Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia's only island state. It is a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, un-crowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines.
It is one of the world's most mountainous islands and while our peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their serrated profile. The geology reflects our connection millions of years ago to Antarctica, and this is one of the few places in the world where ancient dolorite rocks dominate the landscape.
The climate is mild and the rainfall regular. The Roaring Forty winds that travel across the island bring with them the cleanest air in the world. Come to the edge of the world to explore the island and meet the residents.
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View a selection of Excursions in Tasmania.
Hobart and Surrounds
Australia’s most distinctive city, Tasmania’s capital combines heritage charm and cultural diversity in a setting of exceptional beauty. Within 90 minutes’ drive of Hobart are a range of attractions, from the pristine waters of Bruny Island to the fascinating history of Port Arthur.Why explore Hobart and Surrounds?
With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, in Hobart the tranquility of a city from a bygone era coexists with the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis.
Hobart's European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers' cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions.
Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafes, artist’s studios and restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines. Discover Australia’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy classical and modern music in a variety of venues, or go to the theater, in this city of festivals.
Hobart is a place of fishing boats, fish punts at the docks, and coffee under the sun-umbrellas where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday.
Take a harbor cruise past square-rigged yachts, or drive to the summit of Mount Wellington for a bird’s eye view of the intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out to the sea beyond.
The area surrounding Hobart is rich with a variety of landscapes and experiences. To Hobart’s south east, past the Coal River Valley wineries, is the historic town of Richmond. Here, the jail serves as a prelude to the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. Nearby Port Arthur you will find thrilling cliff walks and cruises that take you beside 984 feet sea cliffs and Tasman Island.
South of Hobart, you can cruise off Bruny Island, beneath some of the world’s highest seacliffs, or drive north to Oatlands, to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings. Farther afield through New Norfolk is the pretty town of Hamilton, or for a taste of the high country, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau.
East Coast including Freycinet National Park
With long white beaches away from the crowds and seas of intense aqua, Tasmania's east coast offers a completely different Australian beach experience. Tasmania’s mild climate and pristine secluded beaches means the coastline is perfect for walking, kayaking, diving, sea cruises and relaxing. At the end of each day you can relax at an award-winning eco-lodge or tranquil beach house and indulge in the freshest seafood.Why explore the East Coast?
Whether they are fishermen, wine makers or walking-guides, you will hear a different life story from friendly locals whose values are shaped by the rhythms of nature, and the stunning beauty of the east coast. At its northern extremity is Flinders Island, where you can hunt for the Killiecrankie 'diamond', or dive into a world of giant crabs and crays.
At Mount William National Park, in Tasmania's north east, Forester kangaroos acknowledge visitors with casual indifference. Heading south, around the Bay of Fires, the sea is aqua and deserted shell-strewn beaches stretch for miles of silica sand. House-sized granite boulders reddened by lichens, are polished smooth by waves that thump and sigh as they crumple onto the shore.
Just before the small fishing town of Bicheno, is the Douglas-Apsley National Park, a landscape of rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and gently flowing rivers. Nearby, occupying a whole peninsula, is spectacular Freycinet National Park, with Coles Bay at its entrance overlooking crystal-clear Oyster Bay, an ideal place for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating and fishing. The park is dominated by the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains and best known for the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay.
Enjoy superb seafood of cray, scallops, oysters, salmon, and berries in Swansea, before the journey south and the first sight of Maria Island. The whole island is a national park, free of vehicles. It is a refuge for Forester kangaroos, wallabies and the round small pademelons. You can stay in the tiny settlement of Darlington, watch the Cape Barren Geese or any of the 130 resident bird species, and relax as you learn of the Aboriginal, convict and settler histories.
Launceston, Tamar Valley and the North
Launceston has recreated itself and now has some of Australia’s top restaurants and stylish places to stay. Walk, relax, visit the peacocks, or dine in wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge in the centre of town. The Tamar Valley has boutique cool climate wineries, and elegant vineyard restaurants where you can meet with the growers and the makers. Nearby historic towns such as Evandale and Longford preserve the architecture and community spirit of a 19th century village but are also very much of today.Why explore Launceston, Tamar and the North?
Tasmania's “northern capital” of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture. The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city centre, and not far from the J Boag and Son brewery. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston experience and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region.
The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Excellent restaurants, superb boutique wineries and simple roadside stalls ensure every appetite is indulged and this idyllic setting will satisfy other interests too, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers. You can explore by road or cruise the long curve of the Tamar River.
North east of Launceston is Scottsdale with its Forestry EcoCentre, en route to the popular port and seaside town of Bridport, famous for fishing; the purple haze of lavender fields at Nabowla; and the links golf course, Barnbougle Dunes.
Beneath the Great Western Tiers, to Launceston's west, is the pretty town of Deloraine, that every year hosts Australia's biggest working craft fair, while to the south down the Midlands Highway, are authentic examples of Tasmania's “living history”. In Evandale, Longford, Campbell Town and Ross, you will find 19th century grand country manors, workers’ cottages and peaceful town centers that are home to thriving country communities today.
North West Coast
Experience a vibrant cafe culture in major towns and seaside villages, breathe in some of the cleanest air in the world and meet makers not shakers and share the creative spirit of local artists.
Why Explore the North West Coast?
Tasmania's north west coast is where you can forget the rat race and join the human race; it is understated not under-rated. Step into a bush studio where an international designer crafts fine furniture. Share a wine with a jeweler while he shows you his creations. Open an ordinary door to extraordinary handcrafted paper – it’s made world headlines.
Look out for farmgate bounty, from handcrafted cheeses to raspberries and produce fresh from rich, red soil. At Latrobe, see tempting truffles rolled by hand then savor the chocolate maker’s favorites in the tasting room.
Westward is the Arthur River and the Tarkine, Australia's largest temperate rainforest, where the stillness of centuries-old trees, encourage respite from the urban bustle.
Traveling beside Bass Strait your journey takes you from Devonport through Penguin, Burnie and Wynyard to Stanley and the roaring surf of Marrawah. The hinterland is farming country, an idyll of gently rolling hills and deep-red volcanic soil where cattle and sheep graze on the lushness of fertile pastures.
The picture-book appeal of coastal Stanley contrasts with the hillside prettiness of inland Deloraine, both places where craftspeople draw inspiration from the pace of life and their surrounds, to invest their creations with beauty and style, whether furniture, jewelry, sculpture or painting. Other creators work with food and drink rather than artifacts, but bring the same integrity and passion to their work, like King Island Dairies, on King Island, whose unique creations have won gold in international competitions, or the whiskey makers at Hellyers Road.
An equal enthusiasm inspires a farmer turned conservationist who can show you Tasmanian devils in the wild.Western Wilderness including Cradle Mountain and Strahan
It’s out there on the edge of the world; one of the most unspoiled and wildest areas of Australia.
This is the gateway to World Heritage Area and home to the mighty Franklin and Gordon rivers, and Cradle Mountain. The area is rich in convict history, wilderness adventures and a pioneering spirit.
Why explore the Western Wilderness?
This is where you travel to see some of the most significant World Heritage Areas on earth and the iconic sight of Cradle Mountain reflected in Dove Lake. It’s a place of ancient Gondwana landscapes, dense forests, wild rivers that tumble through steep gorges and wide deep lakes.
As you head into Queenstown, you enter another world and the road spirals for more than 90 bends down into what remains of the world's richest gold and copper mine.
When you reach Strahan, on Macquarie Harbour, you can take an exhilarating cruise to the wide ancient Gordon River; travel by narrow gauge railway across the mountain range; fly in to land on the Gordon River to search out a thousand-year-old Huon pine; or just relax and indulge in great food and wine.
You can explore the area by four-wheel-drive, jet boat, kayak or sail the rivers and waterways and walk the long expanse of Ocean Beach. You are on the edge; from here – more than 6,800 miles west – is South America.
From Queenstown drive north along the Western Explorer, an unsealed highway, that takes you to the world’s largest remaining stretch of temperate rainforest – the Tarkine. When you reach the lower reaches of the Pieman River you board a simple vehicular barge across the River. The little town of Corinna is the perfect place to stay to explore this area.
In Zeehan, once a wealthy silver town, stop for a while and explore the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum where you can learn of the town's rollicking mining past.
Further north are the tiny historic towns of Rosebery and Tullah that once housed hundreds of miners but are now quiet and peaceful. Look out for Montezuma Falls our tallest waterfall, near Rosebery.
