We’ve found the top Tassie spots for your next adventure.
For an island so small, Tasmania offers an exceptional number of picturesque locales doing amazing things. There are historic hubs bringing the past to life in contemporary ways, stunning seaside perches welcoming new eateries and quaint hamlets embraced by nature. Our well-travelled panel of industry experts and beloved Australian personalities have narrowed them down to find the best towns in Tasmania, which feature in Australian Traveller‘s 100 best Aussie towns to visit. Keep reading to find out why you need to visit these places asap.
1. Bicheno
Overall rank: 1/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Sea Stacks Bicheno are inspired by the natural surrounds of Tasmania’s east coast. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Anyone who has ever driven Tasmania’s east coast can attest to the magnetic pull of its natural beauty and relaxed seaside towns found en route. If you’ve stopped off in Bicheno in recent years, you’ll still find the little penguins on their nightly parade, the blowhole spouting, seafood served in abundance and prime whale-spotting – located as it is along the East Coast Whale Trail.
“A Tasmanian hidden gem, very much worth the drive from either Hobart or Launceston," says panellist Brett Godfrey of this old fishing port just north of the Freycinet Peninsula. But you’ll find it has a fresh buzz, too: making it worthy of its No. 1 spot on our list of 100 Best Aussie Towns to visit.
Sample Tasmanian wines at the newly opened wine bar, Le Gulch. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Enjoy a relaxed seaside ambience at Le Gulch. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
From Waubs Harbour Distillery crafting whisky out of an old oyster hatchery to new wine bar Le Gulch, set in an old fishing factory, a fresh batch of businesses is bottling its spirit. And Sea Stacks Bicheno is due to open for bookings in June, bringing design-forward accommodation to town.
Don’t miss:“I get hungry just thinking about this town," says panellist Catriona Rowntree. “Head to Lobster Shack Tasmania and thank me later!"
2. St Helens
Overall rank: 13/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Tackle the Bay of Fires Adventure Trail on a mountain bike. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania / Stu Gibson)
St Helens is the largest town on the north-east coast of Tassie but has a delightful small-town feel. Life here is simple, lived mostly outdoors and on the sea, which is teeming with bream, crayfish, marlin and tuna. St Helens is regularly pinned on the map as a gateway to its dramatic neighbour, Larapuna/Bay of Fires – but it has emerged in recent years as a premier destination itself, for mountain biking. With a 66-kilometre network of world-class trails, panellist Adrian Williams agrees that the cycling within St Helens’ “unspoilt landscape" is worth checking out.
Don’t miss:The 42-kilometre Bay of Fires Trail starts in sub-alpine terrain, among myrtle trees and ash trees, climbing through monolith granite boulders and across ridgelines before descending to the pure white sands of Larapuna/Bay of Fires.
3. Stanley
Overall rank: 17/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Discovering the rugged coastlines and rich maritime history of Stanley. (Credit: Jess Bonde)
Once a base for the Van Diemen’s Land Company, the quaint fishing town of Stanley on Tasmania’s rugged north-west coast is steeped in maritime and sometimes sobering colonial history. Nowadays, visitors come to trawl its antique stores, tea houses and galleries. Well-preserved 19th-century cottages cluster around the base of The Nut – a flat-topped, ancient volcanic plug stretching 143 metres over the town – where sea air carries equal parts salt and story. “It’s well worth the detour to this corner of Tassie," says panellist Imogen Eveson.
Don’t miss: Some of Australia’s freshest ocean fare can be found at family-run Hursey Seafoods Restaurant.
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4. Richmond
Overall rank: 18/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Stop by Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Just 25 minutes north-east of Hobart, Richmond is famed for its honeyed Georgian facades, many now repurposed into cafes and hotels. The picturesque town served as a police district between Port Arthur and Hobart during the early days of settlement; visit the Richmond Gaol for a goosebump-inducing glimpse into its complicated past, then soften the mood by exploring the town’s vibrant cellar doors and eccentric museums (yes, there’s even one for animal droppings). It’s panellist Katie Carlin’s top pick; from its quaint shopfronts to a pie shop to die for, “I just love everything about it," she says. “It’s like a storybook town."
Don’t miss: Have a picnic by Richmond Bridge (1825), Australia’s oldest stone bridge, where you’ll find resident ducks and ducklings. Then enjoy a luxe country stay at Aquilo Eco Retreat.
5. Launceston
Overall rank: 26/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Grape-to-glass magic truly shines at Sinapius Vineyard. (Credit: Adam Gibson)
“Launceston is big enough to have fabulous big-city restaurants and coffee, but small enough to have maintained a sense of community," says panellist Brett Godfrey. That balance underlines Lonnie’s status as Northern Tassie’s City of Gastronomy. The town earned its title through its grape-to-glass and paddock-to-plate philosophies, exemplified by boutique wineries such as Sinapius Vineyard. But there are plenty other things to do in Launceston besides eating and drinking, from visiting art galleries to catching the chairlift across Cataract Gorge.
Don’t miss: Producers, makers, growers and chefs operate in close orbit here and you can visit them along the Tasting Trail Tasmania route through the state’s north-west.
6. New Norfolk
Overall rank: 36/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
The award-winning Agrarian Kitchen is a beloved temple to Tasmanian produce. (Credit: Luke Burgess)
Over the years, this historic riverside town in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley has reinvented itself through its food, drink and antiques scenes. Award-winning dining destination and cooking school The Agrarian Kitchen continues to push New Norfolk’s narrative from its home within the ever-evolving Willow Court precinct, a former asylum that connects past to present.
Don’t miss: Your chance for a spot of vintage shopping. If you love contributing to the circular economy, this is your kind of town, says Catriona Rowntree. “Just keep plenty of space in your luggage, and yes, they do ship!"
7. Bridport
Overall rank: 39/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Wander through the fragrant purple fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. (Credit: Luke Tscharke)
This tranquil town on Tassie’s north-east coast is known for swimming and sailing as much as its fairways and farmland. But it’s winter we’ve set our sights on when the much-loved Tassie Scallop Fiesta rolls into town. Celebrate the region’s seafood bounty with a couple of curried scallop pies along with local mussels and just-shucked oysters pulled from nearby waters.
Don’t miss: A wander through Bridestowe Lavender Estate when the fields are in bloom in summer, “a perfect spot to roam through rows of vivid purple," says panellist Ben Hall.
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8. Evandale
Overall rank: 53/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
Settle in at The Clarendon Arms for a hearty pub meal. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
Venture just outside Launceston’s city limits and you’ll stumble upon one of the quirkiest corners of the country. Evandale may seem quiet at first, however the close-knit community of this quaint little town is anything but, always warmly welcoming visitors with cheery smiles and friendly chatter. Locals of this Georgian village, classified by the National Trust for its remarkably preserved 19th-century streetscapes, honour its heritage through the upkeep of Evandale’s classic pubs, antique stores, manicured gardens and renowned Clarendon Estate. That same spirit comes to life each year for the National Penny Farthing Championship, where participants race atop teetering 1870s-style bicycles.
Stock up on fresh produce at Evandale Market. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania/Adrian Cook)
Don’t miss: “The Evandale Sunday markets, with its fresh local produce and homemade sweets, crafts and vintage finds, too. I visited on a rainy Sunday morning and it’s still one of the best memories I have from a week-long road trip around Tassie," says Katie Carlin.
9. Strahan
Overall rank: 85/100
Palawa/Tasmanian Aboriginal Country
The Strahan waterfront is a quaint harbour on Tassie’s west coast. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania / Stu Gibson)
Western Tasmania is a place of craggy coastlines, ancient rainforests and rugged mountains – so majestic that vast swathes of it have been given World Heritage status. Strahan is your base for exploring this “remote west-coast wilderness," as Irene Jones describes it. The harbourside village has a dark history, which is revealed at Sarah Island, Tasmania’s first and arguably most severe penal settlement. In contrast, its natural beauty shines, with Tassie devils, platypus and little penguins calling the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area home. “If you don’t think Strahan is Australia’s prettiest town, you have never been," says panellist Quentin Long. “In any other country it would be an icon."
The colourful, curated streetscapes of Tasmania’s iconic Town of Murals. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania/Kelly Slater)
Dubbed the Town of Murals, the once-workaday hydro hub of Sheffield now trades turbines for artistic talent, its streets a curated collision of pastoral nostalgia and contemporary narratives. Set in Tasmania’s west-by-north-west, the town has reinvented itself with street art, galleries that attract blockbuster exhibitions, including the annual Mount Roland Art Prize, and cafes that take their coffee seriously. Nearby mountains, Roland and Cradle, keep a steady watch over it all. “I based myself in Sheffield to explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and I was so glad I did," says panellist Katie Carlin. “Loop Dove Lake for an easy option – it’s up there as one of the prettiest hikes I’ve ever done."
Don’t miss: The town’s mural trail, then detour to lakes, trails and farm gates that prove Sheffield’s renaissance extends well beyond its walls.
This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.
Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.
In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.
Where to stay
Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.
Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.
For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart. Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline, and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique from your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).
For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles. Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.
1. Bruny Island
Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Credit: Elise Weaver)
Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.
Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.
Catch a rare glimpse of the white-furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked. Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.
2. Mount Wellington
Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Credit: Samuel Shelley)
At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.
Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes, which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).
For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.
2. Port Arthur
Wander through convict-built grounds and gardens. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.
The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.
Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.
3. Launceston
Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Credit: Nick H Visuals)
You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.
Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo, for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.
4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.
Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.
5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley
Trace the river through history and wine country. (Credit: Alastair Bett)
Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol, said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.
Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.
