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Best places to visit in Tasmania

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Tasmania, from its cities and historic towns to its wonderful national parks.

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Taylor Lorenz

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Tamara Medojevic
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It may be Australia's smallest state, but Tasmania certainly matches its mainland cousins with the range of sights and experiences it has to offer.

Take your pick from activities such as spectacular scenic walks, outdoor adventures and cruises, and visiting islands that are home to endangered species – or stop off at some of the many places of historic interest.

Our favourite places to visit in Tasmania (and why you need to go)

1. Cradle Mountain

Best for: Active travellers, nature and scenery

Cradle Mountain is the sixth-highest mountain in Tasmania and is situated in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It contains ancient forests as well as glacial lakes, and is the starting point for the famous Overland Track. This section of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is a paradise for outdoor lovers.

  • Where is it? Cradle Mountain is a 4-hour drive from Hobart, 2 hours from Launceston or 1 hour 30 minutes from Devonport. Buses are available from Hobart to Lake St Clair, while direct buses are available from Queenstown, Devonport and Launceston.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Complete the Overland Track, get the best views on a scenic flight, try canyoning, see Dove Lake on the Dove Lake circuit and walk to Marion's Lookout.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 3 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Not quite, Launceston is 2.5 hours from Cradle Mountain. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Cradle Mountain

2. Freycinet National Park

Best for: Scenery, nature and outdoor lovers

Freycinet National Park is abundant with scenic views overlooking the Tasman Sea, which sits along Tasmania's east coast. It features the pink granite peaks of the Hazards range, white-sand beaches and secluded coves. The park's most famous lookout is over Wineglass Bay, and is one of the state's most photographed views.

  • Where is it? Driving from Hobart takes 2 hours 30 minutes. Buses are available from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. You can also access the area on an east coast self-guided cycling trail.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Take in the sites from Wineglass Bay, hike around the area, explore the park by kayak, capture the Hazards on camera at sunrise or sunset, and spend some time on the secluded beaches.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 3 days, or combine with Coles Bay for a longer visit.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Not quite, Launceston is 2 hours from Coles Bay. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels near Freycinet National Park

3. Bay of Fires

Best for: Scenery and water activities

Situated along the north-eastern coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires is wedged between Binalong Bay and Eddystone Point. This conservation area is best known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white-sand beaches. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux who sailed past the area in 1773 and spotted fires being burned along the shore, as it was a meeting point for the Panpe-kanner, Leener-rerter and Pinter-rairer family groups.

  • Where is it? Bay of Fires is a 4-hour drive from Hobart, 2 hours 30 minutes from Coles Bay or 3 hours from Launceston.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Relax on the beach, visit Eddystone Point Lighthouse, give surfing a go, have a snorkel and go for a swim.
  • How long do I need? Half a day.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Not quite, Launceston is 3 hours from the Bay of Fires. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels near Bay of Fires

4. Hobart

Best for: Historic sites and scenery

With Mount Wellington providing a beautiful backdrop to a city full of boutique galleries and cafes, Australia's southernmost capital is a charming city worthy of a few days visit. Roaming its streets, you'll discover historic sites, stunning harbour views and colonial-era buildings.

  • Where is it? Flying to Hobart from Sydney takes 2 hours, and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne. You can also take a ferry from Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania which takes 9 hours and 30 minutes. If you are already in Tasmania, there are buses to Hobart from many locations throughout the state.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Stroll through Salamanca Place and shop at the markets, step back in time at Battery Point, visit the Museum of Old and New Art, have a drink at one of Australia's oldest breweries, and unwind in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 3 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Hobart Airport is 20 minutes from the city. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Hobart

5. Port Arthur

Best for: Historic sites

Port Arthur is a historic village on the edge of the Tasman Peninsula. Once a 19th century penal settlement, it is now an open air museum where you can explore the ruins of the penitentiary and the Convict Church, which was built by prisoners. It may have a rough past, but today it's a place of fascinating history and natural beauty.

  • Where is it? Driving from Hobart takes 1 hour 30 minutes, or you can take a bus.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Explore Port Arthur Historic Site, take a ghost tour, check out Remarkable Cave, visit a lavender farm and stop by the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 2 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Hobart Airport is 1 hour from Port Arthur. Fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Port Arthur

6. Tamar Valley

Best for: Food and wine

If you're after fresh paddock-to-plate cuisine paired with cool climate wines, check in for a stay in the Tamar Valley. Starting in Launceston and stretching to the Bass Strait, the region is home to more than 30 wineries, small villages and plenty of artisanal food producers.

  • Where is it? Starts in Launceston. If travelling from Hobart, it's a 2.5-hour drive north.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Taste the local wines paired with fresh Tassie produce, tour the historic James Boag's brewery, cruise along the river through Cataract Gorge, follow along the Tamar Valley Wine Route and visit the picture-perfect Bridestowe Lavender Farm.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 2 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Launceston is 40 minutes from Tamar Valley. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Tamar Valley

7. Mount Wellington

Best for: Nature, scenery and outdoor lovers

Mount Wellington is a 20-minute drive from Hobart CBD and is part of the Wellington Mountain Range. It towers above the city, providing optimal views as well as wilderness trails to explore. Even on a warm, sunny day in the city, it’s still possible to find snow when you reach the mountain top.

  • Where is it? Mount Wellington is a 20-minute drive from Hobart. Buses run from Franklin Square in Hobart CBD to the town of Fern Tree at the base of the mountain.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Take it slow with some bushwalking, get active and cycle around the tracks, take a 4WD tour, practise rock climbing if you’re an experienced climber, and snap some pictures at the summit.
  • How long do I need? Half a day to 1 day.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Hobart Airport is 40 minutes from Mount Wellington. Choose to fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Mount Wellington

8. Bruny Island

Best for: Scenery, nature lovers and wildlife

Just off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania lies Bruny Island with its rugged sea cliffs, sea caves, fur seals, fairy penguins and abundant bird life. The island is also home to many endangered plant and animal species. You can explore the island on foot, or take a boat and cruise around its towering cliffs.

  • Where is it? Bruny Island is an hour's drive from Hobart, which consists of a 40-minute drive and a 20-minute ferry from Kettering to the north of the island. From there it takes a further hour to drive to the south of the island.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Visit Cape Bruny Lighthouse, take in the views from the Neck Lookout, check out South Bruny National Park, take a wilderness cruise and enjoy the local food and scenery.
  • How long do I need? 1 to 3 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Bruny Island airfield is located right on the island, but it only services scenic flights of the island. The next closest airport is Hobart's, located 2 hours away. Fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Bruny Island

9. Richmond

Best for: Historic sites

Richmond is a small historic town 25 kilometres from Hobart, situated in the centre of the Coal River Valley wine region. It’s the perfect spot to roam around for a few hours along the river and check out some historic buildings. The town's famous bridge and Roman Catholic church are said to be the oldest in Australia.

  • Where is it? Richmond is a 30-minute drive from Hobart or 40 minutes by bus.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Visit the oldest gaol in Australia, taste wine at 1 of the 4 wineries, check out the Old Hobart Town model village, stop by Richmond Bridge and roam through town.
  • How long do I need? Half a day.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Hobart Airport is 20 minutes from Richmond. Fly with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Browse for hotels in Richmond

10. Strahan

Best for: Scenery and wilderness

Strahan is a harbourside village with a convict past, situated on Tasmania’s west coast. It is nestled along the Macquarie Harbour and is the launching pad for discovering the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, which is a World Heritage listed site. In the village, you’ll find artisanal handicrafts and eateries serving local produce, and nearby you can explore massive sand dunes, forests and beaches.

  • Where is it? Driving takes 4 hours 30 minutes from Hobart, 3 hours 30 minutes from Launceston, or 3 hours from Devonport.
  • Top 5 things to see and do: Hop on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, join a cruise along the Gordon River, do the Foreshore Walk, visit the giant Henty Dunes and cruise to Bonnet Island to see the penguins.
  • How long do I need? 2 to 3 days.
  • Is there an airport nearby? Yes, Strahan airport is 5 minutes from the city centre. Fly with Qantas or Rex Airlines.

Browse for hotels in Strahan

Where can I go within 2-3 hours of Hobart?

  • Mount Wellington: 20 minute drive from Hobart
  • Tamar Valley: 2.5 hours from Hobart
  • Freycinet National Park: 2.5 hours from Hobart
  • Bruny Island: 1 hour drive from Hobart
  • Port Arthur: 1.5 hour drive from Hobart
  • Richmond: 30 minute drive from Hobart

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2 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    jacinatDecember 14, 2018

    what would be a good place to spend time with my mu little brothers and myself in Tasmania?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JohnDecember 17, 2018Staff

      Hi Jacinat,

      Thank you for reaching out to finder.

      The page we are on currently gives us an extensive review of the great places where you could go with your brothers in Tasmania. It also gives you an estimated time of how to get there, what you would be able to see as well as the recommended tour that you could hook up with for the trip. Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Reggie

      Reply
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