Top Spots in Tasmania
This guide is designed for you to follow, travelling around the island in a clockwise direction starting in the city of Hobart. I would recommend renting a car as public transport is not very well connected here and this gives you the freedom to explore!
Arriving on the island:
Flying in to Hobart is easy from many of Australias mainland cities. The SkyBus runs from the airport to city centre ($38AUD return) or Uber is available. There is so much to see in Hobart I would definitely spend a few days in the city. Take a look at my free Hobart Highlights guide for an in depth tour of the city. This guide includes the best places to stay, eat and explore.
You can also catch the ferry over from Geelong, VIC to Devonport, TAS. The crossing takes around 9-11 hours, either during the day or overnight. this is a great way to travel if you want to take a car with you!
Heading West...
Start your adventure around the island by heading towards Mount Field National Park. Here follow the route for the Tall Trees walk to be immersed in the incredible nature. Along the track you will pass Horseshoe and Russel Falls, try and spot wallabies, cockatoos and even a platypus in the park. The next stop is the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers national park where you can see Nelson falls.
While driving around the island there is lots to keep an eye out for including; black swans, hydropower dams which provide 95% of the islands electricity, beehives creating the famous Tasmanian honey, bush fire scarred land and fruit farms. Fruit picking is popular so stop by for a fun activities and delicious snack, buying straight from the famers supports local communities!
Heading further west check out Freshman’s cap look out walk and Queensland old mining town for some good views and history along the way. Before reaching Strahan, an old whaling town for the night. Its a quiet town, but there are a few options for dinner, try Hamers Bistro or The Kitchen!
North of the Island
Cradle Mountain National Park is a definitely a top spot in Tasmania, go early to beat the crowds and have a full day of walking. Arrive into the main car park where you must register into the park and the walks that you plan on following. There is shuttle bus that takes you further into the park to the trail heads if you want to begin you walk closer to the main sights. Dove lake and Marions lookout are great walks to see the famous Cradle Mountain summit and lots of incredible wildlife such as echidnas. Ronnie creek is also a lovely gentle walk where you can spot many wombats! Come prepared for the walk and bring warm clothes as there is often unpredictable weather.
In Launceston hang out at Cataract Gorge on a sunny day and walk about the area, there are a few options for accommodation and food as you are back in a city!
Heading East...
The east of Tasmania has an incredible coastline. Set of early and get breakfast at The Confessional cafe on your way to the Bay of Fires.
The Bay of Fires is a stunning area along the north east coast. You can spend all day here exploring the beautiful beaches and red rocks, some good spots to start are Cosy Corner and Sloop Reef. You can also free camp in many of the campsites here.
Whilst driving south stop at East Coast Nature World, which is a lovely animal sanctuary where you can see all the local species. You can feed the kangaroos and if you look up timings they even have Tasmanian Devil Feedings that you can watch.
Bicheno is Great coastal town with lots to see. Follow along the rocky coastline walk to see the views such as the blowhole. Spot seals and take part in a night walk to spot penguins and star gaze.
Adventure around Freycinet national park to see the famous wine glass bay. To see the bay from a viewpoint hike up Mount Amos or walk along the track to the main viewing platform and then down to the beach.
Finally on your way back to Hobart if you want to explore more of the coastline and love hiking make sure to look into the 3 Capes. A famous route in Australia!
If you are travelling solo or don't want to rent a car a tour can be a great way to see Tassie. The two linked below stops at multiple of the top spots and have great reviews!
The home for unique & authentic travel
