Tasmania Travel Guide
Region Australian island state with wilderness and unique wildlife
Island state with Hobart, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and vast temperate wilderness. Visitors come for the Overland Track, rugged coastlines, seafood, and Tasmanian historical sites.
_banner.jpg?width=1200)
Why Visit Tasmania #
Walk sections of the Overland Track and the trails around Cradle Mountain for close-up alpine scenery, glacial lakes and wombats at dawn. Do the Dove Lake circuit early to avoid crowds - the boat-free silence up there is rare. Be prepared for fast-changing weather and muddy boots.
The Bay of Fires delivers coral-orange lichen-fringed granite, clear water and long shelling beaches near St Helens and Binalong Bay. It’s one of Australia’s best places for coastal camping and early-morning kayaks; summer fills up, so book campsites and ferries in advance.
Brisbane-born David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart is provocative, unpredictable and worth a full afternoon - ride the ferry from Salamanca. Skip the guided spiel if you prefer wandering; the subterranean galleries and eccentric installations spark debate and often surprise even jaded art fans.
Take a day tour to Bruny Island for oysters, artisan cheeses and the lighthouse walk at South Bruny National Park. The island’s food producers are small and focused - sample local whisky and honey, and prioritize the oyster shacks around Adventure Bay for lunch.
Visit wildlife sanctuaries like Bonorong to see Tasmanian devils and other endemic species up close, especially at feeding time. Wild encounters in national parks are possible but rarer; sanctuaries offer education about conservation and a higher chance of photographic opportunities.
Who's Tasmania For?
Hobart’s waterfront, MONA’s provocative art and remote seaside lodges create memorable romantic escapes-ideal for slow meals and quiet coastal sunset walks.
Cradle Mountain hikes and wildlife encounters are child-friendly with short walks and interpretive centers, though long drives between attractions can test patience.
Wilderness trails like the Overland Track attract adventurous backpackers; hostels in Hobart and Launceston are basic, with heavy emphasis on outdoor access rather than party culture.
Hobart and Launceston have reasonable internet and café culture, but rural areas are bandwidth-limited and long-term coworking choices are sparse outside the capital.
Tasmania’s seafood, artisanal cheeses and cider scene shine-Salamanca Market and farm-to-table restaurants highlight clean, seasonal island produce.
World-class trekking, sea-kayaking and mountain routes like Cradle Mountain and the Tarkine coastline satisfy serious outdoor lovers seeking remoteness and technical routes.
Nightlife in Hobart is low-key, centred on bars and occasional festivals; big club scenes are almost non-existent compared with mainland capitals.
Ancient rainforests, dramatic coastlines and protected parks offer pristine flora and fauna, making Tasmania one of Australia’s strongest nature destinations.
Top Cities in Tasmania
All Cities ›
.JPG?width=600)
Regions of Tasmania #
Hobart & Surrounds
Tasmania’s cultural and culinary hub centers on Hobart’s colonial waterfront and the fierce skyline of Mount Wellington. Spend time in Salamanca and MONA, then take short day trips to Bruny Island for wildlife and sea cliffs. This area mixes art, producers’ markets and adventures within easy reach of town.
Top Spots
- Hobart - A compact capital with a great waterfront, lively Salamanca Market and access to MONA’s provocative art collection.
- Bruny Island - Short ferry hop for dramatic coastlines, local oysters and rugged wilderness.
- Mount Wellington - Quick drive to panoramic views over the city and River Derwent.
East Coast
Granite headlands, white-sand bays and some of Australia’s most photogenic coastlines define Tasmania’s East Coast. Hike coastal trails, kayak turquoise bays, and watch penguins at dusk. It’s the place for seafood shacks, scenic drives and concentrated seaside scenery that rewards every stop.
Top Spots
- Freycinet National Park - Home to the iconic Wineglass Bay and coastal hiking.
- Bay of Fires - Striking orange lichen‑streaked rocks and long sandy beaches.
- Bicheno - Classic seaside town with a penguin colony and diving access.
Cradle Mountains
Alpine wilderness and glacially sculpted peaks make the Cradle Mountains an essential nature escape. Trails range from short lakeside walks to full multi‑day treks across moorlands and ancient rainforests. Expect dramatic weather, excellent hiking, and close encounters with endemic wildlife like wombats and Tasmanian devils.
Top Spots
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park - Rugged alpine peaks and the famous Dove Lake circuit.
- Wilsons Prominent Trails - Classic day and multi‑day hikes through moorland and forests.
North & Tamar Valley
Northern Tasmania blends historic towns with fertile river valleys and accessible wilderness. Launceston acts as a comfortable base for exploring cataracts, cellar doors and picturesque villages along the Tamar. This region suits relaxed road trips, wine tasting and quieter outdoor walks away from the island’s main visitor corridors.
Top Spots
- Launceston - Georgian streets, a lively food scene and Cataract Gorge.
- Tamar Valley - Vineyards producing crisp cool‑climate wines and scenic drives.
- Liffey Falls - Picturesque waterfalls tucked into quiet forest country.
West & Southwest Wilderness
Rugged, remote and sparsely visited, Tasmania’s west and southwest are about serious wilderness and moody landscapes. Expect rainforests, wild rivers and long, often wet walks-or scenic boat trips that reveal ancient forests and peatlands. Travel here is slower and more adventurous than the island’s eastern tourist trails.
Top Spots
- Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers - Remote rivers carving ancient temperate rainforest.
- Southwest National Park - Rugged, roadless country for true wilderness trips.
- Strahan - Gateway town for Gordon River cruises and West Coast history.
Top Things to Do in Tasmania
All Attractions ›
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park - Alpine wilderness with Dove Lake trails, wildlife and challenging Overland Track sections.
- Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay) - Granite peninsula offering the Wineglass Bay lookout, coastal walks and pristine white-sand beaches.
- Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) - Museum in Hobart challenging expectations with provocative contemporary installations and labyrinthine galleries.
- Port Arthur Historic Site - Convict-era settlement on the Tasman Peninsula offering evocative ruins, guided tours and maritime history.
- Salamanca Market (Hobart) - Saturday market beside Hobart's waterfront selling Tasmanian produce, artisan crafts and lively street performers.
- Trial Harbour and Strahan - Remote West Coast fishing village near Strahan with quiet beaches and Gordon River cruise departures.
- Mount Field National Park (Russell Falls) - Accessible rainforest park featuring Russell Falls and short boardwalks through ancient myrtle forests.
- Maria Island - Car-free island with fossil cliffs, convict ruins, abundant wildlife and peaceful coastal walks.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park - Alpine wilderness with Dove Lake trails, wildlife and challenging Overland Track sections.
- Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay) - Granite peninsula offering the Wineglass Bay lookout, coastal walks and pristine white-sand beaches.
- Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) - Museum in Hobart challenging expectations with provocative contemporary installations and labyrinthine galleries.
- East Coast drive: Hobart to Bay of Fires via Tasman Highway - Hobart to Bay of Fires along Tasman Highway, about 300 kilometres of beaches, coastal towns and viewpoints.
- Cradle Mountain to Strahan Highland Route - Two-day route crossing central highlands from Cradle Mountain to Strahan, includes fishing villages and temperate rainforests.
- Huon Valley and Bruny Island loop - Short scenic loop from Hobart through Huon Valley and Bruny Island, seafood, forests and coastal cliffs.
- Maria Island - Car-free island with fossil cliffs, convict ruins, abundant wildlife and peaceful coastal walks.
- Cockle Creek / South Cape Bay - Cockle Creek southernmost point accessible by road, quiet beaches and wilderness trails to South Cape Bay.
- Mole Creek Caves - Complex of karst caves showcasing impressive stalactites, glowworms and guided show-cave tours.
Planning Your Trip to Tasmania #
Weekend Tasmania Itinerary
Two full days in Hobart and surrounds: Salamanca Market, MONA, Mount Wellington, a Bruny Island day trip for coastal walks and penguin viewing at dusk.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Hobart; Salamanca Market (weekend), waterfront and evening.
- Day 2-3 - MONA museum, Mount Wellington summit, and a Bruny Island day trip for wildlife.
1 Week Tasmania Itinerary
A week across Tasmania focuses on Hobart, MONA, Bruny Island, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Bicheno wildlife, then Launceston and Cataract Gorge for varied coastal and alpine scenery.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Hobart: Salamanca, Battery Point walk, waterfront dining.
- Day 2 - MONA visit and ferry return to Hobart.
- Day 3 - Bruny Island day trip: Neck lookout and coastal walks.
- Day 4 - Drive to Freycinet National Park; short coastal hikes.
- Day 5 - Wineglass Bay lookout and beach time.
- Day 6 - Drive to Bicheno; visit East Coast attractions and penguins.
- Day 7 - Head to Launceston via scenic coastal route; Cataract Gorge in afternoon.
2 Weeks Tasmania Itinerary
Two weeks around Tasmania cover Hobart, MONA, Bruny Island, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, west coast cruises, and northern Launceston highlights for a full island circuit.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Hobart; evening walk and waterfront.
- Day 2 - MONA day trip and Salamanca markets.
- Day 3 - Bruny Island overnight for beaches and lighthouse.
- Day 4 - Drive east to Freycinet National Park; track to Wineglass Bay.
- Day 5 - Freycinet exploration and coastal kayaking options.
- Day 6 - Drive north to Bicheno; visit the Blowhole and penguin tour.
- Day 7 - Continue to Launceston; Cataract Gorge walks.
- Day 8 - Drive west to Cradle Mountain; short Dove Lake circuit.
- Day 9 - Full day Cradle Mountain hikes or wildlife spotting.
- Day 10 - Drive along northwest coast to Strahan; Gordon River cruise.
- Day 11 - West Coast history and national park exploration.
- Day 12 - Head inland through mining towns toward Zeehan and scenic stops.
- Day 13 - Return southeast toward Hobart with coastal detours.
- Day 14 - Final Hobart morning, markets, and departure.
Best Time to Visit Tasmania #
Tasmania has a cool temperate maritime climate with marked seasonal changes and highly changeable weather. Summers are mild and the best time for coastal activities and festivals, while spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and fewer crowds; winters are cool, wet and windy with snow in upland areas.
January
Mid-summer with the warmest, sunniest days of the year and long daylight hours. Good for coastal walks, festivals and visiting vineyards, though weather can still change quickly.
Events
- MONA FOMA (Museum of Old and New Art) - A contemporary music and arts festival held around Hobart and other Tasmanian venues (typically in January).
February
Generally warm and often the driest month; good for beach trips and coastal drives. Popular time for festivals and outdoor dining.
Events
- Salamanca Market (weekly) - Hobart's outdoor market runs most Saturdays year-round and is popular with visitors.
March
Early autumn brings cooling nights and pleasant days with fewer tourists. Fall colours begin at higher elevations and hiking remains good.
Events
No major festivals this month.
April
Autumn deepens with cooler mornings and brisk afternoons; a quieter travel month with good conditions for walking and wildlife spotting. Rain becomes more frequent toward month end.
Events
No major festivals this month.
May
Late autumn: cooler temperatures and more unsettled weather as winter approaches. Shorter days and emerging winter conditions in the highlands.
Events
No major festivals this month.
June
Mid-winter with short daylight hours, frequent rain and winds; mountain areas can see snow. Good for winter festivals and indoor cultural attractions.
Events
- Dark Mofo - MONA's mid-winter arts festival in Hobart featuring installations, music and cultural events (mid-June).
July
Coldest month for much of the island with chilly mornings and cool afternoons; alpine areas often have snow and limited access. Quiet for tourism except for winter sports.
Events
No major festivals this month.
August
Still wintery but daylight begins to lengthen; occasional clear, crisp days between rain fronts. Good for low-season rates and quieter attractions.
Events
No major festivals this month.
September
Spring arrives with improving weather, wildflowers and active wildlife. Conditions are pleasant for walking but still changeable.
Events
No major festivals this month.
October
Late spring: warming temperatures and longer days; good window for outdoor activities before peak summer crowds. Expect variable weather and unsettled days.
Events
No major festivals this month.
November
Spring is established with warming seas and more frequent calm days; gardens and wildlife are lively. Increasing numbers of tourists toward month end.
Events
No major festivals this month.
December
Early summer with long daylight hours and busy coastal towns; popular for festivals and outdoor activities. Weather is generally pleasant though coastal winds and showers can occur.
Events
- Taste of Tasmania / New Year events - Food-focused events and New Year celebrations around Hobart and the waterfront area (late December into early January).
Getting to & Around Tasmania #
Most visitors arrive by air into Hobart (HBA) or Launceston (LST); Launceston and Hobart are the island’s main gateways. You can also take the overnight Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport with a vehicle. Road travel on the Midland and Bass highways links major towns; some west-coast routes are long and remote.
Tasmania is an island state, so ferries and short domestic flights matter more than on mainland Australia. Distances north-south are moderate but west-coast roads can be narrow and services sparse, so self-driving or pre-booked transport is common for sightseeing beyond Hobart and Launceston.
- Rental Car - Tasmania is best explored by car - main sealed routes are the Midland Highway (Hwy 1) between Hobart and Launceston and the Bass Highway across the north. Distances can be long between services on the west coast and some tourist roads are narrow or unsealed.
- Ferries - The Spirit of Tasmania runs overnight vehicle and passenger sailings between Melbourne and Devonport, a key option if bringing a car (about an overnight crossing). Smaller vehicle ferries and water taxis serve coastal communities and islands.
- Domestic Flights - Major entry points are Hobart (HBA) and Launceston (LST); Jetstar and QantasLink operate frequent mainland services from Melbourne and Sydney. Flights are short - Hobart is about 1 hour from Melbourne - making air a quick way to cover the north-south span.
- Buses - Regional coach services and Metro Tasmania buses connect towns and the main tourist routes; buses fill gaps where there are no regular passenger trains (Tasmania has no intercity passenger rail network).
Where to Stay in Tasmania #
Tasmania has a strong mix of small hotels, B&Bs and wilderness lodges concentrated around Hobart, Launceston and national parks. Accommodation is dispersed and often limited in remote areas, so plan bookings for peak summer and holiday weekends.
Hobart and Launceston offer the widest hotel choices suitable for city sightseeing and cruise connections. Stay near Salamanca Place in Hobart for markets and ferries to MONA.
Port Arthur region, Huon Valley and Bruny Island have charming B&Bs and working farm stays that include breakfast and local produce. Ideal for couples and food-focused visitors.
Cradle Mountain, Freycinet (Coles Bay) and the West Coast provide mountain lodges and private cabins suited to hikers and wildlife watchers. Facilities vary from rustic to full-service lodges.
Freycinet, Bicheno and smaller coastal towns have holiday homes popular with families; Hobart suburbs also list apartments for longer stays. Peak summer weekends fill quickly.
National parks including Freycinet and Mt Field offer campgrounds and a few eco-glamp sites for outdoor-focused trips. Book established sites and be prepared for variable weather.