10 Must Dos of Tasmania

Most people do not recognize what Van Diemen's Land refers to. This was the European name given to Tasmania after colonization in the 1700s in honour of the then Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Anthony van Diemen. However, in 1856, the island was granted self-governance and renamed as Tasmania to recognize the first European explorer Abel Tasman who set foot on the shores. Tasmania has numerous attractions that are not related to its horrific past as a penal colony or island of convicts. Partly because of its late colonization and relatively independent governance, Tasmania has proudly retained its rustic natural beauty and wildlife.

1. Take a Scenic Flight over Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Tickets : From $145 pp

Nothing can beat the view of the beautiful Hazards and Wine Glass Bay from the air on a sunny day. You can equally catch views of the Tourville Lighthouse, Schouten Island, Nine Mile Beach, Swan River, Coles Bay and the Moulting Lagoon in under 30 minutes for a small sum of $145 pp (minimum 2 passengers) by Freycinet Air located at Friendly Beaches Airport, 109 Friendly Beaches Rd, Friendly Beaches 7215.

http://freycinetair.com.au/

2. Visit the Devil's Abode (Tassie Devil), Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Tickets : National Park Entry Fees Apply

One of the richest and oldest rainforests left in the world, the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is characterized by alpine trees, clear water lakes and numerous streams with the most diverse flora and fauna. Protected under The heart of the world-famous Overland Track which starts from Weindorfer's Chalet is fringed by the unusual native deciduous beech. Some of the rare species that can be found in this park are the elusive Tasmanian devils, platypus, quolls, echidna and some birds. The Cradle Mountain peak can be spotted from Dove Lake, which is accessible only by walk (takes 2 hours) from where one can climb to the summit. This park also has trails to the deepest lake in Australia, the Lake St Clair, a veritable paradise in spring with a profusion of wildflowers and orchids. The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre provides guided tours and information on how to spot the tassie devil. Since darkness sets in early and weather changes quickly, it is recommended that you stay overnight at one of the forest lodges with advance bookings in place (internet connectivity is dodgy here).

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/national-parks-and-wilderness/cradle-mountain-lake-st-clair-national-park

3. Climb up the Bruny Island Lighthouse, Bruny Island

Tickets: $15 Adults. $40 Family (2 adults + 2 children). $10 Children (5-16 yrs), Children below 5 are not permitted

Cape Bruny Lighthouse is 374 foot wonder, built in 1836 that allows fantastic views of the South East Cape and the Tasman Sea. It is the only one open to public in this part of Tasmania.The 25 minute guided tour by a guide who lives at the lighthouse allows you to climb while listening to engaging stories about the early light keepers. Once you go up the old wrought iron spiral staircase to the tower balcony, you find yourself surrounded by exquisite views that could instantly turn you into a photography buff.

http://www.brunyislandlighthousetours.com.au/

4. Take a Tour of the Port Arthur Penal Settlement, Port Arthur

Tickets: Starting from Adult: $132 Child: $66

This 5 hour tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Port Arthur explores a penal colony where over 12000 convicts (some as young as 9 years old) served time over a 50 year period. The 40 acre campus includes the Commandant’s House, Flour Mill, Granary, Penitentiary, Separate Prison, Dockyard, Cascades Female Factory, Gardens, Coal Mines Historic Site and a Gothic church. The walking tour is followed by a half hour cruise on Carnarvon Bay, where you can catch pretty views of the Devil’s Kitchen, the Isle of the Dead, and the Tasman Arch. If the harsh circumstances of the early prisoners leaves you unsettled, there is a Port Cafe at the Visitor Center that allows you some respite with its wholesome sandwiches or alternatively dash off to the Salamanca Market to savour the local favourite - Scallop Pie.

http://www.grayline.com.au/australia-sightseeing/tasmania-day-tours/port-arthur-day-tours

5. Relax and Smell the Lavender at Bridestowe Estate, Nabowla

Tickets (Dec-Jan): $10 pp, rest of the year free

There nothing quite as delightful for all the senses as wandering through acres of fragrant and colourful lavender fields at the Bridestowe Estate. Though open all year round, it is only from December to early February every year that the farm has swathes of blue-purple lavender in full bloom. The rest of the year, one can enjoy the calming views of the ornamental gardens with Mount Arthur in the background or observe the planting or processing of lavender. The cafe offers a selection of beverages and seasonal eats.

https://bridestowelavender.com.au/explore-bridestowe-lavender-estate/farm-tours

6. Zipline through Hollybank's Canopies, Launceston

Tickets: Adult: $125 Children (Below 18 yrs): $90

The Hollybank reserve is one of the oldest private plantations that includes a mix of exotic European trees. Initially planted for the wood to make tennis racquets, today these trees provide a picturesque backdrop to the native trees in autumn. As an example of Tasmania’s multiple-use forests, Hollybank is now not only a hub for timber production and heritage tours but also one for recreation, active outdoor education and adventure. The zipline tour is a thrilling 3 hour soar through the canopies at breakneck speed. Alternatively the trail can be covered by Segway in less than 2 hours. For the adventure junkies, there is a new attraction with 80 different challenges including tight rope walking, wobly birdge walks and net crawls for an extra fee.

http://www.treetopsadventure.com.au/

7. Provoke the Mind at Museum of Old and New Art – MONA, Berriedale

Tickets: Adult: $28 Children (Below 18 yrs): Free Closed : Tuesdays

Just a 30 minute speed ferry away from Hobart on the Derwent River is the largest private museum in Australia, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art. Described as a subversive disneyland of sorts by David Walsh (the collector himself), its collections range from outright weird to eclectic. The 3 floor building has 300 plus art works on display besides a huge function centre that hosts two Mofo festivals each year in January and June respectively. If the displays are not engaging enough, the MONA offers an exciting choice of options for wining, dining and staying. The new bar and restaurant called Faro offers some signature dishes, while the Source restaurant is known for its uncomplicated food. The speed ferry from Hobart waterfront costs between $22 to $55 pp depending on the class of travel.

https://mona.net.au/museum

8. Search for the Painted Cliffs of Maria Island, Maria Island National Park

Ferry Ride Fare: $35 pp (can take your bike along)

Hidden away on the east coast is Maria Island and its famed Painted Cliffs - a photographer's delight best captured in afternoon light. A ferry ride from Triabunna, the Painted Cliffs are accessible within 2 hours before and after low tide. The island itself has excellent trails and some sites of historical interest such as the stone Commissariat Store that now serves as the visitor centre, the ruins of Darlington and a former limestone quarry. The Painted Cliffs are located at Hopground Beach, where the sandstone rocks have been eroded by wind and water to reveal colourful striations.The island is also a great spot for bird watching and sighting endangered fauna beside snorkeling. When attempting to find the Painted Cliffs its best to be equipped with water, food and warm clothes as there are no shops on the island.

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/attraction/mariaislandnationalpark

9. Slide Across a Swamp, Dismal Swamp, Tarkine Forest

Ticket : Adults: $20 Children 8-12 yrs: $10

Located in Australia's largest temperate rainforest, the Tarkine Wilderness features thickets of blackwood trees in a sinkhole. Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp is a giant chute or slide of 110 metres that makes it possible slide into a sinkhole 40 metres deep at the blink of the eye. The forest is also the last stronghold of several endangered species including the Tasmanian Devil. The boardwalks are equally picturesque allowing you to skim across the tree tops. The Visitor Centre has a cafe and a shop selling forest produce.

https://www.dismalswamptasmania.com.au/the-slide

10. Get Lost in the Village of the Lower Crackpot, Sheffield

Ticket : Adults (15yrs +): $27.50 Children (4-15yrs): $13.75 Infants (less than 3): Free

A model village located in the vicinity of Tasmania's pristine Cradle Mountains that instantly takes you back to the fairytale of giants in the land of the tiny people. A quaint place filled with odd buildings, mazes, gardens and embassies with wit apparent in the naming of buildings, posters, quotes and slogans. The 8 mazes are reasonably engaging as is the challenge to find 30-odd objects during the visit. A cafe offers delicious eats while being tended by staff in equally humorous attire.

https://www.tasmazia.com.au/

Detour Options you may consider

Stroll Down the Tessellated Pavement, Pirates Bay, Eaglehawk Neck

Free

The Tessellated Pavement is a platform of rocky depressions caused by salt erosion on the shore of Pirates Bay . An excellent photo-op, this site is an often missed detour on a trip to Port Arthur or the Eagle Hawk Neck region. The geometric patterns on the rocks offer beautiful reflections of the sun across the natural salt pans.

https://think-tasmania.com/tessellated-pavement/

Catch the Magical Hour at The Hazards, Freycinet National Park

Free

The Hazards refers to a chain of rugged mountains melding into rocky beaches between Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay, named after a local whaler Captain Richard Hazard. Made of granite rich in pink feldspar, the mountains wear a pinkish tint. This part of the Freycinet National Park is popular for its languid and relaxing trails, beautiful beaches and pristine waters where one can swim, kayak or snorkel. An hour before sunset, light plays truant and all the rocks appear to turn to gold. Whats more fantastic is that you can capture magical experience in your digital cameras as to not forget this place for a long time.

https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/about/national-parks-and-wilderness/freycinet-national-park-wineglass-bay

Chase the Southern Lights, Mount Wellington

Free

Nothing can be more ethereal than watching the Southern Lights which is a celestial dance of light that happens during certain periods of the year. The result of a physical phenomena arising from the Earth's poles interacting with a burst of charged particles from the sun, causing electrons to produce a range of colours ranging from greenish yellows to bluish. Tasmania between late March and September happens to be one of the best places in Australia to catch a glimpse of the southern lights. Close to Hobart, Mount Wellington stands 4,100-foot tall, offering unobstructed views and enough darkness to observe the Aurora Australis.

http://www.auroraaustralistasmania.org/