Explore Tasmania
Famous for its devils and years of daunting history, ‘Tassie” is slowly being recognized as one of Australia’s hidden gems. A place in which people flock from far and wide to become at one with nature, it surprisingly also boasts a reputable food and wine industry which all contributes to a fantastic holiday experience.
Hobart
One of the oldest cities in Australia, Hobart is centered around a huge port in which provides the city with some of the very best seafood in the country, combine this with historic buildings, famous markets, and a very reputable museum and your on to a winner. The city itself also provides a base for your holiday with a number of great hotels, with some of Tasmania’s main natural attractions a short driving distance away.
Starting at my favorite part of the city being Salamanca, home to some brilliant markets which take place every Saturday and showcase a wide variety of products from all over Tasmania. There is something for everyone be it handcrafted wooden household items to sweet honey made down the road they are also a great way to get chatting to some of the friendly Tasmanian locals who host the markets themselves. Set in the picturesque Salamanca Place grab a bite to eat at one of the food stalls and watch the boats come and go from the harbor.
If all that shopping has quenched your thirst then why not head straight over to the Cascade Brewery, located a mere 15 minutes outside the city this fully functional historic brewery is the oldest in Australia. In a beautiful tranquil setting with a large beer garden, this brewery offers a 2-hour tour followed by a taster of all the beers on offer, as well as a delicious food menu its a great way to see out the day.
Now you’ve tasted the best of Hobart, it’s time to appreciate the nature this city is famous for, and the best place to start is at the very top – Mount Wellington. Rising 1,271 metres over Hobarts harbour, it takes around 30 minutes to drive to the summit and if you catch it on a clear day you will be amazed by an incredible panoramic view over the city and beyond. There are also a number of hikes around the mountain you can take which will all bring you to the stunning viewpoint for that picture perfect opportunity.
Next up on your Hobart trip you should experience some culture and visit what many people believe is the reason Hobart has found a new lease of life among the younger generation. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) an interesting yet fun selection of art which embraces you as part of the experience – a must visit for anyone with an interest of modern pop art.
Port Arthur
For me the most interesting part of my trip was my visit to Port Arthur – a UNESCO Heritage Site located just a hours drive outside of Hobart, a 19th-century penal settlement built by convicts in which has turned into an open air museum in a beautiful setting in the Tasmanian wilderness. With the prison being so well preserved it attracts tourists year after year to come and discover the dark creepy history and how the prisoners built and lived in their own little community. The $40 ticket includes a two day pass to discover the grounds of the prison as well as a boat tour to the spooky ‘Death Island’ – you can even stay on the grounds and partake in a ghost tour of the island after dark. I certainly did not have the courage to do this.
Bruny Island
Bruny Island is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes I have seen in Australia and easily accessed by ferry, it takes around 2-hours to drive from Hobart City. First stop on your journey you will come across the ‘Neck’ a piece of land connecting the north part of the island to the south, providing a beautiful drive through to the mainland of the island, make sure you stop off for a picture at the viewpoint which allows you to see this unique formation of earth. Carrying on your trip you will come across a number of chocolate and cheese shops all selling delicious treats all made on the island by the local people.
Carrying on, towards the end of the island there is a lighthouse in which is set on what feels like the end of the world and the southernmost point of Bruny Island providing stunning views and interesting history. Bruny Island is also a haven for marine life all which can be spotted on a Bruny Island Cruise – this award-winning wilderness cruise takes you along the rugged coastline of Bruny Island where you can see dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and wildlife life seals, dolphins, seabirds and if youre timing is right, migrating whales.
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is located on the east coast and is known for its amazing hikes and trails which bring you to some of the best beaches and lookouts in Tasmania.
Home to a number of long white sandy beaches such as the famous Wineglass Bay which can be accessed on a 3-hour hike finishing off at the viewpoint looking over the bay. If you still have the energy you can climb Mount Amos which again once conquered offers incredible panoramic views of the national park and all it has to provide.
Make sure you stop off at Coles Bay, another beautiful white sandy beach with crystal clear flat bays in which you can watch a number of black swans glide across the tranquil waters.
Cradle Mountain
Sitting on the North East of Tasmania is a hugely impressive national park which is best explored by foot through a number of hikes which can take up to 6 days for those keen ramblers out there.
Very popular with hikers and explorers alike this national park offers a unique experience with it’s one of a kind landscapes which you will struggle to find anywhere else in the world. Encounter wildlife and vegetation as you make your way through the eerie paths in which is the only place in the world where you can experience each season of the year with its crazy sudden changes in weather and vegetation alike.
If you have any more questions on Tasmania or would like to visit this extroadinary place don’t hesitate to contact one of our team or click the link below to discover a number of incredible tours:
