Tasmania

Overview

Start with the mountains, follow the coast, then let the island do the rest.

Tasmania is small enough to cross in a day and varied enough to keep changing every hour. One trip can move from cold alpine lakes to quiet beaches, dense rainforest, dolerite cliffs, old convict sites, food towns and walking tracks that feel much bigger than their distance suggests.

The main regions

Orientate Yourself

A quick orientation to the regions that shape this state: the obvious anchors, the slower pockets and the worthwhile detours.

Food, culture, day trips

Hobart and Surrounds

Markets, kunanyi / Mount Wellington, waterfront food, museums and easy southern day trips.

Alpine, mountain walks

Cradle Country

Alpine lakes, mountain walks, forests and slow highland weather.

Big skies, lake country

Central Highlands

Big skies, lake country, trout towns and quiet roads.

Rainforest, empty roads

The Wild West

Rainforest, mining towns, empty roads and dramatic weather.

Far-south coast

The South

Huon Valley, Bruny Island, far-south coast and forest edges.

Beaches, valleys

North East Pocket

Beaches, farming valleys, old tin towns and Ben Lomond country.

dovelake.jpg

Panoramic view of Hobart and the Derwent River framed by eucalyptus trees under a moody, clouded sky.

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Rocky Western Tasmanian mountain range viewed from the Donaghys Hill lookout.

Golden autumn leaves glowing in the sunlight against a dark, shadowed forest background.

Hannah walking down a leaf-covered forest path under golden autumn trees in the late afternoon sun.

dovelake.jpg

Panoramic view of Hobart and the Derwent River framed by eucalyptus trees under a moody, clouded sky.

20241109-DSC00132.jpg

20241118-DSC00949.jpg

20241219-dsc04831.jpg

20241219-dsc04764.jpg

Rocky Western Tasmanian mountain range viewed from the Donaghys Hill lookout.

Golden autumn leaves glowing in the sunlight against a dark, shadowed forest background.

Hannah walking down a leaf-covered forest path under golden autumn trees in the late afternoon sun.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Summer

Dec-Feb

Long days, warmest weather and the busiest roads.

Best for beaches, camping, longer day walks and late sunsets. Book ferries, parks-adjacent stays and popular towns early.

Autumn

Mar-May

Settled, colourful and probably the easiest season to love.

Milder days, fewer people and strong walking conditions. The highlands and old towns are especially good when the air starts to cool.

Winter

Jun-Aug

Cold, quiet, moody and excellent if you like atmosphere.

Expect short days, snow risk in alpine areas and very changeable conditions. Waterfalls, forests, food stops and cosy bases come into their own.

Spring

Sep-Nov

Fresh, windy, changeable and full of new growth.

Good for lower-elevation walks, gardens, wildlife and quieter shoulder-season travel. Pack for all four seasons anyway.

Deep Dives and Travel Guides

Hannah walking through a dense, mossy forest while on a short walk in Tasmania.

How these short walks in Tasmania will make you a better tourist

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Dome and spire of a building with pink walls and blue roof under palm fronds.

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