Tasmania is the triangular island at the very bottom of Australia, once famous only for apples and pristine forest. It wasn’t that long ago that Tasmania was the source of many jokes by mainland Aussies, considered remote and backwards by the inhabitants north of the Bass Strait. But some guy had the bright idea to open up a world class art gallery, MONA, in the capital of Hobart, and all of a sudden the spotlight was on Tasmania. Now the rest of Australia has woken up to the treasures this tiny island had managed to keep secret, and more and more visitors are heading south to see just how beautiful it is there for themselves.
Best Places to Visit in Tasmania
The small size (in Australian terms) of Tasmania means you can see a lot in a small space of time. Hobart is the island’s capital, a small city with character and history in abundance. Start from here, or the main city in the north, Launceston, and explore the many places of interest to visit including Port Arthur, Ross and Richmond. Bring your hiking boots for spectacular walks around Wine Glass Bay and Cradle Mountain, and be sure to taste the fantastic local produce.
Other Top Attractions in Tasmania
Tasmania boasts a long list of things to do, and unlike many other large states where the distances will hold you back, you can tick a lot off your list quickly and easily. If you land in Hobart, head straight to the gallery that put the city on the map, MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). It’s a top Tasmanian attraction, and originally drew the crowds who also created the demand for the island’s top food offerings. There are wineries dotted around the island that are well worth visiting, not to mention the range of farm-gate producers that will entice you with their fresh goods.
Top attractions for nature lovers include Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Wine Glass Bay and Cataract Gorge. If you are there in winter, you might be lucky enough to experience the Aurora Australis. If wildlife is your thing, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the opportunity to meet Tasmania’s most famous inhabitants, the surprisingly cute Tasmanian devil. Meanwhile, always keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Tasmanian tiger. It’s thought to extinct, but you just never know.