Tasmania Travel Tips

Launceston & the North

Tasmania’s ‘northern gateway’, the city of Launceston is set in the picturesque Tamar Valley at the juncture of the South and North Esk Rivers. A haven for foodies, you are spoilt for choice with award winning restaurants, the Tamar Valley wine growing region and historic Boags Brewery.

Undoubtedly its most amazing natural attraction, the Cataract Gorge is only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Take the chairlift across the wide expanse of the South Esk River to marvel at its beauty from above.

The Tamar River winds its way out to Bass Strait from the city. Explore it by river on a cruise or travel the ‘valley’ by car. Sample some cool climate wines from cellar doors, stop for lunch, visit a lavender farm or experience a number of top attractions.

Back in the city, marvel at Victorian architecture showcasing the prosperous times gone by. When it comes time for bed, everything from apartments to premium hotels are on offer. But first, your evening would not be complete without sampling some local produce at one of the many restaurants and cafés.

Within close proximity to Launceston are historic towns including Evandale, Longford and Deloraine. Explore the many galleries displaying the talents of local artists, drop into a national trust or world heritage listed property or peruse the many antique stores in the region. If golfing is your thing, you will no doubt already be aware of the links golf courses, Barnbougle Dunes and next-door Lost Farm, located at Bridport.

The East Coast

A favourite playground for locals and visitors alike, the wide expanses of pristine beaches cohabit with the protected wilderness of the national parks on the coast. There is no shortage of walks, views and wildlife to enjoy.

There are so many accolades for locations such as the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park and Maria Island. Once you visit, you will know why they continue to wow! The drive along the coast is known as the Great Eastern Drive and is surely one of Australia’s great road trips.

All along the coast you will be tempted to stop at berry farms, cellar doors and cafés. Seafood lovers are well catered for with the offerings as close as the clear waters in front of you. A short ferry ride takes you to Maria Island National Park for convict heritage, amazing walks including the multi-award winning 4-day escorted Maria Island Walk.

A memorable moment may be to cruise around Wineglass Bay, paddle at Freycinet or an evening penguin tour at Bicheno. Whatever you choose, Tasmania’s East Coast will leave a lasting impression.

The West Coast & Central Tasmania

As diverse as the area it covers, the Western Wilds is the real Tasmanian wilderness. It’s also a region of rich mining and hydro development history with a pioneering spirit not seen today.

To many, Strahan is the centrepiece of this magical region. A coastal fishing village, now known more for tourism, it is the gateway to the World Heritage Listed Wilderness. A cruise on the Gordon River takes you right into this wilderness. Marvel at trees thousands of years old, before journeying to Sarah Island, a harsh reminder of the life of the convicts. Be sure to include The Ship That Never Was, Australia’s longest running play, which tells the dramatic and hilarious true story about the last great escape from Sarah Island.

The wilderness can also be explored by travelling on the West Coast Wilderness Railway between Queenstown and Strahan. Enjoy spectacular views as you pass over bridges, along cliff faces and through canopies of ancient forests. Only now can you begin to understand the hard toil of the early settlers.

The township of Corinna is located in a beautiful and remote pocket of Tasmania’s West Coast. Corinna can only be accessed from the south by crossing the Pieman River by barge. Corinna provides an unforgettable wild edge experience that is difficult to find elsewhere in the world. A range of kayaking, walking, boating, fishing, bird watching and nature experiences are all on offer. The Pieman River Cruise is a unique cruise aboard the only Huon Pine river cruiser in the world.

The entire Central region of Tasmania is renowned for trout fishing and includes large pastoral leases, a large range of walks and Georgian towns. Stop at Bothwell to visit the oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere at Ratho Farm, dating back to the 1820’s.

The North West Coast

Known as Tasmania’s food bowl, the red soil of the north west coast ensures abundant harvests. Buy direct from the farmer with everything on offer from berries, to cheese, to chocolate and seemingly everything in between.

Stanley is dominated by the large volcanic formation known as The Nut. Climb or take the chairlift to the top for panoramic sea views. Stanley is picture-perfect, as is the surrounding rich farming land.

Stanley, Wynyard and nearby Arthur River are all perfect bases to explore the wild Tarkine. Visit Woolnorth for the cleanest air in the world.

Town by town, the north west coast continues to roll out coastal beauty. Burnie has emerged from its industrial heritage to become a modern-day hub for the arts. Creativity is in abundance here.

Nearby Devonport is home to the modern Spirit of Tasmania ships and maritime history from days gone by. Latrobe showcases its antique stores and just down the road handmade chocolates can be found at House of Anvers.

Cradle Mountain

The Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair National Park is arguably Tasmania’s best known National Park

Iconic Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. From moss covered ancient rainforests and deep river gorges to snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is revered for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes.

A place for all seasons. Discover deep snowdrifts in winter, spectacular displays of yellows, oranges and reds across the mountain slopes in autumn as Tasmania’s deciduous Fagus turns. Playful young joeys and hungry echidnas emerge in spring, and the fragrance of wildflowers fills the air as you dip your toes into a crystal-clear lake on a summer’s day.

Cradle Mountain is synonymous with nature, wilderness and all things pristine. Wildlife is in abundance in this spectacular national park, giving the opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, wombats and the highly inquisitive black currawong.

The Park offers a world-class system of walking tracks to explore that ranges from very short easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track. This 5-6 day hike stretches 80km from Cradle Mountain through to Lake St. Clair and is an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s alpine heart. Even if hiking boots and backpacks aren't your thing, you will find it hard to resist the lure of the well-formed tracks that lead you to surprising discoveries. Whichever way you look at it, the magic of Cradle Mountain is bound to captivate.

King Island

King Island lies in the path of the Roaring Forties, the ever-present westerlies that circle the world’s southern latitudes. It’s an island of long, empty beaches and clean fresh air, offshore reefs and rocky coasts.

King Island is known internationally for its fine produce. Succulent local beef, rich cream, handmade cheeses and even Cloud Juice (bottled water from unpolluted rain) are some of the produce receiving accolades around the world.

There are also two stunning world-class golf courses on the island, Cape Wickham (24th best in the world according to Golf Digest) and Ocean Dunes, both seaside courses designed in the Scottish links tradition.

Visit the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or take a guided or DIY trail of the island’s produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.

Flinders Island

Flinders Island is the main island of the Furneaux group, a collection of 52 islands that stretch across Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

On Flinders Island you can get away from it all in an inspiring world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, wildlife, flora, and clear sapphire waters. With a pleasant climate throughout the year and activities from boating, climbing and fishing to exploring historic sites, Flinders Island has much to offer.

The Island is also a wild and natural refuge for wildlife - wombats and wallabies, possums and pademelons to name a few. Two hundred species of birds, ranging from the tiny Superb Fairywren to the giant Wandering Albatross, have been recorded as visiting or living on Flinders Island. This also includes the endangered Fortyspotted Pardalote.

Be sure to allow enough time to discover some of the fascinating day trips around the island such as the wild coasts of the north; sandy lagoons to the east and secluded beaches found right around the island.