Road Trip in Australia: Tasmania Travel Guide
Tasmania is sometimes referred to as the “forgotten state”; it’s typically not on the radar for first time visitors to Australia, and many of my Aussie mates have not visited their Southernmost state, yet, it’s full of adventures and surprises for the fortunate traveler. It’s compact size (you can drive from the bottom of the island to the top in around 3 hours) allows you to experience a variety of landscapes and activities in a long weekend. Stroll on empty coastlines, walk through eucalyptus-clad forests, and traverse rugged mountains. Spot the ever-present land and sea life. Savor the gourmet food and superb wines. Witness the flourishing creative arts scene, and embrace the local lifestyle.
How to Get to Tasmania
The main gateway to Tasmania is Hobart Airport, servicing flights predominantly to/from Melbourne and Sydney. You’ll need to connect through either city if you are flying in from another country or from another Australian destination. I recommend renting a car directly upon your arrival as self-driving is the best way to explore Tasmania. Yes, you will have to drive on the left side of the road, but it just takes a few minutes to adjust. Tassie’s bus schedules are slow and limited, and taxis are not available in remote towns, so having a car gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want.
Things to Do in Tasmania
Read about the best places to visit in Tasmania and suggestions on things to do:
Historic Hobart
Hobart is a quaint port city with a strong colonial heritage, and is the perfect urban base for your varying daytime excursions. Sandstone Georgian warehouses contrast with modern offices, and old pubs remain alongside trendy craft breweries and whiskey distilleries. Former port buildings now house contemporary restaurants and funky art galleries.
Salamanca Market
On Saturdays, locals fill Salamanca Place selling and purchasing all types of goodies, including freshly picked produce, cheeses, homegrown honey, antiques, and second-hand goods. It’s an unmatched cultural experience that allows you to mix with Tasmanian’s of all ages, and is a true foodies dream. I tasted a wide variety of eats from savory salmon jerky and sausage, to sweet blueberry crumb cake and juicy strawberries with cream. I also grabbed a loaf of sourdough bread and multicolored apples to fuel our adventures ahead.
MONA
Up the Derwent River on the Berriedale peninsula lies MONA. The Museum of Old and New Art was built underground on a picturesque winery, and has been described as a “subversive adult Disneyland”. The best way to get there is via the fast ferry from the heart of Hobart. Before or after your journey through the cavernous gallery, enjoy a tasting at Moorila Winery or Moo Brew Brewery onsite.
The non-labeled artwork is controversial and thought-provoking. The exhibits broaden your perspective, and make you appreciate the eccentricity of Tasmania. After emerging from the intriguing museum, I witnessed a double rainbow and wild peacocks roaming around the land. Tasmania is truly magical.
Day Trips from Hobart
If you’re a history buff, take a day trip to Port Arthur to get a glimpse of its gruesome past. It was the British Empire’s most brutal penal colony in the 1800’s, and many of the original structures still remain. While you’re down there, perhaps take an excursion to Tasman Island, which showcases Tassie’s jagged shoreline and abundant wildlife.
Countless nature based experiences are accessible from Hobart. Dominating the skyline, Mt. Wellington stretches 4,000 feet above the city. If you do not have the time or energy to hike up the mountain, a 20-minute drive from the city centre will lead you to its peak. The Pinnacle has expansive views of Hobart and beyond ... if you’re lucky and the dense clouds clear.
About 1 1/2 hours Northwest of the city, Tasmania’s first national park, Mt Field, is the perfect place to get your nature fix, especially if you’re time poor. The national park has trails for all types of hikers. One particularly easy, yet scenic walk is to Russell Falls, the most photographed waterfall in Tasmania. You’ll stroll past moss-covered rocks and draping fern trees, and spot the world’s tallest flowering plant, the swamp gum. It’s very likely that you’ll encounter native Australian animals, such as wallabies and echidnas as well. If you do not, stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll be able to get up-close to all sorts of Australian wildlife, including the infamous Tasmanian devil.
Journey Up the East Coast
If your schedule allows you to venture farther from Hobart, a journey up the East Coast is a must. Stop in Bicheno to visit the blowhole, which erupts every few minutes. Be on the lookout for roadside stalls, where you can enjoy just-caught seafood, dairy products, plump berries, and orchard fruits direct from the local growers and fisherman. I purchased a 1/2 dozen oysters the size of my hand, plucked straight from the ocean, for $5 total. The quality of the food is inconceivable... until you have the pleasure of tasting it yourself! The fresh flavors are ingrained in my memory forever.
Freycinet National Park
Choose an accommodation that’s half way up the East Coast, near Freycinet National Park. It’s one of Tasmania’s principal draws, and for a good reason. One of my personal favorite hikes within Freycinet is the Wineglass Bay Track. You’ll wind through the eucalyptus-filled bush, which will lead you to pure white beaches and turquoise waters. The pink granite rocks speckled with orange lichen, contrasting against the azure sea, is a sight not to be missed. If you prefer to visit the national park by water, cruise the crescent shaped Wineglass Bay with a local catamaran operator.
Isolated from mainland Australia, Tasmania has a quirky, laid-back culture that feels different from the rest of the country. There’s so much more to explore in regions like Cradle Mountain, Strahan, and Launceston, but my suggestions are a solid start for an authentic Tasmanian experience. The clean air, fresh food, and pristine wilderness will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Where to Stay
Hobart - Islington Hotel, Henry Jones Art Hotel, or MACq 01 Hotel
East Coast – Saffire, Edge of the Bay Resort, or Freycinet Lodge
** Airbnb is always a wonderful option as well.
When to Go
Tasmania is a year-round destination, but November to April boasts sunnier skies & warmer days.