Tasmania
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Tasmania - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
About 25 km (16 miles) north of Hobart on the highway toward Launceston, this sanctuary hosts a diverse selection of Australian species—many of which have been rescued—including koalas, wombats, quolls, and the adorable Tasmanian devil. The private dusk tours are highly recommended and provide a rare opportunity to experience Tassie's beautiful nocturnal animals at their most active.
View Tours and Activities593 Briggs Rd.- 03 - 6268–1184Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$30, dusk tours A$160, Daily 9–5 -
2. Brooke Street Pier
The busy waterfront at Brooke Street Pier is the city's key departure point for harbor and MONA cruises. The translucent building has an excellent cocktail bar and restaurant as well as plenty of tourist information and a trading space for Tasmanian artisans.
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3. Constitution Dock
Hobart WaterfrontYachts competing in the annual Sydney-to-Hobart race moor at this colorful marina dock from the end of December through the first week of January. Buildings fronting the dock are century-old reminders of Hobart's trading history. Nearby Hunter Street is the original spot where British ships anchored at the time of colonization. There's a multitude of eateries, from fish punts to five star.
Argyle St. at Davey St., Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, AustraliaNo phoneSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park
The Cradle Mountain section of the park lies in the north. The southern section of the park, centered on Lake St. Clair, is popular for boating and hiking. Many walking trails lead from the settlement at the southern end of the lake, which is surrounded by mountain peaks and dense forest. Visitors are advised to park their cars in the free lot and then make use of the shuttle bus that runs from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and makes stops at all the trails. One of the most famous trails in Australia, the Overland Track traverses 65 km (40 miles) between the park's northern and southern boundaries. The walk usually takes six days, depending on the weather, and on clear days the mountain scenery seems to stretch forever. Hikers are charged A$200 to do the Overland during peak walking season (October to May).
Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia03-6492–1110Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$20 per person -
5. Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is the main reason to visit Strahan. This is the best-known section of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, with its mountain peaks, untouched rain forest, and deep gorges and valleys that wind through the wilderness. In the late 1970s and early 1980s this area was the focus of one of Australia's most bitter conservation battles, when a hydroelectric power scheme was proposed that called for damming the Franklin River and flooding the river valley. Conservationists eventually defeated the proposal, but tensions remained high in the community for years. About 50 km (31 miles) of the Lyell Highway, which stretches from Hobart to Queenstown, winds through the heart of the park to the west of Derwent Bridge. Making this drive is a great way to appreciate the area's natural beauty; there are several well-signposted walks along the way that let you do some easy exploring. The Franklin River Nature Trail is a 1-km (½-mile) wheelchair-accessible route through the rain forest; the Nelson Falls Nature Trail is a pleasant 20-minute stroll that takes you to the waterfall of the same name. The more challenging Donaghys Hill Wilderness Lookout Walk (40 minutes round-trip) is one you should bring your camera for; it brings you to a beautiful panoramic lookout dominated by the peak called Frenchmans Cap but with wilderness all around.. The park is also accessible by boat from the town of Strahan; cruises from there take you across Macquarie Harbour and into the early reaches of the Gordon River, where you can stop for a short walk in the rain forest. Some cruises include a stop at Sarah Island, once one of the harshest penal settlements in Tasmania, and venture out through the narrow entrance to Macquarie Harbour, known as Hell's Gates, for a glimpse of the tempestuous ocean beyond. Half- and full-day cruises run daily; some include a smorgasbord lunch and other refreshments.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Strahan, Tasmania, Australia -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Freycinet National Park
Highlights of the dramatic scenery here include the mountain-size granite formations known as the Hazards. On the ocean side of the peninsula there are also sheer cliffs that drop into the deep-blue ocean; views from the lighthouse at Cape Tourville are unforgettable. A series of tiny coves, one called Honeymoon Bay, provide a quieter perspective on the Great Oyster Bay side. Wineglass Bay, a perfect crescent of dazzling white sand, is best viewed from the lookout platform, about a 30-minute walk up a gentle hill from the parking lot; if you're feeling energetic, though, the view from the top of Mt. Amos, one of the Hazards, is worth the effort. A round-trip walk from the parking lot to Wineglass Bay takes about 2½ hours, and there are longer hiking options in the park. The park's many trails are well signposted. Daily entry to the park costs A$20 per person and A$40 per vehicle.
View Tours and ActivitiesColes Bay Rd., Coles Bay, Tasmania, 7215, Australia03-6256–7000 -
7. Museum of Old and New Art
BerriedaleAustralia's largest privately funded museum is home to a diverse array of exhibits from Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh's private collection. The unusual collection contains more than 400 often provocative pieces, including Sidney Nolan's Snake—an impressive mural made of more than 1,500 individual paintings—and Wim Delvoye's Cloaca Professional, an interesting contraption that transforms food into excrement. Each year, the museum also hosts the Mona Foma Festival, Tasmania's largest contemporary music festival. MONA's two-week winter festival, Dark Mofo, celebrates the dark through large-scale public art, food, music, and light. Sometimes compared with Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, MONA has an eclectic mix of antiquities and contemporary art. The unusual building itself is set into cliffs on the Berriedale peninsula, and visitors to the museum use touch-screen devices to learn about the exhibits as they wander around. There is often music on the lawns with large-scale public art throughout the site. To reach MONA, it's a 15-minute drive, or you can take the MONA-ROMA minibus from the Hobart waterfront or airport. There is also the MONA fast catamaran from the Hobart waterfront.
View Tours and Activities651–655 Main Rd., Hobart, Tasmania, 7011, Australia03-6277–9900Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$30 (grounds are free), Closed Tues.--Thurs. -
8. Port Arthur Historic Site
This property, formerly the grounds of the Port Arthur Penal Settlement, is now a lovely—and quite large—historical park with a fascinating convict past central to Tasmania's history. Be prepared to do some walking between widely scattered sites. Begin at the excellent visitor center, which introduces you to the experience by "sentencing, transporting, and assigning" you before you set foot in the colony. Most of the original buildings were damaged by bushfires in 1895 and 1897, shortly after the settlement was abandoned, but you can still see the beautiful church, round guardhouse, commandant's residence, model prison, hospital, and government cottages. The old lunatic asylum is now an excellent museum, with a scale model of the Port Arthur settlement, a video history, and a collection of tools, leg irons, and chains. Along with a walking tour of the grounds and entrance to the museum, admission includes a harbor cruise, of which there are eight scheduled daily in summer. There's a separate twice-daily cruise to and tour of the Isle of the Dead, which sits in the middle of the bay. It's estimated that 1,769 convicts and 180 others are buried here, mostly in communal pits. Ghost tours (reservations are essential) leave the visitor center at dusk and last about 90 minutes. Buy your tickets at the site, or at the Brooke Street Pier, at Franklin Wharf in Hobart.
View Tours and ActivitiesArthur Hwy., Port Arthur, Tasmania, 7182, Australia1800-659--101Sight Details
Rate Includes: From A$39 -
9. Salamanca Place
Hobart WaterfrontMany of the sandstone warehouses once used by whalers and traders from ships docking at Salamanca Place have been converted into delightful craft shops, art galleries, and restaurants. At the boisterous Saturday market, which attracts all elements of Tasmanian society, from hippies to the well-heeled, dealers in Tasmanian arts and crafts, fresh produce, clothing, rare books, and much more display their wares between 8:30 and 3. Keep an eye open for items made from beautiful Tasmanian timber, particularly Huon pine.
Salamanca Pl., Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, AustraliaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
10. Tamar Valley Wine Route
Along both sides of the Tamar River north of Launceston, the soil and cool weather are perfect for grape growing. Here in the Tamar Valley wine region, some of the outstanding varieties grown include Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio; the sparkling wines produced here are world-leading. A map of the route, available for download at their website, will help you to plan your visit. Noteworthy stops along the route are Pipers Brook Vineyard, Joseph Cromy, Holm Oak, Holyman wines at Stoney Rise, Clover Hill, and The Jansz Wine Room.
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia -
11. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Hobart WaterfrontHoused in a series of colonial-era buildings overlooking Constitution Dock, this art and artifact gallery is a good starting point for uncovering Tasmania's rich history. With one of Australia's largest and most diverse collections it's a great place in Hobart to learn about the island's Aboriginal culture, European history, and unique wildlife. There are free guided tours Wednesday to Sunday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm and a great café and gift shop.
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12. West Coast Wilderness Railway
A former rack-and-pinion train line carrying ore now carries sightseers on the scenic 35-km (22-mile) journey between Queenstown and Strahan. The line passes through one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas, as well as through historic settlements and abandoned camps, across 40 bridges and wild rivers, and up and down steep gradients. There are half-day and full-day journeys available, leaving from Strahan or Queenstown.
Regatta Point Station, Strahan, Tasmania, 7468, Australia03-6471–0100Sight Details
Rate Includes: From A$110 -
13. Willie Smith's Apple Shed
En route to Huonville, this museum, cider house, and café showcases the best of the local product. It's housed in a former apple-packing shed and is a remarkable time capsule, depicting the lives of the early Huon Valley settlers. Over the years this venue has evolved to offer regular events, great food, and even better cider. The Sunday Session is a great way to end a weekend in the valley.
2064 Huon Hwy., Grove, Tasmania, 7109, Australia03-6266–4345Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
14. Ashgrove Farm Cheese Factory
This dairy makes delicious English-style cheeses like cheddar, Lancashire, and Cheshire, and is an inviting place to learn about cheese production, sample some of the tasty products, and browse through other locally produced goods, like jams, olive oils, and honey. Tours are available, and no advance notice is needed for individuals or small groups. The café serves great snacks, too.
6173 Bass Hwy.- 03 - 6368–1105Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 7:30-5 -
15. Bass Strait Maritime Centre
This interpretive center highlights the natural history of the Bass Strait and its many islands as well as showing exhibits that explore Devonport's development into a port city, the area's rich naval past, and the arrival and settlement of the early Europeans. Regular exhibitions feature different aspects of Tasmania's rich maritime history.
6 Gloucester Ave.- 03 - 6424–7100Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$10, Daily 10–5 -
16. Bicheno Beach
Extending 650 feet along the southern shore of Waubs Bay, this gentle beach is in the heart of pretty Bicheno. A secondary north-facing beach sits on the western side of the bay. Rounded granite rocks border and separate the two beaches. There is a car park and toilet facilities at the middle of the beach where Beach Street meets the sand, while the town itself sits on the slopes at the south end. A popular shoreline walking track follows the rocky coast around the headland. If the swell is up, be sure to look for the blowhole. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.
Bicheno, Tasmania, 7215, Australia -
17. Bruny Island Cruises
To fully appreciate the dramatic panorama, take the three-hour, 50-km (31-mile) ecology-focused cruise run by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. You'll cruise past towering cliffs and hidden caves, and likely see dolphins, seals, and penguins. Eagles, albatrosses, and shorebirds also dart and dive overhead, and can often be seen nesting amid the craggy outcrops. During their migration period Humpback and Southern Right whales are commonly seen. Morning tours are available daily and additional afternoon trips between mid-December and mid-April. An all-day tour with bus transfers is available from Hobart.
1005 Adventure Bay Rd., Adventure Bay, Tasmania, 7150, Australia03-6293–1465Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$135 -
18. Cascade Brewery
South HobartThis is Australia's oldest and most picturesque brewery, producing fine Tasmanian beers since 1824. You can see its inner workings on the 90-minute tours, which require lots of walking and climbing, but you're rewarded with three free drinks at the end. Note that appropriate attire (long pants and closed-toe shoes only) is required, and tour reservations are essential. It's a 30-minute walk from the city center, or buses leave from Franklin Square every 35 minutes from 9:15 am. The Cascade Hotel often has live music and is a great place to sample the wares after the tour.
View Tours and Activities140 Cascade Rd., Hobart, Tasmania, 7004, Australia03-6224–1117Sight Details
Rate Includes: A$30 -
19. Cataract Gorge
Almost in the heart of the city, the South Esk River flows through the stunningly beautiful Cataract Gorge on its way toward the Tamar River. A 1-km (½-mile) path leads along the face of the precipices to the Cliff Gardens Reserve, where there are picnic tables, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Take the chairlift in the first basin for a thrilling aerial view of the gorge—at just over 900 feet, it's the longest single span in the world. Self-guided nature trails wind through the park, and it's a great place for a picnic or to catch some live music.
View Tours and ActivitiesBasin Rd., Launceston, Tasmania, 7250, Australia03-6331–5915Sight Details
Rate Includes: Gorge free, chairlift from A$15 -
20. Cockle Creek
Cockle Creek is the southernmost "town" in Australia. It consists of a a ranger station and a campground, but also a series of stunning beaches. The neighboring hamlet of Catamaran is similarly dotted with picturesque bays and beaches, surrounded by forests and mountains. French explorers landed here before English settlement and aspects of that history can be explored also. There are walking tracks including the awe-inspiring Lion Rock at South Cape Bay. Amenities: toilets. Best for: walking; swimming.
Cockle Creek Rd., Hastings, Tasmania, 7109, Australia
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