Explore the highlands and feel like you’ve gone back a hundred thousand years, cruise the diverse, rich and plentiful countryside and quaint small villages. If an urban jungle is more your style, hang out with a collectic mix of talented and friendly locals.
Magical alpine plateaus of Tasmania’s National Parks, it punches well above its weight when it comes to natural beauty. Exploring opportunities range from short, waterfall-punctuated forest trails to multi-day wilderness epics with no one else in sight… a bit like Scotland… but not.
Australian fly fishing began in the late 1820s and Hobart Town Magazine holds the distinction of publishing the first article in Australia on fly fishing in 1833. Happily, Tasmania has only grown in stature as a fly fishing destination and is the host for the World Fly Fishing championships in 2019!
With an elevation of 1,617 metres (5,305 ft), Mount Ossa is the highest peak in Tasmania. It was first surveyed by Charles Gould in the 1860s and named after Mount Ossa in Greece. Early Tasmanian surveyor George Frankland was a lover of Ancient Greece and set a trend for Greek names in Tassie.
Famous for: Glacier Rock, Temperate Rainforest, Views of Cradle Mountain.
How long: 2 hour Circuit
6 Short Tracks You Must Walk
Mt. Wellington
How long: 3 hour Circuit
6 Short Tracks You Must Walk
Hogarth Falls
Famous for: Towering Swamp Gums and Waterfall
How long: 45 mins
6 Short Tracks You Must Walk
Russell Falls
Famous for: Towering Swamp Gums, Magnificent Waterfall
How long: 20 min Circuit
6 Short Tracks You Must Walk
Philosopher Falls
Famous for: Spectacular Forest, Arthur River, Waterfall, Tarkine Rainforest
How long: 1hr 45 min Return
6 Short Tracks You Must Walk
Wineglass Bay
Famous for: Spectacular rock formations and views
How long: 1-1.5 hrs Return
Here's a little fact...
Lake St. Clair is not just the setting for breathtaking views amidst some of Tasmania’s highest mountains, but also a geological wonder. As Australia’s deepest lake, it was formed by intense glaciation which left a deep basin and vasts amount of glacial debris forming the surrounding landscape.
The Central Highlands are also known as The Lake Country of Tasmania, or The Lakes Region, where both natural and man-made reservoirs (hydro-electric power stations) can be found. In 1974, the Gordon River Underground Power Station was constructed 183 m below the surface of the switchyard.
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Tourism Tasmania & Supplied Courtesy of Hadley’s Orient Hotel
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Walk through the treetops
Walk 30 metres above the forest floor, with spectacular views over the Huon river and to the peaks of the World Heritage Area.
Mountain bike ride through a mix of fern filled rainforests, wet myrtle forests, sub-alpine terrain, granite slabs, views of rivers and waterfalls and more berms that you have ever encountered.
Tassie adventure at its best...spend a day abseiling, jumping, floating and sliding down waterfalls in stunning Dove Canyon set in pristine rainforest.
The impressive dam wall was built in 1974 stretches 140 metres high and is arched both horizontally and vertically. Walk across the wall and shout “echo” and hear your voice carry.
The zig-zag mountain road known as Jacob's Ladder to the top of Ben Lomond is as spectacular as the scenery at the top. Cycle down the hairpin turns in a truly unforgettable road cycle tour.
The Overland Track starts at cradle mountain and takes you through Tasmania’s beautiful World Heritage wilderness. This a 65 km multi-day old medium grade hike with stunning views at every turn.
There’s something captivating yet romantic about our countryside. We’re not sure exactly what it is but we are certain it isn’t just one thing. It could be the narrow roads that lead to nowhere but somewhere. Or the farms that grow tulips in one paddock, down the road lavender, and up the path apples. Could be that. Or the country folk. Friendly but very quirky. We’re not sure. If you do find out, please tell.
The Heritage Highway was one of the first overland routes built by convict road gangs bank in the early 1800s. It is the original track between Launceston and Hobart. By 1819 there was a 260 km rough and windy track that remains mostly the route we travel today.
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Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, TAHO: SD_ILS:685892
Here's a little story...
Convicts greatly contributed to the agricultural development of the state. In fact, not only were convict farms “once a thing”, but two, Brickendon and Woolmers Estates, have been designated as World Heritage Listed Convict Sites!
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Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, TAHO: SD_ILS:685892
Famous for: World’s Finest Lavender & Products, “Bobbie the Bear” Lavender Bear, Farm Tours
Nabowla
45 min from Launceston
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Kate’s Berry Farm
Famous for: Cool Climate Berries, Just Desserts Cafe, Natural Produce
Swansea
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Truffles of Tasmania
Famous for: Premium Tasmanian Black Truffles, Truffle Tours
Needles, 45 min west of Launceston
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Coal River Farm
Famous for: Tasmanian Produce, Chocolate, Specialty Cheeses
Richmond, 30 min east of Hobart
Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Grandvewe and Hartshorn Sheep Whey Distillery
Famous for: Award-winning Cheese,
Birchs Bay, 45 min south of Hobart
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
The Honey Pot
Famous for: Tasmanian Honey, including the unique leatherwood honey
Huon Highway, 35 min from Hobart
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Pub in the Paddock
Famous for: Beer-drinking Pig!, One of the Oldest Pubs in Tasmania
Village of Pyengana, 30 min inland of St. Helens
Willie Smiths
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed & Organic Cidery
Famous for: Apples, Award-winning Cider, Museum
Huon Valley, 25 min from Hobart
The Agrarian Kitchen
10 Paddocks You Must Play In
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Cooking School
Famous for: Farm to Table Eatery, Cooking School, Farm
New Norfolk (Eatery), Lachlan (Cooking School & Farm), 35-40 min from Hobart
Here's a little fact...
The island’s pure water, premium grain, and hops (60% of Australia’s hop crop is grown in Tasmania) make for a perfect pint. Microbrews are popping up everywhere….Double Head Brew Anyone?
With almost a third of Tasmania’s land used for agricultural production, it has become an oasis for an array of products, including alternative agriculture and unique produce. Think ginseng, wasabi, herbs or truffles!
Mersey River is one of the best river fisheries in Australia with brown trout, rainbow trout and sea run trout along with river blackfish being common catches.
Visit the valley that put apples into the Apple Isle
The Huon is a place not to miss for foodies, this beautiful valley 30 mins south of Hobart, is home to a booming cider industry, boutique wineries and cafes specialising in local produce.
Walk around and breath in the air in our ancient forests. In Tasmania, you will find the 2nd tallest tree in the world and the oldest plant in the world.
Our naturally pristine, cool environment have produced the finest cool climate wine in Australia with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the region’s most renowned varieties along with sparkling wines.
Get up close and personal with a local Tasmanian devil
The endangered Tasmanian devil can only be found in Tasmania, with the best places to view them up close is in one of the several animal parks in Tasmania including Trowunna Wildlife Park.
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.
In 1880 Burnie was stagnating with a population of just 300 people. The discovery of mineral deposits later that decade saved the day and its population tripled by 1891. The population of Fairy Penguins can also be seen at the Burnie Penguin observation centre.
The city of Devonport was once composed of twin settlements Formby and Torquay. In 1890 the two were united by a public to become one estuary town. A city that produced the first Tasmanian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, visit his “home hill” and look back at early 20th century life.
Famous for: Wander the historic streets of this quaint town
Next to Salamanca Place and the waterfront
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Botanical Gardens
Famous for: Beautiful, historic gardens in the heart of Hobart
Aspect Tamar Valley Resort
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Grindelwald
Famous for: Swiss Village in Tasmania
20 min northwest of Launceston
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Hobart Waterfront
Famous for: History and good Fish & Chips
Victoria Dock & Constitution Dock, Hobart
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Mt. Wellington
Famous for: Looking over Hobart
Hobart is at the Foothills
Tourism Tasmania and Kathryn Leahy
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Launceston Seaport boardwalk
Famous for: Outstanding cafes and restaurants marina
MONA
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Sunset at MONA
Famous for: Amarna Light Show, Cutting Edge Art Museum
11km north of Hobart
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Salamanca Market
Famous for: Lively and Popular Market
Salamanca Place, Hobart
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Devonport Harbour
Famous for: Watching the Spirit of Tasmania float in
“The Gateway to Tasmania”
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Burnie
Famous for: Vibrant art and shopping district
In the CBD at West Beach
10 Urban Views You Must Gork At
Cataract Gorge
Famous for: Stunning gorge and park area walking distance from Launceston CBD
Here's a little fact...
Hobart owes much of its development to the contributions of convicts. However, it was a very “class-conscious” society and the free settlers and convicts did not mix socially. Free settlers even had their own sitting sections in church!
The North-South rivalry between Hobart and Launceston has been an ongoing conflict that has lasted two centuries! While the major settlement in the south was made by the British, its northern counterpart was settled by Sydney.
Tassie produces some world-class drams that have won numerous awards from esteemed awards shows and magazines like Whisky Magazine and International Whisky Competition.
Eat the finest, locally produced food from Australia's top chefs
Australia’s top chefs have been flocking to Tasmania in recent years, drawn to Tasmania by the exceptional local produce and the passion for cuisine and giving you plenty of choice when it comes to fine dining
Take in the best sites of Hobart in an open top red double decker bus, with 20 stops that you can jump on and off including optional cascade brewery and Mount Wellington.
Visit the buzzing markets located in Salamanca Place on Hobart’s waterfront with over 300 hundred quality stallholders offering local fresh and gourmet produce, arts, crafts and handiwork.
Like what you see? We can create you a custom 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.
Catch the ferry from Hobart’s waterfront to the Museum of Old and New Art which is one of the most controversial private collections of modern art in the world.
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