Tasmania may be small, but it packs a serious punch when it comes to adventure, scenery, and wildlife. Floating off the southern coast of mainland Australia, this island state is a paradise for road trippers, hikers, and food lovers alike. This ultimate guide to Tasmania will take you through everything you need to know before visiting – from the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain to the white-sand beaches of the East Coast, and the wild, untamed beauty of the West Coast.
Hobart, the island’s charming capital, blends history with a buzzing food and arts scene, while further south, you can chase the elusive Southern Lights dancing across the night sky. Whether you’re hiking through national parks, feasting on fresh seafood, or exploring Tasmania’s remote wilderness, this travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
What is the best month to visit Tasmania?
Tasmania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of adventure you’re after. Each season brings something special, whether it’s long summer days perfect for beach-hopping or crisp winter nights ideal for spotting the Southern Lights.
Summer (December–February): If you love warm weather, summer is the prime time to visit. With temperatures hovering between 20–30°C (68–86°F), it’s perfect for hiking in Lake St Clair National Park, exploring the turquoise waters of the Bay of Fires, or indulging in fresh oysters along the East Coast. Expect lively festivals, including MONA FOMA and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Autumn (March–May): This is a dream season for foodies and nature lovers. The Tamar Valley vineyards are at their most picturesque, and the Fagus trees in the highlands turn a fiery gold (a spectacle you won’t see anywhere else in Australia). Cooler temperatures make it a fantastic time for road-tripping and bushwalking, minus the summer crowds.
Winter (June–August): Tasmania’s off-season is a hidden gem for those who don’t mind the chill. Expect snow-dusted peaks, crackling fireplaces, and world-class whisky distilleries to warm you up. It’s also the best time to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), especially in remote spots like South Bruny Island and Mount Wellington.
Spring (September–November): Wildflowers burst into bloom, waterfalls are at their most powerful, and wildlife is everywhere, keep an eye out for wombats and Tasmanian devils in Maria Island National Park. This shoulder season is a fantastic mix of adventure and affordability, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
How many days in Tasmania is enough?
How many days should you spend in Tasmania? As long as you can spare! If you’re short on time, five to seven days will let you hit the highlights – wandering Hobart’s historic streets, hiking in Cradle Mountain, and road-tripping the scenic East Coast. But Tasmania is best savoured slowly. With two weeks, you can venture to the wild West Coast, spot wombats on Maria Island, and chase waterfalls in the Tarkine Rainforest. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or an extended adventure, Tassie’s landscapes, wildlife, and foodie delights will have you wishing for just a few more days.
How do you get to Tasmania?
Getting to Tasmania is all part of the adventure! You can either fly or sail to Australia’s island state, depending on how much time (and luggage) you have. Direct flights from major Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane land in Hobart or Launceston, making it the quickest way to start your Tasmanian adventure. If you prefer a more scenic (and car-friendly) option, hop aboard the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport – a 10- to 12-hour journey across the Bass Strait.
What is the best way to explore Tasmania?
Hit the road! Tasmania is tailor-made for road trips, with winding coastal highways, rugged mountain passes, and charming small towns waiting to be discovered. Renting a car or campervan gives you the freedom to chase sunsets on the Bay of Fires, detour to hidden waterfalls, and linger over long lunches at farm-to-table restaurants.
If you’re short on time, guided tours can take the stress out of planning, whisking you to the island’s top spots like Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, and the Tarkine Rainforest with expert insights along the way. Prefer a slower pace? Base yourself in Hobart or Launceston and explore with day trips – there’s plenty within easy reach, from world-class wineries to epic hikes.
The best things to do in Tasmania:
- Hike Cradle Mountain: One of Tasmania’s most iconic spots, offering stunning alpine scenery and epic hiking trails, including the legendary Overland Track.
- Explore Hobart’s waterfront & Salamanca Market: Wander through Tasmania’s capital, soak up its rich history, and browse the famous Saturday market for local crafts and gourmet treats.
- Drive the East Coast & visit Wineglass Bay: Discover white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and scenic coastal drives through Freycinet National Park.
- Go wild in the Tarkine Rainforest: The wild and remote west is home to ancient rainforests, rugged coastlines, and some of the purest air on Earth.
- Spot wildlife on Bruny Island: Take a ferry from Hobart to this nature-lover’s paradise, where you can see seals, penguins, and the famous white wallaby.
- Experience MONA (Museum of Old and New Art): This underground art museum in Hobart is bold, bizarre, and a must-visit for anyone who loves creativity and controversy.
- Chase waterfalls in Mount Field National Park: An easy day trip from Hobart, this lush park is home to the stunning Russell Falls and some of Tasmania’s tallest trees.
- Visit Port Arthur Historic Site: Step back in time at one of Australia’s best-preserved convict sites, packed with fascinating (and eerie) history.
- See the Southern Lights: If you’re lucky, Tasmania is one of the best places to catch nature’s dazzling light show, especially in winter.
- Taste your way through the Tamar Valley Wine Region: Tasmania’s cool climate produces some of Australia’s best wines, and the Tamar Valley is the perfect place to sip and savour.
How to see the southern lights in Tasmania
The best way to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) in Tasmania is to head as far south as possible, away from city lights, and be patient – nature runs on its own schedule! The aurora is most visible during the winter months (May to August) when the nights are longer and darker, but with a bit of luck, you might catch it year-round. Prime viewing spots include South Arm Peninsula, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain, and Cockle Creek, the southernmost point you can drive to in Australia. Keep an eye on aurora forecast apps, bundle up, and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. While there’s never a guarantee, when the skies light up in swirling pinks, purples, and greens, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Is Tasmania expensive to visit?
Tasmania can be as budget-friendly or as luxe as you make it. While it’s not the cheapest destination in Australia, it offers incredible value for the experiences you. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels and campgrounds to high-end lodges, and dining can be anything from a local bakery pie to a gourmet feast at a vineyard. Car rentals and fuel can add up, but road-tripping is the best way to see the island, and many of its best attractions, like Cradle Mountain hikes, Bay of Fires beaches, and the wild Tarkine rainforest are free to explore. With a little planning, you can experience Tasmania’s magic without breaking the bank!
What wildlife can you see in Tasmania
Tasmania is a paradise for wildlife lovers, with some of Australia’s most unique and elusive creatures calling the island home. You might spot wombats waddling through Cradle Mountain, echidnas snuffling along hiking trails, or pademelons bouncing through the bush. Tasmania is also the last refuge of the legendary Tasmanian devil – head to a wildlife sanctuary for a chance to see these feisty marsupials up close. Along the coast, keep an eye out for little penguins, playful dolphins, and even migrating whales. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a rare sighting of a white wallaby on Bruny Island!
How far is Tasmania from Australia?
Tasmania may feel like a world away, but it’s actually just 240km (150 miles) south of mainland Australia, across the Bass Strait. A short 1-hour flight from Melbourne will have you touching down in Hobart or Launceston in no time, while the Spirit of Tasmania ferry offers a scenic overnight voyage from Geelong for those who prefer to bring their car and soak up the journey.
