Top 10 places to visit in Tasmania

Most travellers to Australia stick to the mainland for their trip, so not everyone makes the journey across to the state of Tasmania. Don’t miss out on all this unique island has to offer!

Despite being the smallest of Australia’s states, it’s one of the most diverse states to visit. Tasmania has a thriving gourmet food scene, a unique historical past, and numerous species of wildlife. The landscapes are also varied, with everything from white-sand beaches and rugged coastline to ancient rainforests, mountains and glacial lakes.

With so much to see and do on one compact island, it can be hard to pick where to spend your time. We’ve listed the top 10 places to visit for the ultimate Tassie getaway, including the best activities to do in each area.

1. Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and the biggest city on the island. Most travellers will spend time in Hobart if flying onto the island (if travelling by ferry from Melbourne, your base will be Devonport in the north). Hobart is known for its culinary scene, art and culture, but also provides access to nature, as the city sits on the River Derwent at the foot of Mount Wellington.

• Mount Wellington: You can walk, drive or cycle to the top of Mount Wellington, which stands at 1,271 m above Hobart. From the summit viewpoint, you will find the best views of Hobart and the surrounding Wellington Park reserve. In winter, locals head to the mountain to play in the snow. The best hiking trail is The Organ Pipes, which takes you up close to the towering dolerite rocks known as “pipes”.
• Hobart Harbour: There is so much to see down on Hobart’s waterfront, from a working fishing harbour to sculptures and museums—the most famous being The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). You can rent kayaks to explore historic suburbs from the water, or enjoy some fine dining in one of the harbourside restaurants.
• Markets: Salamanca Market is one of Hobart’s biggest attractions, showcasing everything from local art to fresh produce and street food. There are other markets that take place throughout the year, including Farm Gate Market, which focuses on sustainable and local produce, the Hobart Twilight Market, which takes place at night and is mostly made up of diverse food and drink stalls, or the stalls at Brooke Street Pier for Tasmanian crafts. Find the full list of markets in south Tasmania here.
• Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens:​​​​​​​ These botanical gardens span 14 hectares and feature Tasmania’s unique native flora. You can also learn more about the island’s 200 years of history and heritage, such as a collection of heritage trees, or the site of Tasmania’s earliest colonial kitchen garden.
• The Cascade Brewery: Tour Australia’s oldest brewery, established in 1824. Sample some of their famous beers and ciders—the Cascade Pale Ale is Australia’s oldest continuously brewed beer, first created in 1832!

2. Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park extends across most of Tasmania’s east coast, and is the joint oldest national park on the island (along with Mount Field). It is mostly known for its picture-perfect beaches, including the famous Wineglass Bay, and the pink-granite mountain range known as The Hazards. Top tip: purchase a Tasmania Parks Pass if you’re planning on visiting several of the national parks.

• Wineglass Bay Lookout: One of the most photographed views on the whole island can be found at the top of the Wineglass Bay Lookout bushwalk. It’s a steep uphill climb for 1.3 km to the viewpoint, but there are resting places along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins in the winter months.
• Kayak tour: Take a sea kayak tour to explore more of Coles Bay, which sits at the foot of The Hazards, and Great Oyster Bay, where the waters are so clear you will be able to see an abundance of marine life. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot some seals and dolphins.
• Freycinet Marine Farm: Learn about the lifecycle of an oyster with an educational tour at this working oyster farm. Of course, you will also be able to taste the farm’s freshly shucked oysters.
• Mount Amos: More experienced hikers can take part in a climb to the summit of Mount Amos, one of the granite mountains that make up The Hazard ranges. The track takes around 3-4 hours and involves a steep scramble to the top, but you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Wineglass Bay.
• Beaches: Freycinet is loved by tourists and locals alike for its pristine blue-water beaches. As well as the popular Wineglass Bay, you have the option of relaxing on the 10 km stretch of white sand at Friendly Beaches, snorkelling at Honeymoon Bay, watching the sunset at Sandpiper Beach, and more.

3. Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires lines the northeast coast of Tasmania. Though the unique characteristic of this region is the orange lichen rocks, the bay’s name actually comes from an English navigator in the 1700s, who saw burning fires lit by the island’s Aboriginal population as he passed by the coast. The main activities in the Bay of Fires are coastal walks, beaches, ocean cruises, and mountain biking.

• Beaches: There are lots of beaches in the area to choose from, but the most popular one is the main beach, Binalong Bay. The clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling or diving. Quieter options away from the crowds include Cosy Corner, where you can enjoy a coastal trail, or Ansons Bay, ideal for fishing and kayaking.
• Mount William National Park: Just north of the Bay of Fires is another national park, this one known for its beaches and the namesake Mount William. You can spend the day at the beach, climb the mountain summit for views of the coast and Bass Strait, or tackle one of the other coastal walks.
• Wine tasting: The scenic valley of Priory, 10 km inland from the Bay of Fires, is home to Priory Ridge Estate. The majority of Tasmania’s vineyards sit on the east coast of the island, so Priory Ridge’s unique northerly location has led to a distinctive flavour profile in their wine.
• Eddystone Point: At the most northern tip of the Bay of Fires is Eddystone Point, where you will find the pink granite Eddystone Point Lighthouse. The land here is protected because of its significance to the Aboriginal people. For an alternative viewpoint, take the Eco Tours cruise to see the lighthouse and the Bay of Fires coastline from the water.
• Guided tour: The cruises are not the only option for a guided tour in the Bay of Fires. The more adventurous traveller may enjoy a 4×4 tour, which you can customise to choose the Bay of Fires locations you’d most like to explore. To learn more about the area’s importance within the Aboriginal community, you can take a Wukalina Walk, a multi-day experience where you will stay in palawa-inspired huts and eat traditional meals around the fire.

4. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most visited attractions. This national park has everything from rainforests to alpine moorlands and mountains. It is best known for stunning nature and an abundance of native wildlife. You can even climb the summit of Cradle Mountain, though it will take around 8 hours.

• Dove Lake Circuit: If you only have time for one hike in Cradle Mountain, prioritise Dove Lake. You can walk part or all of the 6 km circuit for the best views of Cradle Mountain reflecting in the glacial waters of Dove Lake.
• Overland Track: This multi-day hike is one of Australia’s Great Walks—it should only be tackled by experienced bushwalkers. To complete the track, it takes about a week (one way). The track connects Cradle Mountain to Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair, and you will pass through valleys, rainforests, forests, moorlands and alpine meadows along the way.
• Crater Lake: Explore a series of glacial lakes along the 5.7 km Crater Lake circuit. Expect dramatic views of the picturesque lakes as you climb higher, as well as lots of alpine vegetation.
• Canyoning: Discover a side of the park that not many visitors will experience, by going deep into the canyons and gorges on a guided tour. After abseiling in, you will float through the canyon, jumping or sliding down waterfalls as you go!
• Wildlife spotting: Cradle Mountain is home to wombats, wallabies, possums, quolls, Tasmanian Devils, and more (learn more about Australian wildlife here). You may be able to spot wildlife naturally while walking around the park, or you can book a guided tour to improve your chances of a sighting.

5. Stanley

Located on the northwest coast of the island, Stanley is a small fishing town made up of preserved buildings that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. As well as its historic architecture, Stanley is mostly known for The Nut, the large volcanic plug that overlooks the town.

• The Nut: A visit to Stanley isn’t complete without scaling the top of The Nut, a sheer-sided bluff that is all that remains of an old volcanic plug. Either walk to the top or use the chairlift. From The Nut, you will have views of the Bass Strait, Stanley, and the surrounding beaches.
• Stanley Heritage Walk: Take this self-guided tour to discover the architecture, history and culture of the village of Stanley. The walk takes around an hour to complete and passes by 15 important locations. For more details on the walk, click here.
• Highfield Historic Site: Overlooking Stanley and The Nut, Highfield Historic Site is an example of architecture from the Regency Period. Visitors can access the old homestead​, outbuildings and surrounding gardens, where you will have views of the coastline and Bass Strait. Learn about the significance of the site and how it was intrinsically linked to the development of the local community.
• Godfreys Beach: The beach is worth a visit if you want to sail, surf, fish or swim, but it’s mainly known for its little penguin colony. From the viewing platform at the beach, you may be able to spot the little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk.
• Rocky Cape National Park: Explore a national park (just under an hour away from Stanley) ​that is of great importance to the Aboriginal people. The park is characterised by its rock formations and rugged coastline. Choose from a range of short walks that traverse the park’s hills, bays and headlands, or go swimming in the various sea caves, pools and beaches. Many of the rock shelters and caves have been used by Aboriginal Tasmanians for generations.

6. Launceston

Launceston is a riverside city in the north of the island, and the third oldest city in Australia. The city looks over three rivers: the North Esk, South Esk and River Tamar. Launceston (or “Launnie” to the locals) is a cultural and gastronomical hub, where winemakers, distillers and artists from around the world have come to settle. Expect plenty of fine dining from your time in Launnie!

• Cataract Gorge: This ancient gorge (over 60 million years old!) can be reached by a short 10-minute drive from the city. It’s an important meeting place for the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, as well as being popular with tourists for its walking trails and swimming pools. One of the highlights is a scenic chairlift that runs across the top of the gorge and First Basin.
• Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a day trip to Mole Creek, where you will find Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been caring for Tasmania’s native wildlife since the 1970s. The sanctuary was instrumental in setting up the Save the Devil program, established to assist in the preservation of the Tasmanian Devil species.
• Tamar Valley Wine Route: The Tamar Valley is a haven for wine-lovers—it is considered to be one of the best sparkling wine regions in the world, second only to France’s Champagne region. Other wines the region specialises in include chardonnay and pinot noir. Sample all of the Tamar Valley’s finest wines on a self-guided or guided tour along the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
• UNESCO City of Gastronomy: Launceston’s vibrant and diverse food culture has led to the city being recognised as one of only 49 UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy in the world. The northern Tasmanian climate means Launceston has excelled in producing various types of food: truffles, wagyu beef, hemp, butter, fruit, etc.
• Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: Known for housing Launceston’s leading collection of traditional and contemporary art, the Queen Victoria Museum holds the title of the largest museum in Australia not located in a capital city. Exhibits cover everything from art to science and history, plus there is a planetarium.

7. Bruny Island

Bruny Island is made up of two smaller islands (North and South Bruny) joined together by an isthmus of land called The Neck. You can reach Bruny Island by ferry from Kettering (32 km south of Hobart). Bruny Island has dramatic scenery (with the best landscapes in South Bruny National Park), as well as a thriving culinary scene.

• The Neck: For panoramic views of the island, head to Truganini Lookout at The Neck, where the north and south islands meet. Between the warmer months of September and February, visit at dusk for a chance to see fairy penguins returning to their burrows, as well as other native wildlife.
• Cape Bruny Lighthouse: Another great viewpoint on the island is at the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Climb to the top of the 114 m lighthouse to look across dolerite cliffs of Cape Bruny and the South Bruny coastline. You can also visit the Cape Bruny Lightstation Museum.
• Artisanal food: Bruny Island has become a hotspot for gourmet food—you can drive around the island on a self-guided tour, sampling from the many local producers. Don’t miss artisan cheeses at Bruny Island Cheese, Tasmanian honey at Bruny Island Honey, fresh oysters at Get Shucked Oysters, or chocolates and fudge at Bruny Island Chocolate. Find the full list, including options for foodie tours, here.
• Wildlife spotting: Bruny Island has a rare population of white wallabies, which can be seen at sunrise and sunset. Similar to the quokkas on Rottnest Island, they are not afraid of humans, so you can get close for pictures (though don’t feed them or pet them!). In addition to white wallabies, you may also see echidnas, short-tailed shearwater, padamelons, possums, and more (view the full list of native wildlife here).
• Cloudy Bay: At the very southern tip of Bruny Island, Cloudy Bay offers some of the best weather conditions on the island. It’s a popular beach with surfers, as Cloudy Bay hosts an annual surfing event. The southern end of the beach has calmer waters better suited to swimming, stand up paddleboarding or kayaking.

8. Port Arthur

Once a convict settlement, Port Arthur is now a town and UNESCO World Heritage Historic Site. The Historic Site spans over 40 hectares, made up of more than 30 historic buildings throughout the preserved settlement. As well as the former convict settlement, there are plenty of coastal walks, as Port Arthur sits on the Tasman Peninsula.

• Port Arthur Historic Site: The main reason to visit Port Arthur is to tour the preserved convict settlement, one of the most famous in Australia. Your ticket includes a harbour cruise, entry to an interactive gallery, access to the restored buildings and heritage gardens, and more.
• Remarkable Cave: Part of the Tasman National Park, Remarkable Cave is just a 10-minute drive from Port Arthur. As well as views of the southern coastline, you can sometimes see waves rushing through the tunnel-shaped cave. You can also pick up longer walking tracks to Maingon Blowhole, Mount Brown and Crescent Bay.
• Three Capes Track: The Three Capes Track is one of Tasmania’s great multi-day walks. It journeys across the country’s tallest sea cliffs, as well as through forests and coastal heath. The track takes around 4 days to complete.
• Port Arthur Lavender Farm: This farm spans 18 acres of lavender, rainforest and lakes, with ocean views of Long Bay. Walk the lavender trail, take a self-guided tour, and sample the handmade lavender products.
• Ghost tour: Given its history, many believe the souls of the departed have never left Port Arthur. Hear about the former convicts, settlers and soldiers who died during Port Arthur’s almost 50-year operation as a penal settlement on an eerie, lantern-lit ghost tour.

9. Mount Field National Park

As well as holding the joint title of Tasmania’s oldest national park, Mount Field is also one of the most diverse national parks on the island. The landscape is made up of towering waterfalls, glacial lakes, giant tree ferns and alpine plants. Mount Mawson, located within the national park, turns into one of Tasmania’s two ski fields in winter.

• Three Falls Circuit: This reasonably easy 6 km hike connects the park’s 3 best waterfalls, the most famous being Russell Falls. It’s a short walk between Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls, with the option to carry on to Lady Barron Falls.
• Turning of the Fagus: In autumn, the park comes alive with the changing colours of the native deciduous beech trees (fagus). There are only a few places left in Australia with these deciduous trees. The Tarn Shelf (below) is the best way of seeing the turning of the fagus. Colours usually peak around ANZAC Day (25th April).
• Tarn Shelf Circuit: The Tarn Shelf Circuit connects a series of glacial lakes. You can complete the whole 12 km circuit in a day, or hike a shorter portion of the track. Expect to see spectacular views of the Rodway Range, especially in the autumn when the beech leaves turn golden, red and orange.
• Tall Trees: Take a gentle stroll on this 1 km loop through the tallest flowering plants in the world. The swamp gum trees can grow to over 100 m tall!
• Pandani Grove: Another easy walk, this 1.5 km circuit takes you through a grove made up of many native plants, including alpine gums, treeferns, pencil pines and pandani (the tallest heath in the world). You may be able to spot platypus living in Lake Dobson.

10. Strahan

This small town of only 650 residents is mostly used by tourists as a base for exploring the west coast. Originally developed as a port, but now big in the timber and fishing industries, Strahan sits on the edge of historic Macquarie Harbour. It is considered one of the most isolated places in the south of Australia. Visitors to Strahan can expect a mix of sandy beaches and rugged wilderness, with many options for day trips in and around the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

• Gordon River Cruise: Discover the highlights of the Gordon River on an award-winning river cruise. Stops include Hells Gates, where the harbour meets the Southern Ocean, Heritage Landing, where you can walk through temperate rainforest, and Sarah Island, an old penal colony.
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Strahan is the gateway to this national park, which is known for its valleys and gorges created by the Franklin and Gordon rivers. Highlights include Nelson Falls, the rainforest walk to Donaghys Hill, and the Franklin nature trail.
• Queenstown: Not to be confused with Queenstown, New Zealand! Learn about Tasmania’s mining history in this historic mining town with an underground mining tour or a visit to the Galley Museum. Thrillseekers can book a rafting or 4×4 tour.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway: Ride through the rainforest on this heritage railway, which runs partly on an Abt rack and pinion track. You can book a range of different experiences, which include stops at ghost town stations, local honey tasting, flora and fauna walks, or panning for gold.
• The Ship That Never Was: Catch a performance of Australia’s longest-running play, which started performances in Strahan in 1994. The Ship That Never Was is a comedic retelling of the events of 1834, when the last ship to be built at Sarah Island is hijacked by convict shipwrights before it can reach its destination of Port Arthur.