tent both, as there are a number of eco-friendly cabins alongside the way in which to remain at. These cabins are conveniently positioned so you’ll be able to simply break up every day of the hike.
24. Mount Subject Nationwide Park
As one in every of Tasmania’s oldest nationwide parks, anybody searching for locations to go to in Tassie ought to undoubtedly make sure that to go to Mount Subject Nationwide Park.
The park has a various panorama, with pure flora that adjustments relying on the altitude. Due to this, it’s typically often known as ‘the park for all seasons.’
You’ll additionally discover a few of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests within the nationwide park, in addition to glaciated landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and the sprawling Lake Dobson.
Remember to go to the three-tiered Russell Falls, which is likely one of the most lovely waterfalls in Tasmania.
Getting round Tasmania
We took our automobile over from Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania automobile ferry and spent a month driving round Tasmania. In case you don’t take your personal automobile, you’ll be able to merely fly in and seize a rental automobile from the airport.
Doing a highway journey is one of the simplest ways to discover this Australian island. After all, you’ll be able to fly in and simply go to Hobart or Launceston over the weekend, however you’d be lacking out on the BEST of Tasmania. Our greatest tip for visiting Tasmania is to ensure you have loads of time to see it… and do a highway journey in case you can.
How lengthy do you must journey round Tasmania?
Give Tasmania not less than per week, that is the least period of time you must see the highlights and high locations. When you have time to spare, we suggest you give it three weeks, in case you can, and get to know as most of the under locations as attainable.
Despite the fact that it’s a small state it does take longer to drive round than you’d anticipate, so don’t rush. In truth, we suggest you decelerate so you’ll be able to take extra in.
Greatest time to go to Tasmania
Tasmania is a year-round vacation spot, however she really activates the allure from late spring to early autumn (October to April). That is when the daylight are longer and the temperatures are heat.
Tasmania’s summer season is when competition fever kicks in. Suppose group festivals and stay music within the park, recent seafood feasts, and extra.
Winter has a sort of moody magic with crisp air, crackling fires, and the irresistible pull of the island’s whisky scene, however for first-timer guests, the hotter months are the place Tassie actually shines.
Closing ideas
It may be Australia’s smallest state, but it surely definitely packs a punch. With historic cities, World Heritage Listed wilderness areas, pristine seashores, rugged shoreline, attractive mountains, mountain climbing, wildlife, and a terrific meals and wine business – there are such a lot of locations so as to add to your Tasmania itinerary. In case you’re weren’t certain the place to go to or what locations to take a look at, we hope you do now!
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