Tasmania

Australia
Australia’s captivating island state has snowcapped mountains, rugged coasts, iconic marsupials, colonial heritage towns, vineyards and charming fishing villages.

Explore a vast wilderness and rocky beaches, where Australia’s iconic wildlife roams undisturbed. Sample fat oysters or succulent steaks while sipping on local wine or beer by a fire. Browse art galleries and museums and take a road trip through charming villages where you can meet the friendly “Taswegians” at coastal farmers markets.

The capital Hobart is a jumble of colorful colonial buildings, set against the backdrop of the often snowcapped peak of Mount Wellington. Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Derwent River from its lookout, then tour the eye-catching Cascade Brewery down in the valley. Stop for lunch on one of the many café terraces of Salamanca Place on the waterfront. Take a ferry to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), the city’s striking art museum that has everyone talking.

On your way east, learn all about Australia’s convict history at Richmond Village and Port Arthur.

Hit the coastal trails to the stunning Wineglass Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.Drive north and arrive in the fishing village of Bicheno at dusk to spot penguins near a powerful blowhole.

Ski the slopes in Ben Lomond National Park or watch a setting sun light up the orange rocks in the Bay of Fires in the far northeast.

Head inland to the pleasant city of Launceston and explore Cataract Gorge. Beer lovers should tour the historic James Boag's Brewery while wine lovers can visit the vineyards in the scenic Tamar Valley.

Tasmania’s rugged north and west coasts are less explored, but have unique attractions, including historic Stanley, tulip farms on the Table Cape, moody waters at the “Edge of the World” in Arthur River, ancient Huon pine forests and the picturesque port of Strahan.

Always be alert to spot wallabies, platypuses and echidnas and even the elusive Tasmanian devils that roam the forests at night. Your best chance to spot grazing wombats is on the many trails of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park in the Central Highlands.

Tasmania may be small by Australian standards, but the island has made a big name for itself with its gourmet food, many artistic talents and wilderness conservation.

Popular cities in Tasmania

Sandy Bay
Hobart
Known for Dining, Shopping and Family-friendly
Once an infamous penal colony, this waterfront city is now Tasmania's cultural hub, drawing foodies and nature lovers from all over the world.

Reasons to visit

  • Salamanca Place
  • Salamanca Market
  • Constitution Dock
Launceston
Launceston
Known for Friendly people, Walking and Waterfalls
Picturesque Launceston is the perfect way to start a Tassie visit. Find wine and produce from nearby vineyards and producers on the menus of many its restaurants.

Reasons to visit

  • Brisbane Street Mall
  • Cataract Gorge
  • City Park
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain
Known for Dining, Mountains and Nature
Enjoy Tasmania’s pristine wilderness and diverse forest and mountain ecosystems while hiking around glacial lakes and to snowcapped peaks.

Reasons to visit

  • Cradle Mountain
  • Dove Lake
  • Crater Lake
Southeast Tasmania showing food
Southwest
Known for Rafting, Rain forests and Jungles
Escape to Southwest! Enjoy its rafting, rainforest, and hiking.

Reasons to visit

  • Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
  • West Coast Range Regional Reserve
  • Southwest Conservation Area
Stanley
Stanley
Known for Small town, Sea and Countryside
On Tasmania’s northwest coast is a popular seaside destination where you can hike, play on beaches and enjoy watersports under the shadow of an old volcano.

Reasons to visit

  • The Nut State Reserve
  • The Nut Chairlift Stanley
  • Highfield Histroric Site
Devonport showing a bay or harbor and boating
Devonport
Known for Friendly people, Ferries and boats and Coffee
Maritime history, beaches and a pretty riverside setting make this port town a pleasant spot to linger when touring Tasmania’s northwest coast.