Tasmania is a small island off the coast of Australia. Tasmania is a small but perfectly formed landmass that’s easily accessible to mainland Australia. It offers visitors an array of attractions and activities as well as a chance for a new perspective on Australia.
This island paradise is far from the East Coast’s tourist traps and has plenty to offer for every adventurer. If you’re looking to travel to Australia but want to get away from the mainland, here are ten things you can do in “Tassie.”
Tasmanian Devil
The only way to begin a journey of discovery in Tasmania is by locating the infamous Tasmanian Devil. Tasmanian devils, made famous by the beloved Looney Tunes character of the same name, are the world’s largest carnivorous mammals.
The cougar has sharp teeth, a menacing claw, and an aggressive reputation that is not entirely justified. Females tend to be a bit smaller and weigh less than males. These unique creatures often make ear-piercing screeching noises out of fear. It’s best to stay away from them.
Tasmanian devils used to be native to mainland Australia and Tasmania. They are now extinct elsewhere. These creatures are difficult to see in the wild because they are nocturnal and also nervous.
Visit a wildlife sanctuary, like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Brighton. Visitors can see the iconic species from a safe distance.
Enjoy Culture in Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and is home to a variety of museums and galleries. Visitors can stroll through markets that sell arts and crafts or take tours of established galleries.
Visit the Museum of Old and New Art and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Hobart is a beautiful city that appeals to foodies, music lovers, and art enthusiasts. Many of the cafes, bars, restaurants, and street stalls sell local products and are worth visiting.
Our six-day touring Tasmania itinerary is a great way to explore Hobart, Tasmania, and its surrounding areas.
Port Arthur is a step back in time
Port Arthur is a significant historical site in Australia. This was one of Australia’s most important prisons during the 19th century. The prison’s location in the middle of nowhere and its strict regime led to it being dubbed ‘the inescapable jail.’
Port Arthur, once a prison and a place of punishment and crime, is now an open-air exhibition that allows visitors to explore the dungeons and get a real sense of how convicts lived on the Tasman Peninsula.
You can choose from a variety of Tasmania-themed tours, such as the one where you play the part of a prisoner trying to escape Port Arthur.
If you want to see Port Arthur and other attractions in Tasmania, choose our Tasmanian Wonders 10-day guided tour.
Get a glass of Tasmanian wine or beer
Tasmanian wine and beer are well-known, and a wide range of Tasmanian brewery and vineyard tours are available. There’s nothing better than spending an afternoon sampling craft ales, crisp white wines, or other local products.
There are plenty of breweries, wineries, and cafes with attached delicatessens and gift shops. The James Boag Brewery and Frogmore Creek Winery are among the highlights.
Cradle Mountain Hike
Cradle Mountain is the focal point of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It’s a challenging hike for those who are adventurous. The National Park has a number of trails that are part of the Overland Track.
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace and flat terrain, a loop around Dove Lake will be ideal. Cradle Mountain’s summit is too tempting for those who want to challenge themselves.
The park’s outdoor activities are renowned, and it is well worth a trip, even if you don’t want to put on your walking shoes.
Visitors can enjoy the chance to see a variety of wildlife, such as Tasmanian devils and platypuses.
Wineglass Bay Kayaking
Wineglass Bay, widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in the world, is the jewel of Freycinet National Park. This sweeping bay of golden sand is flanked with turquoise water. It is an amazing place to enjoy the sun and the peace.
Kayaking in the park is a popular activity that allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful views and explore the crystal clear waters.
Sea kayaking allows you to explore secluded bays, inlets, and bays that are not easily accessible by foot. The vibrant colors of the water, sand, and mountains are a visual feast.
Explore South West National Park
South West National Park is Tasmania’s largest park. It is a rugged wilderness that is marked by mysterious rainforests and imposing mountain ranges. There are also rumbling rivers, lush grasslands, and rumbling mountains.
The park covers 660,000 hectares, of which a large part is inaccessible. However, you can explore the rest on foot or with a car. The park offers routes for all levels of hikers and a network of rustic roads that allow visitors to take in the scenery from their vehicles.
One of the most scenic road trips in the world is the drive along Gordon River Road to the northern entry. Hikers can enjoy the 20-minute Creepy Crawly nature trail and the longer but more rewarding hike to Lake Judd.
Cruise the Gordon River
The Gordon River, one of Tasmania’s most important rivers, provides an enchanting backdrop to a cruise in the wilderness. Boats departing from Strahan travel along the rippling waters of the river for several kilometers before arriving at the calmer waters that lap against the rainforest edges.
Visitors can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this remote, incredible part of Tasmania on a cruise. A boardwalk allows you to access the Huon Pines. These trees are thousands of years old.
Take a walk in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the last true wilderness patches in the world. This area, which covers more than one million hectares and occupies over half the island, is of great cultural and environmental significance.
There are many activities to choose from, including bushwalking, fishing, camping, bird-watching, boating, kayaking, and rafting. You can also get your heart racing by taking part in outdoor activities like mountain biking, abseiling, and climbing.
Keep an eye out for the Tasmanian Devil, the tiger, and other wildlife species that can be found on the island.