Tasmania, Australia's southernmost state, is a land apart — an island of extraordinary landscapes, rare wildlife, rich history, and epicurean delights. Separated from mainland Australia by the 240km stretch of the Bass Strait, "Tassie" (as it's affectionately known by locals) packs remarkable diversity into its compact size.
At Aussie Adventures, we've been guiding travelers through Tasmania's wilderness wonders for over a decade. In this comprehensive guide, we'll share our insider knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable journey through Australia's island gem.
Why Visit Tasmania?
Tasmania offers a perfect blend of pristine wilderness, gourmet food experiences, rich colonial history, and authentic encounters with unique wildlife. Here's why it deserves a spot on every Australian itinerary:
- Wilderness Preservation: More than 40% of Tasmania is protected in national parks and World Heritage areas, offering some of the most unspoiled natural environments on the planet.
- Unique Wildlife: The island is home to endemic species and healthy populations of animals that have become rare or extinct on the mainland.
- Clean Environment: Tasmania boasts some of the cleanest air and water in the world, creating ideal conditions for premium agricultural products.
- Rich History: From indigenous heritage to convict settlements, Tasmania's complex past is visible in its well-preserved historic sites.
- Food and Beverage Scene: The island's cool climate produces exceptional cool-climate wines, craft beers, whiskeys, and a bounty of fresh produce.
- Compact Size: At just 68,401 square kilometers, Tasmania offers incredible diversity within manageable driving distances.
When to Visit
Tasmania experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages for visitors:
- Summer (December to February): The warmest months with temperatures averaging 17-23°C (63-73°F). This is peak tourist season with the most reliable weather for outdoor activities and popular festivals like MONA FOMA and Taste of Tasmania.
- Autumn (March to May): Perhaps the most photogenic season as the introduced deciduous trees display spectacular fall colors. The weather remains mild, crowds thin out, and the renowned harvest festivals showcase Tasmania's agricultural bounty.
- Winter (June to August): Temperatures drop to 3-11°C (37-52°F), with snow common in the highlands. This is the perfect time for cozy experiences by crackling fires, the winter solstice Dark MOFO festival, and occasionally witnessing the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).
- Spring (September to November): As gardens bloom and baby wildlife emerges, spring offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. The landscape comes alive with wildflowers, and waterfalls flow at full capacity from winter rains.
Essential Regions to Explore
Hobart and the South
Tasmania's capital city combines historic charm with contemporary culture. Set against the backdrop of kunanyi/Mt Wellington and straddling the Derwent River, Hobart offers:
- Salamanca Market: Held every Saturday, this is Tasmania's most visited attraction, featuring over 300 stalls of local produce, crafts, and artisanal goods.
- MONA (Museum of Old and New Art): This subversive, subterranean museum has put Hobart on the global art map with its provocative collections and immersive experiences.
- Battery Point: A perfectly preserved colonial village with winding streets and heritage cottages dating back to the 1830s.
- Port Arthur Historic Site: A 90-minute drive from Hobart, this former convict settlement is Australia's most intact convict site and offers powerful insights into the colonial past.
- Bruny Island: Accessible by ferry, this food lover's paradise is known for its artisanal cheese, oysters, whiskey, and stunning coastal scenery.
Freycinet and the East Coast
Tasmania's east coast offers a milder climate and a string of pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters and distinctive orange-hued granite formations:
- Freycinet National Park: Home to the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay, consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. The park offers numerous walking tracks with spectacular coastal views.
- Bay of Fires: Named for the orange lichen that grows on the coastal boulders, this region features stunning white beaches, turquoise waters, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
- Maria Island: A car-free island national park with abundant wildlife, convict ruins, and the surreal Painted Cliffs — sandstone formations striped with natural iron oxide patterns.
- Binalong Bay: The gateway to the Bay of Fires, this small settlement offers gorgeous beaches and excellent snorkeling in the marine reserve.
Launceston and the North
Tasmania's second-largest city serves as the gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region and several significant historic sites:
- Cataract Gorge: A dramatic natural formation minutes from the city center, featuring walking trails, a suspension bridge, and the world's longest single-span chairlift.
- Tamar Valley Wine Route: More than 30 vineyards producing exceptional cool-climate wines, particularly renowned for pinot noir, riesling, and sparkling varieties.
- Bridestowe Lavender Estate: The largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere, creating a spectacular purple landscape when in bloom (December-February).
- Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre: Site of the miraculous 2006 mine rescue and now an engaging museum documenting Tasmania's mining history.
Cradle Mountain and the West
Tasmania's wild west is dominated by ancient rainforests, rugged mountains, and frontier mining towns:
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, featuring the iconic Cradle Mountain, numerous day walks, and the challenging Overland Track (a 65km, six-day trek).
- Strahan and Macquarie Harbour: A historic harbor town offering cruises through the pristine Gordon River, ancient Huon pine forests, and insights into the brutal history of Sarah Island penal settlement.
- Queenstown: A former copper mining town with an otherworldly, moon-like landscape resulting from historical mining practices and now developing a unique tourism experience around its environmental recovery.
- Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Pristine wilderness accessed by river cruises or the spectacular West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Unique Wildlife Experiences
Tasmania serves as a final refuge for many species that have declined or disappeared on mainland Australia. Here's where to encounter Tasmania's iconic wildlife:
Tasmanian Devils
These feisty marsupial carnivores are facing threats from a contagious facial tumor disease. The best places to see healthy devils include:
- Tasmanian Devil Unzoo: Near Port Arthur, this revolutionary "unzoo" removes barriers between visitors and wildlife, focusing on natural interactions and conservation.
- Devils @ Cradle: A sanctuary and breeding program near Cradle Mountain offering day tours and after-dark feeding experiences.
- Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Near Hobart, this rehabilitation center provides close encounters with devils and other native wildlife.
Wombats and Wallabies
Tasmania has healthy populations of wombats and several wallaby species, often visible in the wild:
- Maria Island: Known as "the wildlife ark," the car-free national park is home to abundant wombats and kangaroos with no fear of humans.
- Narawntapu National Park: Often called "the Serengeti of Tasmania" for its concentration of wildlife, particularly at dusk.
- Mt Field National Park: Reliable wombat sightings around the Wombat Pool area and on the alpine plateaus.
Platypus and Echidnas
These unique monotremes (egg-laying mammals) can be spotted throughout Tasmania:
- Platypus House: Near Launceston, offering guaranteed sightings of these elusive creatures.
- Warrawee Forest Reserve: A dedicated platypus viewing platform with reliable sightings at dawn and dusk.
- Cradle Mountain: The boardwalk around Dove Lake and Ronny Creek are echidna hotspots.
Marine Life
Tasmania's clean waters support diverse marine ecosystems:
- Eaglehawk Neck: Join a cruise to see fur seals, dolphins, migrating whales (May-November), and remarkable sea cliffs.
- Bicheno: Take a penguin tour to observe little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk.
- Freycinet Marine Farm: Learn about sustainable aquaculture while sampling fresh oysters and mussels straight from the pristine waters.
Culinary Experiences
Tasmania's cool climate, clean air and water, and fertile soils create ideal conditions for producing premium food and beverages:
Food Trails
- Tamar Valley Wine Route: Explore cellar doors across Tasmania's premier wine region, particularly known for sparkling wines and pinot noir.
- Whisky Trail: Visit some of Tasmania's 15+ distilleries producing award-winning single malt whisky.
- Bruny Island Food Trail: Sample artisanal cheese, fresh oysters, handcrafted chocolate, and premium berries.
- Huon Trail: Wind through apple orchards, cider houses, and salmon farms in Tasmania's picturesque south.
Farmers' Markets
- Salamanca Market (Hobart): Tasmania's largest and most famous market, operating every Saturday since 1972.
- Farm Gate Market (Hobart): A Sunday market where you can meet the actual growers and producers.
- Harvest Market (Launceston): A vibrant Saturday market showcasing northern Tasmania's agricultural bounty.
Signature Experiences
- The Agrarian Kitchen: A farm-based cooking school and eatery celebrating seasonal produce and traditional techniques.
- Seafood Seduction Cruise: Harvest your own oysters, catch seafood, and enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared on board.
- Red Feather Inn Cooking School: Hands-on classes in a heritage-listed coaching inn focusing on Tasmanian ingredients.
- Truffle Hunting: Join a truffle dog on the hunt for black Périgord truffles during the winter season (June-August).
Walking and Wilderness Experiences
Tasmania offers world-class walking experiences from gentle strolls to challenging multi-day treks:
Iconic Multi-Day Walks
- The Overland Track: Australia's premier alpine walk traverses 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair through diverse mountain landscapes (advance bookings essential).
- Three Capes Track: A 48km, four-day coastal walk featuring architecturally designed huts and dramatic sea cliffs.
- Maria Island Walk: A luxury guided experience combining wildlife, history, and pristine beaches with comfortable accommodations and gourmet food.
- Walls of Jerusalem Circuit: A remote alpine experience for experienced hikers, accessing Tasmania's relatively unknown central plateau.
Must-Do Day Walks
- Wineglass Bay Lookout: A moderate 1.5-hour return walk to one of Tasmania's most photographed vistas.
- Dove Lake Circuit: A 6km loop offering spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake's still waters.
- Russell Falls Track: An easy walk through lush rainforest to a spectacular tiered waterfall in Mt Field National Park.
- Cape Raoul: A challenging day walk on the Tasman Peninsula with jaw-dropping views of dolerite sea cliffs.
Wilderness Cruises and Scenic Flights
For those who prefer to experience wilderness without the walking:
- Gordon River Cruise: Journey into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from Strahan.
- Southwest Wilderness Flight and Boat: Fly into the remote Melaleuca outpost and return via boat through pristine waterways.
- Tasman Island Cruises: Experience Australia's highest sea cliffs and abundant marine wildlife on this award-winning cruise.
- Par Avion Wilderness Tours: Scenic flights over the Southwest National Park with remote landings in areas inaccessible by road.
Practical Tips for Visiting Tasmania
Getting There and Around
- Flights: Regular services connect Hobart and Launceston to major Australian cities. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry also operates between Melbourne and Devonport.
- Car Rental: Essential for exploring beyond the major cities, allowing flexibility to discover hidden gems.
- Public Transport: Limited outside the main centers, though tour operators can access most popular attractions.
- Driving Times: While distances may seem short, Tasmania's winding roads mean travel times are often longer than expected. Hobart to Launceston takes about 2.5 hours, Hobart to Cradle Mountain about 4.5 hours.
Weather Preparation
- Layered Clothing: Tasmania's weather can change rapidly, so even in summer, bring warm layers and waterproof outerwear.
- Sun Protection: Despite the cooler temperatures, Tasmania's clear air means high UV levels. Sunscreen and hats are essential.
- Walking Gear: Sturdy footwear is recommended even for shorter walks, as tracks can be uneven and weather conditions variable.
Bookings and Permits
- National Parks Pass: Required for entry to all national parks, available as single-day or holiday passes.
- Advance Bookings: Essential for popular walks like the Overland Track and Three Capes Track, especially in summer.
- Accommodation: Book well ahead for peak periods (December-February) and popular areas like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet.
Sample Itinerary: Tasmania's Highlights in 10 Days
Based on our experience guiding countless travelers around Tasmania, here's a balanced 10-day itinerary that captures the island's diverse highlights:
Day 1-2: Hobart and Surrounds
- Explore Salamanca Place and the historic Battery Point neighborhood
- Visit MONA and take in the views from kunanyi/Mt Wellington
- Day trip to Port Arthur Historic Site
Day 3-4: Freycinet and the East Coast
- Drive the beautiful east coast to Freycinet National Park
- Hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout and Cape Tourville Lighthouse
- Optional: Freycinet kayaking tour or scenic flight
- Continue north to the Bay of Fires for beach exploration
Day 5-6: Launceston and Tamar Valley
- Explore Cataract Gorge and Launceston's historic architecture
- Wine tasting tour in the Tamar Valley
- Visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm (if in season) or the historic town of Evandale
Day 7-8: Cradle Mountain
- Drive through the Central Highlands to Cradle Mountain National Park
- Complete the Dove Lake Circuit and spot wombats at Ronny Creek
- Optional: Additional walks or evening wildlife spotting tour
Day 9-10: West Coast and Return to Hobart
- Drive to Strahan via the mining landscapes of Queenstown
- Gordon River Cruise into the wilderness
- Return to Hobart via the stunning Central Highlands
- Final night dinner at one of Hobart's acclaimed restaurants
Conclusion
Tasmania may be Australia's smallest state, but it delivers experiences on a grand scale. From ancient wilderness to world-class gastronomy, from unique wildlife to rich colonial history, Tasmania offers a diversity of experiences that belie its compact size.
What makes Tasmania truly special is not just its natural beauty but the authentic connections you'll make — with the land, with the passionate locals preserving and sharing their island's treasures, and with a pace of life that encourages deeper appreciation and mindfulness.
At Aussie Adventures, we specialize in creating personalized Tasmanian journeys that balance iconic highlights with hidden gems, active adventures with culinary indulgences, and structured experiences with the freedom to discover. Contact us to start planning your Tasmanian wilderness journey.
