You’ll be excited if you plan to visit Tasmania. This unique region of Australia is home to stunning scenery, a rich history, and an incredible food and wine culture.
Please only visit for the weekend if it’s okay. Give Tassie a minimum of a week or even three! If you try to do Tasmania in a hurry, you will miss out on some incredible towns.
Plan a road trip and mark your route on the map with my top 11 favorite towns.
Richmond
Historic Richmond is located just 25km (northeast) of Hobart.
We spent half a day walking along the river and exploring historic sites before stopping for a meal at the Richmond Hotel, followed by coffee and cake in the famous bakery.
Richmond is the home of Australia’s first bridge (1825) and Australia’s first Roman Catholic Church, St John’s. Richmond Gaol is a must-see, as are the many heritage-listed structures in the town. Richmond is a beautiful city.
Coles Bay
Coles Bay has a stunning location that offers uninterrupted views of The Hazards, a group of red and pink granite mountains. The town is small, with only a few cafes and shops. Take advantage of the Tombolo Restaurant for wood-fired pizzas and great coffee with stunning views.
This town is best known as the main entry point to Freycinet National Park, our favorite place in Tasmania. Honeymoon Bay, which is nearby, is beautiful, and you can kayak in it. We could spend a whole week here, exploring Freycinet’s many walks.
Strahan
Strahan is located on the West Coast, so it will take you half or a full day to get there.
This is a small town from which we took our cruise down the World Heritage Gordon River. It was one of the highlights during our month-long stay in Tasmania. Strahan was also the site of one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen.
Penguin
Penguin, located on the Bass Strait shores, is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the northwest region of Tasmania. The town was a great place to visit. Kalyra loved the Penguin in Santa’s suit, and Caz enjoyed the local markets.
The Nut in Stanley, Hellyers Road Distillery, Burnie’s coastal drive, and Ulverstone are all nearby. The Penguin Waterfront Escape Apartments were suitable in the middle of town and had a great view over the Bass Strait.
Corinna
Corinna offers a quiet, remote, and little wilderness experience. This former mining town is located on the banks of the Pieman River and, at the end of the Tarkine, the largest temperate forest in Australia. It is also the northernmost point where the Huon Pine grows.
You can stay in a rustic bungalow or walk through the rainforest. You can also kayak down the river or take a historic cruise aboard the Arcadia II. The only way to get to Corinna (if you are coming from Strahan) is by barge boat. This experience is unique in Tasmania, away from mass tourism.
Evandale
You feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit Evandale.
The National Trust has classified this village as a Georgian village. It is a popular tourist destination with its unspoiled heritage.
Clarendon House is one of Australia’s most beautiful Georgian houses. It is located just outside the village.
The Ingleside licensed cafe is located in the old Council Chambers, built-in 1867. We enjoyed a delicious coffee and cake. In the summer, there is a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers. In winter, you can enjoy a cozy fire.
Bicheno
We stayed in Bicheno for only lunch but wished we had planned to stay overnight. The beach and the walk along the coast to the rocky headland with a bay view were pleasant surprises.
It is popular among retirees and holidaymakers for its sunny and mild climate. The town is also known for its fairy penguins.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur has a lot of history and drama. Port Arthur is a place with a turbulent and violent past. It was a penal settlement for Australia’s most hardened convicts.
If you live in Hobart, it is a great day trip. Take advantage of the DooLishus food trailer at Eaglehawk Neck, which serves the best fish and chips in Tasmania and homemade scallops, venison, and rabbit pies.
Binalong Bay
Binalong Bay, a small town in northeast Tasmania, is the perfect place to visit because it is at the southernmost end of the stunning Bay of Fires.
Binalong Bay Café is a great place to enjoy coffee and desserts with a stunning beach view after photographing the Bay of Fires.
Hobart
No, it’s not a city, but you must visit Hobart. We spent six days in this lovely city with its harbor, a relaxed pace of life, and plenty to do.
We recommend you walk through the Battery Point area, explore Salamanca Place, admire the beautiful sandstone structures, visit the Salamanca Markets, and take advantage of the fascinating museum.
Launceston
Launceston is a small city with little to do, but it makes a good base for exploring the nearby areas. It’s the cheapest place to fly from the Australian mainland.
Cataract Gorge is the best attraction nearby after seeing City Park, James Boags Brewery, and the Saturday Harvest Market.