Tasmania, Australia’s stunning island state, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and thriving food and wine scene. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or history buff, Tasmania offers a diverse range of activities. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Tasmania.
1. Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
📍 Location: Central Tasmania
🏞️ Why Visit: One of Tasmania’s most iconic natural attractions, Cradle Mountain offers breathtaking hiking trails, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. The Overland Track, a six-day trek, is a bucket-list experience for serious hikers.
2. Visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
📍 Location: Hobart
🎨 Why Visit: MONA is Australia’s most unique and controversial museum, featuring mind-bending modern art exhibitions. Located on the banks of the Derwent River, the museum also offers a cellar door, fine dining, and live music events.
3. Discover Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
📍 Location: East Coast Tasmania
🌊 Why Visit: Famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Freycinet National Park is home to the stunning Wineglass Bay Lookout, offering one of the most photographed views in Australia.
4. Wander Through Salamanca Market
📍 Location: Hobart
🛍️ Why Visit: Held every Saturday, Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s largest and most famous market, featuring local crafts, fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment.
5. Explore Port Arthur Historic Site
📍 Location: Tasman Peninsula
🏛️ Why Visit: A UNESCO-listed convict settlement, Port Arthur provides a fascinating insight into Australia’s colonial past, with guided ghost tours, heritage walks, and immersive storytelling experiences.
6. Drive the Great Eastern Drive
📍 Location: East Coast Tasmania
🚗 Why Visit: A scenic coastal drive offering breathtaking views, stops at Bicheno, Bay of Fires, and Freycinet, and opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood and Tasmanian wines.
7. Visit Bruny Island
📍 Location: South of Hobart
🌿 Why Visit: Bruny Island is famous for its stunning landscapes, local cheese, oysters, and rugged coastline. Don’t miss the Bruny Island Neck Lookout and a wildlife cruise to see seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
8. Taste Tasmanian Whisky & Wine
📍 Location: Various distilleries and vineyards
🥃 Why Visit: Tasmania is home to some of the best cool-climate wines and award-winning whisky distilleries, including Lark Distillery, Sullivan’s Cove, and Josef Chromy Wines.
9. See the Bay of Fires
📍 Location: East Coast Tasmania
🔥 Why Visit: Known for its orange-lichen-covered granite rocks, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the Bay of Fires is a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers.
10. Experience the Tarkine Rainforest
📍 Location: North West Tasmania
🌳 Why Visit: One of the world’s largest temperate rainforests, the Tarkine offers ancient forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, making it an excellent place for eco-tourism and adventure activities.
Final Thoughts
Tasmania is a hidden gem filled with natural beauty, historical sites, and world-class food and wine experiences. Whether you’re hiking through national parks, exploring historic convict sites, or indulging in gourmet delights, there’s something for everyone on this incredible island. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of Tasmania! 🌿🏞️🍷