Cover Climb Maria Island’s Bishop and Clerk for sweeping views across the east coast of Tasmania, where cliffs drop to the Southern Ocean. (Photo: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)
Climb Maria Island’s Bishop and Clerk for sweeping views across the east coast of Tasmania, where cliffs drop to the Southern Ocean. (Photo: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)
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From Hobart’s art scene to Bruny Island’s produce and Freycinet’s beaches, explore Tasmania’s must-visit destinations
Tasmania is often described as Australia’s southern outpost, but its character lies in contrasts that make it a destination in its own right. The island is defined by a mix of wilderness and culture, where dense forests sit within reach of contemporary galleries, and coastlines give way to towns with convict-built stonework. Food and wine are central to the experience, shaped by cool-climate conditions that favour seafood, berries and pinot noir.
At the same time, national parks protect ecosystems where wombats and wallabies live largely undisturbed. Travellers can take a ferry to an island sanctuary, follow a trail across alpine ranges or spend an evening in a restaurant that treats local produce with precision. Tasmania offers variety without spectacle, encouraging slow exploration that ties together history, environment and cuisine.
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1. MONA Museum, Hobart
The Museum of Old and New Art is Tasmania’s most recognised cultural site. Built into a sandstone escarpment on the Derwent River, it houses Egyptian mummies alongside digital installations and large-scale works designed to provoke. Reaching it by ferry from Hobart adds to the sense of performance, and the subterranean layout encourages visitors to wander rather than follow a set path. The museum also hosts festivals, performances and temporary shows, which means repeat visits reveal new perspectives.
2. Maria Island National Park
Off the east coast, Maria Island combines a nature reserve and an open-air museum. Convict-era ruins at Darlington provide a glimpse of settlement history, while wombats graze on the grass nearby. Forester kangaroos, Cape Barren geese and Tasmanian devils also thrive here thanks to reintroduction programmes. The Painted Cliffs, exposed at low tide, show swirling sandstone bands carved by centuries of erosion. With no private vehicles permitted, walking and cycling are the primary ways to explore.
3. Josef Chromy Wines
Situated near Launceston, Josef Chromy reflects how Tasmania’s climate shapes viticulture. The winery produces sparkling wines and pinot noir that capture the influence of cool summers and maritime breezes. Guided tastings often explain how elevation and soil variation affect flavour profiles. The estate restaurant looks over the vineyard and features local ingredients, making it a convenient stop for those combining wine touring with regional dining.
4. Puddleduck Wines
Close to Richmond, Puddleduck is a family-owned winery known for its informal approach. Visitors are invited to bring their own food and picnic on the grounds, pairing meals with tastings of the vineyard’s sparkling and white wines. This “reverse BYO” model sets it apart from larger estates, while the small scale allows for personal interaction with staff and owners.
5. Stillwater, Launceston
Occupying a converted 1830s flour mill on the Tamar River, Stillwater has become a benchmark for Tasmanian dining. The menu changes with availability from local farms, fisheries and growers, with dishes that highlight seasonal seafood, native herbs and grass-fed meats. Its boutique hotel upstairs offers seven rooms with views across the river, making it a practical base for exploring Launceston’s food and wine scene.
6. The Overland Track
Tasmania’s most famous trek stretches 65 kilometres through Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. The Overland Track takes six days on average, crossing alpine plains, glacial valleys and sections of temperate rainforest. Wildlife sightings are common, from echidnas to wombats. Numbers are capped and permits are required, particularly in the peak summer season, so planning in advance is essential.
7. Mount Wellington, Hobart
Rising to 1,271 metres, Mount Wellington is a constant backdrop to Hobart. The summit is accessible by road or by a network of walking and cycling tracks that vary in difficulty. From the top, views extend over the city, the estuary and, on clear days, toward Bruny Island. Weather can shift rapidly, with snow possible even in warmer months, so conditions need to be checked before climbing.
8. Freycinet National Park
Located on the east coast, Freycinet is defined by pink granite mountains, sheltered coves and pale sand beaches. Wineglass Bay is the most photographed location, but the longer Hazards Beach Circuit provides a quieter alternative with views across Oyster Bay. Sea kayaking is available for those wanting to see the coastline from the water, while multi-day walking tours combine camping with guided interpretation of the park’s ecology.
9. Bruny Island
Above Bruny Island blends wild coastlines with local flavours, from oysters and cheese to sweeping views at The Neck. (Photo: Bruny Island Australia / Instagram)
Bruny Island blends wild coastlines with local flavours, from oysters and cheese to sweeping views at The Neck. (Photo: Bruny Island Australia / Instagram)
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A short ferry ride from Kettering, Bruny Island combines coastal wilderness with artisan food. Local producers supply cheese, honey and oysters, while berry farms operate in summer. The Neck, a narrow isthmus linking the island’s north and south, offers one of Tasmania’s most distinctive viewpoints, especially at sunset. Cruises from Adventure Bay reveal sea cliffs and colonies of fur seals.
10. Bay of Fires
On the northeast coast, the Bay of Fires stretches for 50 kilometres of beaches lined with granite boulders stained orange by lichen. The area is valued for both scenery and Aboriginal heritage, with middens and cultural sites visible along the shore. The Bay of Fires Lodge Walk offers a structured way to experience the landscape, combining guided hikes with ecolodge stays that minimise environmental impact.
11. Port Arthur Historic Site
The Tasman Peninsula contains one of Australia’s best-preserved convict settlements. Port Arthur includes more than 30 buildings, ruins and gardens, providing insight into the penal history of the 19th century. Interpretive tours cover both daily life and escape attempts, while evening ghost walks take a different approach to the same location.
12. Gordon River Cruise
Departing from Strahan, the Gordon River Cruise follows a stretch of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area. The still water reflects dense rainforest, and vessels often switch to electric motors to minimise disturbance. Stops include Sarah Island, once a harsh penal colony, and Heritage Landing, where visitors can walk among Huon pines that are thousands of years old.
13. Mount Field National Park
An hour’s drive from Hobart, Mount Field offers a mix of short walks and alpine trails. Russell Falls, framed by tree ferns, is the park’s most accessible landmark, while higher tracks lead through snow gum forests and glacial lakes. The park is also home to swamp gums, which are among the tallest flowering plants on Earth. Seasonal changes are marked, from autumn’s red and gold foliage to winter snow.
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
