Tasmania is a place unlike any other. This Australian state has rainforests, beaches, snow, mountains, lavender fields and world class wineries all within just a few hours drive of each other. It offers a truly unique experience for any holiday maker.
If you're planning a trip to the most Southern state of Australia, here are the 14 places that absolutely need to be on your list.
Launceston
View this post on Instagram
This small town of just 80,000 people in Tasmania's North. It's a small place but it's filled with a whole lot of old world charm. There's plenty of heritage pubs and much of the town looks like a federation time warp.
Tasmania is a bit of a hub for foodies, and Launceston is no exception. There are some good eats in this little town like Geronimo and Earthy Eats. Exploring the food scene here is definitely on the top things to do. But of course, there are some sights too, like Cataract Gorge which is certainly worth a visit. It's also a great base to explore other places you'll read about further down the list.
But the best (in my opinion) feature of Launceston is its wineries. The vineyards that hug the Tamar river are particularly picturesque and are ideal for a day of cellar doors.
Hobart
View this post on Instagram
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and the state's most populous town. It's one of the cultural hearts of Australia with its food, wine and arts scenes.
Hobart is home to the annual Dark Mofo festival, a month long calendar of arts, events, talks and activations throughout June and July. But even if you're not visiting during these months, there is still plenty to do. Salamanca Markets (possibly the most iconic market in Australia) should be on your list, as should a trip up Mount Wellington and the stunning MONA - the Museum of Old and New Art. You'll want to make sure you budget in some time to drive around, there is some real natural beauty just 20 minutes outside the city.
And don't plan on starting a diet while you're here. Tasmania has some of the best restaurants and food experiences in the country. Some of the best wineries too. Just 20 minutes from the centre of town and you'll find famed wineries like Pooley, Stefano Lubiano and Frogmore - which is the home of the wonderful 42 Degrees South Wines.
Satellite Island
View this post on Instagram
This little retreat is a private island off the coast Tasmania. It's only recently opened to the public and a place to enjoy the unspoilt nature of Tasmania. If you're looking for a cosy, beachside location where you can swim during the day but light a fire at night, here is the spot for you.
Explore the island at your leisure, safe in the knowledge that you have the whole place to yourself.
Bruny Island
View this post on Instagram
Bruny Island is a spot located 40 minutes South of Hobart plus a ferry ride from town Kettering. The island is famous for it's unique landscape, it's long and connected in the middle by a narrow spit of sand called the Neck. This is a place for hiking, droning and taking in the scenery. There is a lot of marine life around here including seals, dolphins and penguins. No visit here is complete without a pilgrimage to the Bruny Island Cheese Co. - make sure you buy enough to take home with you.
Lettes Bay
View this post on Instagram
This tiny little town makes our list because it has some of the most interesting and unique accomodation in the entire state. Two in particular, Salt Box Hideaways and The Captain's Rest are truly stunning spots to take a beat. They're Airbnb style properties with stunning views and firepits. If you're longing for some disconnect and a spot to read a book for a weekend or longer, Lettes Bay has just what you're looking for.
Freycinet Peninsula, Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay
View this post on Instagram
It’s one of Tassie's finest views and on a morning like this, Wineglass Bay has never looked better! @kyleroxasphoto made the early trek up to Freycinet National Park's Wineglass Bay Lookout to marvel at the Tassie icon under dawn skies. The 1-1.5hr return walk takes visitors up through coastal woodland and along granite boulders, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the view along the way. The steep uphill track is suitable for most visitors with some walking experience, but be sure you're prepared with proper walking shoes and water if you're making the trek. Thanks for tagging #discovertasmania, Kyle!
The Freycinet Peninsular is one of the most visually stunning parts in all of Australia. It's roughly the midway point between Launceston and Hobart at about two hour's drive from each. Here in this region you'll find the breathtaking Wineglass Bay, the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Mountain Range and Great Oyster Bay. Bring your hiking shoes and a camera. Swansea and Coles Bay are the nearest spots for accomodation and there are plenty of luxury and affordable options.
Port Arthur
View this post on Instagram
There aren't many of us that would be unfamiliar with Port Arthur's tragic history. It was the site of Australia's worst shooting massacre that resulted in our strict gun control laws. But this place has a history well before that. It was one of Australia's first colonial prisons and a hub of industry. It is now a world heritage site and invites thousands of tourists everywhere. It's a 90 minute drive from Hobart and makes an excellent day trip from the state's capital.
Bay of Fires
View this post on Instagram
Two hours from Launceston near the top of Tasmania is the Bay of Fires. It's famous for its white sand, crystal blue waters and orange, granite boulders. The colour contrast is a truly unique site, making it one of Tasmania's most photographed natural locations. Aside from taking in the spectacular natural scenery, this spot is famed for its abundance of wildlife both on and off land. You'll find adorable wombats on the sand and some spectacular coral reefs.
Cradle Mountain
View this post on Instagram
Two hours from Launceston and three and half from Hobart is Cradle Mountain. It's hard to believe scenes like this exist. Found in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this imposing mountain is surrounded by glacial lakes and rainforests. This area is all about hiking trails and if you're lucky, you'll get to see a few Tasmanian devils along your way.
Tessellated Pavement
View this post on Instagram
This is an essential spot to visit if you're staying in Hobart, it's just an hour from the CBD is a suburb called Eaglehawk Neck. A geological wonder, this place is named for the tile-like feature of the rock formations near the coastline. Try visiting at sunset or sunrise for some of the most specular colours and angles.
Table Cape
View this post on Instagram
This spot is famous for its sprawling tulip farms. Its located on the far North Coast of the state at about two hour's drive from Launceston. Table Cape sits 180 metres above the water, jutting out very much like a table above the sea - hence its name. It's a totally unique piece of the Tasmanian coast.
If you're hoping to catch a look at the stunning rows of coloured tulips this place is famous for, plan your visit for the spring when they're in bloom
King Island
View this post on Instagram
Sitting in the middle of the Bass Strait is King Island. This picturesque little spot has become an international attraction owing to its food exports. The produce from King Island is sought after by top chefs and restaurants across the globe and the famous King Island Dairy is somewhat of an Australian icon.
It's now home to golf courses, a historical museum and a vibrant arts scene, so there's plenty to see and do once you're done with eating cheese.
Flinders Island
View this post on Instagram
Flinders Island is one of 52 islands across the Bass Strait. This relatively untouched spot is a wondrous place. You'll find fields, beaches, rugged ranges, cliffs and grasslands all within the confines of this unique island. This is a place to rest, relax and take in the scenery. It's not a place to be on the go, instead it's a place to reconnect with nature and enjoy some fabulous local food and wine.
Bridestowe Lavender
View this post on Instagram
You will probably seen these on Instagram before. The Bridestowe Lavender fields are a 45 minute drive from Launceston and are a riot of colour in the spring and summer. This Instagram famous spot is a popular one, so try to travel outside peak times to get the photo you came for.
If you want more travel destinations be sure to check out our guides to:
South Australian holiday destinations
Western Australian holiday destinations
