No matter which part of Tasmania you visit, you’ll find spectacular lookouts and views that show off this gorgeous island. Turning most corners around the state you’ll find spectacular and changing views - from the rolling hills of the northwest Coast to the crazy-beautiful waters of the east coast we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this island state.
Whether you’re showing off your holiday to family and friends, or snapping an Instagram picture to show your followers where you’ve been, you’ll find hundreds of lookouts and views in Tasmania to take the perfect photo as a memento of your visit.
Read on to find some of the most popular spots to soak in the view and take a moment to appreciate this special island called Tasmania.
Perhaps the most popular view in Tasmania is looking out over the azure waters of Wineglass Bay on the east coast of Tasmania within Freycinet National Park. From the lookout you’ll get a fantastic view of this special part of Tasmania and the sweeping curve of the white sandy beach. If you venture down to the beach from the lookout, you’ll likely be greeted by the small wallabies that call this beach home. A true iconic destination, Wineglass Bay should be on everyone’s bucket list.From Hobart, Freycinet National Park is located just over 3 hours to the northeast and from Launceston it is just under 2 hours’ drive to the southeast.
The Bay of Fires can be found on the east coast of Tasmania and is truly Instagram worthy. Clear blue water and squeaky white sand will greet you in this beautiful location. The area between Eddystone Point and Binalong Bay has amazing orange coloured lichen growing over its granite rocks, which make for gorgeous views while you wander along these beaches. The colours are simply outstanding, and the beaches are pristine spaces where you’re not fighting the crowds to find a spot.
A 2.5 hour drive from Launceston will have you on the doorstep of this spectacular area. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
One of the most iconic views in Tasmania is that of Cradle Mountain viewed from Dove Lake. On clear days this iconic mountain is reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Dove Lake and the clean mountain air will remind you why so many people love Tasmania.
To walk the circuit around Dove Lake it will take you just over an hour and will draw you close to the base of Cradle Mountain where you will see stunning waterfalls and rainforest. There are also many other walks around this part of Tasmania, including the famous Overland Track that will take you to incredible views of our diverse landscapes.
2 hours from Launceston and 1 hour 20 minutes from Devonport, Cradle Mountain should be at the top of your list for destinations to visit in Tasmania. Image thanks to Pierre Destribats.
The Neck at Bruny Island is a particularly picturesque isthmus which connects the north and south parts of Bruny Island. Complete with a fantastic viewing platform on top of the small hill, you’ll find the short climb to the top definitely worthwhile when you see the views. The Neck is a great place to stop and soak in the natural scenery as well as a great place to travel to at sunset to see Fairy Penguins returning to their burrows.
Bruny Island can be accessed by ferry from the small township of Kettering, approximately 30 minutes south of Hobart. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett.
A favourite with visitors to Hobart, the summit of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington has amazing views looking across the city and down to Bruny Island and beyond. Easily accessible boardwalks take you to viewing platforms that make you feel as if you’re in a completely different world to that of the city below. For the days when the wind is particularly strong there is an observation shelter at the Pinnacle where you can take in the views without being buffeted by the cold winds.
There are a number of great walks on the mountain and in winter you’ll often find the mountain snow capped. A wonderful place to see either the sunrise or sunset, you’ll love the views of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
Located in the south of Tasmania, a quick 30-minute drive from the centre of Hobart will have you at the pinnacle of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Image thanks to Paul Fleming.
The Tessellated Pavement is a gorgeous landmark that looks just as if tiles were laid over a rocky platform at the northern end of beautiful Pirates Bay. Located on the Tasman Peninsula, approximately an hour to the southeast of Hobart, the Tessellated Pavement is found along with many other amazing views and rock formations such as the Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and the Port Arthur Historic Site.
The Tessellated Pavement has been a favourite of visitors to Tasmania and photographers, the best time to view this gorgeous site is at low tide. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Andrew McIntosh.
The Gordon River Dam is a view that will definitely take your breath away, even if you’re not scared of heights! The dam wall is 140 metres high and is a spectacular sight, particularly if there are daredevils abseiling down the face of the wall. The Gordon Dam holds water from the large lakes of Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder and creates 13% of the power used within Tasmania.
The Gordon River Dam is found 2.5 hours to the west of Hobart. Visitors will need to travel northwest through the small town of New Norfolk before turning onto the B61 at Bushy Park to get to this amazing and picturesque spot.
The Three Capes Walk will give you some of the best views of sea cliffs in the country, but there is one amazing view that draws visitors and rock climbers from far and wide – the Totem Pole. This sheer rock face juts out from the cliffs and whether you are getting a view of the climbers scaling this incredible formation or you yourself are making your way to the top, you’ll have amazing views to remember.
The Totem Pole is located within the Tasman National Park on the Tasman Peninsula. Accessed by bushwalking from Fortescue Bay, a 1 hour 40-minute drive southeast of Hobart. Image thanks to Pierre Destribats.
The Tahune Airwalk was developed to provide a bird’s eye view of the Huon River. The platform rises 30 metres above the forest floor where you walk amongst the tree tops of ancient trees and take on a new perspective of the forest in this beautiful part of Tasmania.
Travelling to the Tahune Airwalk from Hobart is a 1 hour 30-minute drive to the south, travelling through the gorgeous Huon Valley. Image thanks to Supplied Courtesy of Forestry Tasmania.
The Gordon River is well known for its amazing mirror-like reflections and its peaceful location. The best way to see it is on a cruise from Strahan where you’ll be able to soak in the beauty of this World Heritage area with 360-degree views from the water.
Strahan is located on the West Coast of Tasmania and is a 4.5 hour drive from Hobart via the Lyell Highway, or a 2-hour 50-minute drive from Devonport via the Murchison Highway. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Ron Brown Photographics.
In the north of the state is the mountain of Ben Lomond, Tasmania’s main ski field. The ascent to the top of Ben Lomond takes visitors up Jacob’s Ladder, a winding hairpin filled road that curves its way to the top. The beautiful roadway gives amazing views over the area and features in many iconic photos of the mountain.You’ll find Ben Lomond 1 hour 10 minutes to the southeast of Launceston. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett.
The quaint town of Stanley is located in the beautiful northwest Coast of Tasmania. The Nut is a rock formation which dominates the local landscape. A lava plug, the Nut sits as a bluff overlooking the small town and visitors can either walk a small path up the 100-metre-high landmark or take the chairlift for amazing views. Image thanks to Wai Nang Poon.
Once atop the Nut you can walk around the flat plain at the top which will give you wonderful outlooks over the local landscape and to the sea below. For an alternative but equally amazing view, head up to the land around Highfield House and take in the view of the beach and the Nut itself - seriously amazing sight.
Stanley is located 1 hour 40 minutes to the west of Devonport, or a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Launceston.
One of the best walks in Australia, Frenchman’s Cap is a challenging 3 to 5-day hike into the Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park. From the top you’ll get views across Tasmania’s World Heritage Area, see Tasmania’s highest Mountain, Mount Ossa and the hard to access Macquarie Harbour in the South West Wilderness. It is a truly amazing walk that will show you some of the best parts of Tasmania that most visitors never see.
To get to the start of the track you’ll need to travel into the Wild Rivers National Park approximately 200 kilometres from Hobart. Please contact Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania for further information on this walk.
