The Ultimate Guide to Your Next Tasmanian Getaway

The ultimate guide toTasmania

Discover everything Tasmania has to offer with our ultimate travel guide of things to see and do in Tasmania. Tasmania’s capital Hobart is filled with cultural attractions and festivals as well as the world-famous Salamanca Markets. Explore the regional destinations to uncover Tasmania including trekking in the western wilderness, snorkelling in the East Coast or wine tasting in Launceston and the north. It’s all so accessible in Tasmania.

Getting There

As Australia’s only island state, access to Tasmania is by air and sea only. Regular flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane direct to Hobart and Launceston. Alternatively, travellers might prefer to experience the journey by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania. Journeys depart from Geelong and arrive in Devonport and allow visitors to bring their own car to make the most of touring Tasmania.

Things to Do in Tasmania

Wineries

Tasmania produces some of the countries best cool-climate wines. Follow Wine Tasmania’s wine routes showcasing the four wine touring options across the state. Wine routes are found north of Launceston in the Tamar Valley and east to Pipers River. In the south, the Derwent, Coal River and Huon Valleys form the Southern Wine Route and are all within easy reach of Hobart. Here are ten of the best Tasmanian wineries worth a stop in the Southern Wine Route.

Hikes & Treks

Whichever direction you head, there’s wild walking paths to follow in Tasmania. There are plenty of short walks to navigate and enjoy the great outdoors or for the more adventurous hike the overland track to Cradle Mountain or if you’ve dreamed of doing a multi-day walk through Tasmania’s coastal wilderness, here’s five of the best luxury Tasmanian wilderness walks.

Snorkelling & Sailing

From protected anchorages, scenic uncrowded waterways, to the wild waters of the Great Southern Ocean, Tasmania is a sailing paradise. Sail Wineglass Bay and see the famous Freycinet coastline from the water. The East Coast is a popular playground for snorkelling and a plethora of diving centres line the southern coast.

Festivals

Tasmania has a jam-packed events calendar of sporting and cultural events and festivals. Dark Mofo is the midwinter arts and music festival presented by Mona celebrating the dark through large-scale public art, food, film, music events in June. If you’re visiting in summer, Taste of Tasmania is a food festival showcasing Tasmania’s quality food and wine. The iconic Sydney to Hobart yacht race is considered one of the world’s most prestigious and difficult yacht races, starting in Sydney on Boxing Day and ending in Hobart to much fanfare and celebration.

Best Places to Visit in Tasmania

Hobart

Nestled in the foothills of Mount Wellington, Tasmania’s capital balances heritage charm with modern luxury. Australia’s second oldest capital city, Hobart celebrates its history, waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences with plenty to see and do, making it an ideal city break getaway.

Launceston

Launceston is a boutique riverside city located at the top of the Tamar Valley. There’s cultural heritage to devour, beautiful parks and gardens to explore and a thriving food and wine culture. One of Australia’s oldest cities, you’ll find examples of elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture, adding to the city’s charm and beauty. First time visitors to Launceston should check out Cataract Gorge, explore the wineries and take a tour of the historic Boag’s Brewery.

East Coast

East Coast Tasmania is blessed with natural beauty, spectacular landscapes, beaches and historic towns. It’s one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country and the area is filled to the brim with things to do and places to see. Explore the East Coast and discover awe-inspiring vistas in Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park.

South Tasmania

While Hobart takes pride of place in southern Tasmania, there is more to explore in the region. Richmond is a historic town in the Coal River wine region just 20 minutes from the city. History buffs will love the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic site and the well-preserved penal colony buildings. Foodies should detour to Cygnet and Huonville with its fertile farmland and fruit orchards. The quaint town of New Norfolk is home to superior cellar door experiences and antique shopping and an easy sojourn from the city.

Where to Stay in Tasmania

You’ll find options in Tasmania to suit every budget from camping and caravan parks, budget hotels to beachside holiday houses, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation. Wondering where to stay in Tasmania? Whether you’re planning a family holiday, city break, adventure holiday, romantic getaway or luxury experience there is a destination to suit your style from a beach holiday on the East Coast to trekking in the central wilderness.

Luxury Accommodation

You’re spoilt for choice for luxury accommodation in Tasmania. Saffire Freycinet should be on the top of your bucket list for the ultimate luxurious escape. Pumphouse Point on the shores of Lake St Clair offers an intimate retreat surrounded by nature. Bed down in style at Macq01 Hobart’s stylish new wharf-side hotel or Islington Hotel for a more traditional stay with timeless elegance.

Hotels

Around Tasmania, there are plenty of quality hotels to choose from including the historic Henry Jones Art Hotel or the contemporary Salamanca Wharf Hotel in Hobart. In Launceston, Peppers Silo Hotel is a unique place to stay, housed within the iconic silos on the banks of the Tamar River.

Caravans & Camping

Road tripping in Tasmania is one of life’s joys, blessed with spectacular scenery, peace and tranquility. For the ultimate campervan weekend escape the mainland to beautiful Bruny Island and start exploring. Around Tasmania there are more than 50 caravan parks for travellers to rest with facilities for caravan, motorhome and camping enthusiasts and some with cabin-style accommodation.

Where to Eat in Tasmania

There is a lot to love about Tasmania. The small-town vibe, the culture, the people, but above all else, you’ve got to love the food! There is no place that celebrates local produce so proudly than Tasmania. Tasmania’s natural beauty is delivered right to your plate with our food lovers guide to Hobart. Hobart’s food scene has welcomed some exciting new restaurants and wine bars in recent times and there’s never been a better time to eat and drink your way around Australia’s southernmost capital.