Welcome to our ultimate Tasmania Travel Guide – your go-to resource for exploring Australia’s hidden gem! As the country’s smallest state, Tasmania is a stunning island located south of the mainland, offering breathtaking natural beauty, unique wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.
Known for its pristine landscapes, Tasmania is home to majestic mountains, ancient forests, and pristine coastlines, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites that will transport you back in time.
The island’s fertile land and surrounding crystal-clear waters produce some of the world’s finest local food and wine, making it a haven for food lovers and adventure seekers alike. Delve into Tasmania’s fascinating convict history through its historic sites and museums, and discover why this unspoiled paradise is a must-visit destination for any traveller.
Ready to explore Tasmania’s unparalleled charm? Let’s start your journey today!
Destinations
Hobart
Hobart is Tasmania's capital city, and unknown to many, the second oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney. Its rich history and heritage combine with the modern to create a truly unique city.
Visitors will be spoilt with dining on local produce and wines. Be able to wander the historic streets, laneways, and buildings. Plus Hobart is surrounded by incredible natural beauty.
South
Rugged mountains, tranquil rivers, crystal clear waters, and a stunning coastline is just the start of the beauty of Tasmania's south. It's also rich with convict history.
The Coal River Valley wine region is a perfect day trip from Tasmania. Food and nature lovers may never want to leave Bruny Island. Then of course the brave can visit Port Arthur and night and join a spine-tingling ghost tour.
East Coast
Embark on scenic coastal drives and discover the incredibly beautiful beaches of Tasmania's East Coast. Stop at historic villages and enjoy the delicious local seafood.
If you like to scuba the area offers some amazing diving spots, like the world-famous kelp forests. Plus you will find some of the best game fishing in Australia.
West Coast
Tasmania's West Coast is the gateway to Tasmania's vast Wilderness World Heritage Area. An area of contrast between the rich mining history of the area of Queenstown and surrounding towns, and the natural beauty of the wilderness.
You will discover rainforests, humongous sand dunes, magical lakes, rivers, and rugged mountains.
Launceston & North
Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania located on the Tamar River. It is a vibrant hub for food, wine, and culture. A haven of local produce thanks to the rich farmland as well as premier cool-climate wines.
The region hosts two World Heritage-listed convict sites, Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Farm. Nature lovers are not left out with Narawntapu and Mt William National Parks.
North West
Get back to nature with a range of national parks and reserves. Embark on a tasting trail or classic coastal drive.
The area is rich with significant Aboriginal heritage sites. Take time out to discover the region's many art galleries, public art displays, artisan shops, and markets.
Flinders Island
Flinders Island is located off the North East Coast of Tasmania and is the largest of the Furneaux Group of 52 islands. The island is a place to escape, relax and rejuvenate.
When not walking along deserted beaches, fishing, playing golf, or diving, have a go at fossicking for some 'Killiecrankie diamonds'. Do try the local giant crayfish and abalone.
King Island
King Island should be renamed Foodie Heaven Island. It is renowned for its cheese and dairy products, beef, and honey. Let's not forget its incredible seafood.
Work off the food at one of the island's two world-class golf courses. Both are designed in the Scottish links tradition. Alternatively, get back to nature and breath in some of the best quality air in the world.
State Highlights
Our top five picks for the Tasmania Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Freycinet National Park
The park is filled with incredible rugged beauty. From the Hazards, a towering pink-hued granite mountain range, to the spectacular waters of Wineglass Bay.
Local Produce
Tasmania's produce is some of the best in Australia. There are tasting trails, wineries, farm gates and local markets to explore. The seafood is outstanding from the surrounding pristine waters.
Tamar Valley Wine Region
Discover the many vineyards and award winning restaurants in Tone of the world's premium cool climate wine regions.
Southern Aurora Australis
Also known as the Southern Lights. Australia's version of the popular Northern Lights. Technically can be seen from anywhere in Tasmania, but the further south you go the better.
Bruny Island
The island is about 50km long and is known for its beaches, rainforests, mountains, lagoons, abundant flora and fauna.
Festivals and Events
January
Taste of Tasmania
Mona Foma
Cygnet Folk Festival
February
Festivale
Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Rosebery Festival
Evandale Village Fair
Devil Country Muster
A Day at the Creek
Party in the Paddock
Koonya Garlic Festival
March
Richmond Village Fair
Ten Days on the Island
Tasmanian Poetry Festival
A Taste of Huon
April
Turning of the Fagus
Derwent Valley Autumn Festival
ECHO Festival
May
Tamar Valley Folk Festival
AG Fest
June
Dark Mofo
Norwood Winter Festival
Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival
NETAC
July
Festival of Voices
Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival
Devonport Jazz
August
Tasmanian Whisky Week
Chocolate Winter Festival
Tamar Valley Peace Festival
Tassie Scallop Fiesta
Tasmanian Whiskey Week
September
Tasmanian Micro Brew Festival
Junction Arts Festival
Tasmanian Tulip Festival
October
Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival
Royal Hobart Show
Cradle Country Music Festival
Tasmanian Craft Fair
Tamar Valley Writers Festival
November
Effervescence
Bicheno Food & Wine Festival
Farmgate Festival
International Mural Festival
Mount Roland Folk Festival
December
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
The Taste of Summer
Planning Your Visit
The weather can be extreme in Tasmania with four distinct seasons. Average summer temperatures are 17-23°C, with winter 3-11°C.
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival.
Be prepared to drastic weather changes at all times, especially when hiking. Even in summer pack a jacket or light jumper for the evenings.
Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Winer festivals, fire places, and "Off Season" experiences.
Spring: Hiking and the native flowers are blooming.
Getting Here
By Air: There is no International Airport in Tasmania, but are a few Regional Airports dotted around the State. The Main two being Hobart and Launceston.
Fly to Tasmania direct daily from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to Hobart and Launceston.
Fly to King Island daily from Melbourne, Launceston and Burnie (Wynyard).
Fly to Flinders Island daily from Melbourne and Launceston.
By Train: As Tasmania is an island there are no train services to Tasmania from the Australian mainland. There are no regular passenger trains in Tasmania either.
By Sea: The Spirit of Tasmania runs two ships offering a daily service to and from Devonport. They carry vehicles and pets can be accommodated too.
Pre-COVID times Macquarie docks in downtown Hobart was the major cruising port for Tasmania. At present cruising is on hold.
By Bus: Busses are the main form of public transport around Tasmania. Services run to and from most regional areas.