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What to Do in Tasmania: Best Activities and Places to Visit
- Tasvanlife
- 5 hours ago
- 13 min read
Tasmania feels like the edge of the world. Clean air and empty roads. Water so clear it almost looks unreal. One minute you’re standing on a windy cliff. The next, you’re walking through cool forest shade or watching penguins shuffle onto the sand at dusk.
People often come here for the views, but they stay for the feeling that they’ve found somewhere special. If you want to visit Tasmania, read our guide and find what you’d like to include in your trip.
In this guide, you’ll find top activities and the best places to visit. Set your own pace and discover why Tassie gets under your skin in the best possible way.
Tasmania at a Glance
Tassie has different activities for each season. Summer brings long days for hiking and beaches. Spring and autumn suit food trails and bright foliage. And in winter, you can visit the alpine zones with crisp air and cosy pubs.
Distances look short on the map, yet roads wind through mountains and the coast. That means scenic drives around Tasmania and frequent photo stops. Five days cover a quick highlights loop. Ten days lets you mix parks, beaches, and food regions. Two weeks gives time for side trips and ferries to islands.
Many people choose a road trip or a campervan to keep plans flexible and stay close to nature. Campsites are located in national parks and by the beach. With campervans, you can enjoy sunrise hikes, penguin dusk walks, and quiet bays with no rush. Use our travel guide for more information.
7 Must-Do Experiences in Tasmania
There are so many unique experiences and activities in Tasmania. Below are seven things you shouldn’t miss to go home with good stories.
Step Into History at Heritage Sites
Tasmania has many well-preserved historic spots. You can walk across old stone bridges, wander past cottages, and peek into buildings that date back hundreds of years.
You’ll also come across sandstone ruins and former prison grounds. Take guided tours to hear stories about early settlers and their daily life.
Take your time here. Small museums and quiet streets make it easy to slow down and look around. Tiny details often hide in old doorways and garden walls.
Relax on Beaches and Scenic Coastal Drives
Tasmania’s coastline is full of small seaside towns and quiet roads with nice views. You can stop for short lighthouse walks or just pull over to watch the waves for a while. Some beaches are perfect for a quick dip, others are better for long strolls and taking photos.
Along the shore, you’ll see white sand, clear water, and big granite rocks with orange patterns that stand out against the sea.
If you plan a beach day, pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Heading out early helps you enjoy quieter spaces and softer light for pictures. Mornings often feel peaceful and still. Afternoons can bring wind and rolling tides that change the mood completely.
Hike Through National Parks and Alpine Trails
Walking is one of the best ways to feel Tasmania’s wild side. Well-marked tracks lead through mountains, forests, and around clear glacial lakes. On bright days, you can go to lookout points. They open up wide views of peaks and valleys below.
Some paths are short with a few steep parts. Others pass along the shoreline for longer walks with changing views the whole way. You’ll definitely be impressed with the pink-toned granite rocks and curved stretches of soft sand.
For hiking trips, pack layered clothing, a rain jacket, water, snacks, and a spare pair of shoes. Buy a Parks Pass online or at visitor centers.
Chase Adventure and Outdoor Sports
If you’re into adventures, you’ll like these activities. Mountain biking trails pass through rainforest, over wooden bridges, and past small creeks. There are routes for both beginners and experienced riders. You can also book 4WD trips with a local operator. Kayaking is another popular choice. You can have fish and chips on the boat. It’s a common treat. But before heading out, check the weather. Watch the tides if you’re near the sea, wear proper safety gear, and stick to marked paths.
Spot Wildlife in the Wild
In Tasmania, you can see many native animals outside a zoo. Wombats graze in open grass areas. Pademelons peek out from forest edges. Echidnas shuffle along walking tracks. After sunset, little penguins often appear along the shore, making evenings extra memorable. You might also see wallabies hopping across fields and large native birds wandering near quiet beaches or old historic buildings. There’s always a chance encounter if you stay observant and don’t scare them away. When watching animals, keep a respectful distance and let the animals set the pace.
Cruise Rivers & Harbours for Quiet Wilderness
Some parts of Tassie feel even wilder from the water. River cruises and harbour ferries drift past thick rainforest and steep cliff edges. With local guides, you can hear stories about old timber towns and early shipping days along the way.
Short boat rides can also double as simple sightseeing tours. They’ll give you amazing views of city skylines and quiet inlets. It’s an easy way to rest your legs while still taking in plenty of scenery.
Book these trips in advance during peak season. Bring warm clothes and pick an outside deck seat if the sun is out.
Taste Local Produce on Food & Wine Trails
Here you can find many small wineries, cider houses, and distilleries. Set aside some time for local food and drink tasting. You can chat with makers and try pinot noir, chardonnay, gin, and fresh cider.
Farm shops and weekend markets are great for buying local products. Buy apples, berries, honey, smoked salmon, and handmade cheeses that taste amazing. Or, you can just walk between stalls with a coffee in hand and spend a nice, slow morning.
To get a full experience, ask locals about their craft. They love to talk about soil and what pairs well with your picks. On weekends, book lunch ahead.
18 Best Places to Visit in Tasmania
South Tasmania
Hobart Attractions
Hobart feels busy, but it’s easy to enjoy. You can just grab some good walking shoes, stay curious, and enjoy the day.
Start by checking out the Museum of Old and New Art, or MONA. Even getting there is fun. A ferry ride up the Derwent River gives you fresh air and water views. You get to see Hobart from the water before you even arrive.
Next, head to Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. This mountain is tall and overlooks the whole city. You'll find some of the best views in Tasmania here.
Back in town, Salamanca Market runs every Saturday. You can shop for local crafts, fresh food, and street snacks all in one spot.
Take a walk through Battery Point. The streets have small cottages and quiet squares. Go down to the water and walk to Constitution Dock. You can grab seafood and watch the boats.
Take a river cruise or a walk along the harbor at sunset. On clear evenings, the mountain turns pink, and the light bounces off the boats. It's a nice way to wrap up your time in Hobart.
Port Arthur Historic Site
This part of the Tasman Peninsula has convict history. Take a guided walking tour to hear stories about the old buildings.
Spend time walking through the gardens and looking at the church ruins. The visitor centre has displays and a café to rest between walks. Book a ghost tour in the evening if you want something spooky. Guides take you around and tell ghost stories.
Don't miss the natural spots. Drive to Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, and the Blowhole. Short cliff trails connect different views with the ocean stretching to the horizon.
Richmond Village Heritage Streets
Richmond shows what early Tasmania looked like. Start with a slow walk across Richmond Bridge and along the river paths. The stone arches reflect in the water, and ducks swim past. It's a calm place for photos.
Go inside Richmond Gaol, one of Australia's oldest prisons. You can see the cells and read about what life was like. Back in the village, look at antique shops, small boutiques, and bakeries. Grab a pie or a sweet treat and find a shady place to sit. You can have a gentle day trip with lots of simple fun.
Bruny Island Highlights
Bruny Island is easy to reach but feels far away once you cross by ferry. Stop at The Neck Lookout at sunrise or sunset to see 360-degree views. Walk to Cape Bruny Lighthouse for history and nice views.
Get on a boat tour to see wildlife and sea cliffs. The guides point out seals, birds, and colorful rock layers along the coast. You might spot little penguins at dusk if you go in the right season. The boats can slip into caves on calm days. Back on land, try local food: oysters, cheese, chocolate, honey, and whisky.
South Bruny National Park has easy trails to quiet bays with long sandy beaches. You can have a picnic break there to listen to the waves and just relax.
Huon Valley Attractions
The Huon Valley is green and relaxed. You can see it in one day from Hobart. Go straight to Tahune AirWalk and Swinging Bridges for views high in the trees over the Huon and Picton Rivers. The walkway is safe, and the last platform sticks out over the forest.
The Huon Trail is a scenic drive past farms, forests, and small towns. Stop at apple orchards and cider houses for tastings.
In Geeveston, you’ll find woodcraft shops and local art. The town has a visitor centre and cafés for lunch. If you have time, kayak the Huon River, fish, or have a picnic by the bank.
New Norfolk Views Day Trips
New Norfolk is great for day trips. Start with Pulpit Rock Lookout. You can hike from town or drive most of the way and then walk a little.
By the water, walk the Derwent River Esplanade paths. History fans should visit Willow Court. The buildings are from different time periods, and some have tours and shops. In town, browse antique and vintage stores. You'll find old furniture, books, and vintage signs.
If you have a half-day free, take a short trip to Mount Field National Park. The walk to Russell Falls is easy, and the waterfall looks great in any season. Then head back to New Norfolk for a late lunch by the river.
North Tasmania
Tamar Valley Wine Trails
The Tamar Valley has vineyards, farms, and river bends just north of Launceston. You can spend an easy day with short stops and nice views.
Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and stop at wine shops for tastings. Locals love to talk about cool-climate wines like pinot noir and chardonnay. Many places serve small bites with wine, so you can try cheese or bread too.
In season, stop at lavender farms and orchards. Purple flowers make great photos in summer, and fall brings crisp apples and pears. Pick up some to snack on as you go.
End the day with a river cruise or a scenic drive. Stop at a lookout for a picnic and watch the light change over the vines.
Launceston Highlights
Launceston mixes city life with nature. You can walk into Cataract Gorge from the city center in minutes, then go back for coffee by the river before dinner.
Walk the riverside paths, cross the suspension bridge, or bike the wide paths. Ride the Gorge Chairlift to see the cliffs and basin from above. It's a great way to see the whole gorge.
Back in town, walk through City Park. The gardens are peaceful, and the Japanese macaque monkeys are fun to watch. Kids love it, and it's a good stop between places.
Make time for the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. They show Tasmanian history, art, and science.
Finish the day at waterfront cafés and nice spots for a picnic.
Devonport Attractions
Devonport is the sea gate to the north coast. The town is small, easy to walk around, and set up for quick side trips.
Head to Mersey Bluff for coastal paths with ocean views. You can walk or bike between beaches and cliffs, then go down to the sand. The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is a classic photo spot, and the beach below is great for a quick swim.
Train fans will like the Don River Railway. Old train cars and a short ride bring old rail stories to life. It's a fun side trip, especially with kids.
Near the river mouth, look at local markets on weekends and sit at a waterfront café. Time your visit to watch the Spirit of Tasmania ship come in or leave. The ship slides past the headland and into the Mersey, and the horns echo across the beach.
Stanley Heritage Streets
Stanley is a small town with The Nut rising behind it. The town is pretty and easy to walk around.
Walk up The Nut for a quick workout and big views, or take the chairlift for an easy ride. The flat loop at the top has 360-degree views of farms and Bass Strait.
Walk through Stanley's old streets and wood cottages. Many buildings go back to early port days, and signs tell short stories. Stop for coffee, then go up to Highfield Historic Site. The old house overlooks The Nut and the coast, showing what the area was like long ago.
Stay until dusk to see penguins near the shore. Keep lights low and give them space. End with fresh seafood at a harbor café. The food is local, the views are calm, and the walk back is short.
East Coast
St Helens Beaches and Orange Rocks
St Helens is the gateway to white sand and orange rocks. Drive or take a day trip to the Bay of Fires beaches and coves. Swim, snorkel, or relax on Binalong Bay, then get fish and chips on the waterfront. Fish or take a boat from the St Helens marina if you want time on the water. Short coastal trails and lookout points help you take great photos. In town, visit local galleries, cafés, and weekend markets for a relaxed end to your day.
Bicheno Beaches
Bicheno has easy walks and wildlife. Go to the Bicheno Blowhole when the waves are big for huge sprays and salt air. During the day, swim or snorkel at Redbill Beach or Waubs Bay. The water is clear and calm on quiet days. Walk the Foreshore Track for ocean views and photo stops. Finish with local seafood cafés and bakeries in town. After sunset, the mood changes. Join a small penguin tour and wait quietly on the shore as tiny penguins waddle in from the water. It feels simple and special at the same time. Especially when the beach goes quiet and you hear the waves behind you. Book penguin tours ahead in summer.
Freycinet Wineglass Bay
In Freycinet, many people begin with the walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout. The track climbs a bit, but the view at the top is worth it. This is the view you see on postcards. Go to the beach on the Wineglass Bay trail if you want to swim, or do the longer Hazards Beach Circuit loop.
Out on the water, you can join a kayak or small sailing trip. Take a tour around Coles Bay for calm water and close-up views of the Hazards. Around dusk, keep an eye on picnic areas and open grass nearby. You might see wallabies hop out and birds gather as the light turns soft and golden.
West & Wilderness
Cradle Mountain Hikes and Wildlife
At Cradle Mountain, start with the Dove Lake Circuit. It’s mostly flat and suits a relaxed start to the day. If you want a real hike, go to Marion's Lookout. On a clear day, the alpine views stretch far across peaks and lakes. The air feels crisp and fresh. Before heading out, stop at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre for trail tips and shuttle buses before you head out. Around dusk, look for wombats, wallabies, and echidnas near open grass and boardwalks.
Try the short Enchanted Walk near the lodge. It’s flat and great for kids. Stop by Pencil Pine Falls for a short boardwalk to a waterfall. In the summer, arrive early for parking and shuttle spots. If the sky is clear, stay a little longer after sunset. The stars come out bright, and the quiet around the lake feels peaceful.
Queenstown Wilderness Railway
Queenstown's history is all over the hills. Ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway through rainforest, over bridges, and past rivers. Drive or walk to Iron Blow Lookout for a stark view of old mining country.
Back in town, walk the old streets and grab lunch at a local café. The Lyell Highway has scenic curves that link small towns and valleys. Visit local museums and galleries to hear mining stories.
Derby Highlights
Derby is a small town with lots of outdoor fun. Ride the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails, with loops for all skill levels and a friendly spot at the start. Walk around Derby Lake and Cascade Dam for fresh forest air.
Summer and autumn usually bring the driest trails. Hire bikes and book shuttles in town. You’ll find toilets, maps, and a bike wash at the main trailhead. Book the floating sauna on Lake Derby for a post‑ride soak. Finish with coffee at a bike café or visit craft shops in the village.
Strahan Attractions
Strahan is located in a quiet harbor. Take a Gordon River cruise to glide past old rainforest and heritage sites. Spend time at Ocean Beach for a wild West Coast sunset. Walk to Hogarth Falls on an easy trail for most ages. Or, hop on the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a scenic train ride. Back in the village, wander through small shops and grab a drink or snack at a waterfront café.
Islands
Flinders Island
Flinders Island is quiet and wild. You’ll find remote beaches and granite peaks here. Days feel unhurried, and the views are amazing everywhere you look.
Start with Mount Strzelecki. On clear days, you can see long stretches of coast and small islands offshore. Then head for the shore. Trousers Point has bright sand and calm water for swimming. Killiecrankie Bay is good for a lazy afternoon and sunset. Bring a bag for collecting shells along the untouched coastline. Keep it local between stops. Drop into small art studios and farm stalls. Pick up honey, seasonal fruit, or a handmade item to take home.
Finish at the Furneaux Museum. Learn about the island's history, old trades, and shipwreck stories.
Planning Your Tasmania Trip
As you can see, Tasmania has so much to offer. You can see nice views, wild animals, and hiking trails all in one trip. Pick places that match what you love and map trips that fit your time. Go slow and stop often to enjoy every view and landmark.
Pack warm clothes in every season and grab a park pass if you plan to hike. Book key tours in busy months beforehand. Keep a day or two open for local tips and weather changes. With a light plan and a curious heart, Tassie will become a truly amazing experience.
A campervan keeps you close to trails and beaches and can save you money. Check our available options and pick your perfect campervan to explore Tasmania.
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