Top 10 Tasmania Travel Tips: The best things to do in Hobart, Launceston and beyond

1. Hike around Cradle Mountain

Situated in Lake St Clair National Park, one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, the majestic Cradle Mountain is a sight to behold and one of the top places to visit in Tasmania. Instead of taking the challenging six day long hike on the Overland Track, opt for an easier hike around Dove Lake on the Dove Lake Circuit, keeping an eye out for echidnas and platypus on the way.

Boat Shed, Lake Dove and Cradle Mountain
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh, Ocean Photography

2. Make it to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

Anything but ordinary, MONA showcases David Walsh’s private collection of very interesting art and antiquities as well as unique exhibitions by renowned artists. The museum hosts over 150 music events each year, with genres including classical, punk, blues and jazz and has it’s very own cellar door and brewery.


Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

3. Come face-to-face with the (Tasmanian) Devil

The cute, shy, yet sometimes growling Tasmanian Devils are slowly declining in population due to a horrible cancer. The best places to encounter them is at one of the wildlife centres committed to saving these adorable marsupials, such as the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, the Trowunna Wildlife Park or the Tasmania Zoo.


Tasmanian devil
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Trowunna Wildlife Park

4. Escape from Port Arthur

A must-see Tasmania attraction, the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur was once known as the “inescapable prison”, and was home to some of the country’s worst convicts. Today, its eerie ruins are a reminder of what once was, and you can learn all about its history on a guided walking tour. There’s even a lantern-lit ghost tour for those who consider themselves a true Ghostbuster and “ain’t afraid of no ghost”.


Port Arthur Historic Site
Credit: Alastair Bett

5. Boat it to Bruny Island

Just a short, scenic ferry ride from Kettering (a 40 minute drive south of Hobart), will place you on Bruny Island, known for its abundant wildlife, local produce, Cape Bruny Lighthouse and Cloudy Bay surf break. Spend the day exploring the island by foot, or take a wilderness cruise to discover sea caves and visit coastal wildlife including seals, dolphins, whales and more.


Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

6. Savour some sweets at the Salamanca Market

Every Saturday morning, Hobart’s waterfront begins to bustle with the opening of the Salamanca Market. With over 300 stalls including clothing, art, cheese, wine and indulgent treats, this top-rated Tasmania attraction is not to be missed!


Salamanca Market
Credit: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett

7. Discover the wilderness at Mount Wellington

It’s hard not to notice the gigantic Mount Wellington rising above the city of Hobart. The majestic mountain lies just 20 minutes from the CBD in Wellington Park, home to walking tracks, waterfalls, springs, rainforests and panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island and beyond.


View from Mount Wellington
Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman

8. Get the perfect Instagram shot at Wineglass Bay

Located in Freycinet National Park, the iconic Wineglass Bay is a very Insta-worthy! Whether by foot, by boat or by air, the picturesque beach at Wineglass Bay with its white sand and turquoise waters is one of the best in the world, and well worth a visit.


Wineglass Bay aerial
Credit: Jason Charles Hill

9. Bask in the Bay of Fires

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia, the Bay of Fires is situated on the east coast of Tasmania, stretching over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. With miles of sandy beaches and a perfectly crystal clear ocean, you’ll never want to leave this stunning bay.


Bay of Fires
Credit: Sean Scott

10. Cool off at Cataract Gorge

Just a 15 minute walk along the Tamar River from Launceston city centre lays Cataract Gorge. This unique natural formation features a Victorian garden, pedestrian inclinator, scenic chairlift and suspension bridge. There’s even a refreshing swimming pool and cool café serving up creamy ice cream for those hot summer days! Best of all, entrance is free to this fascinating urban reserve.


Kings Bridge
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

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