Explore this enchanting tiny state with so much to offer from incredible untamed wilderness, convict history to its indulgent food and wine scene with our list of top things to do in Tasmania.
Photo credit: Lauren Bath, Tourism Tasmania
Scenic Flight Over Wineglass Bay
Surely nothing beats this view. You can hike to the visitor’s platform for a great view over Wineglass Bay, or tackle the harder (but better views) hike to the top of Mt. Amos. Or if you want to grab a birdseye view, book yourself on a scenic flight for a million-dollar view!
Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill, Tourism Tasmania
Hike National Parks
A trip to Tasmania is not complete without a hike or short walk with its endless trails where forty percent of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. So unique and special that a large portion is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area in recognition of their unique natural and cultural values. Iconic parks include Ben Lomond, Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair, Mt Field, Maria Island, Freycinet, The Tarkine to name a few.
Photo credit: Flow Mountain Bike, Tourism Tasmania
Marvel At The Scenery On Maria Island
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 paradise. Its famed Painted Cliffs is etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, making it a photographer's gallery. Venture further and explore rugged mountains; wild, windswept beaches; fossil-flecked limestone cliffs; and dense forests. For the animal lovers, plenty of wildlife to ogle here, too, from wombats and wallabies to Tasmanian devils, ringtail possums and pademelons that roam freely on the island. Maria Island is also one of the top places to visit in Tasmania for bird-watching. While here, hike the scenic trails, bike, snorkel, dive and explore the area's rich history by visiting the World Heritage-listed convict sites of Darlington.
Photo credit: Jesse Hunniford, Tourism Tasmania
Museum Of Old & New Art (Mona)
This museum made headlines when it first opened in January of 2011… years on and the captivating headlines are yet to subside. This artsy building is even more impressive on the inside when you view the controversial, quirky and sometimes just downright crazy exhibitions on offer. 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. 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.
Photo credit: Jess Bonde, Tourism Tasmania
Stand At The Top Of “the Neck” Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a short ferry ride from the mainland, with the departure point at Kettering just an hours drive from Hobart, Tasmania’s capital. Bruny Island is actually two islands joined by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck. Don't miss views of The Neck from Truganini Lookout, search for fur seals on an eco cruise and be sure to take advantage of the island's flourishing fine food and wine industry by sampling island cheese and berries.
Photo credit: Emilie Ristevski, Tourism Tasmania
Climb The Nut
The Nut is a 143-meter-high volcanic plug, which looms over the picturesque heritage town of Stanley. 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.
Photo credit: Tasmania Tourism
Check In To The “World’s Best Boutique Hotel”
Recently this uber-luxe resort, Saffire Freycinet, was dubbed the world’s best boutique hotel. If you’ve been lucky enough to stay there, you’ll understand exactly why! While rooms don’t come cheap, they do include all meals (including a 6-course degustation dinner with matched wines) AND an all-inclusive free mini-bar!
Photo credit: Dietmar Kahles, Tourism Tasmania
See The Southern Aurora Australis
Forget travelling thousands of miles in search of the Northern Lights when you have the Southern Aurora Australis right here! Like its Northern Hemisphere counterpart (Aurora Borealis), the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) illuminate the night sky with flickering shades of green, blue, purple and red. Unlike Aurora Borealis, which is subject to extreme seasonal light changes, the Southern Lights can be viewed all year round – although most commonly during winter, May to August, and during the spring equinox in September. Since the further south you are, the better, popular viewing spots are South Arm Peninsula (40 km southeast of Hobart) and Cockle Creek on the southern tip of Tasmania (120 km southwest of Hobart).
Photo credit: Jess Bonde, Tourism Tasmania
Walk On Air
It’s not every day you get to walk on air… so why not schedule in a visit to the Tahune Forest airwalk to really get a grip on Tassie’s wildlife and wilderness.
Photo credit: Stu Gibson, Tourism Tasmania
Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
A recent addition to the top 50 things to do in Tasmania is the newly opened Blue Derby Mountain bike trails – this image says it all! There are over 100km of mountain bike trails in the network and you can even stay inside a pod for a 3-day ultimate tour if you’re really keen to hit the trails hard!
Photo credit: Events Tasmania & Alastair Bett, Tourism Tasmania
See The Views From Kunanyi/Mount Wellington
Undulating to the west of Hobart, the 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. 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.
Stroll Around 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. If you are there on a Saturday, pop by 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. From Salamanca Place, you can also descend Kelly Steps to Battery Point, a picturesque seaside suburb with heritage houses.
Indulge In Tassie’s Food And Wine Scene
Tasmania is a great place to learn about and try fresh produce. You can find gourmet expriences at farmers markets and in local eateries, from cheap and cheerful pubs to high-end bars and restaurants at the heart of the capital, Hobart. You can even stop and buy from roadside stalls – in Tasmania you'll still find honesty boxes all around the state. A great way to start is following its food and wine trails whether whisky or wine, history or paddock to plate produce, you’ll fund a trail to match your passion. The Seafood Trail, Tasmanian Cider Trail, East Coast Wine Trail and Cradle to Coast Wine Trail to name a few. For ultimate indulgence the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail delves deep into Tasmania's behind the scene culinary journey with your own private local guide and chef prepared meals. What could be better than sipping a glass of world class wine amidst the rolling hills or sparkling ocean? Here you will be spoiled with an array of award-winning wineries with inviting cellar doors.
Play Golf On One Of The World’s Most Scenic Courses
Barnbougle Lost Farm is located in the North of the state, making these courses a popular stop for international jet setters who fly in via private jet… But you needn’t have a jet to play here! This course is in fact a public course and anyone can play here, although you might want to brush up at the driving range before tackling it in public!! For unforgettable golfing, embark on the ultimate Tasmania and King Island Luxury Golf Adventure combining a swing into Tasmania's exquisite food and wine scene at award wining farms, wineries and restaraunts.
See A Tassie Devil Up Close
They might look cute but these little devils are just that – devils! See them at one of the many wildlife parks around the island: in the North and in the South or visit the Tasmanian Devil Sancturary, Devils@Cradle- it makes perfect stopover while exploring the renowned Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
