Things to do in Tasmania
Hobart & The South
Things to do in Tasmania
Cape Hauy
The Three Capes Walk is Tasmania’s premier multi-day hike. It takes four days to complete the 48km trail. But, if a beautiful day hike is more of what you are looking for, Cape Hauy the final leg of the impressive multi-day hike can also be done in a day. The 10km return walk starts and finishes from Fortescue Bay on the Tasman Peninsula, just 1.5hrs from Hobart.
Port Arthur Historic Site And Ghost Tour
The Port Arthur historic site holds so much history for Australia. The 19th-century penal settlement has been delicately restored so that you will relive the horror the convicts once endured as you walk through the site. The entry ticket includes a free guided walking tour and 2-day entry to the 100-acre site. But, we highly recommend booking onto the ghost tour as well.
Tasman Island Cruise
One of our favourite things to do in Tasmania is the Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s Tasman Island Cruise. It is outstanding. We can’t recommend the three-hour tour highly enough. Especially during the Humpback whales migration season between May and July each year. However, at any time of year, the trip is impressive and shouldn’t be missed. All of the details from the purpose-built open-air boats, ginger tablets for seasickness and full-length waterproof trench coats set the bar high. The crew and staff only continue to build on this with fantastic commentary and remarkable knowledge of the area throughout the tour. They also offer a very similar tour from Bruny Island.
You can read more about things to do on the Tasman Peninsula in our detailed guide here!
Bruny Island Neck
Bruny Island is only 40kms and a short ferry ride from Hobart. The charming island has many attractions to keep everyone in the family entertained. But my favourite spot on the island is The Neck – a sandy isthmus joining the North and South of the island. The Neck offers stunning 360-degree views and the opportunity to see little penguins (also known as fairy penguins) coming home to nest after sunset. Book a day tour from Hobart here.
Kunanyi (Mt Wellington)
Kunanyi towers over Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart. It is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the town for many locals. There are numerous ways to access and explore the reserve. There is rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking for the adventurous. For a more relaxed option, you can drive up to the summit and sook in the views from the lookout. This tour is the best option for sightseeing.
MONA
MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. Located just up the river from Hobart the underground museum building is just as impressive as the art it houses. MONA showcases David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities with some unique and sometimes disturbing pieces on display. MONA also hosts some fantastic festivals. If you are visiting Tasmania over winter, Dark Mofo is an unmissable event.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary is run by staff who are very passionate about protecting Tasmania’s native fauna. As most of the animals are nocturnal for the best experience, you need to book onto one of their night tours. On these tours, you can help feed and get up close to Kangaroos, Wombats, Koalas, Tasmanian Devils, Echidnas and many more.
Book your ticktets here.
Cascade Brewery
Cascade Brewery is Australia’s oldest operating brewery, nestled at the foot of Mount Wellington. Take a tour to learn all about how Cascade has been crafting beer since 1832 with Tasmania’s pristine mountain water. Be sure not to miss the daily beer pouring contest to see who can pull the best beer.
Worlds Tallest Flowering Trees
The Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area has several signposted short walks which allow visitors to enjoy Tasmania’s Eucalyptus Regnans (Giant Ash) one of the tallest trees on the planet. This reserve now protects these magnificent trees that were once under threat from logging. The Chapel Tree, Firebird Wonder, Gandalf’s Staff, Icarus Dream and Two Towers are all impressive giants that can be appreciated here.
Things to do in Tasmania
The East Coast
Things to do in Tasmania
The Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay
Located on the stunning east coast wineglass bay has the purest, whitest sand you may ever lay your eyes on. The kind that squeaks with each step you take towards the irresistibly blue water. The only downside here is that the water is icy cold! There are a few ways to see Wineglass Bay. Our favourite is the challenging 3 hr return hike up Mt Amos where you will find that iconic view of the bay. The walk up to the lookout is a much more accessible trail with well-defined stairs that still offers remarkable views. The third option is the circuit walk which links together Hazards Beach with Wineglass Bay via an isthmus track. For an option that doesnt involve any walking consider taking a cruise for Coles Bay. Whichever option you choose you will be rewarded with unforgettable views. If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss beautiful Wineglass Bay you can book a day trip from Hobart here.
Brigdestowe Lavender Farm
Bridgestowe Lavendar Farm creates an excellent variety of products from the lavender they grow on the farm. The lavender fields are astonishing when in full bloom over summer; during this time, entry is $10 per person but it is worth it to wander through the stunning lavender fields. While you’re here be sure to try the lavender ice cream!
Bay of Fires
Australia is famous for its beaches, and those found in the Bay of Fires and at Binalong Bay often feature on the world’s top beaches list. If you’re after pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise water you have found the right place. The beaches here are isolated, so often you will have them all to yourself. Allowing you to thoroughly soak in the views and natural bushland that surrounds the beaches.
East Coast Wine Trail
Tasmania’s Great Eastern Wine drive guides you through an array of different vineyards sampling and tasting some of Tassies most excellent wines as well as handcrafted beers, spirits and ciders. In addition to the delicious beverages, the wine trail drive takes you along some of the states best coastline with stunning lookouts and rest areas.
Things to do in Tasmania
Launceston & The North
Things to do in Tasmania
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most iconic vista. The beautiful national park offers a wide variety of hiking possibilities. The most challenging is the six-day Overland track which covers 65km of the world heritage area finishing at Lake St Clair. There are also plenty of day hikes within the park from relaxing strolls to challenging mountain summits. There is something for everyone here. Cradle Mountain isn’t only for hiking enthusiasts though; there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as wombats and wallaby in the park or take a canyoning or helicopter tour.
Book a tour from Launceston here.
Ben Lomond + Jacobs ladder
Ben Lomond is most popular over winter when the national park’s alpine village opens its doors to snow enthusiasts. However, the park is charming year-round and offers some excellent walking trails in the warmer months when the alpine wildflowers are in bloom.
To get to the summit of the plateau, you will need to drive up Jacob’s Ladder. A seemingly endless road that zigzags it’s way up to the top of the hill. The drive is both picturesque and dramatic. In winter the road can become busy and dangerously icy, so taking the shuttle bus to the top is recommended.
Stanley + The Nut
Positioned at the base of the Nut, Stanley is a quaint historic coastal village. Visiting the seaside town is like stepping back in time to an era long forgotten. The town has a beautiful beach and short coastal walk but what draws most people to the area is the Nut – the remnants of a volcanic plug. There are two ways to get to the top of the Nut. The first is a very steep track that winds it’s way up the side of the cliff. Or a more relaxed and faster option is the chairlift.
Cataract Gorge
Located 15 minutes walk from the heart of Launceston city, the Gorge is a beautiful spot for a dip on a warm summers day and another one of the best free things to do in Tasmania. Numerous walking tracks wind their way around the reserve and over the swinging suspension bridge. The inner-city sanctuary has a cafe, restaurant, swimming pool, Victorian gardens as well as native bushland. As well as a chair lift peacocks and wallabies. And best of all, entrance is free.
There are stunning Tamar River Cruises you can take, but, dispite the name they do not take you into Cataract Gorge itself.
Mole Creek Caves
The Mole Creek Caves are brilliant with reflective pools, many stalactites and stalagmite formations but the real highlight of the caves is the glow worm chamber. Where thousands of gnat larvae light up the cave roof like the night sky. Entrance to Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves is by tour only. There are three different tours, each lasting for 45 minutes. Tours are conducted every day of the year, except Christmas Day by professional and informative guides.
Blue Derby Mountain Biking
Another one of our favorite things to do in Tasmania is to visit the now world-famous mountain biking trails in Derby. Before the trails opened in 2015 Derby was no more than a stopover between Launceston and the East Coast. The once a booming mining town with the most productive tin mine in the world was a ghost town. But now with 125km of purpose-built trails within the Derby and Blue Tier trail network Derby is one of the premier mountain bike spots in the world. With options to suit all skill levels and well-maintained trails, you can expect to have an outstanding time.
Things to do in Tasmania
The West Coast
Things to do in Tasmania
West Coast Wilderness Railway
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a refurbished Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company railroad. The line connected Queenstown and Regatta Point in Strahan between 1893 to 1994. The rebuilt line official reopened as the West Coast Wilderness Railway in 2003 so that visitors can now enjoy a steam train ride deep into the Tasmanian wilderness passing breathtaking scenery that is only accessible by the train.
Book tickets here.
Trowutta Arch
A highlight of the Tarkine the Trowutta Arch is only a short walk from the car park. As soon as you step outside of your car, you will notice the invigorating fresh air and smell of the rainforest (In fact, not too far from here at Cape Grim is the world’s cleanest air). The short walk is through lush and vibrant forest. At the end of the trail in the unbelievably green pond. The water looks shallow enough to wade through but is 30 metres deep.
Montezuma falls
Montezuma Falls is Tasmania’s highest waterfall and one of the most rewarding short walks in the state. The easy, three-hour return walk takes you to the base of the falls. Following an abandoned tramline the 8km, 3 hours return track to the Falls is mostly flat and suitable for all walkers. A swing bridge at the base of the falls gives a brilliant viewpoint to observe the sheer power and size of the falls. This a favourite thing to do in Tasmania over winter when the trail looks like a winter wonderland covered in snow.
