Jaw-dropping scenery and gourmet food: the best things to do in Tasmania
Tasmania is seriously underrated when it comes to Australian travel.
The small island state is located just south of the Australian mainland and holds a treasure trove of unique experiences and stunning natural beauty. It’s a place of wild, stunning landscapes, incredible food and wine, a relaxed lifestyle, and a whole lot of history. If there’s one place to go and escape the craziness of life while breathing in the fresh air, it’s here.
To get your trip itinerary started, Tripadvisor has pulled together five of the best things to do in Tasmania as voted by their travellers.
1. Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan
This cruise is for sure one of the top ways to admire all the natural beauty, kicking off the list of best things to do in Tasmania.
A cruise along the Gordon River will have you taking in Tasmania’s ancient rainforests that surround the area on a stylish catamaran. Guests will pass through Hells Gates and continue along the harbour to the first stop at Sarah Island where they’ll get a one-hour tour of the island. From there, lunch is served before gliding even deeper into the lush green rainforest and disembarking at Heritage Landing to walk along the boardwalk and through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park for incredible views you can’t find elsewhere.
2. Bruny Island Day Tour
Bruny Island is a popular spot for avid foodies and seekers of untouched views and preserved natural environments.
This delicious tour provides an amazing way to take in all the gourmet qualities and rugged beauty, departing from Hobart and stopping at the Neck, Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and a few tasty spots including an oyster farm, honey company, chocolate shop, and cheese company. A picnic-style morning tea of wood-fired bread and award-winning cheeses is included, along with a cider tasting and mouthwatering locally sourced lunch.
You’ll end the day with a very happy stomach indeed.
3. Kunanyi / Mt Wellington Explorer Bus
You simply can’t visit without seeing Hobart’s most famous landmark.
Kunanyi/Mt Wellington is a 4,170-foot peak lying just west of the city, blanketed in forest and rich in wildlife. The explorer bus tour will have you taking walks through fern gullies along bubbling streams, discovering a range of dedicated walking trails including the Organ Pipes Walk, snapping spectacular views, and travelling to the summit to look out over Hobart and the east coast. A local guide will keep you informed the whole way, just make sure you’re prepared for a few short alpine walks and ascending climbs.
4. Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
Often noted as one of Tasmania’s prettiest locations, the wineries in Tamar Valley are sure to impress.
This small-group tour will have you visiting local vineyards to sample wine and cheeses with a gourmet lunch included in the price. You’ll be educated on the history of the region and gain expert tips for wine tasting, while also getting to see some pretty stunning scenery along the way.
5. Port Arthur Full-day Guided Tour with Harbour Cruise and Tasman National Park
Port Arthur is full of history and widely known as the best-preserved convict site in Australia, making its way into the most significant convict era sites in the whole world.
On this tour from Hobart, you’ll explore the history and landscape of the famous village with live commentary through ruins, restored buildings and natural landscapes. The typical itinerary starts with a stop at Richmond as you cross over the Tasman Bridge, a look at the wonderful views from the Tasman Peninsula, a guided walking tour to learn about Port Arthur’s historic sites with a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and a final stop off at Remarkable Cave.
Images: tripadvisor.com
Find more Tasmania travel inspiration at So Where Next.