Tasmania has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for very good reason. This island state of the south coast of the Australian mainland offers the perfect combination of natural and cultural attractions. From bustling cities and quaint country towns to awe-inspiring landscapes and relaxing national parks, Tasmania offers a whole new world to explore.

Tasmania is located just 240 km from the Australian mainland, but it seems like a world away. Everything seems a little bigger and moves a little slower in this part of the world, which makes Tasmania the perfect location for a relaxed getaway. There are lots of unique and inspiring holiday destinations, from the cities of Hobart and Launceston to Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires, Mount William National Park, and Bruny Island. Let's look at the top things to do in Tasmania for memories that will last a lifetime.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, and it is the biggest city in the Apple Isle, accounting for almost half the population. Located in the state's south-east, Hobart is rich with tradition as the second oldest state capital in Australia after Sydney. Hobart has been occupied by Aboriginal people for at least 35,000 years, with British colonists starting a penal colony in 1804. While it can get cold, the climate in Hobart is fairly mild with an average temperature of 12-22 °C during summer and 5-12 °C during winter.

Hobart lies on the shores of a deep natural port in-between the picturesque River Derwent estuary and majestic Mount Wellington. Once a quiet city due to its isolation, Hobart has grown in recent years to become one of the most popular tourist spots in Australia. There is lots to see and do in Hobart, from gentle walks along Constitution Dock and Salamanca Market through to exploring the many cultural events held throughout the year. The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a must-see destination, with the adjacent Moorilla Estate Winery Vineyards also a great attraction.

Salamanca Markets, Hobart

Launceston

As Tasmania's second-biggest city, Launceston is a worthy destination for all visitors to the state. Situated at the junction of the North Esk and South Esk rivers as they transform into the Tamar River, this beautiful city moves at a slow and relaxing pace. Launceston is located in the north of the state, with its proximity to the Australian mainland giving it status as an important historical and modern-day port. While the city has a temperate climate, it is situated in a valley and gets a couple of degrees colder than Hobart in winter.

There are lots of interesting things to see and do in Launceston, both in the city itself and the surrounding countryside. It's famous for the Cataract Gorge, with this beautiful spot offering panoramic views, gentle walking trails, inspiring sculpted gardens, and even a chairlift. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is home to more than 30 cellar doors, and Liffey Falls State Reserve features rainforests and waterfalls. In the city itself, popular landmarks include Tasmania Zoo, Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and City Park.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is a beautiful part of Tasmania located roughly halfway between Hobart and Launceston. Situated on the east coast of the state, it includes a scenic peninsula and granite mountain range, along with Schouten Island to the south. The breathtaking natural scenery of this national park is a must-see for any visitor to Tasmania, from the white sand of the Friendly Beaches and Honeymoon Bay to the famous lookout over Wineglass Bay. The climate here is mild, with lows of 6 °C during winter and highs of 23 °C over summer.

The Hazards mountain range is an inspiring sight, either from a distance or up-close-and-personal on a walking adventure. As you might expect, most of the activities in Freycinet National Park are based on the area's natural attractions, including walking, sea kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, and seeing the sights. This part of Tasmania is full of diverse flora and fauna, with bird watching a hit  among some visitors. Whale watching is also popular in the waters off the Freycinet Peninsula, with nectar-feeding birds, white-bellied sea-eagles, and wildflowers also in abundance.

Wineglass Bay

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is a slice of heaven on Tasmania's north-east coast, located 277 km from Hobart and 190 km from Launceston by road. This area stretches over 50 km from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north. This beautiful part of Tasmania features pure white sandy beaches, magnificent blue water ocean, and orange granite rocks. The northern section of the Bay of Fires makes part of Mount William National Park, and the southern end is a conservation area. This part of Tasmania became famous for its whaling activities in the 1840s, and is named after the colour of its rocks.

There are lots of activities for tourists to enjoy while visiting the Bay of Fires, including camping/glamping, swimming, walking, and bird watching. You can walk for hours along white sandy beaches and swim in the clearest water imaginable. The untouched beauty of the natural landscape will inspire you to spend time in the great outdoors with the people you love. The climate in the Bay of Fires is fairly mild, with temperatures only getting down to 7 °C during the winter months and up to 21 °C in summer.

Bay of Fires

Mount William National Park

Located in Tasmania's north-east corner in the Bay of Fires, Mount William National Park is a beautiful part of the world with amazing natural attractions and outstanding animal diversity. Situated 234 km north-east of Hobart, this national park combines rugged granite boulders with pristine white sandy beaches, pure turquoise waters, and diverse coastal heathlands. Wukalina, or Mount William, is a sacred and culturally significant landmark for Aboriginal people in the heart of the park.

There are lots of things to see and do in this national park to experience the area's natural diversity. While this relaxing and peaceful spot is perfect for walking and fishing, it's also great for kicking back and doing nothing at all. Many parts of the national park are teeming with native wildlife, including the Tasmanian Forester kangaroo and Bennett’s wallaby. There are also lots of wombats, echidnas, kangaroos, and birdlife species that call this part of Tasmania home.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island is the premier island destination in Tasmania. As an island paradise within an island state within an island nation, Bruny Island is about as untouched and isolated as you can get. The well-preserved natural environment of Bruny Island is partly down to its geographic location off the south-east coast of Tasmania. It's fairly easy to visit Bruny Island, however, with regular ferries operating from Kettering, which is just over half an hour from Hobart by car. Bruny Island enjoys slightly warmer weather than Hobart over winter, with temperatures rarely going below 6 °C. While summer isn't quite as warm, 20 °C days are still common.

Bruny Island is 62 sq-km in size, and has distinct North Bruny and South Bruny sections to explore. This peaceful island really does provide the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience, from spectacular bushwalks on beaches and coastal tracks through to eco-cruises and sailboat adventures. Bruny Island is home to a number of animal species, including fur seals, fairy penguins, albatross, wedge-tailed eagles, and white wallabies, among others. The local produce is also famous across Australia, with oysters, cheese, and chocolate providing the ultimate holiday indulgence.

About Inspiring Journeys

At Inspiring Journeys, we love helping people to discover the natural purity and cultural delights of Australia's favourite island. Tasmania is full of natural wonders, packed with modern attractions, and steeped in history. If you want to explore the Apple Isle in a way that is peaceful and relaxing, we can help you to uncover the wilds of untouched Tasmania.

Inspiring Journey's Tasmania Footsteps and Trails tour provides a taste of timeless Tasmania in a modern package. On this 7-day tour, you will be guided by a traditional custodian on a wukalina walk pilgrimage, discover spectacular Bruny Island, and explore the wonders of the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park. If you want to experience the very best of Tasmania, we invite you on a journey through time to uncover the ancient landscapes and untamed coastline of this inspiring land.