TASMANIA
Tasmania is Australia’s island state, a land of rugged wilderness, pristine coastlines, and a rich convict history. This guide will help you navigate its breathtaking national parks, sample world-class produce, and discover its unique artistic and culinary soul.
Why Visit Tasmania?
Pristine Wilderness: Home to expansive World Heritage Areas, offering spectacular hiking, wildlife viewing, and untouched landscapes.
Exceptional Produce: Explore a booming farm-to-table scene with fresh seafood, award-winning cool-climate wines, and artisan cheese.
Rich, Accessible History: Wander through preserved convict settlements and historic towns, offering a tangible link to Australia’s past.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (December-February): Enjoy the warmest weather, perfect for hiking and water activities. Book accommodation and car rental well in advance, as prices and crowds are at their highest.
Shoulder Season (March-May, September-November): This is the ideal time to visit, with pleasant weather, beautiful autumn colours (March-April), and spring blooms. Crowds are smaller, and prices are better.
Off-Season (June-August): You will find the best value and fewer crowds. The weather is cold, but it is excellent for cozying up by a fire, exploring museums, and witnessing the possibility of snow.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Hobart & The South
Hobart, the state capital, is a charming harbour city nestled beneath kunanyi/Mount Wellington. It’s the gateway to stunning southern regions, including the Tasman Peninsula and the infamous Port Arthur Historic Site.
Your Smart Tip: Time your visit for a Saturday morning to experience the Salamanca Market, one of Australia’s best outdoor markets, for local crafts and produce.
The East Coast
The East Coast is famous for its stunning beaches, particularly the Bay of Fires with its orange lichen-covered rocks, and the granite peaks of Freycinet National Park (home of Wineglass Bay). It’s also Tasmania’s premier wine-growing area.
Your Smart Tip: Purchase a national parks pass online before your trip and plan a full day for Freycinet to allow time for the Wineglass Bay lookout hike and a visit to the nearby town of Swansea.
The West Coast Wilderness
This remote, rugged region is defined by ancient rainforests, mountain ranges, and a history of mining and logging. Key towns include Strahan, Queenstown, and Rosebery. It offers truly wild, untouched nature.
Your Smart Tip: To truly appreciate the scale of the wilderness, consider a scenic drive (like the Lyell Highway) or take a historic railway or river cruise from Strahan.
Cradle Mountain & The Central Highlands
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is the jewel of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the start/end point of the world-famous Overland Track. This region offers alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and endemic wildlife.
Your Smart Tip: To see the iconic view of Cradle Mountain across Dove Lake, take the easy Dove Lake Circuit walk (approx. 2 hours) early in the morning for the best light and fewest people.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
Tasmania has four distinct, beautiful seasons. The weather is changeable, often referred to as having ‘four seasons in one day’, so layering is essential. Summers (Dec–Feb) are mild (max 21°C), and winters (Jun–Aug) are cold (max 12°C), with snow common in the highlands.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Acknowledgment of Country: It is customary and respectful to verbally acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land you are visiting, especially at formal events or tours.
Conservation: Tasmanians are deeply passionate about their unique environment. Always stick to marked trails and follow the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ when in the wilderness.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Tasmania or elsewhere in Australia. Rounding up a fare or adding 5-10% for exceptional table service is appreciated but entirely optional.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range hotels ($110–$180), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher in Hobart during peak festivals (e.g., Dark Mofo).
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($20–$35), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($40–$70 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Car rental ($40–$70/day), bus ticket (local).
Activities: National Park Pass ($40/vehicle for 2 months), MONA entry ($35+), Wildlife Sanctuary Tour ($30+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $100–$150 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $180–$280 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $300+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: A car is by far the most convenient and recommended way to see Tasmania, especially for reaching National Parks and the West Coast.
By Ferry (Spirit of Tasmania): This ferry service runs between Geelong (near Melbourne) and Devonport, allowing you to bring your own vehicle from the mainland.
By Bus: The bus network connects major towns and cities but is less flexible for exploring remote or wilderness areas.
Must-Try Food
Curried Scallop Pie: A Tasmanian specialty, a creamy scallop curry baked in a flaky pastry.
Fresh Oysters: Especially from Bruny Island or St Helens, known for their pristine, fresh flavour.
Leatherwood Honey: A distinct, aromatic honey produced from the native Leatherwood tree.
Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon: High-quality, often farmed in the Huon Valley.
Bruny Island Cheese: Artisan, raw-milk cheeses from a local farm.
Tasmanian Truffles: Harvested in the cooler months and highly sought after.
Wallaby Meat: A sustainable, lean meat found on many fine dining menus.
Raspberry or Berry Jam: Produced from the island’s abundant berry farms.
Abalone: A shellfish delicacy often exported but available locally.
Doughnut Van Doughnuts: Specifically from the iconic, often-travelled van, a local institution.
Must-Try Drinks
Cool-Climate Wine: Tasmania is famous for its Sparkling Wine, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky: World-renowned, small-batch distilleries (e.g., Sullivans Cove, Lark).
Craft Cider: Made from the island’s traditional apple-growing regions (e.g., Huon Valley).
Craft Beer: A thriving scene of local microbreweries, particularly in Hobart and Launceston.
Pinot Gris: A white wine varietal that thrives in the island’s climate.
Gin: Boutique distillers produce award-winning gins, often featuring native botanicals.