The 20 best things to do in Tasmania

Where is it? In Port Arthur, just a 90-minute drive from Hobart.

What is it? One of Australia’s greatest outdoor museums, with UNESCO World Heritage-listed status.

Why go? Australia’s most intact and evocative convict site boasts more than 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore. Stroll through the 40-hectare landscaped grounds, join an introductory walking tour, embark on a complimentary 20-minute harbour cruise where you’ll catch glimpses of the Isle of the Dead – and then come back to do it all again, with tickets granting you entry for two consecutive days. Trust us, you’ll need it.

Where is it? In Coles Bay, a two-hour drive northeast of Hobart.

What is it? The Freycinet Peninsula is on Tasmania’s east coast. Its dramatic granite peaks, dazzling white sandy beaches and pristine waters make it one of the most popular of the state’s 19 national parks.

Why go? If you’re looking for blow-your-mind beautiful, Freycinet is a must-visit. Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most photographed views, and deservedly so, but if you’re looking for a quieter spot that’s just as Insta-friendly, stop off at Friendly Beaches for a walk and a swim.

Where is it? A 30-minute drive north of Launceston.

What is it? The oldest and largest wine region in Tasmania, home to more than 30 wineries.

Why go? To enjoy a leisurely drive through beautiful vineyards tucked up against forests, farmland and orchards. With plenty of cellar doors to choose from, there are opportunities to taste some of Tasmania’s best chardonnay, riesling and pinot noir. A visit to House of Arras will put you in the company of Australia’s most-awarded sparkling wine, while Josef Chromy will have you wishing every city had a world-class cellar door within a ten-minute drive of the CBD.

What is it? A brisk 15-minute walk from Launceston's city centre.

What is it? The Gorge, as it's called by locals, refers to the two cliff faces flanking the winding South Esk River, which eventually joins with the Tamar. There are two walking trails, but if you're not much of a hiker, you can drive up to the First Basin car park where you can hop on the world's longest single-span chairlift. 

Why go? The scenic chairlift spans 457 metres from station to station, and the ten-minute ride offers spectacular views of the Gorge from 308 metres above. Visitors can also go for a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a meal in the Gorge restaurant or settle on the lawns for a sunset picnic. Keep an eye out for the peacocks and pademelons who are waiting to pounce on your crumbs.  

Where is it? A 15-minute drive or 25-minute ferry ride from Hobart.

What is it? Professional gambler and art collector David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art is Australia’s largest museum. Described by its owner as a “subversive adult Disneyland”, the collection runs the full spectrum from ancient Egyptian mummies to contemporary conceptual installations.

Why go? From the moment you board the high-speed ferry that sails between Hobart’s waterfront and MONA’s 99 steps, you’ll realise this is a museum like no other. Get there early to see James Turrell’s 'Amarna': an outdoor light show that complements the natural conditions at sunrise and sunset.  

Where is it? In Queenstown, a three-hour drive from Launceston or 3.5 hours from Hobart.

What is it? Running 35km between Queenstown and Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, the Wilderness Railway is a reconstruction of the historic Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company line, which began in 1897. Original steam locomotives still operate the route today.

Why go? This is your chance to see spectacular scenery that is inaccessible any other way. Stop along the route for a rainforest walk, panning for gold or wild honey tasting.

Where is it? A 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering.

What is it? With just a few hundred human residents, Bruny is a 362-square-kilometre island that's home to an abundance of wildlife, including fairy penguins, white wallabies and swift parrots.

Why go? It’s a foodie’s paradise: start at Get Shucked Oyster Farm, make your way to the pizza and craft beer at Bruny Island Cheese Company, and finish off at Bruny Island Premium Wines in Lunawanna. The house-made cherry cheesecake is an absolute must.

Where is it? Looming over Hobart, a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

What is it? The 1271-metre peak is a smorgasbord for wildlife and diverse botany, including forest, woodlands and alpine environments – not to mention an astonishing locale for panoramic sunrises.

Why go? Reflections from the River Derwent illuminate the foot of the mountain, while Hobart’s neighbouring hilly terrain creates silhouettes as the sun streaks the sky. It’s not uncommon to encounter snow on top of the enormous urban mound in the height of winter – so pack your wellies and rug up for an unforgettable Tasmanian sunrise.

Where is it? In Brighton, a 30-minute drive from Hobart.

What is it? The place to get up close and personal with the quirkiest Tasmanian creatures, and also a working rescue centre.

Why go? From Randall the echidna to quolls, possums and of course Tasmanian devils, there’s a lot to see at Bonorong. Every visitor receives a bag of kangaroo feed, too.

Where is it? In New Norfolk, just a 30-minute drive from Hobart.

What is it? A restaurant championing paddock-to-plate principles, located in an old asylum.

Why go? The focus here is on seasonal, simple food executed with perfection. It’s an unlikely location, but the restaurant is bright, the service is friendly and you’re equally welcome for a three-course meal in the dining room, or a cake and a coffee on the lawns.

Where is it? Just off the East Coast of Tasmania, reachable by a 45-minute ferry from Triabunna.

What is it? A 20-kilometre-long island, with no vehicles, no shops and no stress. 

Why go? While on island time, you can enjoy walking, cycling, snorkelling and wombat spotting. The latter are so plentiful that your Instagram will be overloaded with cuteness. A day trip is possible, but if you want to explore the island more fully you can either camp or stay in basic bunkhouse-style accommodation at the Old Penitentiary. If you only do one walk on Maria Island, make it the Painted Cliffs: patterned sandstone rock formations created by the movement of mineral-rich water through the rock, and by the later eroding action of wind and wave. They are astonishing and beautiful.

Where is it? In the centre of Hobart.

What is it? Every Saturday morning, visitors and locals converge on the historic Salamanca Place for Tasmania's most famous outdoor street market. 

Why go? There’s plenty to enjoy here, with stalls from local artisans, authors and foodies alike. One minute you’ll be sampling a local gin, wine or honey; next you’ll be admiring artwork of Tasmanian devils, jewellery made using local gemstones and toasty socks that Tassie sheep have kindly provided the wool for. It’s mildly chaotic but in the best way, and luckily there are plenty of coffee and food trucks to keep you going.

Where is it? In Cradle Mountain, a two-hour drive from Launceston.

What is it? The multi-day Overland Track is one of the most famous walks in the world, and the Cradle Summit is one to tick off for the more adventurous day trippers.

Why go? The renowned 65-kilometre, six-day trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair will take you through valleys, meadows, up mountains and past hidden glacial lakes and waterfalls. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of journey and by far one of the best things to do in Cradle Mountain. If you like the idea of a challenge but you’re time-poor, start your day early and tick off the Summit hike. Clocking in at eight hours return, this rough, tough and steep 12.8-kilometre walk comes with some seriously rewarding views of the surrounding lakes and mountains – but only on a clear day.

Where is it? Various locations in Tasmania.

What is it? A multi-award-winning company that provides unforgettable wilderness cruises and day tours from several locations around the state. Tours aboard their comfortable yellow boats offer the best way to experience Tasmania’s spectacular coastal scenery.

Why go? Knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, and seals make each of the cruises an experience to remember. For a real treat, the Tasmanian Seafood Seduction combines the tour with an all-day feast of oysters, abalone and rock lobster.  

Where is it? In northwest Tasmania, a 3.5-hour drive west of Launceston.

What is it? A full-day 4WD tour with an experienced guide through a region like no other on Earth.

Why go? The Tarkine features Australia’s greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest, coastal heathlands, Aboriginal middens, cave systems, mountain ranges, rugged surf beaches, and some of the oldest trees in the world. It’s worth springing the extra dollars for a premium tour which includes a gourmet lunch full of fresh Tassie produce.

Where is it? A 30-minute drive south of Hobart.

What is it? Some of the state’s most beautiful scenery and interesting venues can be found among the orchards of the Huon Valley, where the roadsides are dotted with fresh produce stalls and honesty boxes.

Why go? The towns of Franklin, Huonville and Cygnet each offer something unique, but make sure you also stop in at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in Grove. It’s a refurbished barn serving award-winning cider, crispy pork crackle and generous slices of apple pie.

Where is it? In Northern Tasmania, a 40-minute drive from Launceston and only five minutes from George Town.

What is it? Tasmania is home to several colonies of little penguins which, at just 40cm tall, are the smallest penguin species in the world. You can spot them on a Low Head small-group, sunset tour, which includes bookable bus transfers from Launceston.

Why go? Because it's absolutely adorable. This is a rewarding, but responsible way to enjoy seeing the fairy-sized black and white birds in one of Launceston's most charming seaside towns. The tour’s environmentally friendly approach ensures that the 4,000 or so penguins in the area are not disturbed as they waddle out of the water and into their burrows for the night.

Where is it? In the centre of Hobart.

What is it? Close to Hobart’s waterfront, SAC is a major arts hub and home to a vibrant, creative community. It comprises studios, theatres, galleries, retail outlets, arts administration and a café, as well as an annual calendar of special events.

Why go? This is the place to find Tasmanian souvenirs. There’s no tourist tat, just beautiful handmade objects, bought directly from the maker.

Where is it? A 20-minute drive south of Hobart.

What is it? A picturesque 18-metre abseil over 'The Blowhole' in Blackmans Bay with Aardvark Adventures. There are beautiful beaches nearby for a post-abseil dip, plus an underwater snorkelling 'bushwalk' around ten minutes south. 

Why go? For the ultimate thrill-seeking experience in the heart of the wilderness. This all-day adventure takes Tasmania’s gorgeous coastline, just an easy 20-minute drive from Hobart. No experience is necessary, and you can recover from the adrenaline rush with the climb back up to the top.