When it comes to cities in Tasmania, your mind probably goes to Hobart first, but let us tell you why you need to consider a stop in Launceston. The first reason is that your stomach will thank you, named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021 (only one of 36 such places in the world) Launceston is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and of course, its proximity to the Tamar Valley, celebrated in particular for its sparkling wines. If its gourmet credentials aren’t enough to tempt you, its outdoor ones surely will. The city sits at the confluence of three rivers, one of which leads to the dramatic Cataract Gorge, meaning a stroll in town here, isn’t quite like anywhere else. Where else can you accidentally wander into a canyon that is 65 million years old? Throw in elegant colonial architecture, excellent museums, and boutique shopping, Lanceston will not fail to charm you.

Mention the north west when you fly into Tasmania and the first thing you’ll hear is that this region is home to quite literally the cleanest air in the world, courtesy of something known as the Roaring Forties, the westerly winds that have shaped this teardrop of land for millenia. The second thing you’ll hear is just how dramatically beautiful this region is. Blanketed in the ancient rainforest of Takayna / Tarkine, and fringed with white-sand beaches both pristine and empty of people, getting away from it all is easy in this part of the world. The north west also lays claim to famed Cradle Mountain, a rugged peak that rises above Dove Lake. Visitors can park just by the shores of the lake, and hop on a 6km walking loop that offers up some breathtaking vistas of the summit itself. You will be equally delighted by the townships here, in Sheffield you'll find a town full of murals and in Penguin (yes, that’s its real name) you'll find a huge statue to the much-loved flightless bird because of the high number of them that you'll find on the beach at sunset. We recommend a stay in Devonport to explore the region in full.

If you hear the call of the wild, then you need to set your sights west. The rugged wilderness of the west coast is where Tasmanian tigers once dwelled, long before pioneers sought to forge a new life in this part of the world. A stop here will take you through some of the state’s most spectacular national parks, including the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which carves the landscape with rivers, creeks and waterfalls. It is also clad in temperate rainforest, a type of vegetation that is incredibly rare now across the world, but can be found in abundance in Tasmania. You will also encounter some deeply moving history, as this side of the state was home to one of the most notorious penal colonies in Australian history - Sarah Island. If you want to blend adventure and look directly into a window to the past - this is the place to be.

If the west of Tasmania is for embracing the forest-clad wilderness of the state, then the east is definitely for embracing sun, sand and sea. There are few seaside panoramas as striking as those found in Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, but the Bay of Fires / Larapuna perhaps tops them all, as it was voted the best beach in Australia for 2025. Think: scalloped coves, sugary sand and azure waters. In summer, the beaches lend themselves to swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing, in the winter, this coastline is incredible for whale watching, cruising or for dreamy coastal walks. Freycinet National Park in particular has walking tracks for every ability level, and serves up highlights such as Mount Amos, St Columba Falls, and Apsley Gorge. As you’d expect, the seafood here is phenomenal, with oysters, abalone, scallops, and crayfish being some of the region’s highlights. With such a smorgasbord It’s no wonder then that the other famed residents of this side of the state happen to be the too-cute-to-believe-they-are-real fairy penguins.

Hobart and the south is probably the most well-known region of Tasmania and with good reason. Nestled against Sandy Bay, the cobbled streets and colonial architecture of Hobart lead you into cosy bars, little galleries, unique shopping venues, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a Saturday, the world-famous Salamanca Market. This is one of Australia’s oldest cities, and history buffs will find themselves enchanted by the old-meets-new vibe of Hobart, and there is plenty to learn in local museums, such as Mona. Of course, we wouldn’t be talking about Hobart without mentioning Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which looms above the pretty harbourside capital. You can put your walking shoes on, and climb it for a bird’s eye view of the city. Hobart also makes for an excellent base to explore nearby attractions, such as the local convict settlements and Australia’s oldest bridge, or make your way over to Bruny Island (where you must try the oysters). When you return to Hobart in the evening, put your glad rags on, because this town comes alive at night - book yourself into one of the city’s celebrated restaurants or while away the evening enjoying the nightlife in Salamanca Place.

With more than 120 beaches to enjoy and fewer than 1000 permanent residents, Flinders Island is the place to go if you want a quiet spot of relaxation. Many of these have their own attractions, such as the loose topaz found at Killiecrankie Bay. It is ideal for anyone wanting to dive beneath the waters and snorkel, especially around Trousers Point and the Dock. Flinders is also home to lots of terrestrial native wildlife, and is actually one of the best places in the state to spy the insanely adorable wombats if you, like us, have always had a soft spot for these short-legged, lumbering marsupials.

If you're looking for a remote holiday, it doesn't get much better than an island off an island. Discover some of Australia's bests: cuisine, boutique lodges, surf waves and more. However, the thing King Island is probably most known for is being one of the most sought after destinations for golfers. Boasting dramatic coastal scenery and windswept sand dunes, the landscape on King Island has shaped some of the best links courses in the world, with Cape Wickham being officially named as the country’s top spot for teeing off. Once you’re 18 holes down, you can marvel at the calcified forest, try the island's famed seafood or just close your eyes and relax in one of the country's most tranquil spots.

The north of Tasmania is synonymous with farm-fresh food and fine dining. Drive throughout the north of the island and pick your own berries, hazelnuts and apples. Alternatively, try locally-made wines, gins and whiskies. One popular route is the Tasting Trail between Launceston and Smithton which goes past 40 different artisanal producers, roughly one every six kilometres.

In Central Tasmania you'll find a beautiful mix of colonial architecture and rugged wilderness. In Ross, you'll find a town that has almost stood still since the 19th century. Its bridge is one of the country's oldest and perhaps the most beautifully carved, while the main street claims to sell the world's best vanilla slice. On the more natural side, prepare to be amazed by lakes, waterfalls and limestone caves.

Cockle Creek, around two hours from Hobart, is the southernmost point in Australia with road access. With Antarctic breezes blowing in your face, it's easy to feel completely alone in the world - especially night when, with a complete lack of light pollution, the starry sky sparkles like nowhere else. Elsewhere on your southern road trip, warm up at Hastings thermal springs and explore the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

There are different road trips you can take in the east of Tasmania, with those based on cellar doors and spotting wildlife popular. However, it's the one that hugs tightly to the coastline that will take your breath away. Wineglass Bay is the first (and only) stop for most, but with your own transport you can continue to explore the area and discover countless hidden gems along the way such as Douglas Apsley, East Coast Nature World, and Spring Vale Vineyard.

The western side of Tasmania is a nature-lover's paradise. From the expansive Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area to the rivers and lakes where you can enjoy relaxing dinner cruises or whitewater rafting trips, how you shape your itinerary is completely up to you. Keep an eye out for the Tasmanian tiger, too. Although officially extinct, many people claim to have seen them still roaming around this area.