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Where is Tasmania located?
- Situated off the southern coast of Australia, the island of Tasmania offers great outdoor expanses, unusual wildlife, and a remarkably sophisticated dining scene.
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What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Tasmania?
- Visitors who enjoy the great outdoors are in for a treat at Wellington Park, which offers excellent views, hiking, and rock climbing.
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Where can visitors see Tasmania’s unique wildlife?
- To see some of the island’s exotic and unique wildlife, you can take a tour of the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
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1. Wellington Park
Nature-loving Hobart residents and visitors are extremely fortunate to have Wellington Park right on their doorstep. The park provides an enormous outdoor recreation area where visitors can enjoy hours of outdoor fun surrounded by nature at its best. There is something for everyone at Wellington Park – most visitors come to explore the outstanding scenery on foot along a vast network of trails which range from short, family-friendly walks to strenuous hikes. Many of the tracks are multiuse and are suitable for horseback riding or mountain biking. The park also offers world-renowned rock climbing and can also be explored by 4X4 enthusiasts. The cherry on the top is that Wellington Park is free to visit and is open all year round.
Wellington Park, TAS 7054, Australia
2. Salamanca Place
Nestled in the heart of Hobart’s bustling waterfront, Salamanca Place is a popular meeting place for the city’s creative community. This cobble-stone square is located just five minutes from the city center in Sullivan’s Cove, once the preserve of fishermen, sailors and whalers. Today this cultural hub attracts large numbers of locals and visitors who come to soak up the vibrant atmosphere or enjoy a meal or drink. Buildings which were once warehouses have been re-invented to house art galleries, boutiques, theatres and bars. There is also a regular Saturday Market, home to over 300 stalls selling everything from farm-fresh produce to one-off fashion bargains.
Salamanca Place, Sullivan’s Cove, Hobart
3. Battery Point
Battery Point was originally a maritime village settled in 1804. Expect to find narrow streets and lanes lined with quaint sandstone and weather board cottages which date from the early 19th century. Don’t let the outside appearance of these cottages fool you – most have been extensively modernized inside and Battery Point is considered to be prime real estate these days. You can join a Historic Walking Tour before visiting some of Hobart’s most popular boutiques, coffee shops, galleries and restaurants along Hampden Rd. Other attractions include the Narryna Heritage Museum and the architecturally significant St. Georges Anglican Church. Battery Point can be reached on foot in about 10 minutes from the city centre.
Battery Point, Hobart
4. Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Hobart’s amazing Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will delight, surprise (and possibly shock) art and architecture enthusiasts around every corner. This unique exhibition space is carved into a hillside, where it blends with its surroundings and fools visitors into thinking that it is much smaller than the sum of its eccentric parts. The museum is one of the largest privately funded museums of its kind in the world and is mainly dedicated to showcasing sex and death-themed artworks. Visitors can make their way around the exhibits guided by a device which delivers various interpretations of the works via headphones. You can reach the museum by ferry from the Port of Hobart.
MONA, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale, Hobart, Tasmania 7011, Phone: +61-3-62-77-99-11
5. Port Arthur Historic Site
Scenically situated on a picturesque harbor at the southern-most tip of the Tasman Peninsula, the Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-see attraction for visitors to Hobart. The site was originally settled as a penal colony in 1830 and many convicts spent years of their lives here learning the ship-building trade. The sprawling historic site offers over 100 acres for visitors to explore as you learn about Australia’s colonial history. You have a choice of joining a guided tour or wandering around at your own pace with the assistance of an audio guide. Adults and older children will love the Ghost Tour, where the penitentiary’s notorious past is vividly brought to life by costumed guides.
Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182, Phone: 800-659-101
6. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Conveniently located just two kilometers from the center of Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a must-see attraction for gardeners and nature lovers. The gardens showcase a wide variety of endemic plants, including many rare or threatened species. There are also several themed gardens including highlights like the unique Sub-Antarctic garden, housed in a special climate-controlled building. Other gems include the Japanese Garden, the Succulent Garden, the Chinese Garden and the herb garden. If you would like to find out how to grow your own vegetables you can visit the thriving Community Food Garden to see how it is done. You can wander around at your own pace or join a guided tour.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Lower Domain Rd, Queens Domain, Hobart, Phone: +31-3-61-66-04-51
7. Cascade Brewery
Nestled in the heart of 3 acres of beautiful heritage gardens at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington, Cascade Brewery welcomes all beer enthusiasts. Cascade Brewery has been brewing premium Tasmanian beer for nearly 100 years and is the oldest brewery in Australia. The brewery still occupies its impressive original building which was built in 1824. Today visitors can learn all about the brewery and its products by joining the Cascade History and Brewing Experience which includes a tour of the historic premises followed by a tasting. Serious beer enthusiasts can sign up for Beer School to learn all the intricacies of producing a brilliant brew.
Cascade Brewery, 140 Cascade Road, Hobart South, Tasmania 7004, Phone: +61-3-62-12-78-00
8. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
No visit to Tasmania would be complete without getting to know some of the unique Tasmanian wildlife endemic to the area. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors an unbeatable opportunity to come face to face with several species of wildlife you will not find anywhere else on the planet, including Tasmanian devils, wombats and more. The sanctuary offers a rescue and rehabilitation service across Tasmania and your visit to the sanctuary will assist them to continue this essential service. Visitors are welcome to browse the sanctuary at their own pace or to join one of the many informative tours on offer, including a very special night tour to see nocturnal species. The sanctuary hosts daily special close animal encounters which need to be booked in advance.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton, Tasmania 7030, Phone: +61-3-62-68-11-84
9. Truganini Track
Pulling on your hiking boots and setting off along the Truganini Track is undoubtedly one of the best ways to observe and enjoy the outstanding scenery in Sandy Bay and Mount Nelson. The 2.1km trail is suitable for most reasonably fit people and can be completed in about two hours. The first half of the trail is quite steep as you make your way through gullies and open forest to the impressive summit, which rewards you with outstanding views from the Mount Nelson Signal Station. If you hike in spring you can enjoy an excellent wildflower display as you make your way through the Truganini Conservation Area. You will find water and parking at the trailhead.
Truganini Track, Sandy Bay Rd, Hobart, Tasmania
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (September-November) – Mild weather and blooming wildflowers, great for hiking and exploring nature. | MACq 01 Hotel – A luxurious waterfront hotel with stunning views. | Visit Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) – Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart. |
| Summer (December-February) – Warm and lively, ideal for festivals and coastal adventures. | Salamanca Inn – A comfortable stay near Salamanca Market and Battery Point. | Experience the Taste of Summer Festival – Enjoy fresh Tasmanian produce, wine, and seafood. |
| Fall (March-May) – Crisp air and autumn colors, perfect for wine tours and scenic drives. | Henry Jones Art Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel blending history and modern luxury. | Explore the Huon Valley – Discover wineries, apple orchards, and charming countryside. |
| Winter (June-August) – Cool and atmospheric, great for festivals and indoor attractions. | The Islington Hotel – A cozy, upscale boutique retreat. | Attend the Dark Mofo Festival – Experience Tasmania’s famous winter festival with art, music, and fire installations. |
Plan Your Trip
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