There are some incredible places to visit in Tasmania. More and more people are now giving solid evidence that the hype about this Australian state is real. It really is a wonderful place. The island state has its own unique qualities and can be considered as one of the best places to visit in Australia.
Tasmania’s reputation as a simple and quiet province has now been left altered for good, and if you visit Tasmania you will definitely be able to confirm that. It may be the smallest state in Australia, but Tasmania attractions boast white sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters.
If you are planning a trip to this part of the country, make sure to spend at least a week roaming around, and do yourself the favor of renting a car – so that you can reach more places independently. Indeed, for as small as it is, there are many things to do in Tasmania and it would be a pity to miss out!
The top attractions in Tasmania include breathtaking mountain ranges and newly-opened hiking trails. To add to the incredible places to visit in Tasmania, there’s an incredibly rich (and well protected) wildlife. There’s a good reason if Tasmanian Wilderness is listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Make sure to read my post “The Complete Guide To Becoming A More Responsible Traveler.”
In Tasmania you will also find mouth-watering food and wine and an abundance of remarkable arts and traditions. Finally, the little state of Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world. This is officially documented by the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station, which regularly monitors the Southern Hemispheric air. The air is so clean that rainwater is being collected and bottled – it can actually be drunk!
In this post, I highlight all the places to visit in Tasmania that you really should not miss.
28 Stunning Places To Visit In Tasmania
Hobart
Hobart is the cultured capital of Tasmania, so definitely visiting is one of the things to do in Tasmania. This place is simply gorgeous, and there are a lot of things to do in Hobart. Exploring all corners of Hobart is the best way to enjoy the city.
One of the best ways to explore Hobart is to hire a car, and drive down the lively streets of the city and simply appreciate what it has to offer.
Among the coolest things to do in Hobart, there’s visiting the many art galleries, like the phenomenal MONA – Museum of Modern and New Art.
With its superb port facilities, Hobart has famously become the gateway to the Antarctic. From here, the southernmost region of the Earth is just 1,390 nautical miles. There are various agencies that could help in setting an expedition to Antarctic, and leaving for one is one of the most amazing things to do in Tasmania.
It can be costly though, so if you do not have the budget for it can do a tour of Hobart’s deep connection to Antarctic – one of the most interesting things to do in Tasmania. Begin with a visit to the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, to see how the people during the first expedition lived during their two year stay in the region. It is also possible to visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery where you will find a permanent exhibit of Antarctic’s natural history and scientific findings.
One of the must-see in Hobart is Salamanca Market. This Saturday outdoor market (open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm) is one of the most famous in Australia, so if you happen to be in Hobart during the weekend, make sure to go. At Salamanca Market you will find anything from fresh produce to crafts and arts.
Finally, If you are a coffee-addict like myself, make sure to try all the coffee blends and brew from the finest coffee shops. And of course, feast on delicious food by the harbor.
You can easily create your self-guided tour of the city, but if you’d rather go on a guided tour to explore the city, these two are very good options:
Beaches around Hobart
Among the most incredible places to visit in Tasmania, there are the beaches around Hobart. What makes them so special is that they sparkle at night, thanks to the bioluminescent phytoplankton. It is quite a show, and you really shouldn’t miss out on that.
Where to stay in Hobart
As one of the best places to visit in Tasmania, Hobart has a fabulous selection of places to stay. Lindisfarne Waterfront is a great pick. Alternatively, a good option may be a holiday rental or an apartment such as Central City.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is the second oldest botanical gardens in Australia and has been a popular recreation area for tourists and Hobart’s locals. It’s one of the top attractions in Tasmania. This 14 hectares of land holds a fascinating collection of trees and plants, some of which are historic and one of a kind, like the Kings Lomatia plant. This is a critically endangered plant and all of the living samples are genetically identical.
In the garden’s sub-Antarctic Plant House, it is easy to be amazed with the samples of exotic plants taken from the Antarctic region. There’s no doubt that the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are among the most interesting places to visit in Tasmania.
Russel Falls
The gorgeous Russel Falls are among the most beautiful places to visit in Tasmania. They are located in Mount Field National Park, which is part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area, and can be reached by car from Hobart – it takes just little over one hour.
Liffey Falls
Liffey Falls is among Tasmania heritage-listed sites. They are located in Liffey Falls State Reserve, a part of the island famous for its rainforest. You can easily get there via a 40-minute walk through the forest
Richmond
Richmond is a small town that can be easily visited on a day trip from Hobart, and one of the nicest places to visit in Tasmania. It is home to Australia’s oldest bridge, which was built in 1825, and Australia’s oldest Roman Catholic Church.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur is a former prison, whose remains can now be visited. It surely is one of the coolest and creepiest places to visit in Tasmania: it is possible to go there on a guided tour, and there’s even lantern-lit night tours, to haunt ghosts!
Here are some of the best guided tours of Port Arthur Historic Site:
- Port Arthur historic site ghost tour
- Port Arthur full day tour from Hobart
- Port Arthur cruise and full day trip from Hobart
Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is meant to be one of the best national parks in Australia. Freycinet is a beautiful peninsula with pink granite rock formations, mountain peaks and gorgeous beaches.
Located in the National Park you will find Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s finest white sand beaches – and I am an expert on that, being from Sardinia! It is a postcard-perfect view, which gets even better if you climb to the top of Mt. Amos. There are tours that go there from Hobart, and there even are scenic flights to catch breathtaking views. It’s easy to see why Freycinet and Wineglass Bay are among the top places to visit in Tasmania.
Here are the best tours:
The Hazards
Inside Freycinet National Park, the Hazards are one of the top places to visit in Tasmania. The best time to go is right before sunset, when the light gives it a special aura. If you ask me, I’d spend days there! But there’s more! There’s also the gorgeous Hazards beach, which is so remote and simply breathtaking.
To access the Hazards, make sure to stay in Coles Bay, a beautiful seaside village.
Maria Island
With interesting historic sites such as a convict probation station and the ruins of Darlington (a ghost town); natural sites; cliffs; wildlife to admire along the Reservoir Circuit and which includes wombats, pademelons, forester Kangaroos, and even Tasmanian devils, but also marine life such as seals and whales, and lots of bird species and more, Maria Island is a must-visit. It is a great place for walking, hiking (make sure to hike to Bishop and Clerk, the highest peaks on the island) and biking. The island is located off the east coast and can be reached by ferry.
Binalong
Speaking of beaches, among the best places to visit in Tasmania there’s the stunning Binalong Bay, a lovely coastal town in the Bay of Fires home to one of the most amazing beaches on the island, minus the crowd. It’s just a few minutes’ drive along the coast, so it’s very accessible for every traveler.
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires easily is one of the best places to visit in Tasmania. It’s located on the north-east coast of the island and there you will find beautiful beaches with clear waters and interesting rock formations of varying colors (the most characteristic is orange). You can even go on a four-day guided walk through the conservation reserve. The Bay of Fires is slightly off the beaten path, but you can get there easily from Binalong.
Bicheno
The small fishing town of Bicheno, in the Bay of Fires on the east coast, is a lovely place to spend a day or two, thanks to its easygoing and peaceful atmosphere. The main attraction there is the pristine beach.
Bruny Island
There is no doubt that Bruny Island is where to go in Tasmania for a breathtaking landscape. This is a great place to admire wildlife such as penguins, sea lions and depending on the season also migrating whales.
The Natural Rock Arch at Bruny Island is a must see.
Bruny Island can be easily visited on day trips departing from Hobart.
These are the best tours of Bruny Island:
- Bruny Island: Full-Day Food, Lighthouse & Sightseeing Tour
- Bruny Island 3 hours wilderness tour
- Bruny Island day tour from Hobart
- Bruny Island wilderness coast eco-tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries at Bonorong
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the places to visit in Tasmania. Taking a tour of the Wildlife Sanctuaries will allow you to discover animals that are native to Australia, such as the world-famous Tasmanian devil, the wombats, emus, kangaroos, koalas, Eastern quoll, Tasmanian bettong and more.
You don’t have to worry about the well being of the animals: the sanctuary promotes conservation of these animals and strives to educate visitors on how to help the wildlife of Australia. Definitely one more reason to visit Tasmania.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
White water rafting is one of the coolest things to do in Tasmania – in fact, worldwide! I have done it in Argentina, in Colombia, and in Nepal. Franklin-Gordon is one of the coolest places to visit in Tasmania because it offers some white-water rafting adventures. Professional guides take rafters down the fizzing Franklin River surrounded by thick Huon pine forests.
Lavender Fields at Bridestowe Estate
As soon as you see pictures of the Lavender Fields at Bridestowe Estate, you will be convinced to go. This easily is coolest places to visit in Tasmania. The best time to go is at the beginning of February, when lavender is in full bloom and the contrasts of colors between the sky and the field even more striking. Make sure to check the website to find out if the lavender is actually blooming!
Check out my post “22 Gorgeous Lavender Fields Around The World.”
West Coast Wilderness Railway
One of the most incredible things to do in Tasmania is riding the West Coast Wilderness Train. It’s a must do, I am telling you! This steam train with heritage carriages will take you through the forests of Tasmania. There are several routes – the shortest ride goes from Cradle Mountain to Queenstown and covers a distance of 110 km in one hour and 30 minutes. The longest ride lasts 3 hours and 40 minutes and goes from Hobart to Queenstown. Make sure to check out the website of West Coast Wilderness Train for more information.
Cradle Mountain
If you are a hiking-enthusiast Cradle Mountain will become one of your favorite places to visit in Tasmania.
You will find a great range of hiking trails that range from 20 minutes to several days. The most famous one is the Overland Track, a hike that covers a distance of 65 km and lasts 6 full days, going through the most beautiful mountain range in Tasmania. This is a truly challenging hike so my recommendation is not to hike it alone and to scout for a good guide to take you there.
Check out my post “11 Reasons Why Hiking Alone May Be A Bad Idea.”
But that’s not all! Did you know that admiring the Southern Aurora Australis – aka the Southern Lights – is one of the best things to do in Tasmania? There are several places where you can do that, and one of them is Cradle Mountain and the famous Overland Track.
Make sure to check out this Cradle Mountain National Park day trip from Launceston.
Lake St. Clair
Lake St. Clair is located in the same national park where Cradle Mountain is. This glacier lake is a perfect place for kayaking and if you want to completely immerse yourself in nature. You get there at the very end of the Overland Track.
The Tasman Peninsula
For more incredible hikes and stunning coastal views, the Tasman Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Australia.
There, you can walk the Three Capes Track, an independent multi-day hike that over the course of 48 km will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Tasman Peninsula, such as the cliffs of Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and to admire the stunning views at Cape Raoul.
Lake Oberon
One of the lesser visited places to visit in Tasmania is Lake Oberon, which is located in the West Arthur range in south-western Tasmania. It’s another region loaded with good hiking trails, so perfect for nature lovers.
Strahan and the Gordon River
Strahan is the kind of place that will require you a lot of effort to reach, but pays off as soon as you get there. It’s a great place to admire the sunset and to access the World Heritage Gordon River, where you can admire Horseshoe Bend, one of the coolest places to visit in Tasmania. The best way to admire it is on a scenic flight or during a Gordon river cruise such as this one.
Corinna
From Strahan you can also access Corinna, a bit of an off the beaten path place. This former mining town is located in the Tarkine (one of Australia’s temperate rainforest), on the banks of Pieman River. It’s a fantastic place to be immersed in nature, enjoying kayaking or a river cruise. You can get there by barge boat from Strahan.
Cataract Gorge, Launceston
In and of itself, Launceston is nothing special. But I recommend visiting as it gives you access to some of the most scenic places to visit in Tasmania. One of them is the Cataract Gorge, which is minutes away from town center and where you can admire local wildlife, ride the chairlift or walk one of he many trails.
Brickendon Estate
Not far from Launceston, Brickendon Estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you will find historic farm cottages, colonial style accommodation, and much more. What’s unique about it is that it still is a working farm!
Tamar Valley Wine Region
One of the places of interest in Tasmania is the Tamar Valley wine region, which is just a 10 minutes drive from Launceston. In Tamar Valley Wine Region you will find an incredible number of award winning wineries where you can sip a glass of sauvignon blanc just admiring the view.
Evandale
Evandale is one of the nicest villages in Tasmania. In this National Trust Classified Georgian Village can be easily accessed from Launceston, and there you will find a wealth of heritage buildings such as Clarendon House.
Do you know of more amazing places to visit in Tasmania? Make sure to check out the website of Tourism Tasmania for more information!
Pin It For Later!
Did you manage to come to Australia, Claudia????? Started from Tasmania?
If you are coming to Sydney, would love to meet you for coffee or a trip/walk!
Not yet 🙁 It’s a dream I have. My friend Tim is from there. And if I ever go to Australia, Sydney would be my FIRST stop 🙂
I fell in love with Tasmania 20 years ago and vowed that one day when I retired I would live here for the rest of my life. I now have been living here for 2 years and there is no way I will ever go back to the mainland. Not even to visit! This is the cleanest, peaceful and friendliest place in the world. The beaches with pristine aqua blue water are the most beautiful. Better than anywhere!
I am glad you fulfilled your dream! No better achievement in life 🙂
HEY planning a trip to Tassie and just wondering those two photos in your Pinterest photo of the lake and mountains and girl sitting on a rock, where is that. Also the stone house set in the rocks where is that also. Both look incredible
Hi Mia, both photos were taken in the area of Cradle Mountain. Enjoy!!
Make sure you also visit Maria Island! Just off the coast of Tassie, the island is full of wombats, kangaroos, wallabys, and even Tasmanian Devils running free. There is no permanent human population, just the animals. You can camp there, or take a day tour from Hobart. The island also has the amazing painted cliffs, and some ruins from the days when there was industry there. But it’s the wombats that steal the show! For me it was definitely one of the highlights of Tasmania and Australia.
Thank you so much for leaving the comment! This is truly added value 🙂