8 Incredible Travel Experiences to Try in Tasmania, Australia

Have you had the chance to explore Tasmania yet? Just off the southern coast of Australia lies the rugged island of Tasmania, offering diverse landscapes and experiences for every sort of traveller.

Tasmania is known for having the cleanest air in the world, boasting stunning mountains, lush forests, pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and gourmet produce, making it the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable holiday! 

You may have seen photos of the breathtaking Wineglass Bay or heard friends rave about the iconic hikes around Cradle Mountain. The natural beauty here is truly unparalleled and, for the most part, untouched.

The best time to visit Tasmania is between November and February when you can enjoy long, warm summer days and endless activities. Whether you are seeking solitude or on a family adventure, Tassie is worth the trip down under. 

Join us on a journey through Tasmania and discover its unique experiences that should be on every traveller's bucket list. From up-close encounters with iconic wildlife to exploring its natural wonders, we present our favourite experiences in Tasmania. Plus, get insider information through our Pro Tips on exploring with little kids, shopping for trending souvenirs, and the best views - all in your own time.

8 Incredible Travel Experiences to Try in Tasmania, Australia

Credit: MONA and Jesse Hunniford

Immerse Yourself in Modern Art at the MONA, Hobart 

A far cry from the hustle of Asian cities, the capital city of Tasmania, Hobart, boasts a stunning waterfront and charming colonial architecture to lure you in. And amongst its many diverse experiences lies the MONA - a destination for all travellers, art enthusiasts or not. 

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, is an iconic cultural institution in Hobart, Tasmania. Situated along the picturesque banks of the Derwent River, the museum offers an immersive experience like none other. You will find ancient artefacts, personal favourites from owner David Walsh and contemporary pieces that engage and push boundaries for curious minds. 

Whichever way you arrive at the MONA - by ferry or car - make sure to download ‘The O’ app. This user-friendly app gives access to your tickets and is also a guide to art pieces and the general layout of the space. You can queue for exhibits via the app and circumvent any sections that children should ideally avoid - there are a few!

Pro Tip - MONA makes a fun day out for the whole family and is a must-visit on your trip to Tasmania. We highly recommend queuing via The O app for the Pausiris Gallery Mummy Exhibition. This surreal exhibition showcases a 2000-year-old mummy on one side and a digital interpretation of the casket on the other. Apart from the museum, there is a paid mirror maze, playgrounds and concerts in the gardens, for everyone to enjoy.  

Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman

Get that Mountain Experience at Mt Wellington Near Hobart, Tasmania

While in Hobart, you must visit Mount Wellington, a majestic peak with panoramic city views. Just 30 minutes by car from Hobart, it offers sweeping vistas of the capital, Derwent River, and the topaz-blue ocean beyond. Should you prefer to bike here, be prepared for a challenging ride, as while the road offers breathtaking scenery, it is quite steep and winding. 

Mount Wellington is a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, catering to all levels of adventurers. Additionally, the diverse ecosystem supports a range of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers. 

Several types of walking tracks and hikes, with options for long and shorter walks for families, make it a fun experience for everyone on the trip. 

Pro Tip - Bring that jacket! Unpredictable and cold, the weather here is at least ten degrees cooler than Hobart. While it is possible to encounter snow on Mt Wellington in the winter, even the summer months come with a wind chill that most of us from Singapore will find hard to bear.

Credit: Tourism Australia

Enjoy Natural Wonders and Local Produce at Bruny Island

Accessible by a short ferry ride from the town of Kettering near Hobart, Bruny Island offers a unique blend of natural wonders and culinary delights. Expect a rugged, yet stunning coastline, decorated with towering sea cliffs and secluded white sand beaches - if you are after that Instagram-worthy shot, this is it! 

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Bruny Island is renowned for its gourmet food scene, showcasing the finest local produce, from freshly caught seafood to artisanal cheese and wines. Noteworthy stops include Get Shucked Oysters, a locally-owned farm and bar where fresh oysters are harvested and shucked daily. 

The Bruny Island Cheese and Beer Co. brings you the best artisanal cheese paired with local brews for a memorable tasting experience. Are you craving fresh scones? Make time for the Bruny Island Berry Farm, where a wide variety of berry fruits are available for either picking or purchase. The cafe serves up delicious berry-based desserts such as scones with jam and cream.

Amongst the many highlights of this day trip from Hobart are the hiking trails with unforgettable views of the lush terrain. Take on the towering cliffs of Cape Bruny or head to the serene shores of Adventure Bay; you will find a walking trail for all fitness levels. A must-do is ‘The Neck Lookout’, where you get the perfect view of the isthmus connecting North and South Bruny. It is also an ideal walk for spotting seabirds and whales.

Pro Tip - Keep those spidey senses sharp for some of Australia’s wildlife along the trails, including wallabies, echidnas and even little Penguins on a twilight adventure. 

Credit:  Luke Tscharke

Walk Through the Bridestowe Lavender Farm in Tasmania’s Countryside

There is nothing quite like walking through rolling hills of lavender! Another must-visit experience for Tasmania is the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. As the largest privately-owned lavender farm in the world, its fields create a spectacle of colour and scent like none other. A paid entry allows visitors to walk through these rows of lavender and enjoy the calm views of the Tasmanian countryside. The cafe on site serves up decadent lavender-infused treats and is well worth the stop for that moment of tranquillity and decadence. You cannot leave the farm without treating yourself to one of its iconic lavender-flavoured ice creams. Our favourite is the deliciously creamy lavender ice cream; a must-have accessory for your social media feed!

You might also want to stop by their shop where you will find products made of Bridestowe’s premium lavender oil, such as skin creams, teas, soaps and linen sachets. 

Pro Tip - Grab the famous Bridestowe Bobbie Bear that took the world by storm when Chinese celebrity Zhang Xinyu posed with one on social media. It was also gifted to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his first visit to Tasmania in 2014 and is of wellness for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Scott Sporleder, Matador

Take Plenty of Photos at the Red-splendent Bay of Fires, Tasmania

The Bay of Fires boasts striking orange-hued boulders amidst white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water - breathtaking no matter the time of your visit. The orange colour on the rocks comes from a type of lichen(similar to algae) that grows abundantly on the granite rocks lining the coastline. This vibrant orange lichen contrasts strikingly against the white sands and turquoise waters, creating a visually stunning landscape that has captivated visitors for generations.

Often called one of the most scenic coastal destinations in the world, this stretch is ideal for strolls and makes for a fun day of climbing with little kids. Expect plenty of rock pools, crabs, and untouched natural beauty delivering a wholesome experience for families. 

Remember to bring your bathing suits, as the waters are tempting and gorgeous - very worthy of that dip! 

Pro Tip - We highly recommend driving beyond ‘The Gardens’ at Bay of Fires to immerse yourself in relatively crowd-free scenery. In terms of accommodation, St. Helens is the closest town where you can book a variety of equally stunning home rentals and stock up on groceries and provisions. We would suggest staying in this area for at least three nights to soak up lazy beach days and enjoy the fresh seafood that is in abundance. 

Credit: Revolution MTB

Watch Your Jaws Drop at the Iconic Wineglass Bay

The Wineglass Bay, located within the Freycinet National Park is known for its wine-glass or crescent-shaped beach and is the most photographed view in Tasmania. It is a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart and a similar distance from Launceston. 

While the view to Wineglass Bay comes only after a 2+ hour hike, you can still venture out for less arduous treks within the park or take in the crystal-clear waters at the many beaches dotted across the bay. 

A great place to start is the Freycinet Park Visitors Centre where you can buy a park pass for your car, and also get an understanding of the area and must-do’s. 

When it comes to walks, needless to say, the Wineglass Bay Lookout Track is the most popular one here. It is a fairly easy stroll, with a few steep climbs but with enough stops to rest in between. Taking between 1.5 to 2 hours return, this walk paves you through some of the most jaw-dropping views of Wineglass Bay and the saddle between Mt Amos and Mt Mayson. 

There is plenty more to do at Freycinet. Choose from kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, quad biking and even helicopter rides to make the most of your time in Wineglass Bay. Or kick back and take in the beautiful views at what is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world!

Pro Tip: If you have little kids in tow or are short on time, we recommend hiking to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse. It promises picturesque views of the bay alongside a boardwalk perfect for watching whales, dolphins, seals and other coastal animals and birds. 

Credit: Tourism Australia

Discover a Taste Bud Adventure with Tasting Trail Tasmania

From fresh produce to fine wines and delicious sweet treats, the Tasting Trail in Tasmania offers a memorable food experience. This food and drink self-drive takes your taste buds through the finest produce of Tasmania’s North West and is sure to satisfy all cravings. Look forward to stumbling upon award-winning berry farms, cellars, markets and more with the easy-to-use interactive map and itineraries crafted for visitors to Tasmania. 

Meet the happiest cows in the world at Ashworth Dairy Door where you will be treated to delicious 100% Tassie-owned gourmet cheese! This Cheese haven is located around 40 minutes from Launceston and is the perfect pit stop to buy cheese, milk and other Tasmanian produce. You can also enjoy a meal with their pasture-to-plate menu including a truffle fondue in cooler months.

Hazelbrae Hazelnuts is another favourite where you can taste freshly cracked hazelnuts while enjoying a tour with the farmers. The popular cafe here serves hazelnut ice cream, hazelnut cappuccino and a delicious-tasting plate filled with produce from Northern Tasmania. 

You must not leave without a visit to Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm and its famous cafe for mouthwatering fare in a beautiful lakeside setting. This cafe offers complimentary tastings and a sample of their signature hand-dipped chocolate raspberries! 

There is plenty more to be discovered on this tasting trail - look up the interactive maps and chart out your drive based on time and interests. 

Pro Tip: If you need gifts to bring back for friends and family, make the time for Anvers Chocolate Factory where fresh Tasmanian cream and butter meets single-origin chocolate, fruits, nuts and liqueurs to produce the most decadent truffles, fudge and praline. There is even a small museum about the history of chocolate and viewing windows to watch the staff at work. 

While shopping for souvenirs, you will also want to take home cute bottles by Blue Hills Honey that contain some of the highest antioxidants of any honey in the world! Blue Hills Honey houses a gift shop with award-winning honey and mead that make thoughtful additions to any pantry. 

Take on Legendary Walks at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

If you enjoy hiking and the outdoors, a trip to the Crdle Mountain region is a must-have experience in Tasmania. Set amidst pristine wilderness, towering peaks and tranquil lakes create a stunning backdrop for exploration - for all ages. 

For a multi-day trek, the legendary Overland Track takes you through alpine meadows, ancient forests, and rugged terrain, offering an immersive wilderness experience. However, for those who prefer shorter excursions, the Enchanted Walk and Dove Lake Circuit provide captivating opportunities to spot unique flora and fauna, including the wallabies, echidnas and the fluffiest wombats. 

We highly recommend staying in the area for 2-3 nights at least so you can truly enjoy these well-marked, easily accessible walks and discover a world of natural, fairy-tale-like beauty. There are a few popular hotels in the area such as the luxurious Cradle Mountain Lodge complete with a spa to relax in after your day of adventure. Families will especially enjoy Discovery Holiday Park Cradle Mountain, a holiday and caravan park just outside the main National Park area. Discovery Holiday Park boasts newly refurbished cabins, with kitchen amenities, bed space and enough room for larger groups. It also has an on-site store that sells basic groceries and provisions. 

Pro Tip: You will find plenty of wildlife around the Cradle Mountain region, with dawn and dusk being the prime time to enjoy these sights. However, for an up close and personal sighting of wombats, head to Ronnie Creek where a boardwalk(easy) takes you across beautiful scenery with several furry wombats for company. If you have a car, try and get inside the national park after closing hours(once they open to outside car traffic) and drive to Ronnie Creek to see these teddy-shaped animals in action! Another family-friendly trek, the Enchanted Walk treats you to waterfalls, rivers, photogenic bridges and wallaby encounters, all in just 30 minutes. Starting around Peppers Lodge, this walk is perfect after a bite at Tavern Bar & Bistro, one of the few places in Cradle open for lunch and dinner, daily. 

Looking to explore Tasmania further? Take a journey with www.discovertasmania.com.au, the official Tourism Tasmania website where you will find a wealth of information, detailed itineraries, and holiday ideas for every traveller to Tassie. 

If you enjoyed reading this round-up on the best experiences in Tasmania, we think you will also like our feature on the best kids clubs in Maldives - the perfect holiday destination for families!