Head to the Apple Isle and cruise the Gordon River, stroll the Bay of Fires or sip a glass of Tassie's finest whiskey. Whether hiking around Cradle Mountain or watching a Wineglass Bay sunrise, there's something for everyone in Tasmania.
This UNESCO Heritage Listed Site is one of the most popular attractions in Tasmania and was once home to one of the most brutal penal colonies in Australia. The immaculately maintained site is best visited with a guide who will explain its fascinating history. Take the short cruise for panoramic views of the site and for the complete experience, join the isle of the Dead Cemetery tour. Later, if you dare, return for the nightly Ghost Tour to hear stories of some of Port Arthur's most notorious inmate.
Depart Macquarie Harbour in Strahan, cruise along the Majestic Gordon River and delve deep into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Often shrouded in fog and mist, the shoreline casts a perfect reflection on the river on still days. See Huon Pines at Heritage Landing, some over several thousand years old. The river is also home to the notorious Sarah Island, once a 19th century penal colony and now full of stories of the convicts who called it home.
Widely considered to be one of the top 10 wine routes in the world, this 170 kilometre trail takes you to 30 cellar doors through the Tamar Valley and along the Tamar River. Launceston airport or city is the most popular starting point and the route is clearly marked with yellow and blue signs. It can be done as quickly, or as leisurely, as you like. Visit wineries such as Josef Chromy, Pipers Brook, Jansz and Dalrymple. All offer tastings, some include vineyard tours and of course, all have products for sale.
Bruny Island is an easy day trip from Hobart, showcasing the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Truganini Lookout, South Bruny National Park as well as a slew of locally crafted products such as cheese, chocolate, honey, beer and whisky. Jump on a cruise and be on the lookout for seals, dolphins, sea eagles and maybe even whales. The island is easy enough to navigate if renting a car or alternatively, join a day tour and see it in style! To maxmise your experience, consider a extended tour.
Just steps away from the Hobart waterfront lie the historic neighbourhoods of Salamanca and Battery Point. Battery Point is an easy stroll from downtown Hobart and is where you can discover heritage homes on a self-guided walk. Afterwards, grab a drink or a meal at the famous Shipwright's Arms Hotel. From here, walk down Kelly's Steps to the towering, sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place. These buildings have been tastefully converted into galleries, boutiques, restaurants and whisky bars. Salamanca is also home to popular markets.
The Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart hosts Australia's largest private art collection, including a range of ancient, Egyptian mummies. It's well known for its controversial and thought-provoking artwork. The museum is accessible by car, but perhaps more enjoyable is the 25 minute ferry ride from Brooke Street Pier. Mona is also the home of the annual Dark Mofo celebration where special exhibits, events and concerts are held regularly. After browsing, enjoy lunch or a glass of wine at one of the several dining options or bars.
Tasmania may be famous for the Tasmania devil, but the island is also well known for its populations of quolls, wombats, pademelons, seals and pengiuns. Bicheno is the place to watch the cute Little penguins, while Bruny Island is great for spotting seals, dolphins and whales. Wombat lovers should visit the boardwalk at Cradle Mountain, where it's not unusual to spot these large marsupials feeding in the tussock grass. To see and learn about the devils and quolls had to Bonorong, Devils @ Cradle or Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
Tasmania is filled with walks and hikes suited to all fitness levels and interests. Some of the most popular walks include Wineglass Bay, Dove Lake Circuit, Wukalina, Cradle Mountain Huts, Three Capes Lodge and the Overland Track. Many tracks have been outfitted with boardwalks for part or the entire way and can be completed ether alone or with a guide. A lot of these walks can be completed in a matter of hours and some, such as popular Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, are completed over several days.
This coastal paradise spans over 30 kilometres of white, sandy beaches, crystal clear water and iconic, orange-hued boulders that give the region its name. The bay is a popular destination for camping, walking, hiking and watersports. Binalong Bay is the area's main beach and is perfect for swimming, surfing, diving and snorkelling. Anson's Bay Lagoon provides gentle conditions for kayaking, while Anson's Bay is popular for boating and fishing. The area is also popular for seafood including plump, fresh oysters.