Our stories from 20,000 years through to yesterday will inspire, shock and amaze you. Sometimes, at the same time. Be amazed by our open air museums, our rich history, and ever-changing island culture.
Tasmania’s history begins at the end of the most recent ice age when the island was physically connected to mainland Australia. Little was known about the island until Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman bumped into the island in 1642.
The last known thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) to be killed in the wild was shot in 1930, in the northwest of the state.
In continuous use since 1822, Ratho Farm Golf Links in Bothwell is Australia’s oldest golf course. There are even hickory clubs available for those brave enough to experience 19th century style golf!
Some of the most daring escape attempts by convicts occurred on Sarah Island. The harbour entrance was known as “Hell’s Gate”, indicative of the misery that awaited new arrivals. One group of convicts seized a ship and made it as far as South America!
St. Peters Anglican Church in Hamilton is one of the oldest churches in Australia and approximately half the congregation was composed of convicts. To prevent their escape during service, just a single door was constructed at the entrance!
The last full-blooded, Aboriginal Tasmanian was a woman named Truganini who passed away in 1876. Her memory is commemorated in several places on the island, including the Truganini lookout on Bruny Island.
This World Heritage Site was a convict penal settlement then convict probation station - spooky!
Maria Island
5 Convict Bricks You Should Touch
Richmond Bridge
Oldest stone span bridge in Australia near historic Richmond Gaol. Richmond
5 Convict Bricks You Should Touch
Ross Bridge
Bridge completed in 1836. The nearby Ross Female Factory housed the chain gang convicts that build the bridge!
Ross, Central Tasmania
5 Convict Bricks You Should Touch
Sarah Island Convict Ruins
Penal settlement filled with stories of harsh punishments and tales of survival.
Macquarie Harbour
5 Convict Bricks You Should Touch
Spiky Bridge
Built by convicts in 1843. Its odd design has sparked curiosity.
South of Swansea on east coast.
Here's a little fact...
In 1642, Dutch merchant Abel Tasman became the first European to sight the Tasmanian mainland and named it Van Diemen’s Land, after the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Although he claimed formal possession of the land, it would be over a century until the next European would make the journey.
Launceston was settled by Europeans in March 1806 and holds the distinction of being one of Australia’s oldest cities, filled with historic buildings and sites. In just a 15 min walk from the city centre visitors can explore the wondrous Cataract Gorge and take a ride on the world’s longest single span chairlift.
Visit one of Tasmania’s 6 (UNESCO) world heritage listed sites
Each site has played a particular role in convict heritage and has a different and compelling story to tell and have been identified as the best surviving examples of convict heritage and give a fascinating look into this dark piece of history.
Swing a club at the oldest golf course in Australia
Swing a club at Australia’s oldest golf course, ‘Ratho Farm’ and visit the golf museum at Bothwell in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, where golfing legends of Scottish immigrants date all the way back to 1822.
Visit the haunted sites of Historic Battery point at night
Be guided through the back streets of this lovely, historic Battery point, taking in the tales and sights of Hobart's most stunning part of town and visit various haunted sites with ghosts from our legendary past through to the current day.
Enjoy a drink or two and hear stories of Hobart’s underbelly through stories of pubs, brothels, smugglers, convicts and some rip-roaring Tasmanian characters who played an unforgettable part in the murky yet fascinating history of Hobart.
Wander across Australia’s oldest surviving large stone arch bridge
Built by convicts in the 1820s, it is made of sandstone and was completed in 1825 when Richmond was the third-largest town in what was then called Van Diemen's Land.
Like what you see? We can create you a custom history tour
Our team of locals can help you plan and book and manage your holiday. Our on-the-ground concierge team can package everything you want to do. Having the insider knowledge will make your holiday even better than you ever imagined.
From heritage listed country estates to magnificent museums, there’s a story around every corner to discover. Open air museums, old ruins and historical places still in operation are all over our island state.
The Nut located in Northwest Tasmania, near the historic village of Stanley is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug with a large, mostly flat surface that can be circumnavigated on foot.
In 2006, the small town of Beaconsfield in the West Tamar Valley was the site for one of the most daring rescue efforts in Australian History. The Beaconsfield Gold mine collapse made international headlines and the story was even made into a television mini-series.
Hailing from Launceston, Australian cricketing legend David Boon (“Boony”) became a cult figure in the game with his career spanning 107 tests, over 7000 test runs, and 36 balls bowled at test level! If you come and watch the Hobart Hurricanes play T20 cricket at Blundstone Arena you will be in for a sporting treat.
Idyllic beach town perfect for a relaxation holiday, popular for sun and terrific fishing
East Coast
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Binalong Bay
Relaxation paradise with stunning colours
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Sheffield
The Town of Murals is a must for anyone close to Cradle Mountain
Foothills of Mount Roland
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Ross
Beautiful, charming town with plenty of history to discover
Midlands
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Rosebery
Explore the western wilderness including Tassie’s tallest waterfall and oldest tree
West Coast
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Stanley
Historic fishing village with rugged beauty (Don’t miss visiting the Nut!)
Northwest Coast
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Corinna
Former mining town in remote wilderness. Explore the Tarkine, the largest temperate rainforest in Australia!
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Strahan
Port town with access to memorable cruise down World Heritage Gordon River
West Coast
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Wynyard
Pretty town not far from Boat Harbour Beach and surrounded by stunning scenery and coastline
Northwest Coast
10 Forgotten Towns You Must Visit
Cygnet
Crafty town that draws in food enthusiasts for its top-shelf produce
Huon Valley
Here's a little fact...
The last known Tasmanian tiger (Thylacine) died at Hobart's Beaumaris Zoo in 1936. RIP Some believe there are still tigers out in the Western wilderness….anything is possible!
Tasmania is Australia's fastest-growing tourist destination! In the last few years overseas tourist spending has surged 90% as visitors flock in from around the globe. Go Tassie, go!
Experience a train journey on a WWII Diesel locomotive alongside the water’s edge in Tasmania’s stunning south coast, through bush planes and enjoy a history talk from your tour guide at the historic cemetery.
See the old gold mining precinct of Lynchford and the Tasmanian Special Timbers sawmill.
Be guided through the ancient forests to discover old mining relics amongst the world famous Huon and King Billy Pine trees.
Learn about the history of the Tasmania Hydropower scheme
With no coal to generate electricity and the forest being rapidly depleted to fuel the furnaces of the mine it was imperative that another power source be found. It was decided to harness the power of running water which was the most plentiful resource with an average of 3.6m of rain per year.
Experience life on a Australian Antarctic Expedition in the early 1900’s
Mawson’s Hut Replica is a small, true to life museum which duplicates the historic huts used by the team of 18 courageous men who went on the Australian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911-14 and lived in Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay.
Like what you see? We can create you a custom modern history tour
Our team of locals can help you plan and book and manage your holiday. Our on-the-ground concierge team can package everything you want to do. Having the insider knowledge will make your holiday even better than you ever imagined.
From the hippest cafes, to the coolest laneways, art, culture, history and heritage, our urban landscapes have it. Stay a day, stay a while, when it comes time to leave, you’ll wish you never had to.
The laser show during Dark Mofo is not to be missed with a spectacular combination of sound and light using super-powered lasers and impressive music.
In 1945 the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race set sail and has become one of the top three offshore yacht races in the world. In 1998 six lives were claimed when massive storms hit the race, making it the most disastrous race in its history.
The Tasman Bridge Collapse in 1975 made headlines and profoundly impact the life of Hobartians. The Eastern suburbs were effectively isolated from the city and became more self-reliant as a result of the tragedy.
If you love festivals, parties and outdoor concerts, Tasmania is the place for you. The calender is red-hot with big ticket items all year-come to one, come to all, the decision is yours.
Learn of the history of Australia's pioneering bushmen and their families of which woodchopping was a big part of.
Tourism Tasmania Adrian Cook
10 Museums You Must Visit
West Coast Heritage Centre
Complex including four historic buildings that deeply explore the west coast heritage
Zeehan, West Coast
Tourism Tasmania and Chris Crera
10 Museums You Must Visit
Bass Strait Maritime Museum
Explore exhibits of shipwrecks, discovery, and fascinating maritime history
Devonport
10 Museums You Must Visit
Mawson's Hut (Original in Antarctica)
Small replica museum which tells an epic story of Arctic exploration
Hobart
Tourism Tasmania Catherine Forge
10 Museums You Must Visit
MONA
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Find out what this “Subversive Adult Disneyland” is all about!
Hobart
10 Museums You Must Visit
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)
Extensive Collection with focus on History, Natural Sciences, and Visual Arts & Design
Launceston
Tourism Tasmania Simon Cuthbert
10 Museums You Must Visit
Salamanca Arts Centre
Centre visual and performing arts, festivals & events, literature, writing & film.
Tourism Tasmania Rob Burnett
10 Museums You Must Visit
Salmon Ponds the Museum of Trout Fishing
A museum of Trout fishing where you can find out where trout fishing in Australia began.
Tourism Tasmania Rob Burnett
10 Museums You Must Visit
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Discover more about the natural and cultural heritage of Tasmania
Hobart
Here's a little fact...
The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) was established in 1948 and declared a “Tasmanian Icon” in 1998. The TSO gives over 80 concerts around the state every year!
In 2011, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in Hobart, and became a top tourism attraction within a year. The term “MONA Effect” was coined after the incredible boost its existence gave to the Tasmanian economy!
Learn the history of Tasmania’s Central Highlands carved in wood
The Wall in the Wilderness is an art installation located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. A fascinating, one of a kind masterpiece, the Wall is a carved stretch of wooden panels which depict the history of the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
MONA is Australia's largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world. This unique and provocative art collection will leave a lasting impression with visitors as they explore three floors of subterranean architecture, art pieces, and exhibits.
Watch experts in their craft at Burnies, Makers Workshop
Burnie has reinvented itself as a maker's enclave. You can watch makers ply their craft or choose to get hands-on. Learn how to paint, draw, sculpt, make paper, create textiles, blow glass.
Taste why Tasmania is fast becoming the whisky capital of Australia
Learn about the culture, history and passion that goes into crafting Tasmanian whisky and then taste for yourself why Tasmanian whisky is winning awards on the world stage.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a former jam factory and is a perfect fusion of history and modernity, art and design. Australia’s first dedicated art hotel partners with a diverse range of Tasmanian artists to present a continuously changing exhibition of over 400 artworks.
Go to the valley that put the apple the the Apple Isle
It was the stunning Huon Valley is where William Smith first planted his orchard in 1888. Visit Willie Smiths Museum and Australia’s first organic Cidery.
Helicopter over the Port Arthur World Heritage Site
This tour takes in some of the most spectacular sights including Three Capes. The Port Arthur Historic Site will come into view as you pass over the Tasman National Park.
Like what you see? We can create you a custom history tour
Our team of locals can help you plan and book and manage your holiday. Our on-the-ground concierge team can package everything you want to do. Having the insider knowledge will make your holiday even better than you ever imagined.
The Wall in the Wilderness is an art installation located in the Central Highlands of Tasmania. A fascinating, one of a kind masterpiece, the Wall is a carved stretch of wooden panels which depict the history of the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
Credit - Museum of Old and New Art
Makers Workshop and UTAS
Learn about the culture, history and passion that goes into crafting Tasmanian whisky and then taste for yourself why Tasmanian whisky is winning awards on the world stage.
Using Tasmania.com to organise our holiday was a great move. Traci was so helpful, the whole process so easy and we had the best trip! Highly recommended, really didn’t have to do any planning of our own, everything was covered for us with so many suggestions of things to do, places to eat etc.
Chi Nguyễn
2024-11-27
I went on a 7-day Tassie exploring self-guided tour with Tasmania.com, and it has been a great experience. The plan was detailed with lots of options. Accommodation and car rent were good, and the staff were friendly. We were taken care of from the beginning until the end, so I highly recommend others traveling to Tassie to try the website.
beth bennion
2024-10-07
We usually arrange our own itineraries when travelling, however, the arrangements Jacki suggested and then arranged, proved to be so helpful. I would definitely use Jacki again in the future.
Leah & Leigh Gill
2024-08-17
Excellent service. Jacki was amazing. Took all the work out of it! Told her what I liked and then she organised every aspect, accommodation, activities, tickets, passes, car the works!! All I had to do was sit back and enjoy. Highly recommend.
Karlie J
2024-07-18
Traci was exceptionally knowledgable and put together a truely wonderful holiday for us. Made the whole experience stress free and we had recommendations for places to explore that we wouldnt have found or thought to go on our own. Thank you!
Lesley McCardle
2024-05-04
Our trip was really well organised. The standard of accommodation was great. We had numerous great suggestions to stop and look at while we were driving. We would definitely use a self drive trip again.
Robyn Nix
2024-01-06
Wow!! We had the most amazing holiday and experience in Tasmania. Due to very an experienced and knowledgeable travel planner Traci.
Bruce Christie
2023-11-29
Thanks to Cheryle we had a wonderful 4 1/2 days in Tasmania.
Everything went to plan beautifully, and the weather could not have been better, especially for our 3 days of golf at Barnbougle.
Our room at Lost Farm, the food at both Lost Farm and The Dunes, the upgraded hire car and the morning golf tee-off times - all details were organised to perfection.
A huge thank you from both of us.
David Bromell
2023-11-29
Great local knowledge and a custom-made itinerary for our self-drive holiday, delivered via a hassle-free app
