Discover Tasmania: A Guide to the Island's Best Attractions

Tasmania, often referred to as "Tassie," is an island state of Australia known for its rugged wilderness, unique wildlife, and rich history. Nearly half of its area is protected within national parks and World Heritage Sites, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty.

From the iconic Tasmanian devil to the extinct thylacine, Tasmania's wildlife is as intriguing as its convict past and well-preserved heritage towns. The island is also a food lover's paradise, with Hobart's waterfront cafés and restaurants serving up local delicacies.

Travelers can take the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport, bringing their car along for a scenic road trip. Discover Tasmania's top attractions with this guide.

1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

Home to Mount Ossa, Tasmania's highest peak, this national park boasts stunning landscapes, from glacier-carved crags to alpine lakes. Popular hikes include the Lake Dove Walk and the Weindorfer Walk, while the Overland Track offers an 80-kilometer adventure through the heart of the park.

2. Hobart's Cultural Scene

Hobart, Tasmania's capital, is a cultural hotspot with a mix of modern and historical attractions. The MONA and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery are must-visits, while the city's rich convict history can be explored at the Hobart Convict Penitentiary and Salamanca Place.

3. Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur provides a glimpse into Tasmania's turbulent past with well-preserved ruins and a museum documenting the penal settlement's history. Visitors can also take a ghost tour or explore the nearby Tasman Peninsula.

4. Freycinet National Park

This coastal reserve is famous for Wineglass Bay, one of Australia's top beaches. Hiking trails offer stunning views of the Hazards, three pink granite peaks rising from the sea.

5. Views from kunanyi/Mount Wellington

The summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington provides panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding wilderness. It's a popular spot for hiking and biking.

6. Tasman National Park

This park features dramatic coastal landscapes, including the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, and the Devil's Kitchen. It's also home to diverse wildlife and offers various hiking trails.

7. Three Capes Track

The Three Capes Track is a 48-kilometer hike through Tasman National Park, offering stunning sea views and encounters with local wildlife.

8. Cataract Gorge, Launceston

Just a short walk from Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a natural oasis with walking paths, a chairlift, and a swimming pool surrounded by a Victorian garden.

9. Salamanca Place

This historic area in Hobart is known for its Georgian warehouses, now home to galleries, cafés, and the bustling Salamanca Market.

10. Bruny Island

Bruny Island is a haven for food enthusiasts and nature lovers, with South Bruny National Park offering stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

11. Mona Museum and Art Gallery

The controversial MONA in Hobart showcases a mix of art and antiquities in a subterranean setting, described as a "subversive adult Disneyland."

12. Mount Field National Park

This park offers diverse landscapes, from rainforests to waterfalls, and is a popular spot for skiing in winter and hiking in other seasons.

13. Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

A symbol of conservation, this park features primeval rainforests and wild rivers, offering white-water rafting and scenic walks.

14. Maria Island

Maria Island is a car-free nature reserve with historic sites, abundant wildlife, and the stunning Painted Cliffs.

15. Richmond

Richmond is a Georgian colonial town with historic sites like the Richmond Bridge and Richmond Gaol.

16. Climb The Nut

The Nut in Stanley is a volcanic plug offering panoramic views and is accessible by a steep path or chairlift.

Where to Stay in Tasmania for Sightseeing

For accommodation, consider luxury eco-hotels like Saffire Freycinet, centrally located hotels like the Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart, family-friendly options like Salamanca Inn, or budget-friendly heritage stays like The Mews Motel.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tasmania

• Tour Tasmania's Highlights from Hobart: A five-day guided tour from Hobart covers top attractions like Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and Freycinet National Park, with wildlife encounters and optional add-ons.