Tasmania has emerged in recent times as an Australian tourism powerhouse, with visitors flocking to this island for the natural beauty that it offers. Look beyond the sweeping vistas, and you’ll find a whole host of activities to cater to discerning tastes on “Tassie.”
Tour Australia’s oldest brewery
The Cascade Brewery is a foreboding 94-year-old brewery, which stands alongside the Hobart Rivulet at the foot of Mount Wellington. Here, you can take brewery tours of this historic factory and sample Tasmania’s finest brews, from pale ales to premium lagers.
Take in Old and New at Hobart’s showpiece Museum
The MONA (Museum of Old and New) is anything but your run-of-the-mill art gallery. It’s a privately owned institution valued at $75 million with a plethora of arresting artworks that will spark conversation among art lovers of all ages. The MONA is just one piece of a cultural precinct that includes a winery, The Source restaurant, MONA Market, and the swanky Pavilions retreat.
Go zip lining at Hollybank Treetops
An outing to the Hollybank Treetops is fun for the entire family. The showpiece of this park is the three-hour canopy tour, which takes adventurers through the lush Treetops, but you could also opt for the Segway Tour or the more physically demanding Tree Rope Course.
Marvel at the Freycinet National Park
Named for the French navigator, Louis de Freycinet, this long-standing national park is an area extremely rich in biodiversity and practically untouched by human activity. It’s also home to Wineglass Bay, a stunning stretch of coastline, which was voted as one of the world’s top ten beaches. It also boasts of a range of striking pink and red granite formations, known as ‘The Hazards’.
Hike up Cradle Mountain
If you haven’t noticed by now, Tasmania is an absolute boon for nature lovers. Cradle Mountain is another spot that you’d be well-served by visiting, as it offers awe-inspiring scenery from various vantage points. You can either choose to do a day visit or a multi-day trek through Cradle Mountain National Park.
Go off the grid at Thalia Haven
Thalia Haven, a private retreat, is heaven for those who prefer the solitude of nature, with no Wi-Fi or TV to distract you from the quiet. That isn’t to say that this is Spartan lodging, not by a long shot. Rather, you’ll get modern quarters with rustic touches. The standout attraction is the uber-Instagrammable outdoor bathtub. What better way to watch the sun go down over the Great Oyster Bay while listening to the waves crash against the shore?
Tear up dirt at the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain-bikers will salivate at the thought of 125km of trails that await them at Blue Derby. What makes this network of MTB track special is the location — it’s a lush, temperate rainforest with towering treetops and routes to suit all levels. Hardcore riders can book a pod within the forest for a multi-day riding experience.
Take in views of Hobart from Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington, or kunanyi in the indigenous language, is synonymous with the Tasmanian capital, Hobart. For the best views of the city, make a trip up Mount Wellington to the Observation Deck with the Hobart Shuttle Bus Company. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could always hike the snow-capped peaks of this menacing mountain.
Sift through goodies at the Salamanca Market
The Salamanca Market is a great way to while away a Saturday in Hobart, with a wide variety of locally produced goods on offer. Get your coffee fix, meander around, and catch local talent performing at this vibrant bazaar.
Kayak through Bathurst Harbour
Bathurst Harbour is home to serene, glistening waters and rugged mountain ranges that wouldn’t be out of place in Game of Thrones. All this makes it a treat for kayaking enthusiasts who can take single- or multi-day trips through this enchanting Tasmanian wonderland.
Also read: 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tasmania in Autumn & Winter
Didn’t this have you drooling over Tasmania? Plan that trip now and let us know how it goes!