While Australia is well-known globally, some may wonder if Tasmania is an African country or perhaps in South America.
If you are a nature-loving traveler, you absolutely cannot miss Tasmania. It is the most ecologically well-preserved place in Australia, known as the “Natural State” and sometimes called “Little New Zealand”.
It is famous for its stunning scenery and unpretentious culture. As an independent island geographically, approximately 40% of the state is officially designated as a national park, nature reserve, or World Natural Heritage Site. However, this beautiful land has a poignant history. Centuries ago, it was a forgotten island. 
In the past, Tasmania was used by the British as a penal colony for prisoners. Its initial image to the world was of wilderness, bloodshed, and violence. However, after centuries of development, Tasmania has become a coveted destination for travelers and those seeking a new life in the Southern Hemisphere.
Its unparalleled beauty and genuine spirit attract visitors from all over the world. Even Australians themselves visit “Tassie” for leisure and relaxation.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), is located on the banks of the River Derwent north of Hobart, and is the largest private museum in Australia. Its owner, David Walsh, describes it as a “subversive adult Disneyland.” The museum’s unique design makes it a work of art in itself, built into a sandstone cliff and featuring three levels of underground art space. The museum displays David Walsh’s private collection. The exhibition halls are accessed by elevator to the underground levels, without any windows. MONA offers a relatively closed space, which encourages visitors to focus on the artwork. MONA also hosts the MONA FOMA festival in January and the DARK MOFO art festival in winter, which both require advance booking.
MONA tickets are AUD $20, with free admission for those under 18. Upon entry, each visitor receives an audio guide to enhance their experience.
Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and the second oldest city in Australia after Sydney. It also serves as the Antarctic research base for both Australia and France. Small yet compact, Hobart expresses the charm of combining history and modernity. Here, you can admire buildings from the British colonial era and discuss the best ways to taste whiskey with the locals.
If you don’t want to stay in the city for long, it only takes a 10-minute drive to reach the foot of Mount Wellington, where a simple hike or mountain bike trip can provide an amazing sense of renewal.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur is a small town on a peninsula about 40 kilometers southeast of Hobart. This island has a long history and a beautiful coastline. The peninsula features nearly 100 square kilometers of dense scrubland, making it a popular destination for vacationers. Historically, however, Port Arthur was a prison, a key part of Australia’s dark history of the early 19th century.
Initially, Port Arthur was a logging camp in 1830. From 1833 to 1850, it became a prison for some of the most severely sentenced criminals from Britain and Ireland. Port Arthur was chosen because it was surrounded by water on three sides, which was known to have sharks, and the narrow 30-meter isthmus connecting it to the mainland was guarded by soldiers, man-made traps, and hungry dogs.
Later, Port Arthur was sold, and the Australian government took over in 1979, developing it into a tourist attraction. Today, Port Arthur attracts an increasing number of visitors every year.
Salamanca Market
The vibrant Salamanca Market was once a gathering place for sailors, whalers, and craftsmen. Today, it is the cultural center of Hobart, home to many art galleries, theaters, coffee shops, craft shops, and restaurants. The row of old Georgian-style sandstone buildings dates back to 1840 and were originally warehouses. The nearby pier was once a famous whaling dock.
The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is Hobart’s most popular open-air market, founded in 1972. Here, you can buy locally produced organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, wines, exquisite local artwork, and quality handicrafts. It’s a place full of local life and popular with locals and visitors alike.
The Overland Track
The Overland Track is Tasmania’s most famous hiking trail. It starts at Cradle Mountain and ends at Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in Australia. The 65-kilometer trail takes six days to complete. Walking this unique route is far from lonely, as you’ll encounter rivers, forests, and canyons, mountains, alpine moorland, spectacular waterfalls and cliffs, and steep peaks.
Most tourists do not complete the entire route. If you want to walk from start to finish, it is recommended to plan your hike in advance, including booking tents and sleeping bags on the official website. As there are only eight cabins with fireplaces on the route, it is best to book in advance. The best time to travel the Overland Track is during the warmer months from November to April. Along the way, you will pass through the habitats of many animals, truly connecting you to nature.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is Tasmania’s largest lavender farm and one of the largest lavender producers in the world. The estate is over 100 years old. The lavender fields are arranged in a way that is just as romantic as Provence or Hokkaido.
The best time to see the lavender in the Southern Hemisphere is from December to the end of January. Here, you can find cute “lavender bears” and the signature “lavender ice cream.” The language of lavender is “waiting for love.” If you want to experience this romance, this is the perfect place.
Three Capes Track
The Three Capes Track is an independent multi-day hiking experience on the Tasman Peninsula, covering approximately 48 kilometers and taking four days and three nights. This carefully designed hiking route immerses visitors in every aspect of the local landscape.
The Three Capes Track will guide you through countless breathtaking natural sights and inspiring cliffs. You’ll enjoy views of the ocean from Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy, and stunning vistas from Cape Raoul. If you are fit and have time, you shouldn’t miss it.
Bruny Island
Anyone who has visited Tasmania will tell you that Bruny Island is a must-see destination. Located off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, it covers 322 square kilometers and has a permanent population of only 650 people. It is separated from mainland Tasmania by a strait. If you drive south from Hobart for 25 minutes to Kettering, you can take a 20-minute ferry to Bruny Island.
Bruny Island actually consists of two islands, North Bruny and South Bruny, connected by a narrow sandy isthmus known as “The Neck.” The Neck is one of Bruny Island’s most iconic spots. It is a narrow spit of land connecting the two islands, and there is a lookout point where you can enjoy panoramic views of the bay.
Here, you’ll find steep coastal cliffs, wide sandy beaches, and picturesque coastlines. You can see Australian fur seal colonies, seabirds, and dolphins. If you are lucky, you might even see whales. In addition to the natural beauty and wildlife, you can also enjoy delicious oysters and unique local cheeses.
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is located on the east coast of Tasmania, 125 kilometers northeast of Hobart. Established in 1916, it is one of Tasmania’s oldest parks. The park features pink granite mountains, white sandy beaches, dunes created by wind, and dry eucalyptus forests. Freycinet is famous for Wineglass Bay, though it is just one of the many beautiful silver sand beaches in the park. The waters here are perfect for boating, swimming, and diving.
After exploring the mountains and waters, you can sample fresh oysters at the Freycinet Marine Farm, or observe the harvesting process from a fishing boat deck. Or, you can try local wines at a winery less than an hour’s drive away.
Local Cuisine
When visiting Tasmania, you cannot miss the abundant local seafood. During their show, Chef Nic, Nicholas Tse and Nick Cheung chose Tasmania as their seafood destination. Every Sunday morning, head to the Farm Gate Market on Elizabeth Street to enjoy fresh, local ingredients and hot, flavorful snacks, and experience the local culture.
The seafood here is the freshest and cheapest in all of Australia. After your trip, you may forget the scenery and the people you met, but you will never forget the taste of the palm-sized oysters melting on your tongue.
Besides the dominant oysters, the local salmon is another highlight. The salmon is fresh, flavorful, and only the best quality fish are used for sashimi. If you are a seafood lover, you cannot miss this.
