10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tasmania

Welcome to Tassie!  Australia’s smallest state, it is often overlooked as a destination.  It shouldn’t be, with so much to see, do, experience.  It also boasts having the cleanest air on earth.  That in of itself sounds especially inviting. 

​Here are my other top reasons why you should visit (not listed in any order of importance).

​#1 – The luxury of space and fewer crowds
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It’s under the radar”, not as well visited as other areas of Australia which means less crowds. 

#2 Hobart

Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city (Sydney is the oldest), where modern rubs shoulders with history.  Established in 1804 as a British colony, the first European settlement began a year earlier as a penal colony.  The work of penal labor is still very much woven through the fabric and history of Hobart.   One example are the old sandstone warehouses built by the convicts to store a variety of goods. Today they are home to wonderful restaurants and small businesses. 
Three things not to miss while in Hobart:

• The Salamanca Market – established in 1972, this outdoor market is held every Saturday in Salamanca Place, right near the waterfront.  A big selection of local produce, locally made products, local artisans, wines and spirits can be found among the 300+ stalls
• MONA – The Museum of Old and New Art, a private museum located within the Moorilla Winery, a 15 minute drive or 30 minute ferry ride up the Derwent River.  This museum is anything but boring with exhibits of artwork more controversial in nature.
• Mt. Wellington – A 20 minute drive from Hobart, the views from the summit are second to none.

Salamanca Market, Aerial view Hobart (Photo credit Stuart Gibson), Exhibit MONA

#3: Port Arthur

Located 1.5 hours from Hobart, Port Arthur is the site of the former penal colony.  An open air museum, it is also one of Australia’s most famous convict settlements and best preserved settlements.  Insider tip – go at sunset and take one of the ghost tours!
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#4:  The Islands

There are 334 islands within the state of Tasmania, with two stand outs - Bruny and Maria Islands.

• Bruny Island is a spot where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean.  A 3 hour cruise takes out to the island where you can see abundant wildlife wild seascapes.  
• Maria Island National Park is a natural wildlife sanctuary accessible only by ferry.  No vehicles are allowed.  You’ll find over 80 species of animals here. 

#4 Tassie’s National Parks

Tasmania is serious about their 19 national parks, covering 40% of the state.  There is no shortage of exceptional wilderness.  Several not to miss:

• Cradle Mountain World Heritage Wilderness – an alpine park one of Australia’s most beautiful.  About 2.5 hours from Hobart, the park is located in central Tasmania and is home to the iconic Cradle Mountain and Overland Track. 
• The lure of Freycinet National Park are the beautiful coastal landscapes, beaches and bays, and is best known for stunning Wineglass Bay. 
• Bay of Fires Conservation area, named by Lonely Planet as some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and secluded bays in the world.  The rocks have an amazing red glow to them caused by lichen.  However the area was given this name by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 after seeing many Aboriginal fires on the shore as he sailed past.  The area is well known for its great walks, including the famous four day Bay of Fires Walk, voted as one of Australia’s best walking holidays.  One of the best things – you stay at exclusive and award winning accommodations along the way.

 
#5 – Luxury lodges and hotels

​Tasmania has a good number of wonderful lodges and hotels, located all throughout the state – too many to list here.  Three that quickly got my attention:

• Saffire Freycinet – a coastal sanctuary on Tassie’s east coast.  The private suites and spectacular views make this a favorite.
• Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – An upscale but not fussy experience, with views of the surrounding wilderness and the park’s iconic hikes right at your doorstep.
• Islington hotel – 5 minutes by car from central Hobart in a residential area, this quiet and tranquil 11 room boutique hotel was a home built in 1847.

Photo credit - Tasmania Tourism and Wineglass Bay Cruises

#6, #7 and #8 - Wine, Whiskey and Beer (and cider)

​Tasmania might be small, but that hasn’t stopped them from producing world class beverages.

• Tasmania has 7 wine growing areas and over 200 wineries.  There are several Wine Routes - the Tamar Wine Route in the north is one of the top 10 routes in the world, taking you to some of Tasmania’s best cellar doors.
• Whiskey (and vodka and gin) – Tasmania has some of the best conditions in the world for making whiskey.  There are 22 distilleries as of 2020, several winning awards for having the best spirits worldwide.  
• Beer – The state has 41 craft breweries and microbreweries, including the Cascade, Tasmania’s oldest operating brewery that was established in 1824. Many of breweries are boutique – drop in to meet the brewer. 
• Given the amount of apples and pears that are grown in the Huon Valley and northwest Tasmania, it’s not surprising that delicious ciders can be found as well.

Photo credit - Mitch Osborne (Tasmanian Wine), Rob Burnett (Shene Estate and Distillery), Rob Burnett (James Boag Beer), Tasmanian Tourism and Rob Burnett (Freycinet Marine Farm)

#9 – Heaven for Foodies

Tasmania has really jumped onto the food scene, though locals will tell you they have enjoyed farm to table experiences long before it became a popular term.  The state has large organic farms, award winning cheeses and it produces amazing olive oil.  And not to forget Leatherwood honey.  Seafood options are pretty close to paradise - oysters, mussels, rock lobster, abalone, deep sea fish, freshwater trout, scallops and delicious farmed raised Atlantic salmon. 

#10 – The Wildlife

Uniquely Australian wildlife abounds, starting with the iconic Tasmanian Devil, wombat and platypus to the Fairy Penguin, echnida and endemic birds, including the Green Rosella, Srubwren, Tasmania Thornbill and Forty Spotted Pardalote (endangered).

​To learn more about trip options, give me a call.
​I can be reach at 602.540.7338 or by email laurie@lakamatravel.com.