Discover Tasmania with iBestTravel

Anchoring Australia at its southeastern tip, this country’s smallest and only island state is a diverse destination perfect for independent exploration. Stroll amid the heritage streetscapes of Hobart and Launceston – both infused with a discreet cosmopolitan sheen and restaurants showcasing local produce. Road trip to beaches and vineyard-hop past the improbably blue waters of Tasmania’s east coast, or venture well off the beaten path down the remote west coast. You can also recharge and relax after outdoor adventures – on two legs or two wheels – with a Tasmanian whisky or craft beer.

In a country as massive as Australia, Tasmania presents a more compact destination where a morning’s drive could transport you from arcing beaches and rust-colored headlands to wild and rugged sub-alpine landscapes.

When Should I Go to Tasmania?

Offering the most settled weather, the best season for travel is Tasmania’s southern hemisphere spring and summer from October to March. From December to February, the sublime bays and beaches of the Freycinet Peninsula are perfect for day hikes, swimming, and kayaking. Just remember, Tasmania is very green for a reason, and it’s not uncommon to have the occasional rain shower year-round.

Autumn and winter from April to September offer good accommodation discounts, and it’s a great time to bundle up beside an open fire enjoying Tasmania’s excellent food, beer, whisky, and wine. Cultural highlights, including Hobart’s dazzling MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), can be enjoyed year-round. Additionally, the six-day, five-night hiking adventure of Cradle Mountain’s Overland Track is best tackled during Tasmania’s summer and early autumn (December to April). Look forward to warmer and longer days while hiking past lakes and peaks framed by alpine flowers.

Popular festivals include March’s Ten Days on the Island, enlivening venues around the state with music, literature, and film (biennially in odd-numbered years), Dark MOFO in June, and Taste of Summer, a flavor-packed highlight on Hobart’s waterfront for 10 days around New Year’s Eve.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Tasmania?

Although Tasmania is relatively small – you can drive north from Hobart to Launceston in less than three hours – the roads can be winding and circuitous in mountain and forested areas. An absolute minimum time would be a week to 10 days, taking in Hobart, Maria Island, the Tasman Peninsula, and Freycinet National Park. For a deeper experience, consider extending your travels to two weeks to include leisurely hikes around Cradle Mountain National Park, as well as time spent enjoying Launceston’s relaxed heritage vibe and the history and vineyards of the nearby Tamar Valley.

Is It Easy to Get in and Around Tasmania?

Most travelers arrive in Hobart on direct flights from major mainland Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Air New Zealand offers seasonal flights linking Auckland and Hobart from October to March. Another option is the Spirit of Tasmania car ferry from Geelong near Melbourne to Devonport on Tasmania’s northern coast. This route is popular for Australian travelers exploring their nation’s most southern state. Tasmania has no train services, and the statewide bus services are relatively limited. While it’s possible to use buses and shuttles to reach popular destinations like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks, having your own transport is essential to reach most other highlights of the state.

Traveling by campervan is also quite popular, and local and international car rental companies can be found at Hobart airport and in the city center. Both Hobart and Launceston are compact and historic cities best explored on foot.

Top Things to Do in Tasmania

• Mountain bike down Hobart’s kunanyi/Mt Wellington, stopping for a beer at the historic Cascade Brewery, followed by fish and chips beside the harbor.

• Take a boat from Hobart’s waterfront for a visit to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) – expect entertainment, insight, and occasional bewilderment.

• Discover Tasmania’s tragic convict history at the Port Arthur Historic Site on the rugged Tasman Peninsula.

• Experience the grandeur of the 300m-high sea cliffs of Tasman National Park, either on an exciting boat trip with Tasman Island Cruises or while hiking the Three Capes Walk.

• Catch a ferry to Maria Island National Park for coastal mountain biking, more convict history, and encounters with local wildlife like wombats and kangaroos.

• Negotiate a shaded path around Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park before visiting Tasmanian devils at the Devils@Cradle wildlife refuge.

• Kayak or walk to remote beaches around Freycinet National Park, finishing with fresh local oysters and premium East Coast wine.

• Learn about Tasmania’s Indigenous heritage through walking tours in Launceston’s Cataract Gorge.

• Feast on relaxed fine dining and savor some of the world’s best cool-climate wines while vineyard hopping in the Tamar Valley’s Pipers Brook wine region.

How Much Money Do I Need for Tasmania?

Similar to the rest of Australia, Tasmania is not a budget destination, and accommodation and dining costs can quickly add up. Supermarkets offer more affordable options, and many travelers choose to self-cater for breakfast. Indulging in the state’s vibrant food scene at cafes and restaurants remains an essential part of your travel budget.

With much shorter distances in Tasmania compared to mainland Australia, you’ll use less petrol. For good-value dining, explore the global array of food trucks at popular markets like Hobart’s Farm Gate Market and Launceston’s Harvest Market. Many of the state’s scenic and natural attractions are free to explore.

Average Daily Costs

• Double room in a motel: AU$200-250

• Double room in a heritage B&B: AU$300-400

• Entrance to MONA: AU$39

• Aboriginal Australia walking tour in Launceston: AU$50

• Coffee: AU$5-6

• Pint of craft beer: AU$10-15

• Glass of Tamar Valley wine: AU$10-15

• Main course at a pub bistro: AU$25-35

• Car rental per day: AU$50-70

Always Pack Plenty of Layers

At around 42°S latitude and often buffeted by winds from the Southern Ocean, Tasmania’s weather can be changeable and capricious. Be prepared with several layers of warm and dry gear, just in case that sunny stroll along Hobart’s waterfront suddenly takes a different turn.

National Parks For Less

Even if you’re only visiting Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Parks, it’s worth purchasing a National Parks Holiday Pass (AU$89.50) from Tasmania’s Parks & Wildlife Service. This pass grants vehicle and up to eight passengers entry to all parks for two months, making it economical for those visiting multiple locations.

Slow Down and Take Your Time

Tasmania may appear compact on maps, yet traveling around the state will likely take longer than expected. Roads can be winding and narrow, especially through forests. Therefore, enjoy the drive, avoid packing too much into your schedule, and remember to leave time for spontaneous detours.