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Top 21 – Tasmania Must See Destinations
Looking for inspiration on what to do on your Tasmania holiday? We have you covered! Here is our round up of Top 21 Things to do in Tasmania.
1. Hobart
The capital city of Hobart is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in all of Tasmania. Located in the South East on the banks of the Derwent River, and at the foot of Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, you will find every type of ocean vessel in the harbour near Sullivans Cove. Hobart also boasts excellent shopping, dining and activities which are all located within walking distance of the city. Visit the new Antarctic Adventure Centre, the Botanical Gardens or the Old Hobart Gaol. The Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre is located close to the city and is a must for the family. With plenty of towns and attractions all within a days drive, Tasmania’s largest city is an ideal base for your driving holiday.
2. Huon Valley
Just south of Hobart you will not be able to go past the Huon Valley, which is positioned via the coast road. Here you will be met with incredible scenery, coastal villages and natural attractions. Bruny Island is defnitely worth a visit, with Storm Bay promising stunning ocean views. This is prime apple country, with Huonville the central hub 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 make some time to visit the Hartz Mountains National Park near Geeveston. This is truly majestic country and is one of the top spots to visit in Tasmania.
3. Launceston
Positioned right in the heart of Tasmania, just north of Hobart, is the beautiful city of Launceston. This unique city is rich in history and natural beauty and there is an endless array of things to see and do. World class, shopping, dining and historical buildings are just the tip of the iceburg, with the Queen Victoria Museum a must-see highlight in the city. Alternatively you can enjoy a cruise at Cataract Gorge, which located only a few minutes from the city. Go fishing for trout in the Launceston Lakes or 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 is the perfect city to use as a base to explore and enjoy all this amazing region has to offer.
4. Devonport
Most famously known for being the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania, Devonport is a pretty city located mid north coast on the banks of the Mersey River. The great thing about this city is that there is just so much to see and do. Attractions such as the Imaginarium Science Centre, Maritime Museum, Don River Railway or Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre are all popular choice, or you could 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 the state. In either direction along the coast is superb scenery and quaint fishing towns, which makes Devonport such a central and inviting city to visit.
5. Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain is one of the most sought after locations in Australia, and is home to exhilarating scenery, mountainous peaks, bushwalking tracks and a natural beauty that cannot be put into words. From the north it is only 90 minutes from the historic town of Burnie and is easily accessible, with camping facilities and cabins available. The Overland Trek is a popular six day walk that will take you into the heart of the park. There is also the option of taking a shorter walk, 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.
6. Swansea
Halfway up the east coast of Tasmania is the quaint village of Swansea. It is an unpretentious town that is everything historically local, and is a perfect spot to unwind and relax. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, you can choose to fish, swim or just enjoy a stroll on one of the many beaches in the area. Be sure to pay a visit to Spiky Bridge, which is an unusual bridge built in the 1800s. You can also take one of the many walks in the area to watch hundreds of the local Shearwaters at dusk. Close to the Freycinet National Park and beautiful Maria Island, this is a stunning area to visit and has an ideal location for further exploration of the surrounding wonders.
7. Coles Bay
A well known tourist spot, Coles Bay offers endless hours of sunshine and a multitude of pretty places to picnic, swim and play. It is located on the East coast of Tasmania and is the gateway to the Freycinet Peninsula. Walk from the town to Wineglass Bay, which is regarded as one of the best beaches in Tasmania. Attractions include rock climbing, abseiling, windsurfing and bushwalking or alternatively, you can just enjoy a stroll along the superb beaches. Birdwatchers will love this area, as there is an abundance of bird life. Wildlife also love this place, especially the Tasmanian devil, making it a top spot for nature lovers.
8. Port Arthur
Take a step back in time 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, and is now a popular attraction for 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 back in the day. 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 brimming with birdlife, wildlife and amazing scenery and is a hidden treasure in the Bass Strait. It is also a popular spot for scuba divers with a number of wrecks in the area Opportunities for fantastic fishing, camping, bike riding and bushwalking for all nature lovers are constantly on offer. Horse riding is also 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 and I highly suggest it as it will be unforgettable.
10. Stanley
The historical village of Stanley is famous for its platypus and penguin tours. These tours start at dusk and offer rare opportunities to view the little penguins. Located in far north Tasmania on the tip of the peninsula, there is so much 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 colourful coral reefs. Climb the Nut and board the chairlift for stunning views of the coast and enjoy the drives along the coastal road and its fishing villages.
11. New Norfolk
New Norfolk is one of the oldest towns in the state and is situated right in the heart of the Derwent Valley. The best thing about this area would have to be the beautiful Derwent River, rolling hills, mountains and historical buildings. The beautiful endless, winding roads and plenty of places to picnic are the perfect way to 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
For a completely different experience to the east coast, be sure to check out the west coast of Tasmania which is rugged, with long stretches of ever changing wilderness, national parks and the well known Franklin River not far away. Stahan is a quaint little fishing village that is close to Ocean beach, which is of course Tasmania’s longest beach. There is an abundance of birdlife, sand dunes and amazing scenery up and down the coast, with stunning sights every way you look. Take the walk to Hogarth Falls, visit Swan Bay picnic area or take a short drive to nearby Queenstown, which is home to some of the country’s most unique landscapes. The Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park is also worth a visit, with jetboat rides and river cruises just a few of the options available here.
13. St Helens
St Helens is a colourful region of Tasmania’s north east that is definitely worth a visit. Home to pretty towns such as Scottsdale, Derby and Weldborough, all within a short driving distance, this is an ideal base for a holiday. This fishing village has plenty of scenery, with Georges Bay the best place to relax and enjoy the sand dunes. The well known Bay of Fires is just north of the town and is another ideal destination. This is a great base for exploration of rainforest, mountains, dairy farms and dramatic coastline.
14. Deloraine
Deloraine lies at the base of the Great Western Tiers in Central Tasmania and is not too far from the city of Launceston. Featuring incredible natural beauty, with Cradle Mountain also within driving distance, Deloraine is a must on any Tasmanian holiday. 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. Alternatively you can take a stroll along 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 but worth a closer look.
15. King Island
Although Bass Straits most famous island is isolated, it is still extremely rich in vegetation and wildlife. Reid Rocks, a fur seal breeding ground, is only 12 kilometres away from the mainland and is perfect if you are seeking to explore miles and miles of pristine beach. Cape Wickham lighthouse is also 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
The Mole Creek National Park is home to some of the most incredible cave systems and this is essentially what draws in the visitors from all over the country. Within close proximity to Launceston, there are over 300 caves here, with the King Solomons Caves the most famous of these. The glow worm caves in Australia at Marakoopa are the largest in the country and are best experienced on a guided tour. The national park also has incredible forests, bushwalking tracks and camping facilities for those who choose to 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 hugely popular in winter for snow skiing with the locals and tourists. Located just an hour east from Launceston along the North Esk Valley, it is fantastic in the warmer months with rock climbing and bushwalking must-do activities, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom. The ski village here is called Jacobs Ladder, and the best camping spot would have to be Carr Villa. Being so close it is worth visiting for incredible views and an amazing experience you will remember forever.
18. Lake Country
The picturesque Lake Country region must be seen to be believed. Situated in central Tasmania, there are plenty of bushwalking tracks and lookouts that will tantalize your adventurous spirit. Many of these even lead to Lake St Clair, which is Australiass deepest lake. In fact all roads seem to lead to a lake, with Arthurs Lake, Lake Crescent and Lake Sorell all great spots for trout fishing. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is on the west of the plateau, but is definitely worth the trek with its raw beauty and cross country skiing in Winter.
19. Richmond
Richmond is a beautiful historical town that is famous for the Richmond Gaol and allows you to step back into what life was like a few centuries ago. It is also home to Australia’s oldest bridge, as well as many other interesting structures throughout this quiet town. The Old Hobart Model Village is also worth a visit and there is an amusement park that will keep the kids happy.
20. Burnie
The historic town of Burnie is more than just a town you pass through. Take a stop here to visit some great natural attractions such as the pretty Guide Falls, Roundhill Lookout (especially at sunset and sunrise), Emu Valley and Emu Bay. The Pioneer Village Museum, Burnie Art Gallery and the Little Penguin Observation Centre also offer incredible experiences. Only a few minutes drive up the road you will come across Fernglade, which is a great spot for a picnic and is 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 all in the one area, it is definitely worth the visit. It is situated just over 50 km east from Hobart and there are plenty of walks that will suit all visitors and lead to majestic views of the coastline overlooking the Tasman Sea. There is also 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 that you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of this spectacular part of the world.