Best Things To Do in Tasmania, Australia: Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors

We spent ten amazing days driving around the island of Tasmania and we were blown away by all it had to offer. From rugged coastal and mountain hikes, to island day trips, to winery tours and hanging with the kangaroos, we found some of the best things to do in Tasmania, Australia for first time visitors or returning tourists looking to see more of the island. We would highly recommend a road trip around Tasmania to anyone looking for a unique, rugged but luxury adventure in Australia.

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1. Take a Day Trip to Bruny Island – One of My Favorite Things to do in Tasmania

Bruny Island is a small bit of land off the coast of southern Tasmania loaded with amazing activities and food, perfect for a day trip from Hobart. Check out a lighthouse, explore the coast and stop for unforgettable food along the way. We had so much fun venturing around on Bruny Island during our time in Tasmania.

⏭️ Read Next: Complete Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary: What to See and Do

2. Explore Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s most visited locations and for good reason. Located right in the center of the Tasmanian wilderness, Cradle Mountain is so beautiful and an unforgettable stop for any nature lover. Spend a day hiking through the ancient rainforests, around glacial lakes and gorgeous alpine peaks, all while seeing the Tasman wildlife in its natural habitat. The Dove Lake Circuit is the most popular route at 6 km and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. This is the best hiking option for most people.

3. Visit Freycinet National Park + Hike the Wineglass Bay Lookout

Spend part of your day exploring Freycinet National Park on the east side of Tasmania. One of the most notable things to do while in Freycinet National Park is to hike to the Wineglass Bay lookout. There are multiple hike options whether you prefer a short 1-1.5 hour hike to the lookout or a longer more challenging hike to the beach. No matter which hike you choose, the view out to Wineglass Bay is definitely worth the effort.

4. Experience MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

MONA is hard to put into words. It’s such an interesting art museum with the most unique displays. Wander through the building and you never know what you’ll happen upon next. This is a great stop for anyone interested in art. We spent about 1.5 hours here but you could spend more depending on how much you want to see.

Bonus stop: Head to the Moorilla Winery right next to MONA for a wine tasting and food after your finished exploring MONA.

5. Head to the Top of Mount Wellington

While you’re in the Hobart area, head to the top of Mount Wellington (also known as kunanyi) for expansive views over Tasmania. You can drive to the top and spend time at the Pinnacle lookout located on the summit.

6. Wander Salamanca Market (Hobart)

If you’re in Hobart on a Saturday, don’t miss the Salamanca Market held among the historic warehouses of Salamanca Place. The market includes 300 vendors showcasing Tassie craftsmanship, produce, and culture. You’ll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and woodwork to artisan cheeses, gourmet pastries, fresh produce, and delicious ready-to-eat street food. 

7. Explore the Bay of Fires

On the east coast of Tasmania lies white sand beaches with turquoise waters and bright orange boulders known as the Bay of Fires. If you’re in Tasmania during the summer, take a break from all the adventure and spend a day swimming and relaxing at this less frequented area.

8. Discover Launceston + Cataract Gorge

Visit the old village of Launceston to wander the colonial streets lined with cozy cafes, boutique shops and unique galleries. A few minutes from the city center you’ll find the main attraction of Launceston – Cataract Gorge. Stroll along the peaceful walking trail through the gorge to take in the dramatic cliffs or take the short chairlift to the top for panoramic views.

9. See Tasmanian Wildlife Up Close – My Favorite Unique Experience in Tasmania

One of the best things to do in Tasmania, Australia is heading to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you can interact with Tasmanian wildlife – notably the kangaroos and Tasmanian Devil. They offer free daily tours which was a great way to see the whole sanctuary. We loved getting to feed the kangaroos and walk around with them. Such a fun and unique experience while in Tasmania.

Learn more about Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and reserve your tickets here.

10. Check Out the Mole Creek Caves

Get underground with a visit to the Mole Creek Caves. Complete with stalactites, glow worms and limestone, these caves are a cool area to explore if you’re staying in the northwest Tasmania area. There are two different caves available to visit so decide which one makes the most sense for you. Daily tours are available for about 45 minutes for both caves and can be booked in advance.

Read more about the Mole Creek Caves and making reservations here.

11. Drink Wine, Wine and More Wine (and Maybe Some Beer)

Wine is not in short supply on the island of Tasmania. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a variety of wineries nearby. Make a day of it with a local wine tour or add some afternoon wine tastings after a morning of adventure (our preference). Some of our favorite wineries were Ghost Rock Wines (North West Wine Trail), Bangor Wine Shed (Southern Wine Trail) and Devil’s Corner (East Coast Wine Trail). But there were so many we enjoyed, it’s hard to go wrong at any winery in Tasmania. There are also some fun breweries and cideries around so there’s something for everyone.

⏭️ Read Next: Best Wineries in Tasmania: A Guide to Cool-Climate Excellence

12. Enjoy a Morning of Golf

If you’re traveling with a golfer, why not enjoy a unique morning or afternoon of golf at Barnbougle Dunes located right on the northern coastline of Tasmania. This stunning links course gave us some amazing views of the coast while we enjoyed a quiet morning of golf. You can rent clubs and gear and hire a caddy here if that’s your thing.

Bonus Stops: If you’re heading back toward Launceston or Devonport after your morning of golf, stop for wine and lunch at Piper’s Brook, Jansz, or Bay of Fires wineries all located on the drive back west.

13. Walk Along the Tessellated Pavement

While you’re visiting the Tasman National Park area, don’t miss the tessellated pavement – a rare geological formation with tiled-like rocks that resemble man-made tile. I definitely got soaked from some unexpected waves while we were here, which was hilarious, but note to the wise to be prepared for the possibility of wet shoes.

14. Visit Port Arthur

Journey into Australia’s convict past with a stop at Port Arthur. Here you can explore preserved ruins, quiet gardens, and echoing prison blocks all set on the beautiful coastline. Guided tours and immersive exhibits bring the stories to life of the men that once lived there. A fun stop for any history buffs and those interested in Tasmania’s past.

15. Hike the Tasman Peninsula on One of the Three Capes – My Favorite Hike in Tasmania

There are three capes on the Tasman Peninsula – Cape Hauy, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul. The Cape Hauy hike is one of my top things to do in Tasmania and easily my favorite hike. You’ll see the rugged Tasmania coastline up close by hiking right next to the sheer cliffs with expansive views of the ocean. We even saw whales out swimming while we were hiking – talk about a bucket list moment! The Cape Hauy route that we did is a 6.3 mile out and back coastal route that takes about 3-4 hours to complete. If you have more time you can choose to complete a multi-day hike along multiple capes.

17. Spend a Morning in Devonport

Spend some time in the charming coastal city of Devonport. We enjoyed walking along the coast out to the Mersey Bluff Lookout and Mersey Bluff Lighthouse followed by a beachside meal afterwards. Devonport is a great little morning or afternoon stop while you spend some time on the northern end of Tasmania.

Bonus Stop: Stop at Drift Cafe after you explore the coastal walk for a beachside brunch or lunch. Sit outside and don’t skip the oyster shooters!

Where to Stay in Tasmania

Tasmania is rather large so if you’re spending more than a few days here, you’ll want to choose multiple home bases to explore from. The two most common areas to stay are Hobart (south) and Launceston (north). These are both great options to explore from. We stayed for ten days and chose four different locations to really explore all that Tasmania has to offer. Here are our favorite places to stay in these areas:

How to Get Around in Tasmania

The easiest way to get around in Tasmania is by renting a car so you have full control over where you want to go. Tasmania drives on the left side of the road so if you are from a country that drives on the right, you’ll want to be prepared for a small learning curve when you arrive. We love to book rental cars through booking.com where you can compare multiple car rental company prices all in one place.

Tip: If you’re spending more than a few days in Tasmania, you’ll want to have a few home bases around the island to explore different areas. In this case, be sure to rent your car in one area (Hobart or Launceston) and return it to the other so you don’t have to back track to your first stop. We flew into Hobart and out of Launceston and found it the perfect set up for our 10 days in Tasmania.

When to Visit Tasmania

As with most places, the best time to visit really depends on how you want to experience the area.

• ☀️ Summer (Dec-Feb) provides the best overall weather for hiking and enjoying the beaches. This is also the busiest time of year to be in Tasmania so be sure to book accommodations and tours well in advance.
• 🍁 Fall (March-May) has mild temperatures perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the outdoors.
• ❄️ Winter (June-Aug) is the quietest and cheapest season with the coldest weather. You’ll find snow in the mountains and cold temperatures throughout Tasmania so this season would be best for anyone looking for cosy indoor experiences like museums, distilleries and cosy lodges.
• 🌸 Spring (Sept-Nov) has comfortable weather perfect for outdoor experiences with fewer crowds. We visited Tasmania in September and found it very pleasant. We were still able to do most outdoor activities without tons of people. We enjoyed being able to secure easy seating at wineries without huge crowds. Some of the wineries had reduced hours and limited food options still in September which was the only downside but not enough to ever deter me from visiting in September again.

Final Thoughts

While mainland Australia gets most of the hype, there are so many amazing things to do in Tasmania. It’s definitely a more off-the-beaten-path destination and perfect for those preferring less touristy areas. My favorite thing is the ability to combine wine country with amazing outdoor adventure in all areas of the island. It’s a great option for people who like a mix of adventure and relaxing experiences.

Other Australia Adventures

• Best Wineries in Tasmania: A Guide to Cool-Climate Excellence
• Complete Bruny Island Day Trip Itinerary: What to See and Do

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