Tasmania Travel Tips

Launceston & the North

Tasmania’s ‘northern capital’ of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers. It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture.

The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The famous J Boag and Son Brewery is another must do. Also within easy walking distance is the Queen Victoria Museum at Inveresk, and right next door is Aurora Stadium, Hawthorn Football Clubs Tasmanian home ground.

The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston and the North experience.

The East Coast

Tasmania’s East Coast is home to pristine beaches(Wineglass Bay is regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world), pure aqua waters and picture-postcard coastal villages. It’s a coastline that’s perfect for a relaxing break – no wonder it is a favourite with the locals. Whether they are fishermen, wine makers or walking-guides, you will hear a different life story from friendly locals whose values are shaped by the rhythms of nature, and the stunning beauty of the east coast.

The West Coast

Tasmania’s West Coast is wild, rugged and lush – and unlike anywhere else in Australia. Once prosperous towns such as Tullah, Rosebery and Zeehan tell the story of the regions rich mining history. From the harbour-side fishing village of Strahan, you can cruise, sail, fly or paddle through World Heritage Wilderness.

The North West Coast

Tasmania’s North West Coast stretches from wildlife rich Narawntapu National Park to the Tarkine - Australia’s largest temperate forest. This region is considered to be Tasmania’s food bowl and farmers markets thrive here. The region’s riches are also celebrated at annual events such as tulip and chocolate festivals. Look out for farm-gate bounty, from handcrafted cheeses to raspberries and produce fresh from rich, red soil. At Latrobe see tempting chocolate truffles rolled by hand then savour the chocolate maker’s favourites in the tasting room.

Central Tasmania

Central Tasmania is a diverse area that includes some of our iconic World Heritage Areas, historic pastoral properties and heritage towns. Cradle Mountain itself is a must do, if only to see the iconic sight of Cradle Mountain reflected in Dove Lake. It’s a place of ancient Gondwana landscapes, dense forests, wild rivers that tumble through steep gorges and wide deep lakes. The jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain marks the boundary of this wild and ancient area.

King Island

King Island lies in the path of the Roaring Forties, the ever-present westerlies that circle the world’s southern latitudes. It’s an island of long, empty beaches and clean, fresh air, offshore reefs, rocky coasts, lighthouses and more than 70 shipwreck sites.

Known internationally for its fine produce, King Island is the perfect destination for foodies who want to get close to the source. Succulent local beef, rich cream, handmade cheeses and even Cloud Juice (bottled water from unpolluted rain) are some of the produce receiving accolades around the world.

Flinders Island

Flinders Island is the main island of the Furneaux group, a collection of 52 islands that stretch across Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

On Flinders Island you can get away from it all in an inspiring world of sparkling beaches, rugged ranges, abundant wildlife and flora, and clear sapphire waters. With a pleasant climate throughout the year and activities from boating, climbing and fishing to exploring historic sites, Flinders Island has much to offer.

The Island is also a wild and natural refuge for abundant wildlife – wombats and wallabies, possums and pademelons to name a few. Two hundred species of birds, ranging from the tiny Superb Fairywren to the giant Wandering Albatross, have been recorded as visiting or living on Flinders Island. This also includes the endangered Fortyspotted Pardalote.