The island state of Tasmania, which is about 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland and has some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, is becoming a more and more well-liked travel destination.
Due to its distant location, it has many national parks with distinctive flora and fauna, and its rugged coastline is perfect for kayaking, boat tours, and dolphin viewing.
Most of the island's inhabitants, popularly referred to as "Tassie," are concentrated in and around the cities of Launceston in the north and Hobart in the south, separated by vast tracts of mountains, woods, and agriculture.
A staggering variety of excellent festivals, art exhibitions, and music events are held in this region. It is well known throughout Australia for its fresh food, exceptional cuisine, and delectable wines.
Tasmania has various fascinating colonial and Aboriginal tourist attractions, making it the ideal blend of local cuisine, history, culture, and natural beauty.
This article lists the top 12 tourist destinations in Tasmania that you must visit during your trip to Australia.
Kunanyi or Mount Wellington
With a height of 1,271 meters, Kunanyi/Mount Wellington looms ominously over Hobart. Even in the hot summer months, snow frequently covers its high top. The lower slopes of Mount Wellington, the tallest summit in the Wellington Range, are covered in lush woods, and numerous excellent hiking and mountain biking trails wind through them. Locals commonly refer to Mount Wellington as "the mountain," but in the created Aboriginal Tasmanian language palawa kani, it is known as Kunanyi. Mount Wellington is a magnificent sight easily visible from any place in Hobart. You can also see the ocean glistening in the distance from its summit.
Salamanca Market
The award-winning Salamanca Market, held every Saturday between 8:30 AM and 3 PM, is a blast to visit and a must-do while in Hobart. The market was established in 1971 and is located along the waterfront near Salamanca Place's stunning sandstone buildings. Its popularity has caused it to grow significantly in size since then. Today, over 300 booths offer everything, including handicrafts, jewellery, delectable food, snacks, local cheeses, bread, and wines. There is no better way to start the weekend than by browsing its many stands due to the lively and laid-back environment that is contagious.
Cataract George Reserve
A short distance from Launceston's city centre, Cataract Gorge Reserve offers many recreational opportunities, and the surroundings aren't bad either. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge spans the gorge's width, lined with lovely flora along the South Esk River, and its basin contains a park and a swimming pool. The world's longest single-span chairlift is accessible from here, and the views are breathtaking from the top. Unsurprisingly, the reserve is a well-liked attraction among locals and tourists, as it is also home to cafes, restaurants, and various excellent hiking paths.
Cradle Mountain Lake
The Central Highlands' Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is home to some of the island's most breathtaking natural settings, with shimmering lakes tucked away among towering mountains. Cradle Mountain, the most well-known mountain in the state, is just one of the numerous steep peaks in the park's northern region, while the southern part of Lake St. Clair is home to several reflected lakes. Amidst the alpine landscape, one may see deep river gorges, lush rainforests, and flower-filled meadows. The national park draws a large number of hikers. It has a well-maintained network of routes because of the incredible variety of natural sights and quantity of species, including wombats, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils.
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Talk to an ExpertPort Arthur Historic Site
The Port Arthur Historic Site, located in a remote area of the Tasman Peninsula, is one of Australia's most significant heritage sites. Only the most severe offenders were transferred to the penal colony, which the British Empire established in 1830. As a result, a large settlement quickly grew up around the prison. It is a well-liked tourist destination nowadays. Its numerous structures offer us a fascinating glimpse into what the lives of the guards and prisoners would have been like. There is no way around taking a tour of the complex. These take you past all the significant landmarks while educating you about Port Arthur's history and the numerous criminals housed there.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
The Museum of Old and New Art, the biggest privately held museum in the nation, has a fantastic collection of antiquity, modernism, and contemporary art pieces. The museum, established in 2011 and situated on the banks of the River Derwent just outside of Hobart, is housed in a massive structure with a vast interior that extends three stories below ground. As a result, the atmosphere there is rather heavy and depressing. Many people have found the collection's topics, layout, and occasionally the artworks highly offensive. Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
The Cascades Female Factory, a workhouse for prisoners from 1828 to 1856, is now an important historical site. Female criminals were confined and put to work here in Hobart as cooks, nurses, or those who made and washed garments for the penal colony. Nowadays, wandering among its yards and buildings is a fun experience. Numerous educational exhibits and displays let you see what life could have been like for the jailed women. Additionally, you learn about Tasmania's influence from Britain, the origins of Australia, and how punishment and reform were perceived in the 1800s.Freycinet National Park
Freycinet, the oldest national park on the island, is situated on Tasmania's east coast and covers a sizable portion of the same-named peninsula. It was first established back in 1916. Its dramatic surroundings are filled with breathtaking beauty, from majestic mountains with pink hues to sweeping bays and exquisite white sand beaches. Wineglass Bay is one of the region's magnificent views and is frequently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world.
Mole Creek Karst National Park
Mole Creek Karst National Park will enchant nature enthusiasts with all it offers. It boasts various karst landscapes, including caves, rock formations, streams, and springs. The park opened in 1996 and now has about 300 caverns and sinkholes. Marakoopa Cave and King Solomons's Cave stand out as the most impressive. While the latter includes some breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites, the former is more extensive, has a few streams, and is brilliantly illuminated by glow worms. Aside from the national park's two primary attractions, it also has some stunning gorges and woods above ground, with most other caverns only open to recreational cavers.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best sites on the island to observe some of Australia's incredible wildlife. It is home to everything from kangaroos and wombats to koalas, emus, and, of course, Tasmanian devils—the sanctuary, situated on a large acreage, safeguards and preserves its natural environment. Everything appears beautiful as you see kangaroos cheerfully hopping around the outside enclosures. Visitors can meet an echidna or sugar glider, learn everything there is to know about these Ozzie species, assist with feeding Tasmanian devils and Eastern quolls, and discover everything there is to know about the centre's conservation initiatives. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, outside of Brighton, is an excellent place for the whole family to spend a fun and instructive day.
Bruny Island
The island, which is made up of North and South Bruny, is divided into two halves that are charmingly distinct and joined by a long, thin isthmus known as "The Neck." The southern realms are delightfully wild; the mountains and woods of its national park nestle near windswept beaches and craggy cliffs, in contrast to the northern kingdoms, primarily made up of farming and lovely landscapes. As a result, it is pretty well-liked by nature enthusiasts, and lots of tourists visit to see its penguins and wallabies. Bruny Island, just a short boat ride southeast of Tasmania, is mainly frequented by daytrippers from Hobart. However, exploring its natural attractions and delectable local fare is worth staying for a few days.
Russell Falls
Russell Falls, located in Mount Field National Park in the island's Central Highlands, is a sight to behold if you get the chance. Its tier cascades, which resemble water curtains, flow down a series of horizontal stone benches encircled by a thick undergrowth containing ferns and trees threatening to devour them. You can take many amazing pictures of the falls rising dramatically from the observation platform at their base. Not far away are the similarly lovely Horseshoe Falls. Many visitors combine a trip to Russell Falls with stops at some of the national park's other attractions because it offers many beautiful natural vistas.
