Tasmania

Tasmania is laden with natural beauty, old world charm and some of the tastiest food and jaw-dropping scenery on the planet. The island state is packed full of culture and contrasts, where World Heritage wilderness meets a world class art museum and plenty of local stories and creativity in between. Step back in time for a taste of Tassie's colourful past and into some pretty stunning scenery for a nature fix unlike anywhere on earth. Mingle with the friendly locals and sample food, wine, cider and whisky while you're at it. Tasmania is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
History & Culture

Natural Wonders

Outdoor Activities & Adventures

Must-do Experiences

Points of Interest
Best Time to Visit
Activity | Time |
---|---|
Catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis | Possible year-round, but September offers the best opportunities |
Listen to voices harmonise and soar | Festival of Voices during June and July |
Pick up some local produce | Every Saturday at the Salamanca Market |
View Hobart from above | Mt Wellington offers stunning views of the city |
Getting Around
If you’re one of the lucky ones able to see all of Tasmania, prepare yourself - there’s never a dull moment. The island may look small on a map, but it’s much bigger on the inside.
With good roads, few freeways or motorways and scenic views wherever you go, getting around Tasmania is part of the fun. Although Tasmania is a small state by Australian standards, it's actually the same size as Ireland, so don't underestimate the time it takes to explore. Even driving around the state will take several days, especially if you take the time to look around. There are no train services in Tasmania so travellers rely on bus and coach and of course car-hire to get to and from our cities and regional centres. Coach tours offer a comfortable and relaxing way of seeing the state with many national coach touring companies offering traditional coach touring around Tasmania. They provide extensive year round multi-day itineraries for budget, deluxe and luxury travellers.
Dining
Eating and drinking is one of life’s great pleasures and when it comes to abundant and superb produce, Tasmania is a foodie paradise. Growing and preparing food is considered an act of love here – from tending and nurturing through to harvesting and cooking. Local producers and chefs are basically giving you a little piece of their heart when you indulge in the island’s produce – and you can taste their passion in every mouthful.
It’s different here, you won’t just dine in Tasmania, you’ll have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into a cooking school. Discover a gourmet paradise where people live off the land and sea and there’s a natural flow from paddock-to-plate. Meet the producers and sample their wares at cellar doors and farmers markets.
Foodies will love seeing all that they foraged at the market served up to them at innovative restaurants across Tasmania, as chefs create menus that showcase locally sourced produce.
Create special memories and treat your senses as you explore every delicious corner of Tasmania – laugh, share, listen, discover and enjoy as you visit artisan cafes, farm gates and road side stalls, historic pubs, orchards, cutting edge restaurants, vineyards, boutique breweries and distilleries. Island produce will nourish and revitalise you – and leave you wanting more.
Shopping
With an abundance of creative talent in Tasmania, there's no shortage of places to find local art, craft, clothing and design and even meet a maker or two. Try exploring Hobart's laneways and smaller side streets for speciality shops. In Launceston you'll find hand-made wares, shops full of boutique designs, markets filled with fresh grown local produce and stores selling antiques from bygone eras.
Tassie is a bargain hunter's paradise and it's easy to find a beautiful pre-loved piece of history in the many antiques and collectables stores. From friendly outdoor markets to high end boutiques, it's easy to buy local in Tasmania and take a beautiful piece of the island home with you.
What to Pack
Tasmania has a mild oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. However, because we sit beside the Southern Ocean, the world’s weather engine, the climate can vary greatly on any given day. As Scottish comedian Billy Connolly once said, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing’. So no matter when you come, be sure to bring a warm jacket and a rain jacket. In the cooler months, it’s best to bring clothing you can layer because even the winter sun can be quite warm.
There's so much to do and see in Tasmania, be sure to plan your visit in advance with these great resources.
For more check out discovertasmania.com.au/what-to-do/events
For some great Travel Tips, visit: www.gobehindthescenery.com.au/insiders-guide
Also head to Tasmania's very own Instagram page instagram.com/tasmania and follow #discovertasmania to view where people are visiting.
Finally, get in the mood for adventure by watching some great videos on the Discover Tasmania YouTube Channel: youtube.com/user/DiscoverTasmania/videos