Tasmania, Australia
When I think of Tasmania, one word comes to mind-DIVERSITY. Sitting at the edge of the world, how do you decide the best things to do on a little island so vast with possibilities? There is literally something here for EVERYONE to enjoy. From farm to table food to delicious wines in the vineyards and gin made distinct in this region to diverse modern art to some of the most fascinating walks and scenery in the world. You will be surprised at how much there is to see and do here. Often overlooked as a top destination to visit in Australia when checking off those bucket list items on your travels, Tasmania is certainly a place to put on your radar!
My advice, get out and explore this amazing region. I’ve compiled my list of my 6 top recommends to consider if you have just a short 5-6 days here.
Farm To Table Living
The capital city of Tasmania, Hobart, is full of surprises – perhaps none more photographic and impressive than a trip to the Mount Wellington to admire the city from above! Below you would be remiss if you didn’t check out the Farm Gate Market in the heart of Hobart. It’s one of your first stops you can make if you are flying into Tassie on a weekend. This farmers market brings farm to table living into perspective. Every Sunday, come rain hail or shine, a busy street in the heart of Hobart transforms into a bustling farmers' market. It's all about Tasmanian produce and getting to know your farmer, and it always has been. The founder is fabulous and has a true passion for keeping the farmers best interest at heart. If you can’t eat it, drink it, grow it or meet the producer at the market, then you won’t find it here! ⠀Don’t forget that several of the restaurants within many of the regions of Tassie only source and make food from the farmers and growers in the region. The food is FRESH and every bite is mouth watering!
Culture
If you are seeking some dynamic culture, look no further than that MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) This art museum is located within the Moorilla winery on the Berriedale peninsula in Hobart Tasmania. It is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere that opened in 2011. The museum is provocative, quirky, and thought provoking to say the least! From sculptures to augmented reality to board games and a confessional, its totally worth a visit. Travel by a funky ferry (the Mona Rona) over to the museum! It’s a beautiful 20 minute ferry ride over and I’d recommend sitting in the “Posh Pit” where fancy appetizers and drinks are served on the front with a spectacular walk out view! If there’s one thing I could the MONA, it’s creative! And creativity certainly abounds here at the MONA.
Adventure Seekers
There are a few hidden gems located on the rugged coast line of Tasmania, one of these being the Eagle Hawk Neck region. You need to add a scenic cruise through the Eaglehawk Neck on the southern part of Tassie to your itinerary. Seeing Cape Pillar on the Tasman Peninsula is like something out of a fairytale. You have to see it to believe it. The southern Ocean meets the rugged coastline of the Tasman Peninsula. A boat cruise is a fabulous way to travel beneath the highest vertical sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere at Cape Pillar. From epic swells, rock formations, archways, waterfalls, deep-sea caves, unique birds and sea lions, it’s truly a site to see. Thrill seeker’s can even experience some extreme rock climbing at Tasmania’s Totem Pole with rock formations jetting up over 60 meters tall.
History Buffs
Check yourself into the Port Arthur Historic site and hunt for ghosts on a spoooooky Port Arthur Night Tour. At Port Arthur, step back in time to learn about how the convicts lived. I was completely blown away by the prison site. This World Heritage-Listed Site built back in 1830 is tucked away in the forests of the Tasman Peninsula was once an inescapable prison. Today, it is Australia's most intact and evocative convict sites and a must-do for visitors looking to soak up some history. If you dare, Port Arthur is rumored to have one of the spookiest nightly ghost tours.
Animal Lovers
Come for the Tassie Devils and the wombats. You will see a variety of both on the island. The tassie devils might look cute like you see in the cartoons, but boy do they have a noise like no other!. You can see them at one of the many wildlife parks around the island: in the North and in the South. And the wombats are roaming everywhere around Cradle Mountain. You might even be lucky enough to take a wombat selfie as some will stand still and not even care that you are next to them.
Hiking & Walking Treks
As one of Tasmania’s most visited and renowned attractions, a visit to the main midlands National Park, Cradle Mountain National Park is an absolute must. There are a range of day walks for visitors to enjoy, or alternatively you can set off on the famous multi-day trek. If you are looking for a good ½ day adventure, the trek to Marion’s lookout can be a great option for moderate to intermediate hikers. Seeing Cradle Mountain is one thing, but to traverse that vast landscaped of the Tasmanian wilderness over the course of a a 5-6 day trek is quite another. You can choose to stay in public huts if you’re on a budget, or for a more luxurious approach try out the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk – glamping at its’ finest! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Tasmania has some of the most amazing walks in the world. The newest of Tasmania’s walks, the “Three Capes Track” opened in 2015 and has been a real hit drawing an international crowd. Believe me when I say it is worth every step for those coastal views!
Bonus-Rest Well My Friends
With all the exploring and wandering you will be doing around the island, at the end of the day you’ll want to kick your feet up and check yourself into the “World’s Best Boutique Hotel” The Saffire Freycinet, a 5 star resort, was just named one of the world’s best boutique hotel. If you’ve been lucky enough to stay there, you’ll understand exactly why! The resort include all meals (including a 6-course degustation dinner with matched wines) AND an all-inclusive free mini-bar. Winning!
If you are looking for a quant B&B by the vineyards with a homestyle feel, then you must check out the Prospect House (just a 30 minute drive from Hobart). Underneath the main house, it was once a convict goal housing 22 inmates. History is all around, from the reception area in the original kitchen, with a heritage bread oven, to the converted hayloft, barn and servants quarters providing guest rooms.
Did I happen to mention that Tasmania has some of the cleanest air in the world? They say that for every breathe you take in Tasmania, it adds an extra day of living onto your life. Okay, that last part may not be 100% accurate, but if you want some simple living and connecting with nature...that place is where true wellness starts!
What are your favorite places in Tasmania? Have you visited this beautiful place? If not, will it now be on your bucket list?
As always, empowering you to live well and travel often!
-Amanda, Live Well Travel
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