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Tasmania
Australia
Visit Tasmania
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, is a captivating destination that offers a blend of wild and unspoiled nature with a thriving cultural scene. Separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, Tasmania is renowned for its rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves. A trip to Tasmania is incomplete without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness. This vast area covers about 20% of the island's land mass and includes famous parks like Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where the jagged contours of Cradle Mountain dominate the landscape, and the pristine, mirror-like waters of Dove Lake beckon nature lovers. The Overland Track, offering one of Australia’s most famous bush treks, runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, and presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna up close.
Beyond its natural beauty, Tasmania also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, particularly in its major cities like Hobart and Launceston. Hobart, the capital, is home to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which has quickly become one of Australia’s most controversial and must-see cultural attractions. The museum’s subterranean architecture and avant-garde exhibitions provide a stark contrast to the historic streetscape of nearby Battery Point or the bustling Salamanca Market, where visitors can enjoy local crafts, live music, and Tasmania’s famous fresh produce. In Launceston, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery offers insights into Tasmanian history and art, while the nearby Cataract Gorge presents a stunning natural escape right in the heart of the city.
For those who relish culinary pursuits, Tasmania offers a bounty of fresh produce, from seafood to artisan cheeses and premium wines. The island’s cool climate is ideal for producing some of the finest pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling wines in the Southern Hemisphere. Food and wine festivals are common, celebrating everything from the rich, creamy cheeses to the crisp apples and berries grown locally. The Tasman Peninsula, not far from Hobart, provides not only historical insights at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement with a dark and intriguing past, but also serves as a gateway to marine adventures where visitors can explore rich marine life including seals, dolphins, and whales during migration seasons.
Visiting Tasmania offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring its vast wilderness and engaging with its complex history to indulging in its gourmet food and wine. Whether you're an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Tasmania provides a unique and enriching experience that is both invigorating and restorative.
Tasmania Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
50°F
68°F
15
February
50°F
64°F
12
March
50°F
63°F
12
April
46°F
59°F
12
May
46°F
59°F
12
June
43°F
59°F
12
July
43°F
59°F
12
August
43°F
59°F
12
September
43°F
59°F
12
October
46°F
59°F
12
November
46°F
59°F
12
December
50°F
63°F
15
Need to Know Before You Go To Tasmania
Nickname:
Tassie
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Australia/Hobart
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type I
Annual Visitors:
1.32 million
Primary Export:
Iron ores and concentrates
Busiest Travel Months:
January, December, February
Quietest Travel Months:
August, July, June
Find your Next Adventure in Tasmania
Explore Tasmania
Iconic Landmarks
Cradle Mountain
Located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this mountain is one of Tasmania's most visited natural attractions. It offers stunning scenery and a variety of walking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging hikes, including the famous Overland Track.
Port Arthur Historic Site
This former convict settlement is one of Australia's most significant heritage areas and an open-air museum. Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur offers insights into the harsh realities of convict life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Freycinet National Park
Known for its dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, and pristine beaches, Freycinet is home to the world-renowned Wineglass Bay. The park offers excellent hiking, kayaking, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
Located in Hobart, MONA is Australia's largest privately funded museum. It houses a diverse collection that ranges from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Its unique architecture and provocative exhibits make it a must-visit for art lovers.
Mount Wellington
Towering over Tasmania's capital, Hobart, Mount Wellington provides breathtaking views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding countryside. It's a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and when the weather permits, even snow play.
Tasmanian Devil Unzoo
This conservation park offers a unique approach to wildlife viewing and conservation, focusing on creating environments that allow visitors to observe animals as they might be seen in the wild. It's particularly known for its efforts to protect and educate about the Tasmanian devil.
Cultural Experiences
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
Located in Hobart, MONA is Australia's largest privately funded museum and is known for its unconventional and provocative art displays. The museum's architecture is equally fascinating, largely underground and built into the cliffs around the Berriedale peninsula. MONA also hosts the annual MOFO and Dark Mofo festivals, which feature a mix of music, art, and avant-garde performances.
Salamanca Place
In the heart of Hobart, Salamanca Place is famous for its Georgian warehouses that date back to the 1830s, now housing galleries, theatres, craft shops, and restaurants. The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is a vibrant gathering place where you can find local crafts, fresh produce, and gourmet food.
Port Arthur Historic Site
This former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula is one of Australia’s most significant heritage areas and an open-air museum. The site offers a poignant look at Australia’s colonial past, including restored buildings, ruins, and beautiful gardens, all set against the stunning backdrop of the peninsula.
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Based in Hobart, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra offers a range of performances from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Attending a concert here is a delightful experience for classical music enthusiasts.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
Located in Hobart, TMAG has a diverse collection that explores Tasmania’s natural history, indigenous cultures, and European settlement. The museum's exhibitions provide insights into the unique biodiversity of the island and the cultural heritage of its people.
The Unconformity
Held in the remote west coast town of Queenstown, The Unconformity is a biennial arts festival that draws on the unique cultural, environmental, and historical ethos of the region. The festival offers a range of performances, installations, and experiences that are deeply connected to the landscape and community.
Outdoor Adventures
Overland Track
This is one of Australia's most famous hiking trails, stretching approximately 65 kilometers through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It starts at Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. The journey typically takes about six days and offers spectacular views of glacially carved landscapes, ancient rainforests, and alpine heathlands.
Freycinet Peninsula Circuit
Explore the Freycinet National Park by taking on this multi-day hike around the peninsula. The circuit offers stunning views of white sandy beaches, pink granite peaks, and the azure waters of Wineglass Bay, one of Tasmania’s most photographed locations.
Tarkine Wilderness
Venture into the Tarkine, the largest temperate rainforest in Australia. This remote area in northwestern Tasmania offers a variety of experiences, from hiking and river cruises to exploring the rugged coastline. The Tarkine is a haven for wildlife and a place of rich Aboriginal heritage.
Franklin River Rafting
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the wild and scenic Franklin River. This challenging adventure takes you through remote rainforests, deep gorges, and quiet pools, with opportunities to see some of Tasmania’s unique wildlife. The journey can last from 5 to 10 days, depending on the chosen route.
Bay of Fires
This coastal area in northeastern Tasmania is famous for its white sandy beaches, blue waters, and orange-hued granite boulders. The Bay of Fires offers excellent opportunities for camping, beach walking, fishing, and bird watching. The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a popular way to experience this stunning coastline with guided four-day walks.
Mount Field National Park
Located just a short drive from Hobart, this park offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation. The park is famous for its tall trees, beautiful Russell Falls, and the diverse ecosystems ranging from eucalyptus temperate rainforest to alpine moorland.
Off the Beaten Path
Tarkine Wilderness
The Tarkine in Tasmania’s northwest is one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests. This remote area offers a profound sense of isolation and untouched beauty. You can explore the dense forests, wild rivers, and rugged coastline. Guided tours are available, including river cruises, rainforest walks, and even scenic flights.
Maria Island
Accessible via ferry from Triabunna, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and a place of historical significance. With no cars and few permanent residents, it offers a peaceful retreat. You can explore convict ruins, hike past dramatic cliffs, and see wildlife like wombats, Tasmanian devils, and various bird species.
Southwest National Park
Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this park is less accessible and thus less frequented by tourists. It's a place for those who truly want to disconnect. You can take a scenic flight or a boat trip to reach this remote area, where hiking trails lead through untouched landscapes.
Bay of Fires
While somewhat known for its stunning orange-lichen-covered granite boulders and white sandy beaches, the Bay of Fires offers secluded beach experiences, especially in the northern section. It's an excellent spot for camping, fishing, bird watching, and enjoying coastal walks.
Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Less accessible and therefore less visited than other parks in Tasmania, the Walls of Jerusalem offers a true wilderness experience. It is only accessible by foot, and there are no facilities inside the park, which helps preserve its pristine condition. The park features unique alpine vegetation and dramatic landscapes.
Franklin River Nature Trail
For those interested in a less intense experience than the famous Franklin River rafting trips, the Franklin River Nature Trail provides a gentle yet immersive rainforest experience. This short walk is ideal for those who appreciate serene river and forest views without the commitment of a multi-day trek.
Tasmania Fun Facts
Tasmania, an island state of Australia, is known for its rugged wilderness, rich history, and unique wildlife. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Tasmania:
- Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
Almost half of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers about 1.5 million hectares, showcasing some of the last expanses of temperate rainforest in the world.
- Tasmanian Devil
Tasmania is the only place in the world where the Tasmanian devil lives in the wild. This carnivorous marsupial is known for its fierce nature and distinctive screeching growl.
- Port Arthur Historic Site
Once a 19th-century penal settlement, Port Arthur is now an open-air museum and one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist attractions. It provides a poignant look at Australia’s convict past.
- Cleanest Air in the World
The air in Tasmania is reputed to be the cleanest in the world, with the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Station often cited for having the purest air.
- Oldest Trees
Tasmania is home to some of the oldest trees in the world. The Huon Pine can live for more than 2,000 years, and individual living trees are believed to be over 3,000 years old.
- MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
Located in Hobart, MONA is Australia’s largest private museum and one of the most controversial due to its collection of modern art and antiquities, including some provocative and challenging works.
- Over 300 Islands
Tasmania includes over 300 smaller islands, ranging from rocky outcrops to idyllic spots like Bruny Island and Flinders Island, each offering unique landscapes and biodiversity.
- Unique Geological Features
The island has some unique geological features, including the Tessellated Pavement, the Painted Cliffs, and the Remarkable Cave, which are all formed naturally and offer stunning views.
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
This famous annual yacht race starts in Sydney, New South Wales, on Boxing Day and finishes in Hobart. It is considered one of the most difficult yacht races in the world.
- Rich Aboriginal Heritage
Tasmania has a deep Aboriginal heritage, with evidence of their presence dating back over 40,000 years. The Aboriginal community, primarily consisting of the Palawa people, has a rich culture and history that continues to be celebrated and preserved today.
Featured Picture Gallery
Experience the Beauty of Freycinet Bay
Visit the Hobart Wooden Boat Festival
Explore the Clear Waters of Bicheno Bay
Visit Wineglass Bay to Experience the Vast Beauty
Take a Hike to See the Mesmerizing Views of Craddle Mountain Summit
Tasmanian Devils Once Lived in Australia, but Now They are Only Found in Tasmania
Experience the Beautiful Sunsets Along the Tasmanian Sea
Tasmania is Home to Pademelons and are Nocturnal Animals
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