From good food to beautiful beaches to stunning natural sights, Tasmania is home to plenty of amazing things to do.
There’s a lot to be said for Tassie – the compact island state is the furthest destination south of Australia before Antarctica. It’s little wonder that it boasts the most pristine waters and cleanest air in the world. Some may say it’s a country in itself, running solely on renewable energy with unique wildlife (here’s looking at you, Tasmanian devil) and a stunning blend of terrains that ranges from alpine rainforest to ice-capped mountains. Tasmania is also renowned for producing some of the best seafood in Australia, so you’ll never run out of places to eat and things to do.
Things to do in Tasmania: Hobart
1. Explore small town Australia with cool Euro vibes
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and the ideal springboard for any island walkabout. It’s home to barely a quarter of a million locals so it feels like a big country town, but with a wonderful mix of young and old, historic and modern. We suggest you stroll around the city streets at your leisure to admire the charming architecture, check out sunset views at the pier, and pop in for coffee at cosy cafes that catch your eye.
Hobart also has the state’s largest airport, so take advantage of those car options. Trust us, it takes longer to drive everywhere than it looks on the map. Plus, you’re likely to get a few scratches along the way (because roadkill), so you’re strongly advised to get comprehensive car insurance.
2. Feast on local fare that’s second to none
If amazing nosh is at the top of your agenda, you’ll be impressed by what’s on offer in Hobart. For a breakfast on the run, Pigeon Whole Bakers provides exquisite pastries and perfect coffee while you explore the harbourfront area.
For the best in all-day brunching, check out the swanky Born in Brunswick or the equally cool Room for a Pony with all-day wood-fired pizzas that are to die for. If you’re after serious dining, look no further than the Italian-inspired Templo or Landscape Restaurant and Grill for local oysters and chargrilled meats. Casual diners who want quick, quality fare can head to Tom McHugo’s pub, Billy’s Burgers and Bar or the neighbouring Fish Frenzy.
3. Toast to good times
Let’s not forget the booze! Hobart has more breweries than you can poke a stick at. Standouts include Cascade Brewery Bar, the oldest operating one in Australia, followed by new names like T-Bone Brewing Co. and Shambles Brewery. Whiskey fans will find nirvana at Lark Distillery’s The Still, housed in Argyle Street’s iconic old Mercury Print room. It serves some of the most impressive local whiskies from across the state.
4. Explore edgy art
When in Hobart, make sure you visit MONA – it’s so much more than a museum. A short drive from the city centre, it contains bold, confrontational and edgy art installations that will shock and surprise.
When you finally come up for air, there are lots of food and laze-the-day-away seating options to choose from, along with a backdrop of live music. Better still, lollop back to your own architecturally designed and art-curated accommodation on-site at the MONA Pavilions overlooking the Derwent River.
5. A farmer’s market and other day trips
If you happen to be visiting Hobart over a weekend, you’ll have to visit Salamanca Market on Saturday for all things locally produced. A meander around the nearby Constitution Dock for fish and chips afterwards makes for a perfect day.
Other notable day trips include the Mount Wellington Walk, which offers magnificent views. For longer affairs, check out the below-ground exploration of dolomite rock at Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs. Alternatively, experience the airwalk at Tahune Adventures or perhaps a sea-faring cruise to the historic Unesco World Heritage Site of Port Arthur.
6. Stay the night at a stunning new hotel
We highly recommend you check in to the new Vibe Hotel Hobart. Sleek and modern, it’s located just a stone’s throw from Constitution Dock. You won’t be disappointed with the incredible 180-degree views over Hobart Bay. This hotel caters to every traveller – even families, with interconnecting room options and spacious apartments on the top floor. Don’t get us started on those Dreamcatcher beds, which make for some serious horizontal comfort!
Along with the heated indoor pool, on-site gym and Belvedere restaurant serving up fresh, modern Australian cuisine, it’s hard to leave the hotel to explore Tasmania’s capital city.
Things to do in Tasmania: Freycinet
7. Gallivant around nature’s playground
Looking for ways to explore inaccessible destinations within Freycinet National Park? Rev-heads should check out All4 All Terrain Vehicle tours for fun on four wheels, while water lovers can look at the Freycinet Paddle tour. It’ll take you paddling below the pink granite mountains, The Hazards, and across clear blue waters. You’ll explore pristine beaches and secluded coves. Plus, get a chance to peer beneath the surface at the amazing marine life below. With any luck, you’ll see majestic sea eagles soaring above as you blissfully drift around the coast.
Oh, and make sure you do the famous four to five hour loop walk around Wineglass Bay and Tasmania’s famous Hazards Beach revealing the beauty of Freycinet National Park. Once you climb through a low gap in the Hazards to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, and descend to the sands of the perfectly curved beach, you can plunge in for a swim before crossing the narrow isthmus to Hazards Beach.
8. Settle in for the night amidst nature
Looking for a place to rest your head for the night? Freycinet Lodge is well worth visiting. It’s poised in Freycinet National Park overlooking the blue waters of Great Oyster Bay and with the Hazards mountain range as your backdrop. This is the only accommodation on offer in this remote part of the world. It provides a range of modern timber cabins for all types of travellers, ticking all the right eco-friendly boxes while nestling in native bushland.
You’ll find two restaurants and a casual bar on its grounds, but we’d recommend you settle in for the evening menu at Bay Restaurant. It dishes up wholesome seasonal plates like vegetarian options that showcase the finest regional produce, including some of the best seafood in Tasmania. For casual day fare, there’s no better seafood or fish and chips than Freycinet Marine Farm or the wood-fired pizzas at Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar.
Things to do in Tasmania: Bay of Fires
9. An experience that’s out of this world
If you find yourself standing on the finest white sandy beaches juxtaposed against the red-orange hues of granite, you’ll have discovered the otherworldly Bay of Fires. There’s one accommodation that stands out from the crowd: Sabi Stays. Upon entering this two-bed handcrafted stone and timber cabin, you can be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to a high-end lodge in Japan. It’s got all the luxe vibes delivered via earthy tones, natural materials and raw textures.
This is a rare place that celebrates negative space with no excess, no clutter and no distraction. Whether you’re settling into the comfy reading nook, sipping on a glass of Tasmanian bubbles in the loft above the stone fireplace, or experiencing a Japanese whiskey tasting at the verandah overlooking Binalong Bay, you’ll be sure to reconnect with your inner zen.
While visiting the Bay of Fires, make sure you pop into Meresta Eatery. Its wood-fired pizzas are the perfect takeaway for walking down to the local beach and snagging a table on the rocks near the port. St Helens is the closest town to Sabi Stays, where you can pick up provisions. But while you’re visiting, take the chance to indulge in the fine dining experience at Furneaux Restaurant & Comptoir, which serves modern Aussie and French cuisine.
10. For beach days and short waterfall walks
It’s all about the beaches in the Bay of Fires. You’ll want to discover as many magical bays and rock pools around the tides as you can. Well worth the trek are: The Gardens, Jeanneret Beach, Cosy Corner South and Cosy Corner North, along with Jans Jewel. But, make sure you also visit St Columba Falls (voted one of the great short walks in Tasmania) and its blissful rainforest canopy.
A little gem worth stopping by along the way is Pyengana Dairy, which offers cheese tastings, ice cream and fab tea with scones – perfect after a gentle hike. For more water activities, check out Bay of Fires Eco Tours to discover hidden bays along this breathtakingly beautiful coastline.
11. A delightful place for gourmet enthusiasts
Tasmania has so many great food and wine offerings – it’s hard to mention them all! A notable name that stands out is Devils Corner Cellar Door for wine tasting, wood-fired pizza or seafood lunch overlooking incredible views. Don’t forget to add Stillwater Restaurant and Josef Chromy Wines to your bucket list as well. They offer wonderful food, fantastic service and the chance to sit back and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Tasmania offers something for every traveller – especially those seeking an immersion into nature. Take advantage of what this island state has to offer, whether it’s in the off-season (winter) or peak season (summer)!