When people think about Australia, very few think of Tasmania as the first place to visit. And it probably isn’t the second or third place people think of. And when people do think of Tasmania, or Tas or Tassie as the Aussie’s call it, they think of the Tasmanian Devil, which is an animal that lives in Tasmania. But the island and province to the south of the Australian mainland is a relaxing and beautiful getaway for nature lovers if you have the time. And it’s only an hour flight from Melbourne.
These are my top five Tassie sights to see if you make the trip – it would make sense to rent a one way car starting in Launceston and ending in Hobart:
Launceston Cataract Gorge and First Basin Chairlift
Launceston is a quaint town with some great Victorian architecture. The main feature of the city is Cataract Gorge. The chairlift at the gorge at sunset would be my recommendation. It is said to be the longest single chairlift span in the world. Take the chairlift one way across the lake from the main park entrance and then take a brief walk along the cliffs. Then make your way back across the suspension bridge.
Cradle Mountain
About a two hour drive west of Launceston is Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park. Park at the main entrance and then take the shuttle bus to the final stop at Dove Lake. The popular hike is the one way walk around the lake however I would only go to the large rock early on in the hike for some photos and then head back to the start of the hike. For the adventurous hiker (includes some actual mountain climbing so wear hiking shoes), make your way up to Marion’s Lookout for spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and the lake below (I took the photo below from Marion’s Point). You could hike up to the summit of Cradle Mountain but fellow hikers told me it’s about an 8hr return. After Marion’s Lookout, head down past Crater Lake and back to the shuttle bus stop at Ronny Creek. This entire trip will take you 4-5 hours. Bring water and hiking snacks for energy! The landscape is incredible and was one of my favorite moments in Tassie!
Wine Glass Bay
The hike up to the Wine Glass Bay lookout in Freycinet National Park isn’t too treacherous at about 30 minutes. But I would suggest bringing a lunch for a picnic on the actual beach. You must hike down the mountain – about 800 stairs – to find the amazing beach. I wouldn’t say the beach is worth the hike down if you aren’t planning to spend any time at the beach ( and instead only do the lookout). It’s a good workout for the return hike back up the 800 stairs if you do decide to hike down to the beach!
Mona Museum
Take the museum’s ferry from the Hobart wharf and spend the extra money for the Posh Pit! Champagne is included in the Posh Pit for the 25-minute boat cruise up the river to the museum. Have lunch at one of the great restaurants on the property. The Mona Museum itself is worth seeing for the space alone! It’s layout is stunning and is built down in the ground. I’m not a huge art fan but it’s certainly worth the trip. And do some research on David Walsh before going. Such an interesting story about the museum’s founder and how the museum came to be. My highlight of the museum is Tattoo Tim. His entire back is a tattoo and is owned by an art collector. Tim makes his appearance at the museum daily and his story is pretty cool. Read up about it before you go. The true definition of living art.
Tasman Peninsula Cruise
From Hobart (or on your way down from Wine Glass Bay), drive to Arthur’s Point and take Pennicott Wilderness Journey’s Tasman Island Cruise to the cliffs along the Tasman Peninsula. These are the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. Stunning views along the coast and the cruise boat enters several caves. They do give you a rain coat but be sure to wear clothes that dry fast since you get wet from the sea spray. The sea is intense as you make your way around the peninsula. But you will be in awe at the beauty!
Have you been to Tasmania? If so, leave a comment below about your favorite moment!
