official tasmania tourism website

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tasmania

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

For those who haven't visited Australia's smallest state, Tasmania or "Tassie," seems shrouded in mystique. Perhaps it's the state's far-flung location, some 300 kilometers south of the Australian mainland across stormy Bass Strait. Maybe it's the vast expanses of windswept wilderness. Almost half of Tasmania's land mass lies in national parks and World Heritage Areas, with sparkling alpine lakes, wild rivers, and mist-cloaked peaks.

Perhaps it's the bizarre wildlife – from real life Tasmanian devils to the extinct thylacine, the Tasmanian tiger. Or is it the haunting convict history and beautifully preserved heritage towns, which seem frozen in time? Today, this mystique lures more and more tourists who are discovering the island's many jewels.

Shaped appropriately like a heart, Tasmania is also a foodie's delight. Gloriously creamy cheeses, crisp fruits, and succulent seafood are just some of the mouthwatering local treats on offer, and hanging out at a waterfront café or restaurant is one of the top things to do in the port city of Hobart.

If you're looking for a unique way to arrive on the island, you can travel from Melbourne to Devonport by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania . Best of all, you can bring your car with you. If you choose this option, check out a Tasmania attractions map, and plot a scenic road-trip.

Explore this enchanting state with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tasmania.

See also: Where to Stay in Tasmania

1. Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

2. get a culture fix in hobart, 3. port arthur historic site, 4. hike through freycinet national park, 5. see the views from kunanyi/mount wellington, 6. tasman national park, 7. walk the three capes track, 8. cataract gorge, launceston, 9. stroll around salamanca place, 10. visit bruny island, 11. mona museum and art gallery, 12. mount field national park, 13. franklin-gordon wild rivers national park, 14. marvel at the scenery on maria island, 15. richmond, 16. climb the nut, where to stay in tasmania for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in tasmania.

In the north of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is the jewel in the crown of the state's many natural wonders. Glacier-carved crags; glittering lakes; beech forests; alpine heathland; and jagged dolerite peaks, including 1,616-meter-high Mount Ossa (the highest point on the island), are some of its most breathtaking features.

Hiking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is legendary. Favorite day walks include the Lake Dove Walk , with magnificent views of Cradle Mountain (1,545 meters), and the Weindorfer Walk , a six-kilometer circuit through dense forests. If you're wondering what to do in Tasmania for a week, a hiking trip here could more than fill your days.

The northern part of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, is particularly beautiful. From the summit of Cradle Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the central highlands. The famous 80-kilometer Overland Track runs south from Cradle Valley to stunning Lake St. Clair , the deepest lake in Australia .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3297

Tasmania's capital has transformed itself from a sleepy backwater with a turbulent convict history to a hub of cutting-edge culture. Its beautiful setting between the sea and the soaring peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington has, no doubt, inspired many of its talented artists in all genres.

Opened in 2011, MONA: Museum of Old and New Art pushes the art world envelope with its provocative and confronting exhibits, while the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery takes a more traditional look at the country's art, as well as its natural history.

Foodies will also find plenty to smile about. The city's waterfront precinct buzzes with hip cafés and restaurants, and you can eat around the world on the restaurant strip in North Hobart.

Delving into the city's rich convict history is another one of the top things to do in Hobart. Visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary, and explore the historic sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place , now filled with shops, cafés, and antique dealers. From here, you can also follow the Battery Point Sculpture Trail to see elegant convict-built architecture.

Natural attractions are also never far away from the city buzz. Climb kunanyi/Mount Wellington to really appreciate Hobart's picturesque setting, and gaze out at the World Heritage wilderness in the distance.

Read More: Best Tourist Attractions in Hobart

The old convict settlement of Port Arthur offers a sobering look at Tasmania's turbulent past. About an hour's drive southeast of Hobart, the ruins are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property . Here, in 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur established a brutal penal settlement where convicts were forced to hew coal in the mines and fell timber.

In spite of a devastating fire in 1897, the remains of many buildings still stand, including the guard tower, church, model prison, and hospital. You can also browse fascinating documents and relics of the penal settlement in the museum, or visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site. Admission tickets give you two days to explore all the attractions here, and they also include an introductory walking tour and 25-minute harbor cruise.

Looking for unique things to do in Tasmania? Consider joining an evening lantern-lit "ghost tour" of the ruins .

After touring Port Arthur, take a drive along the coast to explore the soaring sea cliffs and sheltered coves of the spectacular Tasman peninsula.

Address: 6973 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur, Tasmania

Official site: http://portarthur.org.au/

World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania's relatively sunny east coast, is one of Australia's oldest nature reserves and one of its most beautiful. Hiking the many scenic trails here is the best way to explore the park.

The star of this picturesque peninsula is the perfect curve of powder-white sand and azure sea at Wineglass Bay – one of the top beaches in Australia . Wander through pristine bushland to secluded bays and lookouts, or tackle the Wineglass Bay Circuit, one of Australia's top hikes . Along the way, keep a look out for some of the many birds in the park. Black cockatoos, kookaburras, and sea birds are just some of the resident species.

Take the 20-minute walk from the lookout to the southern end of Wineglass Bay to admire beautiful views of the Hazards , three striking pink granite crags rising out of the sea. The peaks are best photographed at sunrise and sunset when their color deepens in the golden light.

At the entrance to Freycinet National Park, the little beach resort of Coles Bay is a good base for walks and climbs in the surrounding hills, and you can also explore the entire region on the East Coast Escape scenic drive.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3363

Undulating to the west of Hobart, the comforting presence of 1,270-meter-high kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a constant reminder of the unspoiled wilderness that lies on the doorstep of this waterfront capital.

Follow a winding 21-kilometer mountain road to the Pinnacle, often sprinkled with snow, for breathtaking views over Hobart, the Derwent Valley, and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. At the summit, boardwalks lead to panoramic viewpoints, and a pavilion displays old photographs of Hobart and Mount Wellington.

The mountain is a popular spot for biking and hiking through the temperate rain forests, and the distinctive Organ Pipes , a dolerite cliff, is renowned for its excellent rock climbing. Standing atop the summit and admiring the sweeping views is one of the best free things to do in Tasmania, but dress warmly as the weather here is notoriously fickle.

Official site: http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/

On the wind-lashed Tasman Peninsula, 56 kilometers east of Hobart, Tasman National Park protects some of Australia's most spectacular coastal scenery. If you look at a map of Tasmania, this park cloaks the far southeast tip of the state, with nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica.

It's a place of raw beauty. Towering dolerite cliffs plunge 300 meters to the sea, islands shimmer just offshore, waterfalls tumble to the sea, and contorted rock formations wear the relentless forces of wind and water.

The Blowhole and Tasman Arch are two of the park's most famous features. Other top sites include Remarkable Cave , Waterfall Bay , and the Devil's Kitchen – a collapsed rock arch.

Wildlife also scores top billing here. Apart from many species of rare birds, the area plays host to Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales, fairy penguins, and possums. A popular way to explore this stunning national park is by hiking the Three Capes Track (see below).

You can also explore some of the top attractions by car, or hop aboard a boat to glimpse the soaring cliffs from sea level, or cast a line – fishing can be excellent here. In the southern end of the park, climbers scale the dolerite cliffs, and Pirate's Bay is popular with hang-gliders.

Nearby lies the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur , one of Australia's most poignant historic sites.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3868

Starting and ending in World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, the stunningly scenic Three Capes Track slices through more than 48 kilometers of awe-inspiring wilderness in Tasman National Park . A boat delivers you to the trailhead from Port Arthur, where you'll walk along the edge of the continent, with breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from the cliff-top trail.

Along the way, you'll walk through pristine eucalyptus forests and windswept heathland; see spectacular dolerite columns rising from the sea; encounter wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and echidnas; and stay in comfy eco-friendly cabins.

Every hiker receives a guidebook with maps and notes about the journey, as well as stories to read as they sit on strategically placed benches along the track. This four-day, three-night hike is suitable for all levels of hikers – even children. It's one of the best things to do in Tasmania in spring, fall, or summer, although hardy hikers could also tackle it in winter if they dress appropriately.

Official site: https://www.threecapestrack.com.au/experience.html

A mere 15-minute stroll along the river from Launceston's city center, the wild and romantic Cataract Gorge is a deep chasm carved over many centuries by the South Esk River. Offering striking scenery, the gorge is one of the top attractions in Launceston .

Precipitous walking paths, first built in the 1890s, cut into the cliff face on both sides of the gorge, offering heart-stopping views of the river far below.

The less adventurous can hop aboard the world's longest single-span chairlift, and the Kings Bridge and Gorge Restaurant also afford fine views. On the south side, you can relax at a café and paddle in the bush-fringed swimming pool.

At Cliff Grounds on the northern side, lies a beautiful Victorian garden replete with ferns, strutting peacocks, and wallabies. River cruises offer another perspective of this popular attraction.

If you're looking for things to do in Northern Tasmania, Cataract Gorge deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

Official site: http://www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au/

Salamanca Place, with its lovingly restored sandstone buildings, is a tourist hub in the heart of Hobart's historic waterfront. Built by convicts between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian buildings were once warehouses along the commercial center of old Hobart. Today, they house art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and shops.

You can dine alfresco along this cobblestone strip; shop for antiques and souvenirs; or visit the galleries, performing arts venues, and ateliers of the Salamanca Arts Centre . Every Saturday, tourists and locals alike flock to the Salamanca Markets , where more than 300 vendors sell everything from handcrafted jewelry and woodwork to fresh produce.

Nearby Constitution Dock is a favorite spot to buy fresh seafood, and one of the most popular things to do in December here is watch the yachts cruise in after the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

From Salamanca Place, you can also descend Kelly Steps to Battery Point , a picturesque seaside suburb with heritage houses.

About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Bruny Island is a popular day trip from the city for foodies and nature buffs. The island lies across the D'Entrecasteaux Channel from the seaside town of Kettering. It's famous for its delectable gastronomic treats, such as handmade chocolates, local berries, artisan cheeses, and succulent seafood, which you can sample on island tasting tours.

South Bruny National Park, on the island's southern tip, offers beautiful coastal scenery, with soaring green sea cliffs, sheltered beaches, and challenging surf breaks.

You can explore the park on an eco-cruise or hike the many nature trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife. Fur seals and fairy penguins swim offshore, and wombats, wallabies, and echidnas are often spotted on land. Built by convicts between 1836 and 1838, Cape Bruny Lighthouse offers beautiful views of the surging Southern Ocean.

Cutting edge and controversial, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart made a splash on the Aussie art scene when it opened in 2011. Its Tasmanian owner, David Walsh, described the thought-provoking collection of art and antiquities as a "subversive adult Disneyland."

After entering the museum's foyer at ground level, art lovers descend a spiral staircase to a subterranean gallery, where exhibits range from Sidney Nolan's Snake to an Egyptian sarcophagus and a machine that turns food into brown sludge. Portable touch screen devices provide commentary on the works.

Also on-site are entertainment venues, a trendy restaurant, library, cinema, and accommodation pavilions. The most popular way to travel to MONA is a 30-minute ferry ride along the Derwent River, which drops you off directly at the museum's steps.

Note that you need to buy tickets in advance. Check the website for details and opening hours.

Address: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Hobart, Tasmania

Official site: http://www.mona.net.au/

About 80 kilometers from Hobart, Mount Field is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here, you can explore magnificent rainforests, tall swamp gums, alpine moorland, and stunning waterfalls.

Beautiful walking trails wind throughout the park, which is often dusted with snow in the high moorlands until summer. The short Russell Falls Nature Walk to these triple-tiered cascades is suitable even for wheelchair-users. You can also hike around Lake Dobson , and experienced bushwalkers have a choice of more challenging routes.

One of the popular things to do in Tasmania in winter is cross-country skiing, and this is an ideal place to indulge, only a 90-minute drive from Hobart. In the fall, the park ignites with yellow, orange, and red-leafed trees. This is also the site where the last Tasmanian tiger was captured in 1930.

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3589

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spectacular Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park has become a symbol of one of Australia's most famous conservation victories. In the 1970s and 80s, this majestic mountain region of primeval rainforest, steep gorges, and wild rivers was the subject of bitter controversy over a proposal to dam the Franklin River. The opponents of the scheme, with their battle cry "No dams!" were victorious, and the wild beauty of the Franklin River and its surrounding wilderness remains.

Today, the national park is the nucleus of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area , which also includes the rocky 1,443-meter peak of Frenchman's Cap . Its Aboriginal sites are evidence of a rich Indigenous heritage stretching back more than 36,000 years.

White-water rafting enthusiasts come here to tackle the tumultuous Franklin River, one of the top outdoor adventures in Australia , and hikers enjoy the short walks. A highlight is Donaghys Lookout Walk . You can also explore the park by car on the Lyell Highway. Better still, hop aboard a river cruise from the west coast village of Strahan .

Official site: http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=3937

In a land of wilderness escapes, Maria Island truly stands out. Sitting off the east coast of Tasmania, this pristine, car-free island is a nature-lover's Eden. Among the top tourist attractions are the island's Painted Cliffs . Etched with russet-hued swirls of sediment, the Painted cliffs are a favorite subject for photographers. But you can also explore rugged mountains; wild, windswept beaches; fossil-flecked limestone cliffs; and dense forests.

Are you an animal lover? You'll find plenty of wildlife to ogle here, too, from wombats and wallabies to Tasmanian devils, ringtail possums, pademelons, and potoroos (small marsupials). Maria Island is also one of the top places to visit in Tasmania for bird-watching .

Other popular things to do on Maria Island include hiking the scenic trails, biking around the island, snorkeling and diving (if you can brave the cold waters), and exploring the area's rich history. While you're here, you can visit World Heritage-listed convict sites and learn about the Indigenous Puthikwilayti people, custodians of the land and surrounding waters for more than 40,000 years.

Want to stay overnight? Maria Island accommodation is limited. You can stay in basic bunks at the Penitentiary in Darlington, or pitch your tent in a campsite. But most visitors come here on day trips from Hobart.

If you're traveling here on your own, the ferry ride from Triabunna to Darlington, the island's main settlement, takes about 45 minutes. You won't find any shops here, so you'll need to bring everything you need with you, and pack it all out.

About 25 kilometers northeast of Hobart, Richmond is a kind of living open-air museum. Of all the early settlements in Tasmania, it presents the most complete and homogeneous picture of a Georgian colonial town. It was founded soon after the landing of the first settlers in Risdon Cove in 1803 and soon developed into the commercial center of a very fertile grain-growing district.

Richmond was also an important military post. Inmates from the town's penal colony constructed many of the buildings, as well as the Richmond Bridge , which dates from 1825 and is the oldest bridge in Australia.

Often seen in the background of bridge photos is the timber-topped St. Luke's Church , with beautiful stained-glass windows. It was so well constructed that the convict carpenter responsible was pardoned. A short distance to the north, the neo-Gothic St. John's Church , dating from 1837-59 is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia.

Other historic highlights include Richmond Gaol and the well-preserved heritage buildings of Bridge Street. Traveling with kids? One of the top Tasmania attractions for families, the Old Hobart Town model village recreates life in the 1820s.

Many day trips to Richmond from Hobart also include a visit to Bonorong Wildlife Park in Brighton, where you can get up close to favorite Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils.

On Tasmania's northwest coast, the Nut is a 143-meter-high volcanic plug, which looms over the picturesque heritage town of Stanley . Matthew Flinders, who viewed it in 1798, thought it was reminiscent of a Christmas cake with its steep, rounded sides and flat top.

You can climb the steep path to the Pinnacle, which takes about 15 minutes, or hop aboard a chairlift for fantastic photo opportunities. At the top, trails of varying lengths lead visitors through fern-fringed forests and to scenic lookouts with 360-degree views of the curving coastline, the quaint hamlet of Stanley, and surrounding farmland. Look for pademelons and wallabies along the trails, and take a jacket, as the top can be quite windy.

We recommend these wonderful hotels in Tasmania's top tourist spots:

• Saffire Freycinet is a luxury eco-hotel on the Freycinet Peninsula, with spectacular views and floor-to-ceiling glass-encased rooms.
• The mid-range Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart is in a great location, with harbor views, a pillow menu, and a fantastic restaurant.
• Salamanca Inn is a family-friendly all-suite hotel on Hobart's waterfront, steps from Salamanca Place. Choose from one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens.
• About a 10-minute walk from Cataract Gorge and Launceston's CBD, The Mews Motel is a budget hotel in a heritage building. Chat with the friendly management, cook your own meals in the well-equipped outdoor kitchen, then snuggle into a comfy bed at this home away from home.

More on Australia

Jeremy Rockliff

Premier of tasmania, 17 june 2022 jeremy rockliff, minister for tourism, new tourism website to bring even more visitors to tasmania.

Tourism Tasmania’s new consumer facing website is now live at discovertasmania.com.au, providing another boost for our world-class tourism industry and helping to better showcase our unique experiences to travellers.

The new website will match travellers to relevant experiences through market leading technology, with the personalisation function matching consumers’ interests with experiences and enables users to explore, organise, share and collaborate when planning their itineraries to Tasmania.

Tasmania’s stunning natural locations and unique experiences have allowed us to become a destination of choice for visitors from around the globe, and this will provide visitors with the information they need to fully understand the depth and breadth of our products and experiences.

Importantly, this will increase bookings and drive longer stays and dispersal around the State, in line with our plan to spread the benefits of visitation into our regions.

The new Discover Tasmania website uses the latest technology from Optimizely to deliver an intuitive website that is centred around a purpose-built trip planner and experience finder.

The new site also includes compelling new video content and immersive articles to inspire prospective travellers and showcase Tasmania as a destination.

Extensive research has been undertaken with potential users to ensure the new website is designed to enhance visitor information provision and planning requirements.

Tourism and hospitality industry products, offers and experiences will feature on the site through integrated ATDW (Australian Tourism Data Warehouse) listings, designed to drive greater leads to industry.

The launch of the new Discover Tasmania website represents the first stage of the transformation of Tourism Tasmania’s digital visitor information tools.

Other elements of the digital program, such as an App that will support the provision of on-ground visitor information, planning tools and itineraries will be launched later in 2022.

To explore the new website, visit: discovertasmania.com.au

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

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Tasmania   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Katharina13 | Getty Images

Why Go To Tasmania

If you're dreaming of a remote destination filled with historical charm, pristine beaches, unique wildlife and jaw-dropping mountains, then consider vacationing in Tasmania (or Tassie, as the locals call it). Situated about 150 miles south of Australia's mainland, this island appeals to anyone looking for an adventure. Families will enjoy walking across the suspension bridge at the  Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin , while adrenaline junkies can hike Wellington Park 's Organ Pipes or embark on a multiday trek along Cradle Mountain 's Overland Track. Freycinet National Park is an ideal spot for water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, and once the sun goes down, you can get your heart pounding during an evening ghost tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site . In between sightseeing and exploring your surroundings, you'll find a variety of shops and art galleries, as well as eateries that serve fresh seafood and produce alongside locally made wines, beers, ciders and spirits.

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• # 7 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023
• # 9 in Best Places to Visit in January 2024
• # 29 in World's Best Places to Visit for 2023-2024

Best of Tasmania

Best hotels in tasmania.

• in Saffire Freycinet
• in The Henry Jones Art Hotel
• in The Sebel Launceston

Best Things to Do in Tasmania

• # 1 in Freycinet National Park (Coles Bay)
• # 2 in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park
• # 3 in Wellington Park

Popular Tours

Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch

(2362 reviews)

from $ 174.49

3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur

(162 reviews)

from $ 117.45

Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart

(754 reviews)

from $ 100.00

Tasmania Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Tasmania is between December and February, Australia's summer season. Though crowds are at their thickest and room rates at their highest, these months offer the most comfortable temperatures for enjoying the island's abundant outdoor activities. Additionally, summer is filled with food and culture festivals. If you're hoping to hike but want to save some money, consider visiting in late spring (October and November) or early fall (March and April). June, July and August are also months where you're more likely to find accommodation and airfare deals, but you'll want to pack appropriate attire and snow boots to help you cope with the region's chilly temps and ample snow.

Weather in Tasmania

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Cider is big here Known as the "Apple Isle," Tasmania grows roughly 55,000 metric tons of apples annually in its Huon Valley. Many of the apples harvested are turned into cider, which you can sample on The Tasmanian Cider Trail .

Opposites apply Australia's summer season falls during America's winter, and locals drive on the left side of the road.

Some hiking paths require reservations The Three Capes Track requires advance bookings year-round, while the Overland Track in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park only grants access from October through May to visitors with reservations.

How to Save Money in Tasmania

Go camping Tassie hotel rooms can cost more than $100 per night, while campgrounds range from 6 to 13 Australian dollars (or $5 to $10) per night, per person to AU$30 to AU$50 (about $24 to $40) for stays lasting up to seven nights. Plus, kids 17 and younger stay for free at any national park campground.

Plan a winter visit Accommodation prices are generally higher when the weather warms up between December and February, Tasmania's summer and peak season. Also, most trails are free to access in the winter.

Skip the national parks If you want to explore the great outdoors without burning a hole in your wallet, check out natural wonders like the  Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin and Wellington Park . Both are free to visit.

Culture & Customs

The bulk of Tasmania's art- and culture-focused attractions reside in Hobart, and a variety of music, film and craft events – including the Junction Arts Festival and the Tasmanian Craft Fair – are hosted every year. For an in-depth look at the island's art scene, check out the Tasmanian Arts Guide website .

Tassie's atmosphere is relaxed and its residents are friendly, which makes navigating this island as a tourist relatively easy. English is the official language here and throughout Australia, but Aussie English is a bit different from American English, so you'll want to know a few key words and phrases – like "g'day" (hello), "reckon" (for sure) and "ripper" (great) – to help you get by. Aussies are also known for having a dry sense of humor; expect to hear some sarcastic or frank remarks while visiting.

When walking, you'll need to look right, then left and then right again before crossing a street. If you're driving, remember to stay on the left side of the road. Aussies use the metric system, so road signs post distances in kilometers, and speed signs list speed limits in kilometers per hour. One kilometer equals about a half-mile.

Should you decide to hail a cab, keep in mind Australia's tipping policy. No passenger is expected to tip cab drivers or restaurant staff unless exceptional service is provided, but to make receiving change a bit easier, locals often round up to the nearest Australian dollar (Australia's official currency, which equals about $0.79). Currency rates may fluctuate, so check the latest exchange rate before you visit.

What to Eat

Tasmania's cuisine highlights fresh produce grown on the island and seafood farmed on land and caught offshore. Weekly markets like Hobart's Salamanca Market feature an array of food stalls that sell raw and prepared foods, and restaurants commonly incorporate local specialties like Tasmanian Atlantic salmon, wild abalone, black truffles and leatherwood honey into their menus. Landscape Restaurant & Grill and Blue Eye in Hobart, Black Cow Bistro and Cataract on Paterson in Launceston and The Rectory and Mrs Jones Restaurant Bar Lounge in Devonport are just a few eateries that highlight some of these ingredients in regional dishes like scallop pie (a pastry stuffed with scallops in a creamy curry sauce).

Hobart is also known for offering a plethora of international cuisines, from Chinese to French to Argentinean. Some of the city's most popular restaurants include the Italian-focused Solo Pasta & Pizza , the Lebanese-inspired Syra Restaurant and the Greek-influenced  Urban Greek .

Although Tassie's dining scene is growing, the island is best known for its alcoholic beverages. Nicknamed the "Apple Isle" because of its abundance of apple orchards, cider is one of the most commonly produced drinks in the region. Tasmania's pure water also makes it a great place for creating distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka and gin. Many craft breweries are spread throughout the island as well. If you're interested in sampling some of Tassie's brews and spirits, consider exploring the area's beer , cider and whiskey trails.

Tasmania also features seven wine regions, where vineyards produce everything from pinot noir to sauvignon blanc to various sparkling wines. The island's oldest and largest wine district is the Tamar Valley, which sits near Launceston and has more than 30 vineyards. Other wine regions include Pipers River (also near Launceston) and the Derwent Valley (just north of Hobart).  Puddleduck Vineyard , Bruny Island Premium Wines and Josef Chromy Wines are a few of Tassie's most popular wineries.

Tasmania is considered a relatively safe place to visit, but you should take precautions when enjoying the island's outdoor activities. Be mindful of any undertows at Tassie beaches. If you find yourself caught in one, swim parallel to land until you're out of the rip current, then swim to shore. You'll also want to travel with a companion and wear insect repellent and adequate boots when hiking. If you're anticipating going on a multiday trek on trails like the Three Capes Track and the Overland Track, Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania strongly suggests telling someone your plans before you depart.

Additionally, you should stay alert while in any part of Australia, since terrorist threats have increased recently. For up-to-date information regarding Australia's current threat level, visit the Australian Government's Australian National Security website . And when visiting larger cities like Hobart, be mindful of your belongings. Foreigners are occasionally targeted by pickpockets and petty thieves in popular tourist areas. To learn more about how to stay safe while visiting Australia, check out the U.S. State Department's website .

Getting Around Tasmania

The best way to get around Tasmania is by car. Though you'll have to get used to different driving norms, such as traveling on the left side of the road and calculating distances in kilometers, hiring a car is an affordable and convenient way to see many Tassie cities and sights. Organized bus tours from local companies are also available but are often more expensive and require sticking to set itineraries. Within major cities like Hobart and Launceston, public and private bus services are also an option. Keep in mind that bus operators vary by destination, and routes between cities are generally limited. Additionally, you can hail a taxi, but cab fares are high and are dependent on the location and time of day.

To get between smaller Tassie destinations, you may have the option of flying into regional airports, though you'll need another way to get to and from attractions. The Spirit of Tasmania offers ferry service between Devonport and Melbourne , however, this mode of transportation cannot be used to reach other mainland cities in Tasmania; some ferries do travel to and from smaller Tasmanian islands. If you don't reach the island by ferry, plan on flying into Hobart International Airport (HBA).

Entry & Exit Requirements

To visit Tasmania, you will need a valid U.S. passport and a visa. If you're staying in Australia for less than 90 days, you can apply for your Electronic Travel Authority (an electronic, label-free visa) on the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection's website . Some airlines and travel agents can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority on your behalf. For more information about entry and exit requirements, check out the U.S. State Department's website .

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park 's towering mountains, lush forests and clear lake waters will leave you in awe.

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Thousands more of Tasmania 'giant' native trees could be spared from logging under policy change

Tasmania's practice of logging centuries-old trees received international attention – and condemnation – last year when one was trucked through the centre of Hobart.

Now, the state's public forestry company, which trades as Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT), has changed its policy around the logging of "giant" trees.

It would previously give "protection" to giant trees based on whether they were taller than 85 metres, or greater than 280 cubic metres in volume.

This usually amounted to trees of about five metres in diameter.

This has been updated to protect trees wider than four metres in diameter.

The measurement is taken from 1.3 metres above ground level on the uphill side.

STT identifies the trees in coupes that it plans to log, and then gives them a "buffer" where the forest is retained around them. The size of this buffer is not specific however, but environmental groups that monitor forestry activity say it can be about 100 metres.

Steve Pearce, from The Tree Projects, had been in discussions with STT about protecting more giant trees.

He estimates that the new policy could save thousands of additional trees — and thousands of hectares of native forest around them — including about 150 trees in the 'Grove of Giants' in the Huon Valley.

"It's a very positive outcome," Mr Pearce said.

"The biggest step with actually including this measurement of four metres is that it's ground-based, so that's really simple to get.

"You don't need to climb the tree to get this measurement, as occurred under the previous policy."

Centuries-old trees still available for logging

The policy change brings Tasmania into line with Victoria's definition, although that state no longer logs native forest at all.

It is also behind a similar policy in Canada, where trees greater than 2.5 metres in diameter are protected.

Mining company MMG recently could not work within 15 metres of a tree of one-metre diameter in Tasmania's north-west because it contained hollows for the endangered masked owl.

Bob Brown Foundation takayna/Tarkine campaign manager Scott Jordan said setting the definition at 4 metres still meant centuries-old trees – and all hollow-bearing trees – were still available for logging.

"A tree of four metres in diameter is an absolute monster. They can be 400 to 500 years old," he said.

"This won't protect habitat hollow-bearing trees, if the reality is that you can still cut down trees up to four metres in diameter."

BBF campaign manager Jenny Weber described the policy as "PR spin to try to make themselves look good while they're logging native forest".

Last year, images of 'single-rider' logs being transported in Tasmania — those that only just fit on the back of trucks — were shared around the world, bringing further attention to the state's logging practices.

Those logs appear to be smaller than four metres in diameter, and could still be logged under the policy change.

Both Mr Pearce and Mr Jordan believed the changed STT policy was in response to the publicity generated by these photographs.

STT says 'informal reserves' to be created around giants

STT would not say how much of a 'buffer' the giant trees receive under the new policy.

Before logging a native forestry coupe, they must complete a forest practices plan that includes environmental values of the forest.

It is during this process that giant trees are identified.

It is unclear how many giant trees exist in Tasmania's native forests available for logging, as it would require on-the-ground surveying of 800,000 hectares.

They also only reach such size in specific topographic environments, such as the 'Grove of Giants'. They are unlikely to reach this size at higher altitudes.

STT's general manager conservation and land management, Suzette Weeding, said the policy change occurred after a review.

"As part of a standard review process, STT reviewed and updated its Giant Tree Policy in February 2024," she said.

"As part of its review process, STT considered stakeholder feedback.

"STT will identify and protect live giant trees by establishing informal reserves in Tasmania's public production forests."

STT's 'large tree instruction', which protects some trees greater than 2.5 metres in diameter, but does not require a buffer around them, remains unchanged.

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