Summary
This island state off the coast of mainland Australia is characterized by its lush vegetation and rugged wilderness found within its national parks, along with a vibrant arts and culture scene in its capital, Hobart. Tasmania’s most frequented attraction is the lively, artistic Salamanca Markets—an ideal location to acquire distinctive souvenirs—accessible conveniently from the city, offering access to some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes.
Tasmania rightfully earns its designation as the Garden State, with a tenth of its area preserved as unspoiled rainforest, making it a delightful destination for enthusiasts of bushwalking, hiking, or birdwatching.
Stretching only 364 km from north to south, and 306 km from east to west, this compact island features an impressive seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. Tasmania presents a superb opportunity for visitors to experience a rich variety of urban and regional, natural and man-made attractions within a short and manageable trip.
Let’s explore the best places to visit in Tasmania:
1. Hobart
The capital city of Tasmania is situated amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, a breathtaking mountain worthy of exploration. Hobart is predominantly recognized for its trendy and vibrant Salamanca Markets, often regarded as Australia’s premier outdoor markets.
However, the city offers much more: an array of walking trails, beautiful parks and gardens, alongside a rich history and delectable cuisine, ensuring a versatile experience for every visitor.
The local galleries and museums are particularly esteemed, with MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) standing out. Additionally, the Battery Point walk offers a glimpse of classic architecture reminiscent of a Victorian storybook, highlighting Hobart’s status as Australia’s second oldest city.
Furthermore, Tasmania’s Botanical Gardens are beautifully maintained and just a short stroll from the city center.
Notably, a delightful experience awaits in the inner-city laneways, where one can discover hidden gems!
2. Miena and the Central Plateau Conservation Area
Miena is a picturesque lakeside town, popular among Hobart residents seeking a retreat.
Located in the heart of the Central Highlands, this town offers excellent fishing, breathtaking scenery, a tranquil ambiance, and stunning views of the Great Lake, Australia’s second-largest freshwater lake.
For those willing to embrace the cold, the snowy winters in Miena are exceptionally enchanting.
Moreover, it is conveniently located near the Central Plateau Conservation Area, aptly termed the Land of a Thousand Lakes, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmania Wilderness site.
3. St Helens
St Helens represents the largest town on Tasmania’s North-East Coast and serves as an excellent hub for exploring the area’s wonders, including the scenic Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay, Georges Bay, Peron Dunes, and the St Columba Falls.
This charming town offers beautiful sea views, welcoming residents, and a relaxed atmosphere.
As the second largest fishing port in Tasmania, it is also a great location for both fishing and savoring the freshest seafood available!
4. Port Arthur
The small coastal community of Port Arthur stands as Tasmania’s most significant tourist attraction.
This site is one of Australia’s most important historical locations, featuring well-preserved structures from its past as a convict settlement, serving as an open-air museum that narrates Australia’s convict history. Indeed, Port Arthur is one of several locations included in the UNESCO World Heritage serial listing known as the Australian Convict Sites.
Port Arthur is acknowledged as the best-preserved of these sites.
From 1833 to 1853, it functioned as the destination for convicts who reoffended after being sent to Australia, as well as for rebellious convicts from other sites.
The penitentiary at Port Arthur exemplifies the “Separate Prison Typology,” a concept advanced by Jeremy Bentham, who is widely recognized for the notorious panopticon.
This system marked a transition from physical punishment to psychological, incorporating extended periods of sensory deprivation.
Additionally, many convicts were assigned to arduous labor; some of the individuals were as young as nine years old.
Prisoners who passed away within the prison were interred in unmarked graves at the nearby Isle of the Dead.
Tourists are drawn not only by the picturesque landscapes but also by the compelling insights into Australia’s history.
The town is reputed for the numerous ghost stories associated with it, and lantern-lit ghost tours are available.
Moreover, an intriguing museum on-site merits a visit.
5. Three Capes Track
Commencing with a boat trip from the Port Arthur township, you will embark on a 46km easy-to-moderate walking trail, the Three Capes Track, which warrants individual recognition: the vistas are spectacular, showcasing cliffs that rise dramatically from the ocean, with abundant marine wildlife including seals and dolphins.
Huts along the trail offer opportunities for comfortable overnight stays, and the path is well-kept.
Make sure to collect the informational brochure from the Parks and Wildlife Service to fully appreciate what makes this track exceptional.
6. Little Blue Lake
This lake captivates with its remarkable hue: initially a mining pit, the extraordinary vivid aqua-blue color arises from its high mineral content, which also discourages swimming. Nevertheless, it remains a popular waterskiing spot. Additionally, it serves as an excellent starting point for a hike up Mt Cameron or a trek into Mt William National Park.
7. Devonport
Located at the northern tip of Tasmania, Devonport serves as the primary population center of the region.
This area is celebrated for its stunning views of the Mersey River, the beautiful arboretum, the Mersey Bluff lighthouse, and as the northern starting point of the 480km Tasmanian Trail.
Additionally, it houses Australia’s oldest Aboriginal museum, Tiagarra, which provides an insightful exploration of Aboriginal cultural sites in the area, including ancient art, as well as the Tiagarra walking trail.
8. Wineglass Bay and Coles Bay
These two bays arguably showcase some of the most breathtaking landscapes Tasmania has to offer and provide an excellent site for water sports, bushwalking, rock climbing, or fishing.
These iconic bays are cherished destinations among both locals and visitors alike.
Accommodations in the vicinity range from budget-friendly to luxurious, making it an ideal spot for both romantic escapes and budget-minded travelers.
9. Narawntapu National Park
This national park features a diverse array of landscapes, flora, and fauna, showcasing low coastal ranges, Bass Strait beaches, lagoons, dunes, and wetlands.
Known as the “Serengeti of Tasmania,” it provides an excellent venue to observe native Australian wildlife in their natural habitat, where you will quickly encounter wombats, wallabies, and kangaroos! Additionally, platypuses and echidnas dwell here, together with various bird species and even three types of bats.
10. Tarkine Wilderness Area
The Tarkine encompasses a vast 447,000 hectares of temperate rainforest, featuring pine, leatherwood, and myrtle trees.
It is also a site rich in Aboriginal heritage, teeming with wildlife, including several endangered species.
The Tarkine is a peaceful, beautiful, and serene destination; especially within the Forest Reserve, it is easy to lose oneself in nature while enjoying an adventure into unblemished beauty.
Some highlights of the Tarkine include the Philosopher Falls, the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway, and a river cruise along the Pieman River.
11. Zoodoo Zoo
Located half an hour from Hobart, the charmingly named Zoodoo Zoo showcases a variety of both native and exotic animals, offering opportunities for close encounters: during the safari bus tour, visitors can hand-feed camels and zebras, and during animal presentations, it is even possible to feed a lion! Additionally, interactive encounters are available with animals such as friendly meerkats and marmosets.
This venue is also a wonderful opportunity to observe the famous Tasmanian Devil, providing an enjoyable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and fans of Looney Tunes alike.
While in the vicinity, take time to explore the local town of Richmond, renowned for its beautiful bridge, Georgian architecture, and the Hobart Town Historical Model Village.
12. King Island
King Island is situated in the Bass Strait, positioned between Victoria on the Australian mainland and Tasmania’s North West Coast.
The island is particularly renowned for its culinary offerings, including cheeses highly prized across Australia, premium beef, and exquisite crayfish.
The pristine, white sand beaches serve as a slice of paradise, and the area also features a variety of fascinating flora and fauna.
Moreover, the island is home to three lighthouses, including Australia’s tallest, the 48-meter Cape Wickham Lighthouse.
Given that Tasmania’s waters are known as some of the world’s most tumultuous, with over 1,000 recorded shipwrecks, the lighthouse keepers likely had significant responsibilities! Visitors can also enjoy a superb golf course, engage in fishing activities, or partake in one of the island’s many guided tours that delve into its intriguing history.
13. Overland Track
This track is not suited for the faint-hearted (as temperatures can change abruptly, and accidents have occurred); however, for those boasting a good fitness level, this remote alpine walk represents an iconic Australian experience and is regarded as one of the world’s premier bushwalks.
The 65km, six-day expedition through the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park extends from Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley (next to Cradle Mountain) in the north to Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair, in the south.
You will soon understand why UNESCO has designated portions of this trail as part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: with breathtaking views of rainforests, eucalypt forests, meadows, and valleys, alongside the possibility of side trips to stunning waterfalls, the varied landscapes yield an unforgettable experience.
14. Deloraine
Deloraine is a charming riverside town located at the foothills of the Great Western Tiers mountain range, boasting a lovely historical Georgian and Victorian streetscape alongside a fascinating arts and crafts culture. The town hosts numerous local galleries, antique and craft stores and is known for organizing the largest craft fair in the country.
The culinary offerings here are also commendable: particularly noted for its raspberries, cheeses, and salmon.
While the town itself is delightful, it also serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions such as Cradle Mountain, the Great Western Tiers, Central Highlands, and Mole Creek Karst National Park, all of which are easily accessible from Deloraine.
15. Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake
Cradle Mountain stands as an iconic destination in Tasmania: the fifth-highest mountain in the region rises around the crystal-clear blue waters of Dove Lake, providing breathtaking views of both the lake and the mountain.
The entire area is characterized by rich flora, fauna, and notably diverse fungi.
For experienced hikers, a 6-7 hour trail traverses challenging terrain; however, this effort is undoubtedly rewarded by the stunning vista from the summit.
Nevertheless, if climbing mountains is not your preference, the tranquil views from the foothills still render this a must-see location!
