Domestic holidays are on the rise, and Tasmania’s popularity is going through the roof. With its beautiful beaches and comfortable summers, its many historic sites and some of the cleanest air in the world, Tassie has a lot to offer. Some of the best attractions, however, are things you might not think about straight away.
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Whether you’re looking for a reason to go or help planning your itinerary, we’ve found five of the best unique attractions in Tasmania. Why not visit Australia’s…
- Strangest art collection
- Most spectacular tree
- Oldest brewery
- Most remote location
- Most luxurious private island
Discover Australia’s most ‘out there’ art collection
Find a short ferry ride from Hobart, Mona is the largest privately-funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mona houses the collection of David Walsh, a millionaire who earned his money as a professional gambler. His collection seems haphazard, yet it’s utterly spellbinding. From great works of art to Egyptian mummies, it’s a place like no other. Even the building is a work of art. You’ll see it best, built into the side of a cliff, as you approach by ferry.
Also on the property is Moorilla Winery, a great place to get lunch and discuss everything you just witnessed.
It’s recommended that you book tickets online before you visit and that you give yourself a full morning or afternoon to fully take in all the museum has to offer.
Visit Australia’s oldest brewery
Because of the early European settlement of Tasmania, many of the country’s oldest remaining buildings can be found there. One such relic is Cascade, Australia’s oldest brewery.
Whether you’re interested in beer or history, there’s a tour to suit. The 75-minute brewery tour takes you behind the scenes of the beer and cider making processes, and includes samples at the end. The historic tour details the building’s journey from a humble mill into the iconic brewery of today.
History lovers in Tasmania also have the chance to play on Australia’s oldest golf course, visit Port Arthur or stop in the quaint town of Ross.
Alternatively, if you’re more interested in the beer side of the Cascade brewery, you may want to explore the Tasmania Beer Trail.
Image credit: Graham Prentice
Marvel at Australia’s most spectacular tree
There’s lots of amazing scenery in Tasmania, from the beaches to the mountains. But one of the most remarkable is the turning of the fagus (Nothofagus gunnii).
The fagus is a type of beech — Australia’s only cold climate, winter deciduous tree — that’s found nowhere else but Tassie.
Every year, generally April through to May, the fagus trees and forests change colour in dramatic fashion. The best places to find them are Cradle Mountain and Mount Field, two of Tasmania’s most popular destinations no matter what time of year you visit.
Embrace Australia’s most remote location
Ever wondered what it’s like to look into the abyss? Head to Gardiner Point in the north-west and look out over the sea. What you’ll see is ocean and more ocean — all the way to Argentina. That’s 15,000km, give or take. It’s known as the Edge of the World for good reason.
With the breeze blowing over the ocean and nothing else for so long, you’ll be breathing some of the world’s purest air. No pollutants, no dirt — just air as it’s meant to be.
The lack of anything blocking the wind can, however, lead to some strong gusts, so be prepared to be knocked off your feet by both the view and the wind.
Close by to the Edge of the World, you’ll find a cafe, Sea Pod, and opportunities to cruise on Arthur River.
Unwind at Australia’s most luxurious private island
Satellite Island, a whale-shaped landmass off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania’s mainland, is one of the world’s most idyllic locations.
You’ll find an array of wildlife, sheer cliffs and unobstructed views whichever way you turn.
You’ll need to make a booking beforehand – that’s a booking of the whole island. These come with private use of the island, two (or more) nights’ accommodation, an unlimited supply of wild oysters and a host of activities and gourmet foods.
In a world that’s so often run off its feet, taking the time to find perfect solitude can be the best way to unwind. Where better than on a remote island off the coast of Australia’s most relaxed state?
How to get to Tasmania
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Tasmania is such a popular holiday destination. If you’re thinking of visiting, the first step is to search for cheap flights.
Tasmania has four airports: Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport. Each has limited direct flight options, so many people will have to fly to a major mainland city first.
– Melbourne
– Adelaide
– Brisbane
– Canberra
– Gold Coast
– Melbourne
– Sydney
– Perth
– Brisbane
– Melbourne
– Sydney
Hiring a car
Once you arrive, hiring a car gives you the freedom to see as much of the state as you like. Much of the main island is within easy driving distance — the drive from Hobart to Launceston takes about two and a half hours — making a hire car an easy way to get the most from your holiday.
Public transport is available between many of the major towns, but it makes getting to the more remote spots a bit trickier.
Hire cars also give you a lot of freedom, such as taking some flexible road trips through the state.
If you prefer to drive your own car in Tasmania, you can take it across from Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Tasmania has a lot going for it. Across Australia, it’s known for its beautiful scenery, its amazing hikes and its historic buildings.
One danger in Tasmania, as with elsewhere in Australia, are the rip tides found by the beaches. Keep an eye out for if you go for an ocean swim.
The Tasmanian government also has proper measures in place for COVID-19 so that every one can be kept safe. Be sure to check out the Tasmanian government coronavirus advice site before planning your travel to Tasmania.
Several airports across the Australian mainland have direct flights to Tasmania. The largest airport is in Hobart, but it’s also possible to fly to Devonport, Burnie or Launceston.
Image credit: Andrew Wilson
Read more
- Coronavirus Travel Advice – We’re continually keeping this page up-to-date regarding the current outbreak of Coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. So whether you need it now, or in the near future, it could be worth a bookmark.
- Tasmanian government coronavirus advice – Keep up to date with COVID-19 news and precautions specific to Tasmania.
- Top tips for taking time out in Tasmania – So if you want to find somewhere to holiday and relax, Tasmania has it all. From out-of-this-world light shows to natural delights and some of the country’s best spa retreats.
- Discover Tasmania – The official travel website for Tasmania with holiday information on what to do and where to stay in Tasmania.
Image credits for photos used in campaign:
Satellite Island Credit: Jason Charles Hill/Wineglass Bay Aerial Credit: Jason Charles Hill/Aurora Australis over Cradle Mountain Credit: Pierre Destribats/Bridal Veil Falls Credit: S. Group/West Coast ebiking Credit: Revolution MTB/Bathurst Harbour with Mt Rugby in background Credit: Matthew Donovan/Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake Credit: Off the Path/Mount Roland Credit: Lusy Productions/Gordon River Credit: Lauren Bath/Hobart waterfront at sunset Credit: Luke Tscharke/Painted Cliffs, Maria Island Credit: Pierre Destribats/Bay of Fires Credit: Stu Gibson/The Boathouse – The Restaurant With No Food Credit: Adam Gibson/Cloudy Bay, South Bruny National Park Credit: Jess Bonde/Reflections on the River Derwent Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
