Tasmania, Australia's southernmost state, is separated from mainland Australia across the Bass Strait by 150 miles. This small, heart-shaped island is too often overlooked by international travelers. Tasmania's rugged coastlines and pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and alpine regions are studies in contrast. The fascinating wildlife and diverse topography make Australia’s island state a destination worthy of consideration for any visitor to Australia.
Tasmania, at 26,410 square miles, is Australia’s smallest state, including the 334 islands that are a part of the territory, and is accessible by both air and sea. The population is approximately 500,000 people. The main airports are Hobart International Airport in the capital city and Launceston Airport in the north. Direct flights are available from major Australian cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar operate regular services to the island. For those seeking a more adventurous journey, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service operates between Melbourne and Devonport. This overnight trip allows passengers to bring their vehicles, making it an excellent option for those planning to explore the island extensively.
Tasmania's geographical isolation has led to the evolution and preservation of unique wildlife, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth. The island is famously home to the Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial known for its powerful jaws, dark fur, and distinctive screeching call. These feisty creatures, while endangered, can be seen in wildlife sanctuaries across the island. Wombats, with their stocky bodies and cube-shaped droppings, are often spotted in national parks, particularly in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The elusive platypus, one of the world's few egg-laying mammals, inhabits Tasmania's freshwater systems. Patient observers might catch a glimpse of these duck-billed, beaver-tailed creatures in places like the Warrawee Forest Reserve. Other unique animals include the Eastern quoll, a cat-sized marsupial extinct on mainland Australia but still found in Tasmania, and the Tasmanian pademelon, a small, stocky wallaby. Birdwatchers can spot endemic species like the Tasmanian native hen and the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote. The island's waters are rich with marine life, including fur seals, penguins, and migrating whales. Tasmania's commitment to conservation means that many of these animals can be observed in their natural habitats, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with some of Australia's wildlife.
Close up view of Tasmanian devil
Platypus - Ornithorhynchus anatinus, duck-billed platypus, semiaquatic egg-laying mammal
Wombat on Maria Island, Tasmania
Tasmanian Native Hen (Tribonyx mortieri), Oyster Cove, Tasmania.
Spotted Pardalote
Blue Penguin
Fur Seals
Spotted-tailed Quoll with distinctive white spots
Small pademelon at Maria Island in Tasmania
Cradle Mountain is arguably Tasmania's most interesting natural landmark. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, this national park offers alpine scenery, ancient rainforests, and glacial lakes. The Overland Track, a 40-mile multi-day hike for outdoor enthusiasts, is very popular. For day visitors, shorter walks around Dove Lake provide spectacular views of Cradle Mountain's jagged peaks reflected in the calm waters.
On Tasmania's east coast, Freycinet National Park is known for its dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, and white sand beaches. The park's crown jewel is Wineglass Bay, consistently rated as one of the world's best beaches. A challenging hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout rewards visitors with panoramic views of the perfect crescent-shaped beach below. The park also offers excellent opportunities for kayaking, rock climbing, and birdwatching.
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur is a former convict settlement and one of Australia's most significant heritage areas. The open-air museum provides a haunting glimpse into Australia's colonial past. Visitors can explore more than 30 buildings, ruins, and restored period homes set in 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. The site also offers night ghost tours for those seeking a spine-tingling experience.
Also located on the Tasman Peninsula, Tasman Gorge is known for its coastline, featuring some of the highest sea cliffs in Australia. The Three Capes Track, a 48-kilometer multi-day walk, offers terrific views of the rugged coast. For those short on time, a visit to the Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen geological formations provides a taste of the park's dramatic scenery.
Located just outside Hobart, the Museum of Old and New Art, or "MONA", is Australia's largest privately funded museum. This subterranean museum, carved into the side of a cliff, houses a provocative collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art. The museum's architecture and controversial exhibits have made it a talking point in the art world and a major draw for visitors to Tasmania.
Held every Saturday in Hobart, Salamanca Market is Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction. Set against the backdrop of historic sandstone warehouses, this open-air market features over 300 stalls selling everything from fresh local produce and artisanal crafts to vintage clothing and handmade jewelry. It's a perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere, sample Tasmanian delicacies, and pick up unique souvenirs.
Tasmanian culture is a unique blend of its Aboriginal heritage, colonial history, and contemporary Australian influences, all shaped by the island's isolation and natural environment. The island's Aboriginal people, the Palawa, have a history spanning over 40,000 years. Their culture and connection to the land are increasingly recognized and celebrated, with efforts to preserve and share their language, art, and traditions. Tasmania's colonial past, including its history as a penal colony, has left a lasting imprint on the island's culture and architecture. Many towns feature well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, giving them a distinctly historical feel. The island has also embraced environmental consciousness, with a strong focus on sustainability and conservation. This is reflected in the popularity of eco-tourism and the widespread support for protecting Tasmania's wilderness areas.
Tasmania's climate is temperate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on your interests:
Summer (December to February): This is the peak tourist season, with warm weather ideal for outdoor activities and beaches. It's also festival season, with events like the Taste of Tasmania in Hobart.
Autumn (March to May): The weather is mild, and the changing colors of deciduous trees create beautiful landscapes. This is a great time for hiking and food festivals.
Winter (June to August): It's cold, with snow in the highlands. This is the best time for seeing the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) and attending the Dark Mofo festival in Hobart.
Spring (September to November): The weather starts to warm up, wildflowers bloom, and baby animals emerge. It's an excellent time for hiking and enjoying the outdoors before the summer crowds arrive.