Tasmania, famous as Tas, is an island state in Australia and is not very crowded. The largest and capital city of the state, Hobart, is the most populous. The tourism industry of Tasmania is very popular among visitors. It contributes a considerable portion to the State’s economy.
So, let’s jump on to its tourist attractions without wasting much time. There are so many fun-filled things to do in Tasmania. Tourist places of Tasmania draw tourists from all over the world and leave them mesmerised.
You can visit there by car; there’s a parking slot available. One such parking over there is Dunn Place. Another offer for exploring the whole city is taking a hop-on-hop-off bus. It is convenient as well.
The Main Tourist Attractions Of Tasmania
Tasmania’s National Parks
Tasmanian national parks reign the whole of Tasmania. But yes, one must remember to get the ‘parks pass‘ for entry.
‘Daily pass’ is valid only for 24 hours. Some specific Daily Passes are applicable for particular parks only. For instance, a Daily Pass for Cradle Mountain needs to be purchased from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
Yet, there’s another pass for those who wish to explore more parks. It’s a ‘holiday pass’, it’s favourable enough and valid for two months. Other than that, there’s an annual or Two year ‘All Parks Pass’ available as well. This pass applies to entering all the parks in Tasmania. It will allow you to access the shuttle bus at Cradle Mountain as well. All these passes are available online.
Let’s dive into some things to do in Tasmania with these passes.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park is located on the central island of Tasmania. The main attraction of this park is Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park. Conquering the whole park’s north, it ties up with Lake Clair towards the south. Trust me; it is one of the most happening things to do in Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park has many mountains and fabulous breathtaking views. Dove Lake beside it is so stunning. People go for short walks and listen to what the gentle breeze coming along with the waves says.
Iconic view of Dove Lake and the boat shed with Cradle Mountain in the background, Pademelons, Bennett’s Wallabies, Wombats, possums, and currawongs reign the animal kingdom of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Note Before You Go:
The Clair National Park has some regulations.
- Feeding the animals is prohibited. The non-followers of the rules are fined huge bucks.
- The climatic fluctuations at the Cradle Mountainous area are very severe. When it rains for a few minutes, can you imagine, say about 2 minutes and then the sky flashes with the bright sunlight? You can call it erratic!
- The weather for most of the days in Cradle Mountain remains rainy. The temperature is always at a dip. So visitors must get themselves shielded from the wet weather before going to the Summit.
The vivid vegetation of Cradle Mountain includes grasslands and rainforests. It also has plants like King Billy pine and deciduous beech.
The park shelters the massive kingdom of wildlife. Tasmanian Devils, Quolls Platypus, echidna and many species of birds can be seen in Cradle Mountain.
The Cradle Mountain region would provide a glimpse of the history of the aboriginals. Few artifacts like stone tools, shelters made of rocks, and many other items made of stone can be seen. Many more ancient remains provide an overview of the Aboriginals.
If you are in the State, make sure you get everything to do in Tasmania. The ‘Me’ time can never be so exciting. A creepy walk in Clair Park’s lanes under the greens’ avenues is so exciting! If you love nature’s colour, visit the place in the spring and summer seasons. You will have a lot of things to do in Tasmania during these seasons.
Attractions of Tasmania have a beautiful display of flowers like waratahs, orchids, banksias, hakeas, leatherwoods and many more. It makes the Tas world look so vibrant and colourful.
You can take advantage of Lake Cruises and enjoy fishing. Scenic Flights over the cradle mountain and the park are unique, making you feel like the king of the beautiful world.
The tourists can rest at ease in the cabins, chalets or campgrounds. One would find himself in the vicinity of Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair.
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is located on the east coast of Tasmania within the territory of Oyster Bay. Freycinet National Park is one of the oldest national parks on the island. Its origin is traced back to the year 1916.
Stunning white sand beaches on the east coast glorify the beauty of the Freycinet National Park. You will have a lot of things to do in Tasmania and marvellous mountain peaks.
The Wineglass Bay on the east coast is a miracle by the creator of this beautiful haven. Its water is so clear, so transparent. The sand isthmus formed the bay that connects Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet. You can call it Tasmania’s crown. In Freycinet National Park, you will also find the Hazards Mountain Range.
The Freycinet Peninsula is the most celebrated area located on the east coast of Tasmania. It has been formed for over 400 million years. Whales find themselves the king of the water. Moving off the east coast of Tasmania, you will find Maria Island. Maria Island is a gem in a true sense. The island is also a significant part of all things to do in Tasmania.
You will look at mammals like Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas. On moving ahead of the rocks, one can see the resting seals. No one should dare to disturb them. Bird species add to the charm of the serene place. Wineglass Bay and Cape Tourville on the east coast allow you to get a glimpse of White-bellied sea eagles.
The camping ground at Richardson Beach shows a strong connection with the Aboriginals. These Aboriginals are not just the past of Tasmania. They have made history by making their dwelling place not less than a Global Heritage site.
The old mine shafts abandoned Whaler’s camp, and remnants of the farmer’s dwelling huts add to the rich cultural heritage of Tas. The hard work of these heroic souls made the Freycinet Peninsula one of the world’s most famous places. It has made this place receive global recognition. The area was restricted as a National Park since 1916, next to Mount Field National Park.
Note Before You Go:
You should keep a few things in mind before visiting Freycinet National Park.
- The National Park is recognised as a Fuel Stove Only Area. Campfires are prohibited here.
- Drones are not allowed.
- We should keep the place clean. We should dispose of all the garbage in the bin before leaving the site.
- The Freycinet Visitor Centre displays many local items, like clothing, park passes, books and many more. The place has access to drinking water and a washroom. People with mobility limitations have access to wheelchairs.
- The wheelchair access requires prior booking. It is available online or over the telephone.
- Tours provide guides for the visitors to the places. They also guide the visitors about some other things to do in Tasmania.
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
This national park is intense, erratic, and wild in every sense. Graphical mountain peaks and ranges, the gorges, and the wild dancing waves are the forte of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
This national park has vivid vegetation with cool temperate rainforests, and dried eucalyptus. You can experience beautiful picturesque views at King William Saddle, Mount Rufus, Frenchman’s Cap.
You can stay in Strahan, as many accommodation options are available. The park can be accessed by boat as well. Rafting and canoeing are the highlights of the summer. And at last, the scenic flights from Strahan can make your tour an accomplished one.
This national park holds the long conservation struggle to protect the Franklin River. The conflict was between those who wanted to build a dam for the hydroelectricity power scheme. On the other side, there is the protector of the natural aesthetic values of the wild, Gordon River.
The diverse vegetation of the park is home to varieties of wildlife. The world’s most giant carnivorous marsupials, Tasmanian devil, spotted tail quoll, and eastern quoll are found in this national park. The wild habitats also include platypus, echidnas, pademelons and many more.
Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park is situated in the central highlands of Tasmania. It is famous as ‘the park of all seasons’. Like the other national parks, this is also part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area since 2013.
Mount Field National Park is the abode of the world’s tallest eucalyptus forest and alpine vegetation. Visiting there, you will find the Russell Falls, one of the most beautiful natural creations in the world.
The National Park has been divided into two visitor sections. One is the entrance of the national park. One can find the visitor centre with various sellable items, picnic spots, and the grand Russell Falls. The exotic mineral resources like dolerite, sandstone, and quartzite will all be at your feet.
The National Park is a protected area that conserves various wildlife species. The national park is full of varied exotic birds like cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles, and glowworms. Wallabies, wombats, and echidnas are common in this national park. You will also be able to view platypus at Lake Dobson and extinct and endangered species like the eastern quoll.
This national park is a beautiful amalgamation of Tasmania’s indigenous flora and fauna.
Note Before You Go
- Weather conditions fluctuate at an extreme level in this national park.
- Bush fire is widespread between October to March. Walking gear, warm protection, waterproof hood jackets, and similar protective coverings are a must-have in extreme weather conditions.
- There have been instances of accidental deaths in extreme weather conditions in National parks. Track signboards would be a great help to avoid any unwanted incidents.
Cataract Gorge
The Cataract Gorge Reserve is located on the South Esk River. Several leisure facilities are available here, like enjoying the swimming pool, restaurant cafes and many more. The indigenous beauty of peacocks adds to the hues of Launceston Cataract Gorge.
The southern side of the river is an excellent picnic spot, with barbecues and a swimming pool. And on the Northern side of it, you will find the natural beauty of exotic flora and ferns. You can explore the gorge on a cruise as well.
Visitors have a good dining time at the Gorge restaurants, and Basin Cafe, and snacks, drinks, ice creams, and desserts at the Basin Kiosk. Several gorge walks are great to experience, like Capes walk, cataract walk, zig-zag track, first basin loop, reed gully track and snake gully track. They are one of the best things to do in Tasmania.
The weather is very unpredictable and has experienced heavy rains many times around the year.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur Historic Site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tasmania. It is 90 minutes away from Hobart by car. Exploration of such a historic place deserves hand full of time. You can explore more than 30 buildings and the remnants over 100 acres.
Needless to say, you must have a site entry pass that remains valid for two days. Single-pass includes everything from a 20-minute harbour cruise, to access to Port Arthur Art galleries and many more.
Tickets are available online. Port Arthur Historic Site also offers you to buy a ‘Ticket of Leave’, which validates for two years from the date of purchase.
In the 1800s, on the visit of any dignitaries, a special tour was organised by the commandants. This includes a special visit to the separate prison cell, and convict church. This particular tour is now known as Commandant’s Tour.
The Guide will inform you about the people who worked here the whole of their lives in making Port Arthur a historical one. The Guide will further tell you more about all the things to do in Tasmania while you are here.
Port Arthur Historic Site is both a historical and adventurous one. It has so many exciting tours. One such is, the ‘Escape from Port Arthur Tour’. What could be perfect for the imprisonment cell other than this isolated, solitary Port Arthur?
This Port Arthur Historic Site has so many stories to narrate. Another suspicious tour includes the Isle of the Dead cemetery Tour. This place holds many untold stories inside its chest about the families who worked here. So many convicts, military personnel, women, and children were buried here.
Port Arthur Ghost tour is a mystery tour conducted after the night falls. It’s a 90-minute lantern-lit Ghost Tour full of untold scary stories about souls with unfulfilled aspirations.
Many more treasures lie here in the Port Arthur Historic Site. A ticket for leave would not be a waste as visiting Port Arthur is one of the most happening things to do in Tasmania.
Mount Wellington / Kunanyi
Mount Wellington is located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. The snowy trenches of Mount Wellington would give many moments to treasure for the whole of one’s lifetime. It is so mesmerising. Mount Wellington welcomes travellers with comforting hot coffee at Lost Freight Cafe at the springs.
The temperature at the altitude of Mount Wellington is always less than that of Hobart. It’s die-hard-numbing freaking cold over there; a hot cocoa smoothie would be a good start, wouldn’t it be?
The roads down there are usually obstructed due to bad weather. So one must check for the updates before actually driving in that woodland. Well, you can check this online. Digital makes life easy.
The Visitor’s Spot is beautifully planned in Mount Wellington. One can see the whole of Hobart city from the top and the Tasmania bridge as well.
There’s an ‘observation deck’. It has taken care of every little bit of traveller’s comfort. If the weather becomes erratic, windy, or snowy, the travellers can get inside it and enjoy the beautiful sight of the place. They can also capture the beautiful sights of Mount Wellington in their reels.
Let’s get into other fantastic things to do in Tasmania while visiting.
Constitution Dock:
This place has lots of fun-filled things to do in Tasmania like kayaking, sailing, seaplanes and many more. The plates of seafood in the dock are mouth-watering. Grilled fish is a must-have for seafood lovers.
This place is famous as an ending line for the annual Sydney- Hobart Yacht Race. It commences on Boxing Day and concludes on New Year’s Eve.
The Georgian sandstone warehouses are a true admiration. Earlier, this building was a storehouse of whale oil, wool, and grain. But today, this building is used as a business centre, restaurant, and art gallery.
Salamanca Market
If you are wondering about the other things to do in Tasmania, visit Salamanca. Salamanca Market is very famous in Tas. It is full of vibrant colours having so many varieties of every pick. Saturday is the best day to visit this market from 8.30 am -3 pm, and for food lovers, one must enjoy the local cuisines and local fruits. The shopaholics will have an enchanting time over there. It’s time for them to set their pocket loose.
Over more than 300 stallholders line up with their assets. You will find many products, starting from home decor, kitchen wares, jewellery, clothing, handicrafts and many more. There is no entry fee charged, and it is owned and operated by the city of Hobart.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island stretches to about 362 kilometres. It is situated in the D’entrecasteaux Channel, off the southeast coast of Tas and is in the vicinity of the coastline of Hobart.
It takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Bruny Island by car. On getting there, one needs to take ferries to explore the whole of Bruny Island. This beach offers so much at its bay. Families, friends, and couples love to visit this place at the weekends.
Getting here, you will have a lot of things to do. Bruny Island shelters a rugged, beautifully carved landscape, and there are so many fun-filled activities at its wild beaches. Swimming, surfing, fishing are some of the fun-filled moments.
Its major attractions include the views of the Neck from Truganini Lookout, fur seals on the Eco cruise, island cheese and the berries are the sparks of the place.
Bruny Island has a fantastic home that produces food and wine. Cheese Co. is worth visiting, and one must not dare to miss out on the European cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses. Visit ‘Bruny Island Premier Wine‘ for tossing glasses of wine with lunch and dinner.
The site is a perfect picnic spot. Nurture yourself with the fresh produce of different breeds of berries family, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, berries ice cream, and berries jam.
Who doesn’t wish to get into the depth of the history and vivid culture of the place they visit? The Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration recalls the struggle of the beautiful island to establish itself and stand erect with glory. It showcases the story of Captain Joseph D’Entrecasteaux and the history of South Pacific exploration. It also exhibits various documents, paintings, and artifacts of different explorers.
The most clicked view of Bruny Island is The Neck. It’s the Strait joining the north and the south. This pretty island has so much to give to its praiser and is a perk of getting love and admiration in return. On moving towards the island’s south, one would find Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Tasmania’s dramatic landscapes and stunning scenery are impeccable. It’s white-sand beaches and other attractions are so serene. True Tasmania resides in diverse vegetation, and its food and drinks are to die for. Cedar, fresh apples, wine, and cheese are the best in Tasmania. If you want to hike, hiking trails are a must-try in Tasmania. It is one of the great things to do in Tasmania. Don’t miss it.
The State of Tasmania is full of festivals. Some important summer festivals are the Falls Festival, The Taste of Tasmania, Mona Foma, and many more. Any time of the year you visit, it will always have something to offer to its visitors. You will always have a list of fun things to do in Tasmania.
The Heart of Tasmania lies in Hobart and Launceston. Both cities have direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Visiting Tasmania between December and February is worth touring. There are so many fun-filled things to do in Tasmania at this time of the year. But, keep checking the accommodation rates. During the summertime, prices tend to be high from December to February.
Why are you waiting then? Book your tickets now and fly to Tasmania.
FAQs
Q1. What food is Tasmania known for?
Tasmania is renowned for its fresh produce, including seafood (such as salmon and oysters), cheese, berries, and premium wines. The island’s culinary scene emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients.
Q2. What are the top outdoor activities in Tasmania?
Tasmania offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking (including the Overland Track), wildlife spotting, cycling, kayaking, and exploring the island’s national parks and reserves.
Last Updated on March 3, 2024 by Maity
