Why You Should Visit Tasmania

Do you have the itch to holiday somewhere that is steeped in intriguing history, rich with resplendent landscapes, abundant with wildlife, pulsating with charm, and jam-packed with flavour? Tasmania has it all in spades. Blessed with pristine wilderness, crisp clear air, secluded bays, soft sand beaches, uncrowded cities and charismatic towns, there a plenty of reasons a tour of Tasmania should be on your list. Here are just some…

Eclectic Hobart

Tasmania’s compact capital has a big personality. Its streets are flanked by heritage buildings that hold stories of old, and its modern arts and culture scene is busting with a new-age feel. Salamanca Place gets creative and culinary hearts aflutter, with galleries aplenty and artisan produce ready to be devoured. Visit on a Saturday to see the markets in full swing or explore on any weekday to satisfy your craving for, well, almost anything! Venture to the waterfront precinct to indulge your palate further in one of the waterside restaurants or immerse yourself in the exhibitions of the famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Eye Catching East Coast

The stretch of coast bordering the Tasman Sea on the East Coast of Tasmania boasts some of the most scenic highlights of the state. Home to the untouched wildlife hubs of Maria and Bruny Islands, you can spot fur seals, fairy penguins, echidnas, wombats and Tasmanian devils enjoying the wilderness just as much as you. Clinging to the coastline further north is Freycinet National Park where the pink granite of the Hazards Range shimmers in the sun, and the famous Wineglass Bay lies like a chalice overflowing with white sand beaches and crystal water. By contrast, the granite boulders of the Bay of Fires between Binalong Bay and Eddystone Point are awash with orange lichen, throwing a vibrant auburn hue against the turquoise water.

West Coast Wilderness

Not to be overshadowed by its eastern counterpart, the West Coast of Tasmania is full of treasures waiting to be uncovered. Cradle Mountain overlooks the sprawling Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which represents roughly 20% of the state and makes a perfect landscape to bushwalk through lush foliage and drink in the views. Further south lies the coastal town of Strahan, a charming gateway to the Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River. Wind your way through this pristine ecosystem flanked with ancient forests of Huon pines, some of which have called the Gordon River home for over 2000 years. Watch the famous reflections dance across the glassy waterway and keep a look out for the myriad of birdlife flitting overhead.

North West Wonders

The list just gets better. Australia’s greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest, the Tarkine, also the largest in the world, is located in Tasmania's North West. Find pretty beaches and the welcoming towns of Devonport and Burnley. The murals of Sheffield hold their own against the backdrop of Cradle Mountain. See little penguins at Penguin, named so after the nearby rookery. Fields of tulips bring colour to the seaside town of Wynyard and the Nut at Stanley brings attention to the coastal beauty of Stanley, where the colonial buildings are preserved with dignity and respect for the town’s past. Stanley is also the popular gateway to the Tarkine.

Convict History

Scattered throughout Tasmania are reminders of the state’s convict history. Established as a British penal colony in the early 1800s, Tasmania is still home to physical remnants and intangible stories of a different age. Five of the 11 Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List lie within the borders of Australia’s smallest state. Convicts often guilty of only minor misdemeanours were banished to the penal colonies of the south, where they endured harsh conditions, physical and sometimes psychological punishment. Visit the Port Arthur Historical Site where 30 enduring buildings give up secrets of suffering or explore the many other lasting fragments of convict history throughout the island.

Food and Wine Trails

While hiking trails are plentiful in Tasmania, so are the culinary ones! Known for its fresh produce and artisan creations, food and wine trails are mapped out all over the state. The Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail in the northwest takes in over 20 producers from Launceston to Smithton. Treat your palate to a variety of goods served up from olive groves, berry farms, bee hives, and vineyards. Wind your way through the Cider Trail aptly encompassing the Huon Valley where 80% of Tasmania’s apples are grown, visit the Cascade Brewery and Boag’s Brewery along the Beer Trail, or discover the cellar doors of the Tamar Valley where the flavours are as good as the views. No matter which you follow, you are on the right track if you are a foodie heading to Tasmania.

Winning Whiskey

For the whiskey lovers, Tasmania is a dream come true. Not only is there a dedicated Whiskey Trail twisting its way through the country, it is also home to Australia’s most awarded whiskey, and a world class one at that! Sullivan’s Cove Distillery outside of Hobart has taken out a couple of accolades at the World Whiskies Awards, being named the proud producer of the World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt in 2018 and the World’s Best Single Malt in 2014 (among a string of other honours). Just one of the standout distilleries, it sets the scene for some splendid drops to try on your tour of Tasmania.