Where to go in Tasmania? — 12 must see & best places to visit in Tasmania, Australia

Each state of Australia and its territory has a multitude of attractions to attract visitors. However, there is something special about Tasmania. Maybe that’s because this southern state is an island and unlike any other in the country. The state of Tasmania is Australia’s only island state, located 240 kilometers south of the continent between Victoria and Antarctica. Possessing a rich agricultural land, rich in culture and history, and wild nature with many nature reserves, has made Tasmania a destination with its own style, very rustic but no less strange. So, where to travel in Tasmania, where to go in Tasmania and where to visit in Tasmania, Australia? Let’s check out our suggested 12 best places to see in Tasmania, best places to visit in Tasmania, best places to go in Tasmania including must see places in Tasmania as well as top places to visit in Tasmania to help you planning a perfect trip to Tasmania especially for first-timers.

Best places to visit in Tasmania: Salamanca Market

Address: Salamanca Place, Hobart. Opening time: 8:30 am-3:00pm every Saturday (except Christmas and Anzac Day). Ticket price: $ 20 adults, $ 15 concession, free for children under 18 and locals.

Salamanca Market is one of the most vibrant and popular flea markets in Tasmania. Held at Salamanca Place, on the banks of the Hobart River, the Salamanca Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, except Christmas (December 25) or Anzac Day (April 25). It can take a few hours to explore more than 300 booths and enjoy the rich visual, sound and color experiences of one of Australia’s top flea markets.

Salamanca Market is a mix of traditional and modern, where you can find both traditional and modern crafts, old books mixed in with newly published works; or antiques, pictures placed next to contemporary art worksHere you can find traditional souvenirs that reflect the diversity of handicrafts in Tasmania.

Salamanca Market is a special, colorful and vibrant experience that has won numerous awards for excellence. In 2016 and 2017, the Salamanca Market won the Major Festivals and Events category at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards and entered the final round of the Australian Tourism Awards.

Top places to visit in Tasmania: Salamanca Place

Salamanca Place, with its sandstone buildings is a tourist attraction in downtown Hobart. Built between 1835 and 1860, these beautiful Georgian-style buildings used to be houses along downtown Hobart. Currently, they become galleries, cafes, restaurants and shops. Visitors will have the opportunity to dine outdoors at the cobblestone restaurants, shop for antiques and souvenirs, or visit the galleries, performing arts and studios at Salamanca Art Center.

Every Saturday, visitors and locals flock to Salamanca Market – with more than 300 stalls selling items from handcrafted jewelry and furniture to fresh and raw products. In addition, the nearby Constitution Dock is a favorite place to buy fresh seafood as well as the end point of the sailing race from Sydney to Hobart. From Salamanca Place, tourists can reach Kelly Steps from Battery Point, a picturesque suburb on the beach with ancient houses. Located next to Salamanca Place, Parliament House is open to visitors during Parliament session.

Best places to go in Tasmania: Museum Of New Art – MONA

Address: 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Hobart. Opening Hours: 10 am-5pm daily, closed every Tuesday and Christmas day (December 25). Fares: $ 20 adults, $ 15 concession, free for children under 18 and Tasmanians.

After entering the museum lobby on the ground floor, you can descend a spiral staircase to an underground gallery, which features a wide range of artworks, from Sidney Nolan’s Snake to Egyptian mummies, and a machine that turns food into brown mud. Handheld touch screen devices provide annotation information for the works here. In addition, within the 3.5ha campus is a complex of entertainment areas, restaurants, libraries, cinemas and residences, Moorilla wineries and vineyards, premium wine cellars and bar.

The most popular way to get to MONA is to catch the 30-minute high-speed ferry along the Derwent waterfront, which stops right in front of the museum.

The Museum of New Art – MONA – in Hobart is Australia’s largest private museum and one of the largest collections of modern art and antiques in the world. Described by its owner – David Walsh – as an “adult Disneyland”, with around 300 artworks covering the museum’s three floors, the works on display here include everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most famous and impressive contemporary artworks.

Must see places in Tasmania: Port Arthur Historic Site

Address: 6973 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur. Opening hours: From 9:00am to sunset every day (except Christmas – 9:00am-3:00pm). Ticket price: $39 adult, $32 concession, $17 child

Despite (or because of) its infamous past, the Port Arthur penitentiary, about an hour’s drive southeast of Hobart, has become one of Tasmania as well as Australia ‘s most visited tourist attractions. These monuments are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Here, in 1830, Governor Sir George Arthur established a brutal concentration camp where prisoners were forced to mine coal in coal mines and loggers.

Although it experienced a devastating fire in 1897, the remains of the compound have been preserved, including the watchtower, church, model prisons and hospital. Visitors can also learn about Port Arthur’s history through the museum’s prison records and remains, visit the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site, or join the “Ghost Tour” held at end of each day. After visiting Port Arthur, you can drive along the coast to discover the soaring cliffs and coves hidden behind the Tasman peninsula – Tasman Peninsula.

Best places to see in Tasmania: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

In the northern part of Tasmania’s World Natural Heritage area, Cradle Mountain National Park – Lake St Clair is considered the jewel in the crown of Tasmania’s natural wonders. Snow-capped mountains, sparkling lakes, soaring beech forests, tropical alpine regions and jagged rock peaks, including the 1,616-meter Mount Ossa – the highest peak in the world islands – are some of the most spectacular features here. This is one of the great places for hiking enthusiasts. The most popular hiking trails include the Lake Dove Walk with stunning views of Cradle Mountain (1,545m); and Weindorfer Walk with its 6km loop through dense forests.

The area north of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is considered one of the most iconic areas here. From the top of Cradle Mountain, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the central highlands. Another popular spot here is the 80km Overland Track, which runs from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake.

Best places to visit in Tasmania: Freycinet National Park

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

A 20-minute walk from the Lookout point to the south side of Wineglass Bay offers stunning views of the Hazards, with three striking pink granite cliffs reaching out to sea.

The best times to photograph the peaks are at dawn and dusk when their colors deepen in the golden sunlight. Through the park are hiking trails that connect the wilderness to secluded bays and scenic spots. At the entrance of Freycinet National Park, the resorts at Coles Bay make a great base for hiking and climbing the surrounding hills. Nature lovers can explore the entire area by driving along the East Coast Escape route.

Best places to see in Tasmania: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tasmania is Granklin-Gordon Wild River National Park. This national park is one of Australia’s most famous symbols of conservation victory. In the 70s and 80s, this area with a majestic system of primeval forests, steep canyons and raging rivers created a hot controversy over the Franklin River dam project. Finally, with the “No Dams!” campaign, the defenders were victorious and the wild beauty of the Franklin River and the surrounding area is preserved to this day.

Today, the park is the heart of Tasmania’s World Natural Heritage area, including the Frenchman’s Cap at 1,443m. The primitive sites here are evidence of a rich indigenous heritage spanning more than 36,000 years. Another highlight here is the Donaghys Lookout Walk. Visitors can also explore the park by car along the Lyell Highway; or by river cruise from the western coastal village of Strahan.

Tasman National Park

On the windy Tasman Peninsula, 56km east of Hobart, Tasman National Park protects some of Australia’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. The towering cliffs reaching 300m to the sea, the small islands, the waterfalls are clear evidence for the constant erosion through millions of years of wind and water here. Blowhole and Tasman Arch are two of the most famous sites here. Some other highlights include the Remarkable Cave, Waterfall Bay and Devil’s Kitchen – a stone dome that has collapsed.

The rich wildlife system here is also one of the most attractive points of Tasman National Park. In addition to rare bird species, the area is also home to many other animals such as seals, dolphins, whales, penguins and possums. Visitors can visit by tourist car, or walk along the cliff trail; or enjoy the panoramic view of the cliffs from the tour boat. The southern end of the park is a favorite with professional climbers with its steep dolerite cliffs; while Pirate’s Bay is famous for its roller coasters.

Best places to see in Tasmania: Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Australia, with majestic rainforests, high mountains and stunning waterfalls. Beautiful walking trails through the park are regularly covered with snow and ice, even in summer. Even, the Russell Falls Nature Walk to the three-story waterfalls here is still suitable for people with disabilities. Visitors can also walk around Lake Dobson, and the more experienced can opt for more challenging routes.

Mount Field National Park is also a famous ski area in the world in winter. In autumn, this park is covered in yellow, orange and red. The last Tasmanian tiger was captured in this area in 1930.

Mount Wellington (kunanyi)

Opening time: 8am-8pm in summer; 8am-4:30pm in winter Free entry. Located to the west of Hobart, Mount Wellington – also known as kunanyi in the local dialect – is 1,270 meters above sea level.

Once here, visitors can walk along the 21km trail that begins the Pinnacle – an area often covered in snow – and admires the city of Hobart, the Derwent valley and the D’Entrecasteaux canal. At the top of the mountain, is a paved path “in the clouds” and a pavilion displaying old photographs of Hobart and Mount Wellington. The mountain is popular for hiking and biking through temperate rainforests; while the cliffs of Organ Pipes are popular for rock climbing enthusiasts. Note that when coming here, tourists should dress warmly because the weather here is known to be abnormal.

Where to visit in Tasmania: The Nut

On the northwest coast of Tasmania, The Nut is a 143m-high crater, in the town of Stanley. Matthew Flinders, who came here in 1798, thinks the mountain resembles a Christmas cake with rounded edges and flat surface.

Passers-by can climb the steep paths to Pinnacle, which takes about 15 minutes; or use the cable car for great shots. At the top of The Nut, trails of varying lengths lead visitors through dense forests with 360-degree views of the winding coastline, quaint Stanley village, and surrounding farms.

Bruny Island

About 55 minutes from Hobart by car and ferry, Burny Island is a popular spot for day trips among foodies and nature lovers. The island is located on the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, from the seaside town of Kettering. Burny Island is famous for its delicious recipes such as homemade chocolates, local berries, artisan cheeses and succulent oysters – which visitors can taste first-hand on tours.

South Bruny National Park, at the southern tip of the island, offers a stunning seascape with beaches nestled against deep blue cliffs. Guests can explore the park on an eco-yacht or hike the nature trails. The wildlife here is rich, with colonies of seals and penguins at sea, koalas, echidnas and wallabies. Built by convicts between 1836 and 1838, Cape Bruny Lighthouse offers a stunning view of the Southern Ocean.

Where to go in Tasmania: Hobart

Hobart is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Tasmania and also is the second oldest city in Australia. Not only famous as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations and best places to visit in Tasmania, Hobart is also a charming city that is both ancient with a long history and modern breath, blending in with the natural landscape combined with great architectural works. Some famous attractions in Hobart must be mentioned such as: Museum of Old and New Art, Maria Island National Park…

Where to go in Tasmania: Richmond Town

Richmond is a town in Tasmania, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Hobart, in the Coal River region, between the Midland Highway and the Tasman Expressway. 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 learning about its world heritage sites.

Where to travel in Tasmania: Coles Bay

Coles Bay is an Australian town located on the east coast of Tasmania, 192 km northeast of Hobart. This is the gateway to Freycinet National Park. If you want to see all the beauty of Coles Bay, go kayaking on nearby Honeymoon Bay.

Must see places in Tasmania: Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires is one of the beautiful beaches in Australia that attracts visitors with its own strange and mysterious beauty. The “Bay of Fires” is created by fine white sand beaches, clear blue sea water and strange red granite rocks. If you have the opportunity to visit this most beautiful tourist destination in Tasmania, you should not miss the sunset and sunrise on the sea, when the sun creates strangely brilliant scenes, it is a great opportunity for you to record breathtaking photos.

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.