Tasmania travel blog — The fullest Tasmania travel guide for a great budget trip for first-timers

Tasmania State is the only island state of Australia, located 240 km to the south of the continent between Victoria state and Antarctica. Possessing rich agricultural land, rich history, culture, and wild nature with many natural reserves and national parks, has made Tasmania is a very unique destination, very rustic but not less strange. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect trip to Tasmania – the pristine paradise island of Australia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Tasmania travel blog (Tasmania blog, Tasmania trip blog) with the fullest Tasmania travel guide (Tasmania guide, Tasmania tourist guide) from how to get, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

“Tasmania Island is heart-shaped with green valleys, quiet towns and pristine coastlines. This is one of the most mountainous islands in the world, geological explorations also show a connection between Tasmania and Antarctica from millions of years ago. Although it is separated from the mainland, it still has a high quality of life and a very pleasant atmosphere. With an area of ​​68,401 km2 (Tamania Island accounts for 62,409 km2) but with a population of only over 500,000 people, this place is truly a wild paradise for those who love to explore.

Tasmania travel blog: Overview of Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state. When traveling to Tasmania not only tourists but also Australians feel like get lost into another country. The beautiful mountain scenery here reminds us of New Zealand. The coast here reminds us of the UK and the volcanoes with lakes reminds us of Argentina.

The Tasman Peninsula was once witness to some of the country’s most important historical events. Port Arthur was a place of imprisonment criminals during the Australian colonial period. Between 1830 and 1877, about 12,500 prisoners went through imprisonment here, making this place truly a frightening place at that time.

The capital of Tasmania state is Hobart, located on the southwest coast. This is Australia’s second oldest city. The highest temperature here in summer can be up to 38 degrees Celsius, but it rains a lot and winter is not too harsh.

Tasmania is divided into 7 parts: 1. King Island; 2. Flinders Island; 3. North West; 4. Launceston; 5. East coast; 6. Hobart and Surrounds; 7. West Coast (for more information please refer to http://www.australia.com/en/places/tas.html).

Tasmania blog: When to visit?

Hot season

The tourist season in Tasmania starts from November and lasts until the end of April, when the weather starts to turn warm, then hotter, very hot, then gradually turn cool. October in Tasmania is the time of springtime, flowers begin to sprout the most beautiful crown after a cold winter. All of Tasmania is covered with a layer of scent and colorful flowers. Mid and late October, the Tulip Garden at Table Cape Tulip Farm in Wynyard welcomes a huge army of selfies. At the end of December, Lavender will bloom, a color of “faithfulness” covering 6 flower gardens in Bridgestowe, one of the most beautiful Lavender gardens in the world. Unlike the Mainland, Berry gardens in Tasmania ripen more slowly, usually until the end of December before they begin to taste good and are open to tourists to “pick”.

Cold season

April is the beginning of autumn. Like in Mainland, Tasmania also has red and yellow leaves, but it will be later. Sadly, there aren’t many nice places to take selfies in Hobart. In return, beautiful small towns such as New Norfolk, Tyanna, Campbell Town, Richmond bring an idyllic beauty, peace and extraordinary charm. Winter is also the time for trekking trips to explore Cradle Mountains, Lake St Clair, Dove Lake, Mt Wellington becomes more valuable than ever.

All seasons

You can visit the rest of Tasmania’s tourist destinations at any time of the year: Salmon Ponds, Mt Field National Park, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Burnie, Russell Fall, Lady Baron Fall, Tall Trees, Horseshoe Fall, Oyster Farm , Sorell, MONA, Cradle Mountain …

The best time to visit Tasmania is probably June to August, when the scenery is filled with the colors of autumn, smell the fresh and gentle air, and see the coniferous forest changing color to yellow is very romantic.

Tasmania travel guide: How to get to Tasmania?

By boat

The state of Tasmania is located in a remote location, isolated from other busy areas. To get to Tasmania you can take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry that anchors on the River Mersey but on the East Devonport side.

By plane

Currently, there are many direct flights to Australia from Vietnam. I will leave a few suggestions that I find the price and time quite reasonable for you to refer to.

My flight departed from Ho Chi Minh City at 8:30 am of Pacific Airlines at the price of $195.11 for one-way ticket and $208.11 for the return ticket. The plane landed at Melbourne International Airport at 10am the next day and lasted nearly 14 hours. Depending on the airport and the airline you choose, the flight time may fluctuate at different times.

You can choose to depart from Tan Son Nhat airport, Noi Bai Airport, Da Nang or Nha Trang. With famous airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Malaysisa Airlines … in addition, there are some new airlines with good quality and the price is extremely cheap of Pacific Airlines, Tiger Airways, Air Asia … including some airlines will stop in a third country and my flight flew directly to Melbourne, Australia.

Affordable airfares of Air Asia and Pacific Airlines with hundreds of great deals to give visitors the best conditions. Ticket prices of these two airlines range from $130 to $303/one-way. It takes about 13 to 15 hours depending on departure airport and landing airport.

Tasmania travel guide: How to get around?

Tasmania’s public transport system is mainly focused on buses, with the lowest fare per trip at AU$ 1.40. More than a third of Tasmania is protected by national parks and world heritage reserves. The Hartz Mountains National Park is full of mountains, frozen lakes, alpine wilderness and dense rainforest that will leave you in awe and amazement.

Transport in Hobart

You should buy Urban Fare card and find a Metro Greencard Daily Travel Cap to saving more. See more and buy ticket here.

Transport service from the airport: There are many choices and you should book before you arrive.

• Airporter City Hotels Shuttle: 1300 385 511
• Hobart Maxi Connect: 0457 900 433.
• Taxi from CBD to Airport: About $40.
• Airporter Shuttle Bus: Take the Hobart Taxi Connect: Single trip is $11-14 / 1 person, 1 private car is $79 / car. This is the brand we chose. Note that you must ask carefully where the driver will pick you up after booking service. http://www.hobartmaxiconnect.com.au/
• Airporter City Hotels Shuttle costs $32/one-way to the Hobart city.
  https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/travel-information/getting-here/airport-shuttles

Self-drive car rental

(Remember to bring a driver’s license in Vietnam). Self-driving car rental is quite cost-effective, you can stop at any location you want, just need to set the Google Map or Here into your smartphone, it will guide you to your destination. In Australia, people drive in the right lane, the road is also wide, so driving is very comfortable, so you won’t get tired even if you drive a long way. Renting a car is the best option for those who want to save money and you can freely take photos and go to any location you like but you will not get interesting information like joining a tour. Some car rental companies in Australia for you to choose (you can contact in advance and ask to rent and receive a car right at the airport, you just need to drive to the resting place. If you decide to rent a car, remember to check if there is a parking space and how much it costs).

• Rentalcars.com: The largest car rental service in the world, this website compares all the big brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar and Thrifty.
• Juicy is a campervans rental company that very popular in Australia and New Zealand, these cars are often painted in blue, in summer on the beaches you will see a lot of people using Campervans.
• The other websites you should consider: Gumtree.com.au; CarSales.com.au; CarPoint.com.au; AutoTrader.com.au; CarsGuide.com.au; TradingPost.com.au

Tasmania travel blog: Where to go, what to do?

Hiking

There’s nothing wonderful like hiking to admire Tasmanian landscape as it has more than 60 hiking trails for visitors, through rainforests, cliffs close to the sea and high peaks. Choose from one of Tasmania’s 5 famous journeys, including Cradle Mountain, Maria Island, Freycinet Experience, Bay of Fires and South Coast Walk to reach all of the best spots.

Tasmania’s most famous journey is the 6-day Overland Track, which takes visitors from Craddle Moutain to Australia’s deepest lake of St. Clair. The Tasmanian Trail is a long, longer 480 km journey from Bass Trait to the Southern Ocean, starting from Devonport and ending in Dover. Visitors can walk, cycle or even ride a horse during their journey through rainforest, towns, farms and lush highlands.

You also cannot miss going to the southeast coast to enjoy the wonderful fruits, salmon dishes and wines. Bruny Island is home to a lot of wildlife, including pretty little penguins and reptiles.

Hobart

The Tasmania’s capital, is a modern city with vibrant shopping malls and restaurants, but the state’s pride is its colonial heritage. Battery Point is the historic center of the city with about 90 heritage buildings rated and preserved by the National Trust.

Hobart is the most populous city of Tasmania, which was established in 1804 as a criminal colony and also the Australia’s second oldest city after Sydney, located at the mouth of the Derwent River. Nestled in the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a combination of classic and modern beauty. The locations in the city you can walk or take a bus using Urban Fare above.

Read more: The fullest Hobart travel guide for a great budget trip to Hobart for first-timers.

Launceston Town

The world famous wine paradise and the second largest city of Tasmania. Where there is the beautiful Cataract Gorge beside the gentle Tamar river. You can walk on the trails along steep, interconnecting cliffs and the King’s Bridge. Take footsteps to Tamar Valley. World famous culinary treasure and wine paradise. Here you will see the first drops of wine born, the process of making wine and professionally processed by the hands of hundreds of famous Tasmanian artisans. They spend their love and creativity to create unique wine flavors for luxury wine parties of luxury merchants.

Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania and is home to ski resorts with Ben Lomond National Park and Mount Mawson.

Richmond Town

Richmond is a town in Tasmania, about 25 kilometers to the northeast of Hobart, in the Coal River region, between the Midland freeway and the Tasman highway. The quaint town of Richmond is home to Australia’s oldest bridge (built in 1825) and St John’s Roman Catholic Church. You can explore Richmond by walking around and learn about the world heritage sites here.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

The most famous museum in Tasmania, about 15 minutes from CBD, a very good cruise from CBD to MONA. Ticket price: $35 / person.

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Like every Botanical Garden in this galaxy, cool, pleasant, selfie or groupfie is fine. Autumn is amazingly beautiful. In winter, there are clouds right above the Botanical Garden.

Address: Lower Domain Rd, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia

Tasman Bridge

It’s magical at night. Photographing with long exporsure with the light from the bridge over the sea is best.

Address: Tasman Hwy, Montagu Bay TAS 7018, Australia

Sorell

A track and trail, looking to the sides of the bay, connecting Cambridge with Midway Point, and Midway Point with Sorell.

Mt Wellington

The most beautiful destination in the Hobart region, the temperature is 10 degrees lower than in Hobart with panoramic view of the CBD, come here at the sunrise and sunset you can see how the sun goes up and down, the golden hours for taking pictures.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo & meet Tasmanian devil

The Tasmanian symbol where you can encounter and see first-hand the Tasmania Devil directly and be allowed to feed them. There is also the Kangaroo (allowed to approach and feed it), birds, eagle shows, hawk, animals … Ticket price: $35 / person.

Tasmania Island is also famous for a very ugly animal shaped like a bear, dubbed the “Tasmanian devil”, scientific name is Sarcophilus harrisii which is one of the carnivorous marsupials, and are among the smallest in size. Adult males are only about 0.6m long, weighing 12kg.

Address: 5990 Arthur Hwy, Taranna TAS 7180, Australia
Hours: 11AM–1PM, 2–3:30PM

East Coast

On the east coast, you can visit the Maria Island National Park, home to ancient fossils that can be found on limestone and sandstone cliffs, along with forests and trails with full of ferns are great places to explore.

Northwest

The Northwest is home to Aboriginal rock carvings. This is evidence of Aboriginal tribes inhabiting caves along the coast from thousands of years ago. It is also the home of The Nut – a 152-meter-high volcanic rock that is estimated to be 12.5 million years old. Climb to the top of the mountain, you can see the panorama around, then take the car down the slope.

Salmon Ponds

The garden in Salmon Ponds is one of the most beautiful private gardens I have ever seen. The salmon dishes here are all very good (no raw salmon). Spending $2 you can feed the chubby salmon / trout here and watch them bounce on the water. The entrance to the Salmon Ponds is also an extremely impressive stretch.

Address: 70 Salmon Ponds Road, New Norfolk, Tasmania 7140

Russell Fall / Lady Baron / Horseshoe Fall

3 beautiful waterfalls in Mt Field National Park, just 20/25/60 minitues walk from the Visitor Center.

Pirate Bay

From the mountain, you can see Pirate Bay and Eaglehawk Neck. One great stop for breakfast and coffee. Laura’s cafe has two very special coffee types brought from South America.

Remarkable Cave

A natural rocky cave formed by the movement of rocky mountains on the coast, creating a cave with two entrances to the mouth of the sea.

Address: 7182/446 Safety Cove Rd, Port Arthur TAS 7182, Australia

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

The lighthouse was erected close to a steep cliff. In Cape Tourville, you have the opportunity to see dolphins and whales, and if you own bright eyes, you can also see New Zealand in the distance. One of the most majestic lighthouses that I ever passed.

Height: 3.35 m
Opened: 1971
Range: 51,856 m
Focal height: 38 m

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is a small town and old prison on the Tasman peninsula, Tasmania state, Australia. It is one of Australia’s most important heritage sites, as well as an open-air museum and an important archaeological site. If you want to look for a place with all levels of emotions such as happy, sad, dramatic, nostalgic, Port Arthur is the perfect choice. Port Arthur is the leading tourist attraction of Tasmania. It is located about 60 km (37 miles) to the southeast of Hobart.

Port Arthur prison area was built in 1853 with the main purpose of being a prison, considered to be the place with the strictest security at that time but also the most dangerous place in Australia. Through many ups and downs of the time, the work has been damaged more or less, only the rest of the walls of the building, but its historical value is still intact. As one of the cultural heritages of humanity recognized by UNESCO (2010), this place has really completely transformed, from being considered the bottom of Australian society, now becoming a leading tourist destination and attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year.

Port Arthur Historic Site Two-Day Ticket in Tasmania

Bruny Island

Bruny is a 362 square kilometer island off the southeast coast of Tasmania. You should not miss this place if you have the opportunity to visit Tasmania because the scenery here is really beautiful like a water-color painting. Each towering cliff, shielding for the deep sea caves surrounded by primitive forests. This is the home of marine life such as seals, penguins, … Especially you will have the opportunity to admire migratory whales if you come to Bruny Island in the right season. This is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Tasmania that you should definitely visit.

Cape Bruny Island: The southernmost tip of Bruny Island, one of the three must-go spots when you step foot on Bruny Island. The large, peaceful scene, together with the white and gray gray rabbit here, will take you at least 1 hour to take pictures.

Bruny Island Day Tour from Hobart

Wineglass Bay & Coles Bay

Coles Bay is an Australian town on the east coast of Tasmania state, 192 kilometers to the northeast of Hobart. This is the gateway to Freycinet National Park.If you want to fully explore the beauty of Coles Bay, go kayaking on the nearby Honeymoon Bay. Wineglass Bay is one of Australia’s most postcard-rated bay and is considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.

Wineglass Bay and Surrounding Areas Day Tour from Hobart

You should go, this is one of my favorite places that I like the most in Tasmania. The advice is that you should only choose 2 options: 1 rent a self-drive car, 2 is to take a tour with no other option. Best to take the tour because the journey is quite long and the climbing journey is quite laborious. http://www.wineglassbay.com/activities/

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is one of the World Heritage Sites, located on Tasmania’s relatively sunny coastline, is one of Australia’s oldest and most beautiful nature reserves. The star of this picturesque peninsula is the sheer curvature of the white sand beach next to the clear blue Wineglass Bay.

Bay of Fires

“Bay of Fire” is one of the beautiful beaches in Australia that attracts visitors with its own strange and mysterious beauty. “Bay of Fire” is made up of fine white sand beaches, clear blue sea water and bizarre granite red rocks. If you have a chance to visit this most beautiful tourist destination in Tasmania, you should not miss sunsets and sunrises on the sea, when the sun creates exotic splendor, it is a great opportunity for you to record spectacular photos.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm

One of the most beautiful Lavender gardens in the world. Tasmania’s most valuable destination in the summer. Lavender blooms best in late December to mid-January.

Once having visited Bridestowe, you will be immersed in the romantic, enchanting purple colors and the fragrant scent of this Lavender field. When you return, you can visit the factory to buy a few perfume jars as souvenirs for friends and relatives.

Kayaking

With more than 5,400 km of coastline, there are many wonderful places for kayaking. For those who love challenges, a kayaking trip around the island is very interesting. You go to the water near Hobart, where the sea is beautiful and the air is extremely fresh. Rowing also helps visitors get closer to the coastal gorges, the wildlife of Tasmania.

Hobart City Kayaking Tour

Surfing

If you love surfing, Tasmania is a paradise with strong waves and a deserted coast. Near the capital Hobart, Park and Clifton Beach are attractive places for visitors who love this activity. From Orford to Bicheno, from the Cloudy Bay of Bruny Island to Trial Harbor or Arlberg Bay, you can find private space for surfing.

Tasmania blog: What to eat?

Sorell Fruit Farm

When traveling to Tasmania, besides enjoying the delicious food, fruit in the Sorell Fruit Farm, is one of the most exciting summer day entertainment activities for visitors, both can enjoy right after picking or bring back your harvested fruit at an affordable price.

Address: 174 Pawleena Rd, Sorell TAS 7172, Australia
Hours: 10AM–4PM

Beer

Cheese and Beer Co.: This is the birthplace of one of Australia’s most unique and delicious beers: Beer fermented from cow’s milk !!! Sold only on Bruny Island. Well, it is best not to try the First Anniversary beer ($25 / 750ml bottle). Well, you may not find any beer in this world that is as delicious as First Anniversary.

Address: 1807 Bruny Island Main Rd, Great Bay TAS 7150, Australia
Hours: 9AM–4PM

The grilled Kangaroo

The kangaroos are a wonderful symbol of Australia. Is the first impression that makes people remember this magical land. Tasmanian cuisine thanks to the taste of the original grilled Kangaroo that has been carried across vast deserts decades ago. It has become the most attractive and unique dish in the world.

The taste of grilled Kangaroo is both delicious and nutritious. With hundreds of unique recipes and unique seasoning, that create dishes with extremely new and delicate flavors.

Grilled crocodile meat with a rich flavor

Crocodile dishes from the past to present are very popular with the Australians. As a dish not only unique but also strange to food lovers around the world. Crocodile meat can be easily processed into many different dishes, but the most popular is still grilled crocodile meat that marinated with olive oil, lemon and some typical sauces.

Bush Tucker – Australian specialty

This is an age-old dish prepared by Aboriginal Australians. With two main sources of raw ingredients are wild plants and fresh animals that are hunted in the forest. This dish has been learned and processed by many countries. However the best taste still belongs to the natives of Australia. They not only add spices but also add familiar flavor of their homeland and typical culture of their country.

Tasmania travel blog: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• MACq 01 Hotel, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $218/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• The Henry Jones Art Hotel, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $135/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Wrest Point, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $63/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Quality Hotel Colonial Launceston, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $81/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find more hotels in this city on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Tasmania you can refer to

• Tasman Island Experience
• Bruny Island Day Tour from Hobart
• Wild West Coast Tour
• 3D Tasmanian Highlight Tour: Hobart, Port Arthur, & Bruny Island
• iVenture Tasmania Flexi Attractions Pass
• 2D Best of Tasmania Sightseeing Tour: Hobart & Bruny Island
• Wineglass Bay and Wildlife Aeroplane Tour from Hobart
• Port Arthur Historic Site Two-Day Ticket in Tasmania
• Five of Hobart’s Best Sightseeing Day Tour
• Hobart City Scenic Aeroplane Flight Experience
• Wineglass Bay and Surrounding Areas Day Tour from Hobart
• Hobart City Kayaking Tour

Are you looking for more top things to do in Hobart: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And Hobart travel blog — The fullest Hobart travel guide for a great budget trip to Hobart for first-timers.