Home to one of the last true wildernesses on Earth, Tasmania is the perfect destination for experiencing the natural wonders of Australia in their completely untouched glory.
Isolated white sand beaches, majestic snow-capped mountains, and sprawling life-filled rainforests combine with historical villages and centuries-old complexes to produce iconic landscapes and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences.
Trek through forest-covered mountain slopes to observe the Tasmanian devil in its natural habitat or watch in awe as the southern lights dance across an unpolluted night sky within the pristine environments of this outdoor island playground.
Within this Tasmania travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Australia’s Holiday Isle, including the best time to visit, what to pack, and must-visit attractions.
Facts & Info
- Size – 68,401 km2
- Population – 541,000
- Country – Australia
- Official Language – None (English is the predominant language.)
- Major Airports – Hobart International Airport (HBA), Launceston Airport (LST)
- Time Zone – Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- Nickname – Tassie, The Apple Isle, The Holiday Isle
- Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
Places to Visit in Tasmania
- Hobart – Embrace old and new as you uncover the historic sites, natural attractions, and modern art and food scene of Tasmania’s state capital.
- Launceston – Indulge in Tasmania’s culinary hub, surrounded by lush forests, world-class wineries, and historic landmarks
- Devonport – Explore the natural splendour and unique cultures of northern Tasmania within this north coast port city.
- Cradle Mountain – Escape to the Tasmanian Wilderness Area and explore rugged landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and unique wildlife.
- Freycinet – Unwind within the pristine coastal landscapes of pink-hued mountains, white-sand beaches, and strikingly blue bays.
Things To Do in Tasmania
- Embark on a road trip – Hit the open road along a relaxing drive to Tasmania’s remote natural settings and welcoming villages.
- Go stargazing – Admire the sparkling constellations of the Milky Way within the absolute darkness of an unpolluted sky.
- Commune with nature – Escape to the Tasmanian wilderness to uncover unique wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian devil.
- Explore a historic site – Uncover over two centuries of history at several historic sites scattered across the island.
- Trek to breathtaking vistas – Hike your way to panoramic lookout points through rugged mountain cliffs, gorges, and forests.
Tasmania Tourist Attractions
- MONA – Tour a one-of-a-kind art museum carved into the sandstone cliffs along the Derwent River north of Hobart.
- Port Arthur Historic Site – Explore over 30 historic buildings and ruins in Tasmania’s largest convict settlement that dates back nearly two centuries.
- Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) – Hike or bike your way to the peak of Mount Wellington for panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding southern landscapes.
- Salamanca Market – Browse through over 300 stalls of local vendors scattered throughout Hobart’s historic waterfront.
- Cataract Gorge – Stroll along the South Esk River along historic footpaths that weave their way through the picturesque gorge.
Best Beaches in Tasmania
- Wineglass Bay – Perfect white sands, blue reflective waters, and tree-covered granite cliffs combine to produce one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
- Bay of Fires – A 50 km expanse of white sands, orange granite boulders, and turquoise waters teeming with unique marine life.
- Boat Harbour Beach – A charming beachside community complete with white sands and teal waters surrounded by lush natural scenery.
- The Neck Beach – A narrow 10 km isthmus surrounded by water and inhabited by short-tailed shearwaters and penguins.
- Seven Mile Beach – Gentle waves and expansive white sands promise the perfect beach day near Hobart.
Tasmania National Parks
- Freycinet National Park – Explore some of Tasmania’s most unique landscapes, from pristine white sand beaches to the picturesque pink granite cliffs of the Hazards.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – Embark on a daring hike through the Central Highlands, exploring rugged mountain peaks and Australia’s deepest lake.
- Tasman National Park – Marvel at Australia’s highest sea cliffs while exploring a breathtaking coastline of untouched forests and mysterious caves.
- Mount Field National Park – Hike through a pristine rainforest as you uncover majestic waterfalls, or visit in the winter for backcountry skiing.
- Southwest National Park – Escape to the wildernesses of Tasmania’s largest national park for a daring adventure through intrepid mountains, untouched forests, and sprawling grass plains.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December – February) – Warm temperatures and long days make summer the best season to visit for pleasant weather conditions. However, this is also the peak tourist season, with heavy crowding occurring at popular attractions.
- Autumn (March-May) – The fall shoulder season is arguably the best time to visit Tasmania. Tourist crowds have dissipated, and colours begin to change, making it the perfect time to experience those vibrant landscapes.
- Winter (June – August) – Tasmania is popular in the winter for snowshoeing and skiing and is also the best time to visit for seeing the southern lights. It is also a great time to visit for snagging off-season deals.
- Spring (September – November) – The spring shoulder season is another great time to visit Tasmania to witness the natural beauty of the state’s budding flowers and trees before the summer crowds flock to the island.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Most international visitors arrive in Tasmania through either the international airport in Hobart or Launceston. However, there are ten other regional airports on the island offering domestic flights across Australia.
- Ferries – The Spirit of Tasmania offers daily ferry services between Devonport and Geelong in Victoria. Tasmania is also a popular stop for many cruise lines throughout the summer months.
- Driving – Renting a car is the most effective way of getting around Tasmania and gives you more flexibility than relying on public transportation options.
- Taxis – Taxi services are limited to major tourist hubs and are a quick way of getting around the city.
- Bus – Bus and coach services are the best option for getting around Tasmania on a budget. Tassielink Transit is the most extensive network, but there are several bus services on the island.
- Biking – With light road traffic and plenty of natural scenery, cycling can be a fun and affordable way of getting around Tasmania.
- Walking – Tasmania’s cities and villages are relatively small and can easily be explored on foot.
Tasmania Travel Tips
- Opt for 4WD – While not necessary for popular tourist hubs, 4WD does help in accessing more remote areas.
- Avoid driving at night – With plenty of wildlife running around, it is best to avoid driving after dark.
- Take your time – Tasmania is larger than most people think. Plan to spend at least a week or two exploring its various regions.
- Get a National Park Pass – National parks are Tasmania’s main attractions. Get access to them all with the National Park Pass.
- Plan for unpredictable weather – Weather conditions can vary throughout the day. Pack for all four seasons regardless of when you visit.
What to Pack
- Layers – Be sure to pack plenty of layers to adjust for drastic weather changes.
- Bug spray – Tasmania is full of lush, untouched nature. This also means there are lots of bugs.
- Comfortable shoes – You are going to do a lot of walking.
- Headlamp – This is a must if you plan on visiting some of the island’s more remote areas.
- SIM or eSIM – This will come in handy should you need some assistance while navigating remote country roads.
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