1. Hobart

One of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Tasmania, Hobart has something for everyone. Located in the South East on the Derwent River, close to Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, you will find every type of ocean vessel in the harbour near Sullivans Cove, with excellent shopping, dining and activities all within walking distance in the city. Visit the new Antarctic Adventure Centre, the Botanical Gardens or the Old Hobart Gaol. Close to the city, Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre is a must for the family. With plenty of towns and attractions all within a days drive, Tasmania’s largest city is a fantastic base for your driving holiday and picking up your car rental from.

2. Huon Valley

South of Hobart you can’t miss the picturesque Huon Valley via the coast road, where you will be met with incredible scenery, coastal villages and natural attractions. Bruny Island is worth a visit, with Storm Bay promising stunning sea views. This is prime apple country, with Huonville the centre of this rich terrain. Follow the signs as you drive past waterways, vineyards and enter the famous D’Entrecasteau Channel. Before you leave make sure you visit the Hartz Mountains National Park near Geeveston. It is majestic country and one of the top spots to visit in Tasmania.

3. Launceston

North from Hobart in the heart of Tasmania, Launceston is rich in history and natural beauty. There is so much to see within the city and in the surrounding countryside. As well as world class, shopping, dining and historical buildings, visit the Queen Victoria Museum or enjoy a cruise at Cataract Gorge located only a few minutes from the city. Go fishing for trout in the Launceston Lakes or further out you can explore the Tamar Valley vineyards or the famous Cradle Mountain. For an easy day trip towns like Deloraine, Latrobe, Perth and Evandale are all a close drive away. This will be an enjoyable experience through car hire and will allow you to explore everything the region has to offer.

4. Devonport

Known as the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania, Devonport is a pretty city located mid north coast on the Mersey River. There is plenty to do, with the choice of visiting the Imaginarium Science Centre, Maritime Museum, Don River Railway or Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre within the city, or perhaps venture out further to Blue Lake where you can enjoy swimming and canoeing. Also close by is the Tasmanian Reptile Centre which is the largest wildlife park in Tasmania. In either direction along the coast is superb scenery and fishing towns which makes Devonport such a central and inviting city to visit.

5. Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair Park

Cradle Mountain is one of the most sought after locations in Australia, with exhilarating scenery, mountainous peaks, bushwalking tracks and natural beauty in every direction. From the north it is only 90 minutes from Burnie and is easily accessible, with camping facilities and cabins available. The Overland Trek is a six day walk that will take you into the heart of the park, or there are shorter walks close to Dove Lake that will still bring you face to face with incredible views of Cradle Mountain. This is one top spot you won’t want to miss on your vacation.

6. Swansea

Halfway up the east coast of Tasmania is Swansea. It is an unpretentious town that is everything historically local, and is a perfect spot to unwind. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, you can fish, swim or just enjoy a stroll on one of the many beaches in the area. Visit Spiky Bridge, an unusual bridge built in the 1800’s, or take one of the many walks in the area to watch hundreds of the local Shearwater’s at dusk. Close to the Freycinet National Park and beautiful Maria Island, this is a stunning area to visit.

7. Coles Bay

A well known tourist spot, Coles Bay offers endless sunshine and plenty of pretty places to picnic, swim and play. It is located on the East coast of Tasmania and is the entry point to the Freycinet Peninsula. Walk from the town to Wineglass Bay, which is known as one of the best beaches in Tasmania. There is rock climbing, abseiling, windsurfing and bushwalking or just enjoy a stroll along the superb beaches. Birdwatchers will love this area, and there is an abundance of wildlife, especially the Tasmanian devil. An ideal top spot for sun and water lovers.

8. Port Arthur

Only one hour from Hobart, step back to the days of the convicts and visit one of the most historical towns in Tasmania. Port Arthur, located on the Tasman Peninsula, started off as a convict prison, which is now open to tourists. Visit the buildings, museums in the old city and cruise to the Isle of the Dead for a closer look at the way life was. There are pretty beaches, parks and walks around the area, and visitors come from far and wide to experience one of Tasmania’s most well known tourist spots.

9. Flinders Island

Located on the northern tip of Tasmania, Flinders Island is teeming with birdlife, wildlife and incredible scenery and is a hidden treasure in the Bass Strait. It is also known to scuba divers with a number of wrecks in the area, there is fantastic fishing, camping, bike riding and bushwalking for all nature lovers. Horse riding is popular along the Flinders Trail which leads from one side of the island to the other. Flights are available if you are keen to see this majestic island even for a day or two.

10. Stanley

This historical village is famous for its platypus and penguin tours, which start at dusk to view the little penguins. Located in far north Tasmania on the tip of the peninsula, there is a lot more to see and do in this historical town. There is a seaquarium, seal watching and plenty of historic buildings in the area, as well as the Rocky Cape National Park which is popular for scuba diving and its brilliant coral reefs. Climb the Nut and board the chairlift for incredible views of the coast and enjoy the drives along the coastal road and its fishing villages.

11. New Norfolk

One of the oldest towns in Australia, New Norfolk is at the heart of the Derwent Valley, and is worth a visit to see the beautiful Derwent River, rolling hills, mountains and historical buildings. It is incredible driving with endless, winding roads and plenty of places to picnic and enjoy the countryside. Half an hour west from Hobart, it is the perfect base to visit the Mount Field National Park, and enjoy the lush, green countryside in this fascinating and relaxing region of Tasmania.

12. Strahan

The west coast of Tasmania is rugged and completely different to the east, with long stretches of ever changing wilderness, national parks and the well known Franklin River not far away. Stahan is a fishing village that is close to Ocean beach, which is Tasmania’s longest beach. There is overwhelming birdlife, sand dunes and amazing scenery up and down the coast. Take the walk to Hogarth Falls, visit Swan Bay picnic area or drive your car rental to nearby Queenstown with its unique landscapes. The Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park is worth visiting with jetboat rides and river cruises a few options.

13. St Helens

This colourful region of Tasmania’s north east is definitely worth a visit, with pretty towns such as Scottsdale, Derby and Weldborough within driving distance from beautiful St Helens. This fishing village has plenty of scenery, with Georges Bay the best place to relax and enjoy the sand dunes, and the well known Bay of Fires just north of the town. This is a great base to explore this diverse area that has rainforest, mountains, dairy farms and coastlines all within driving distance.

14. Deloraine

Deloraine is at the base of the Great Western Tiers in Central Tasmania, not far from Launceston. It is close to incredible natural beauty, with Cradle Mountain also within driving distance. There is plenty to do within the town, with craft shops and historical buildings such as Bonney’s Inn and the Folk Museum to visit, or maybe stroll the famous bridge across the Meander River. Although welcoming for a day trip, this is a great location to base yourselves if you want to see more of the rugged inland lakes and mountains that are often bypassed and worth a closer look.

15. King Island

Bass Strait’s most famous island is isolated and rich in vegetation and wildlife. There are miles of beaches to explore with Reid Rocks, a fur seal breeding ground, only 12 kilometres away from the mainland. Cape Wickham lighthouse is worth a visit, with King Island Dairies a must for the best home made cheese in Tasmania. There is plenty of accommodation here if you want to stay and enjoy the solitude.

16. Mole Creek National Park

Visitors travel from all over the state to see the incredible cave systems in this underground national park. Within close proximity to Launceston, there are over 300 caves here, one of the best known being King Solomons Caves, with the largest glow worm caves in Australia at Marakoopa best seen on the guided tours. The national park also has incredible forests, bushwalking tracks and camping facilities for those who can stay longer. It is one of the most unique top spots in Tasmania and worth a visit.

17. Ben Lomond

This National Park located in Northern Tasmania is a favourite in winter for snow skiing by locals and tourists. Located about an hour east from Launceston along the North Esk Valley, it is fantastic in the warmer months with rock climbing and bushwalking popular especially when the wildflowers are in bloom. The ski village is Jacobs Ladder, and the best camping spot is Carr Villa. Being so close it is worth visiting for incredible views and an amazing experience.

18. Lake Country

This picturesque region has to be seen to be believed. Situated in central Tasmania, there are plenty of bushwalking tracks and lookouts, with many leading to Lake St Clair, which is Australia’s deepest lake. All roads seem to lead to a lake, with Arthurs Lake, Lake Crescent and Lake Sorell all excellent for trout fishing. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is on the west of the plateau, but worth the trek with its raw beauty and cross country skiing in Winter. There are camping grounds in this area if you want to stay longer to enjoy the incredible beauty of this area.

19. Richmond

Not far from Hobart, Richmond is a historical town that is famous for the Richmond Gaol that will give you a very interesting look at life a few centuries ago. It is also home to Australia’s oldest bridge and there are ancient structures throughout this quiet town. The Old Hobart Model Village is also worth a visit and there is an amusement park for the kids.

20. Burnie

This is more than just a town you pass through. Stop here to visit some of the great natural attractions such as the pretty Guide Falls, Roundhill Lookout (especially at sunset and sunrise), Emu Valley and Emu Bay. There is also the Pioneer Village Museum, Burnie Art Gallery and the Little Penguin Observation Centre is a must for an incredible nature experience. Only a few minutes away, Fernglade is a great spot for a picnic and known for its platypus that frequent the area. You will love it here.

21. Tasman National Park

This is an incredibly diverse and scenic national park, with so many places to visit in one area, it is definitely worth the visit. Located just over 50 km east from Hobart, there are plenty of walks that will suit all visitors, which lead to majestic views of the coastline overlooking the Tasman Sea. There is a great walk form Eaglehawk Neck to Tasman Arch and a few walks that take a full day, with plenty of rewards. You can base yourself in Port Arthur, or take a few day trips from Hobart. Everything is so close in Tasmania and your car hire will allow you to take your time and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular part of the world.

Jen Brewer