Highlights of Tasmania

Hobart

Most journey’s to Tasmania will start with its colourful capital Hobart, not only is Hobart the state’s capital, it is also the home of Australia’s convict history. Founded in 1804 as a penal colony, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney. It’s a capital city with a lot of small town charm with calendar of year round festival events and a selection of fine restaurants and excellent organic produce. Looking for more things to do? Scope out the colonial buildings, fishing boats and bright sails of the boats on the waterfront, the thriving Saturday market at Salamanca Place and the gorgeous seven mile beach (located in Lauderdale on the outskirts of Hobart).

Narawntapu National Park

You can find this beautiful national park on the island’s north coast, it’s also known as “Tasmania’s Serengeti” because it’s home to a huge amount of wildlife. It’s a peaceful place filled with grassy plains, eucalyptus forests, marshes and heathlands. Bird watchers will be in their element here and you are likely to see sea birds and ducks and if you’re lucky rare black cockatoos and brilliant green rosellas (the melaleuca has a bird hide and there is an observation at the lagoon). Aside from birds you’ll also likely to find cute wombats, Forester kangaroos and wallabies grazing on the grassy plains at dawn or dusk.

Tamar Valley

This area is a perfect stop on your Tasmanian journey – especially for wine lovers. It’s a 50km long picturesque valley filled with lush landscapes and more than 20 vineyards, orchards and cute B&B’s. Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and be sure to visit wineries like Clover Hill, Pipers Brook, Bass, Ninth Island and Delamere, especially if you like Pinot Noir wines.

Huon Valley

The Huon valley lies just south of the capital city of Hobart and is where you will find impossibly beautiful scenery of vineyards, waterways and the Tahune Forest AirWalk (a walkway taking you high above forest canopies). The valley is at the center of the town of Huonville, which is on the Huon River and is also where you can find antique shops, vineyards, wine cellars, take a jet boat ride and try some local cuisine at the country cafe. Visitors to the area should always try to explore the ‘Huon Trail’ which includes Huon Valley, the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island and the remote Far South. If you do, expect scenery ranging from towering sea cliffs and caves to dramatic mountain peaks and ancient forests.

Port Arthur

The ghostly town of Port Arthur can be found around 60km from Hobart. Officially Tasmania’s top tourist attraction, it was a former convict settlement, which opened for tourists as an open air museum and a “Model Prison” in 2008. Of course the huge prison is the main attraction and the huge complex is home to a Gothic Church, hospital, guard tower and barracks. The prison is where over 12,000 convicts served time from 1830 to 1877 and makes for interesting – if dark – viewing.

Eaglehawk Neck

Nearby Eaglehawk Neck – a narrow isthmus connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the mainland – is another spot of interest. Chillingly it was once where a line of dogs was chained to posts across the neck to warn of any convicts attempting to escape the prison at Port Arthur but today it’s a well known beauty spot. Filled with gorgeous surfing beaches and naturally unique terrain – this is where the islander’s like to spend their summer breaks. Head for the incredible Tessellated Pavement, an area of flat rock naturally formed by erosion.

Freycinet National Park

This is another spot you’d be foolish to miss, this is a beautiful national park on the east coast of Tasmania and an unspoiled wilderness. One of the most popular attractions is Wineglass Bay, known for its pure white beaches against the turquoise sea and pink granite mountains. Take a four wheeler car to Cape Tourville Lighthouse for incredibly scenic views, go kayaking next to dolphins in Honeymoon Bay or just relax in a cosy lodge with views of Great Oyster Bay.

Cradle Mountain

Considered to be one of Tasmanians’ best wilderness experiences and holiday destinations Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park is where you’ll find the imposing Cradle mountain composed of dolerite columns and also ancient rainforest and the glistening Gordon River. If you’re lucky you’ll also meet platypus and the famous Tasmanian Devil. This area is Australia’s most glaciated and here you can breathe some of the cleanest air in the world.

Franklin River

The Franklin River lies in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park at the mid northern area of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage. As well as seeing an area of outstanding natural beauty its known for its thrilling white water rafting and for being the most remote river in the world that offers rafting – perfect for adventurous types. Raft here to  experience expansive rainforest, quiet pools, deep gorges and of course an exhilarating ride.