Tasmania is well-known to the locals as Tassie and it holds the distinction of being the only island state in Australia. It is also known for its rugged landscape, fresh air (best air quality in the world), outstanding artworks, impressive hiking, and unforgettable food and wine. Tasmania is truly a dream come true for tourists and visitors from any part of the globe. if you are yet to add Tasmania to your bucket list, you should do that right away and you will not regret it.
Getting to Tasmania
By Air
The two biggest cities in Tasmania include Launceston and Hobart and they have frequent passenger flight services from mainland Australia. Flying from Melbourne will take around 45 minutes and one and half hours from Sydney. There are also similar flights from other parts of Australia and beyond. The principal airlines in Australia offer regular flights to Launceston and Hobart, these include Tigerair, Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.
By Boat
You can reach the island state via the Spirit of Tasmania passenger ferry and car services across the Bass Strait from Melbourne until you reach Devonport. This route can take you an average of ten hours.
Getting Around Tasmania
Tasmania is a vast island and most of the exciting things are situated outside the principal cities but you can reach anywhere with a car. If you have the budget, you should hire a car or a campervan and plan a road trip. The good news here is that the road network in Tasmania is an excellent one but you will need an international driver’s license before you will be allowed to hire a car in Australia. Make sure that you check your travel insurance policy before leaving. You may also opt for public transport or you can take part in the many tours around.
Best Period for Visiting Tasmania
- Summer Season
This is from December to February and it is the most exciting and active period of the year in Tasmania. Tourists from across the globe flock in during summer to enjoy activities like mountain biking, rafting, hiking, and other activities. The proximity of Tasmania to the south pole means a relatively cool climate all through the year, even during summer, so dress accordingly.
- Winter Season
This starts in May and ends in September. You need to dress properly and the traffic is not much during this season so you get to have all the excellent hiking trails to yourself. The weather can be unstable during this time so you should check everything properly well ahead of time.
Places to Stay in Tasmania
There are lots of places you can stay when in Tasmania no matter the kind of budget that you are working with. Airbnb offers you excellent options and you can also go for any of the budget, average, or luxury hotels, especially in Hobart and Launceston or on the East Coast, Central Tasmania, or Western Tasmania.
Eating in Tasmania
For those who love food, this is the place to be! There is fresh seafood, food experts, wines, and eateries. The food producers in Tasmania are known for their coffee roasteries, whiskey, traditional beer, cold climate wines, gin distilleries, dairy farms, and a lot more.
You can also check out the food spots of the Salamanca Markets in Hobart or you book a space at the Source Restaurant or the Agrarian Kitchen. If you want to experience some local cheese, oysters, or chocolate, you should head to Bruny Island.
Things to See in Tasmania
Here are some of the most exciting places you should visit when in Tasmania:
- Cradle Mountain
- Port Authur
- Mona Museum in Hobart
- Bruny Island
- Bay of Fires
- Cataract Gorge, Launceston
- Tamar Valley
- Wine Glass Bay, Freycinet National Park
- Mount Wellington
