Tasmania trip planner

Tasmania Holiday Planning Guide

Unspoiled beauty and colorful nature are the hallmarks of Tasmania, Australia's smallest state. This picturesque island boasts some of the country's most attractive stretches of coastline and a number of distinctive, forested mountain ranges. The state capital, Hobart, serves as an ideal base for exploration of the island's interior and opulent beaches.

Places to Visit in Tasmania

Destinations in Tasmania

Hobart: Straddling the wide, scenic mouth of the Derwent River and crawling up the surrounding hills, Hobart serves as the state capital and the best point of access for many top natural attractions in Tasmania.

Launceston: Still exuding a small-town atmosphere despite being the state's second-largest city, Launceston sits in the Tamar Valley, just a stone's throw away from some of the natural highlights of Tasmania tourism.

Port Arthur: Home to the most famous historical attraction in Tasmania, Port Arthur once served as a penal colony--many still believe the well-preserved prison complex is haunted by the ghosts of those who died there.

Strahan: The gateway to the island's remote west coast, this small town surrounded by picturesque cliffs and lush rainforest is often hailed by those who visit as one of the best hidden destinations in Tasmania.

Popular Tasmania Tourist Attractions

Mona: Flying in the face of Tasmania tourism's reputation for offering rustic charm and natural beauty, this striking modern museum flaunts its provocative exhibits and out-there experiences, earning a reputation as Australia's most avant-garde arts center.

Mount Wellington: Just a short drive from the center of the city, this imposing, typically snowy peak offers incredible panoramas over Hobart and the pristine Storm Bay beyond.

Cataract Gorge Reserve: This rocky, snaking gorge offers visitors a chance to enjoy one of the best natural attractions in Tasmania without having to go far from Launceston.

Port Arthur Historic Site: Feel the chill in the air as you explore this well-preserved, UNESCO-protected penal colony, which is, according to local legend, still haunted by the ghosts of those prisoners who were once shackled on its grounds.

Salamanca Market: This scenic open-air market abounds with buzzing bars and restaurants, and really kicks into gear on Saturdays, when the fresh produce market takes over.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: Covering a large swathe of parkland by the banks of the Derwent, these expansive botanical gardens display some of the finest examples of Australian plant life, as well as the only Subantarctic greenhouse in the world.

Dove Lake Circuit: An important part of the most visited hiking destination in Tasmania--Cradle Mountain National Park--this scenic route offers a chance to spot iconic Australian animals and capture some memorable photos of the undulating landscape.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: Providing a natural habitat for Australia's native animals, this wildlife sanctuary allows you to get close to koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, as well as energetic Tasmanian devils feeding on raw meat.

Wineglass Bay Lookout: No Tasmania itinerary is complete without visiting this iconic viewpoint, which offers scenic vistas over the sapphire bay and its gently curving beach.

Battery Point: Formerly home to an arsenal of weapons established in the early 19th century, this historic Hobart district retains much of its European charm, visible in the well-preserved architecture.

Planning a Tasmania Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Tasmania with Kids

While much of Australia's popular east coast buzzes with 20-something backpackers looking for the next party, the laidback isle of Tasmania serves as the perfect spot for a quiet escape with the kids.

Begin your family trip to Tasmania in Hobart, where the kids can get a feel for the island's history as a European settlement.

That history comes to life vividly in nearby Port Arthur, where you can enjoy a tour of the old penal colony led by enthusiastic guides dressed in period costumes.

Head north on your Tasmania itinerary to Launceston, where some of the best natural attractions in Tasmania lie just minutes away from the city.

Things to Do in Tasmania with Kids

Drive up to the lookout point at Mount Wellington to start your Tasmania holiday with an unforgettable view and some vivid photos, then head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to introduce the kids to some of the Apple Isle's most distinctive native animals.

Give them a glimpse of the island's history by taking a spooky tour of Port Arthur Historic Site, then head north to check out Cataract Gorge Reserve, where the kids can go for a swim, fly high on a scenic chairlift, or admire the park's free-roaming peacocks.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Tasmania

Relatively short distances between destinations and fascinating scenery along the road mean that by far the easiest way to get from place to place on a Tasmania itinerary is by driving a car.

Good competition among car rental agencies means that you can save money compared to buying bus tickets, while also having the freedom to stop at scenic spots along the way.

Remember to pack warm clothes for the kids before setting off on your Tasmania vacation--even during summer, conditions can get quite chilly and windy, especially at higher-altitude locations like Mount Wellington.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Tasmania

Cuisine of Tasmania

Even by Australia's high standards, Tasmania has a reputation for growing some of the best local produce in the country.

An abundance of apple orchards and vineyards helps the island produce top-quality cider and wine, with plenty of local whiskey and beer begging to be tasted during your Tasmania holiday.

Coastal cities like Hobart offer an excellent selection of fresh shellfish and other seafood, while inland destinations like Launceston are known more for their top-notch fruit and dairy products.

Shopping in Tasmania

When it comes to large shopping malls and big-name brands, Tasmania offers less of a selection than most other states in Australia.

You can find plenty of interesting boutiques during your trip to Tasmania, with an array of small, artisan businesses in larger destinations like Hobart and Launceston.

Visit Salamanca Market on a Saturday morning to browse a selection of fresh produce and artisan souvenirs.

If you rent a car and tour Tasmania by road, check out the multitude of farm shops selling fruit, vegetables, and dairy products fresh from the paddock.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Tasmania

Interesting Facts About Tasmania

* Tasmania was discovered in 1642 by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman

* Tasman named the island Van Diemen's Land after a prominent Dutch governor general, and it wasn't until 1856 that the landmass gained its current name

* Around 40 percent of the convicts in Australia were sent to Tasmania and locked up in penal colonies

* Tasmania provides the only natural habitat for the Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial that faces the threat of extinction from an aggressive form of cancer

Holidays & Festivals in Tasmania

If it's festivals and culture you're after, the best time to tour Tasmania is at the height of summer.

Hobart in particular buzzes during the week after Christmas, with the conclusion of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the Taste of Tasmania festival at Salamanca Market, and the Falls Music and Arts Festival bringing in the New Year at nearby Marion Bay.

Extend your Tasmania holiday by a few weeks to enjoy the MONA FOMA arts festival, held in January at Mona, or catch the museum's other major festival--Dark Mofo--in June.

Useful Tasmania Travel Tips

Climate of Tasmania

Prepare for some chilly weather before you vacation in Tasmania--the southern island experiences a cool temperate climate marked by four seasons, with temperatures prone to dipping below freezing in highland areas even during summer.

Coastal areas rarely experiences snow, while inland destinations are typically a few degrees colder and more prone to wintry weather.

Rainfall levels vary widely from place to place, but with a relatively wet climate, you're likely to experience a few showers during your Tasmania vacation.

Summer, from December to February, stands out as the best time to plan a trip to Tasmania, with typically warm weather that rarely gets uncomfortably hot.

Transportation in Tasmania

You can embark on your Tasmania holiday by catching a day-long or overnight ferry, which departs the mainland at Melbourne and travels to Devonport, or alternatively catch a flight from most Australian cities to Hobart.

Once on the island, which has no railway, you'll find buses to be the primary mode of public transportation. For a more convenient and potentially cheaper vacation in Tasmania, consider renting a car and navigating your own way around the compact island.