Things to do & places to visit in Tasmania, Australia

Off Australia’s South Coast you’ll find the rugged and beautiful island of Tasmania — a unique destination where you can see Tasmanian devils, walk in the wilderness, take in stunning eco-cruises, taste artisanal cheeses and even explore a controversial art museum. The best way to see it? Take the back roads, but allow plenty of time: A short drive in any direction can lead to wineries, distilleries, marine farms, convict settlements, pristine beaches, fields of lavender and national parks…

Tasmania #5 destination in Australia 2023. The average rating score is 4.51 based on 134.9k traveler reviews, of 1.179 attractions. Timezone: Australia/Hobart, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 10:13.

Tasmania Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (36)

• Bridges
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Parks
• Historic Sites
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Historic Walking Areas
• Visitor Centers
• Mines
• Architectural Buildings
• Art Museums
• Science Museums
• Rail Tours
• Zoos
• Ferries
• Valleys
• Bus Tours
• Theatre & Performances
• Aquariums
• Bodies of Water
• Piers & Boardwalks
• Breweries
• Speciality Museums
• Flea & Street Markets
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Boat Tours
• Gardens
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Forests
• Mountains
• Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
• Waterfalls
• History Museums
• Speciality & Gift Shops
• Monuments & Statues
• Lookouts
• Segway Tours

Top destinations in Tasmania 100

• Avoca
• Hayes
• Trowutta
• Red Hills
• Carlton
• Randalls Bay
• Glamorgan-Spring Bay
• Greens Beach
• Robigana
• Cethana
• Eggs and Bacon Bay
• West Ulverstone
• Marrawah
• Cleveland
• Royal George
• Forcett
• Lucaston
• Kelso
• Hollow Tree
• Frankford
• Middlesex
• Quoiba
• Mount Field National Park
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
• Bruny Island
• Port Arthur
• Ross
• New Norfolk
• Devonport
• Smithton
• Sheffield
• Port Sorell
• Penguin
• Longford
• King Island
• Flinders Island
• Evandale
• Eaglehawk Neck
• Dover
• Derwent Bridge
• Campbell Town
• Burnie
• Bridport
• Deloraine
• Sorell
• Scottsdale
• Rosebery
• Ouse
• Oatlands
• Nubeena
• Mole Creek
• Miena
• Hamilton
• Franklin
• Forth
• Derby
• Cygnet
• Bronte Park
• Boat Harbour
• Beauty Point
• Beaconsfield
• Dodges Ferry
• Westerway
• Lemana Junction
• Branxholm
• Sassafras
• Ellendale
• Rowella
• Glenfern
• Shearwater
• Sisters Beach
• Barrington
• Winnaleah
• Gladstone
• Dunalley
• Campania
• Bagdad
• Legana
• Kempton
• Tunbridge
• Allens Rivulet
• Carrick
• Yolla
• Priory
• Nunamara
• Lower Beulah
• Woolnorth
• Ida Bay
• Break O'Day
• Sisters Creek
• Launceston
• Stanley
• Latrobe
• North Motton
• Grove
• Exeter
• Glengarry
• Gawler
• Detention
• Pipers Brook

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (2.274 reviews)
   - Amazing Personal Experience with Australian Wildlife
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary (pronounced “Bon-a-rong” - Aboriginal meaning “Native Companion”) was established in 1981 as a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife and is Tasmania's most popular wildlife park. At Bonorong you will see native animals which are extinct everywhere but Tasmania such as the famous Tassie Devil, Tasmanian Bettong, Eastern Quoll and Tasmanian Pademelon. You will also see favourites like wombats, kangaroos, possums, lizards, native birds and so many more. The animals of Bonorong are loved and cherished by all of the staff here at the Park and we are sure you will love them too! See more..
   
2. 5.0 Gordon River Cruises (2.075 reviews)
   - Highly recommend this cruise. Great staff = excellent service.
   Sunday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Boat Tours
   
   
   We booked the premium upper deck tickets and highly recommend paying the extra, as it was well worth it. We can’t fault anything about the cruise, it was fantastic. The food was absolutely delicious, but what really made the trip so enjoyable was the staff. They were all so friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Hannah, Sam, and Jack on the boat and Ollie - guide on Sarah Island, thank you all so much, we had a terrific day. See more..
   
3. 5.0 World Heritage Cruises (1.638 reviews)
   - A group excursion
   Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Boat Tours
   
   
   I guess this is why most people visit Strahan is to do the Gordon River Cruise and if you jump on World Heritage Cruises you wont be disappointed,. The boat is well maintained, new and the crew friendly and well trained. Lunch is good and individually served because of COVID (seating was also socially distanced). That is the boat. The itinerary is equally good with a visit to Hell's Gate, Sarah Island where you get off and taken on an interesting walking tour and finally the boardwalk up the river. The commentary from the open bridge is knowledgeable, humorous and has enough breaks to not be overpowering. Being a locally owned, family (generations in Strahan) is another plus. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Cradle Mountain (1.254 reviews)
   - Ya Pulingina
   Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests • Waterfalls
   
   
   Glad that we took the advice of the Visitor Information Centre in Hobart and purchased the Seniors Annual Park Pass, it gave us access to the Park and the shuttle service. We enjoyed the drive from Waratah to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and then the scenery from the shuttle bus and again at each stopping point. I commented to my wife that its a place that we should have visited 20 years ago in order to spend time and enjoy the walking trails and the varied scenery and lake systems. What we did see was some wonderful ecology, moorland that was very similar in appearance to that seen in Ireland & Scotland, trees covered in moss and crystal clear streams. Wonderful location and a place were we could easily spend time and feel as one with nature. See more..
   
5. 5.0 Hollybank Wilderness Adventures (1.137 reviews)
   - Family fun in the trees recommended
   Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 AM Segway Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
   
   
   Took the family and did the kids zip tree surfing. Was looked after by Johanna who i can't say enough good things about and has the patience of a legend. The course was great and challenging for the kids while having a really good safety system in place. The double clip system was great as it gave the kids some agency over how they went around the course and i would recommend. Other facilities were what you would expect. Cafe was ok but a little basic. See more..
   
6. 5.0 The Ship That Never Was (1.113 reviews)
   - Very funny play that's suitable for all ages
   Sunday: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theatre & Performances
   
   
   This is a 1 and a quarter hour play that has been occurring daily in Strahan at 1730 for 28 years. The storyline actually complements the boat tours (Gordon river cruises and/or Wild wilderness cruises) that visit Sarah island and tells the story of a group of convicts who escaped the island by steeling a ship they were building. The play is very funny and well thought out. Two tips * It does involve audience participation so if this isn't for you maybe hide in the corners. * The tickets often sell out a day in advance so consider purchasing them the day before. Its 25 dollars for adults and I believe it was 2.50 for children. See more..
   
7. 5.0 Tamar Valley Wine Tours (696 reviews)
   - Hear it from the Winemakers Mouth!
   Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Wine Tours & Tastings • Bus Tours
   
   
   I don't often take escorted tours as I prefer to travel independantly. However in taking the Discovery tour with my son we struck the jackpot. Four wineries, a gin distillery, a great lunch, mini bus transport and very generous wine tastings across many wines made it it great value topped off by meeting the winemakers and receiving tremendous insight into their wines and the Tamar Valley wine region. Topped off with pick up and drop off at our accommodation, great fellow tour takers (5) as company and a great tour host, Terry, we loved it. But a warning, it is a fairly long day of six or so hours so be prepared.... but so worth it. I highly recommend this tour and I would do it again as they vary the tour over the many wineries in the Tamar Valley. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Mount Wellington (7.800 reviews)
   - A 5 Hour round trip - Moderate to hard hike with spectacular views
   Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains
   
   
   Take the 448 bus from Davey Street to the Fern Inn stop - Approximately 10 km ($5.00). The track starts across the road and is well sign-posted. The first major stop is the Silver Fern Falls which is approximately 1km along the track. From there you climb past the the Lost Freight Cafe on the Pinnacle path to the summit. I am a reasonably fast walker and this took about 2 hours. Some sections are steep and may require poles but on the whole I think its a moderate to hard climb. There are several options on route to take paths to other sides of the mountain to look at different features. Each path is labelled with difficulty and a time. PLEASE NOTE: The conditions do change quickly. We hiked in Feb and the change in temperature and conditions was quite dramatic. On the summit there are a number of observation posts and a road leading down from the car park if you want a more leisurely decent. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Cataract Gorge Reserve (5.794 reviews)
   - Great for seeing wildlife
   Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   Recommend taking cable car on the way up (paid entry), then walking down through the swinging bridge, takes around 1 hour in total. Lots of wallabies and peafowls in the area at top of the cable car, some black swans in the gorge below. Allow more time if you want to spend time doing other walks. Carpark requires paid ticket and fills up pretty quickly. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Port Arthur Historic Site (4.917 reviews)
    - Must do when in Tassie!
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • History Museums
    
    
    The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, just 90 minutes’ drive southeast of Hobart, is a national award-winning major tourist attraction. Spanning over 40 hectares with more than 30 historic buildings to explore, Port Arthur brings Australia’s early convict history to life with interactive experiences, guided tours, harbour cruises, dramatisations and the spine-chilling Ghost Tour after dark. Every ticket to Port Arthur includes a self-guided audio experience, complimentary site talks at key locations, a harbour cruise and access to the site for two consecutive days. Additional tours are available for anyone seeking a more in-depth look around the convict ruins and their stories with the Convict Tour, Commandant's tour, Escape from Port Arthur Tour and the Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour. Dine in 1830 Restaurant & Bar as the sun sets over the sandstone ruins before joining a lantern-lit ghost tour for a very different experience of the historic site. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Salamanca Market (4.782 reviews)
    - Salamanca Markets - A must do !
    Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Flea & Street Markets
    
    
    Salamanca Market is one of Australia’s most vibrant and loved outdoor markets and is located at historic Salamanca Place, next to the Hobart waterfront. With over 300 stallholders, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. While COVID-19 restrictions are in place, a smaller interim market will be held instead of the full Salamanca Market. Tasmania’s Own Market is a selection of your favourite Salamanca Market stallholders and is held each Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm. Our new look market consists of around 220 stallholders representing artisans, designers and producers - it’s as Tasmanian as we can make it. You will find fresh produce from local growers, hot coffee and delicious breakfast and lunch options to enjoy, lots of gift ideas and plenty of handmade products. Salamanca Market will return in full as soon as state government conditions allow. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (2.762 reviews)
    - Beautiful gardens
    Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    
    
    The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Australia's second-oldest established in 1818. These gardens are home to the largest collection of mature conifers in the Southern Hemisphere and it also has the only subantarctic plant house in the world. A great restaurant and cafe is available onsite and it is a wonderful place to visit all year round. Visit our website for more information. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Wineglass Bay Lookout (2.246 reviews)
    - Such a great view of the bay
    Lookouts
    
    
    We did the short walk around the lighthouse where you can look back to wineglass bay. The walk is only 15 minutes if you didn't stop. Its a flat walk. You drive a short distance from the tourist information Centre. The wineglass bay tours want to charge you $290 per person. Just a rip off! No food, just a seat on the boat. I refuse to pay these operators such exorbitant prices. I can see why some only go once a day. I am sure the weather also plays a part because the wind goes right through you and the bay can be quiet rough. Check in with the Tourist information Centre and they will give you the options available. You can buy a ticket from the tourist centers valid for twelve months to access all the national parks throughout Tasmania. You can have up to 8 people on the one ticket. cost is around $82. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Dove Lake Circuit (2.114 reviews)
    - Must do it
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    Is the picturesque lake that has Cradle Mountain in the back ground, part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area in Tasmania. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Cascade Brewery (2.103 reviews)
    - Sunday afternoon brewery tour
    Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries
    
    
    Step inside Australia's oldest operating brewery, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Wellington, to learn how Cascade has been crafting beer since 1832. Our guides will share Cascade's fabled recipe; a dash of history, a healthy dose of Tasmania's finest ingredients and a generous serve of brewing craft. You can take a tour or just relax and enjoy Cascade beers and Mercury ciders, savour a delicious lunch and wander our three acres of heritage gardens. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Cascades Female Factory Historic Site (1.995 reviews) from $16.94
    - Confronting and informative history of the female convict story
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory is Australia's most significant historic site associated with female convicts. At this site you can come to know the largely unknown history of over 6,000 women and girls that were transported to Van Diemen's Land and the some 2,000 babies that were born within the factory walls. Their stories are equally harrowing and inspiring. Interwoven with them are the First Nation’s stories of Palawa, a culture over 40,000 years old and which was so gravely impacted by British colonisation. Site entry includes a self-guided audio experience and access to the grounds and gallery. Additional tours run throughout the day include the Convict Women's History Tour and the acclaimed dramatised performance 'The Proud and the Punished.' See more..
    
17. 4.5 City Park (1.919 reviews)
    - Monkey madness
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Parks
    
    
    City Park is for the most part a very traditional 19th-century public garden, with pathways and benches (one being the longest park bench I have every seen). a conservatory, lots of magnificent mature trees, a children's playground and a duck pond. It is a beautiful park and well worth a visit. What sets it apart from like parks is that in one corner there is an enclosure for Japanese Macaque (snow) monkeys. I feared the worst when I heard about this 'cage', which originates from 1920, but in reality the free-range enclosure was much better than I expected, with a babbling brook, various 'toys' to stimulate the monkeys, and it must be said a bare modicum of greenery. But no doubt about it, the macaques have drawing power. It seems most visitors to the park come here to see them and not much else. One last thing, I wish more of the garden's very impressive trees were labelled with their botanical and common names. Not too much to ask in a major public garden. See more..
    
18. 4.5 West Coast Wilderness Railway (1.554 reviews)
    - Awesome family adventure!
    Sunday: Rail Tours
    
    
    This is a “MUST DO” for anyone visiting Tassy! The staff are very well organised and do their best to get the tour underway on time. The staff are very knowledgeable and approachable which also greatly increased our enjoyment. We had Lana, on her fourth day, and she was amazing! We took our seven month old with us and the staff we very accommodating of her and the train ride did not seem to upset her at all. Once the tour got underway, Kiah (excuse me if the spelling is incorrect), told us stories about the railway which were really interesting and whimsical. It would be great if on the back of the menu some of the stories or further reading was available. The stops are nice for a quick walk; however, don’t expect to go for a hike. Along the way there are a lot of great photo opportunities! Bridges and rivers and even just down the track through cuttings. All and all, a great day out! Great work team! See more..
    
19. 4.5 Battery Point Sculpture Trail (1.536 reviews)
    - A good excuse for a walk around beautiful Battery Point
    Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    The sculpture trail is a great idea and a great excuse to wander some of the most beautiful parts of old Hobart. Battery Point is the oldest part of Hobart and was home to ship builders, whalers, seamen and everything that you would expect from a wild old seafaring outpost. The area is simply full of stunning period home, almost universally maintained to perfection and many with priceless water views. The sculpture trail itself is a good workout, this is not flat country! Online & printed info could be better, but we managed and as I said, it was a good way to get out for a good walk in a pretty special part of the world. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (1.432 reviews)
    - Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly paintings at TMAG
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Art Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Art that inspires you. Cultures that connect you. Stories that move you. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a Tasmanian Government organisation. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Convict Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site (1.357 reviews)
    - Very informative
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
    
    
    Hear incredible tales of crime and punishment as you experience the courts, underground tunnels, chapel, solitary cells and gallows of this internationally-significant convict site. Access to the site is only via guided tour - bookings highly recommended! Wednesday to Sunday - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30. Special Holiday Tours - Monday 9th - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30, and Tuesday 10th - 10am, 11:30, 1pm and 2:30! Book now!! or book a guided Ghost Tour: Thursday to Saturday - 6pm or 8pm. Please check our booking website for up to date information. See more..
    
22. 4.5 The Wall in the Wilderness (1.337 reviews)
    - A true artistic masterpiece
    Monuments & Statues
    
    
    One man's amazing tribute, carved entirely from Huon Pine timber, to the history of Tasmania. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Richmond Bridge (1.335 reviews)
    - Richmond Bridge
    Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bridges
    
    
    This bridge is just magical and makes you feel like you are back in time with its classic charm. You can walk over or under the bridge, it makes for a stunning walk where you can even see some lovely ducks. Love this town and seeing this bridge! “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Mona Ferry (1.221 reviews)
    - Speedy views
    Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ferries
    
    
    Mona was designed to be approached from the water, with visitors landing and climbing a long stair, in the manner of the ancient Greeks ascending to their temples. We have two schmick fast catamarans running every day the museum is open, direct from the Hobart waterfront to our watery doorstep. As well as being fast, they’re fun, full of bars and snacks, and friendlier to the environment than cars. Some pretty speccy views on the way, too. Go all-out: treat yourself to the Posh Pit. See more..
    
25. 4.5 The Nut State Reserve (1.155 reviews)
    - Best views in Tasmania
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    We had 3 weeks around Tassie and this was my favourite spot of the lot. Sensational 360 views and beautiful blue/green water. The full walk around the top of "The Nut" was quite taxing on a warm day so pace yourself. The chairlift is well worth whatever the cost was I think around the $15-$20 mark for a return trip. Highly recommended area to visit and admire. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Mawson's Hut Replica Museum (1.150 reviews)
    - Cool
    Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    This true replica of the historic huts in Cape Denison - Antarctica - constructed in 1911 by the men of the Australian Antarctic Expedition, led by Dr Douglas Mawson. Constructed by heritage architects and builders, the replica was only made possible by a federal government grant and the generosity of many Tasmanian businesses and individuals who donated time, goods and goodwill. As a part of the Mawson's Huts Foundation, all profits are toward the conservation of the historic huts, located in Cape Denison, Antarctica. Run by staff and volunteers, it is a step back in time to the "Heroic age" of Antarctic exploration and gives you a fascinating insight into the life of these Antarctic pioneers. The museum is well set up for groups as well as individual visits. Private tours are available on request. We also have a wonderful gift shop with unique items. We look forward to welcoming you. ** Please note due to current COVID restrictions our opening hours may have changed ** See more..
    
27. 4.5 Devils @ Cradle (1.032 reviews)
    - A great experience seeing Devils up close
    Sunday: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    Devils@Cradle is a unique Tasmanian conservation sanctuary located at the entrance to the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Whilst we concentrate primarily on the Tasmanian devil, the sanctuary is also home to the closely related Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls. Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials are all now threatened in one way or another in the wild. Visitors to the sanctuary can view these animals from the comfort of the visitor centre, wander through the sanctuary at their leisure, or join a personalised guided tour which ensures a close up encounter with our animals. Your visit will provide an insight into the daily operation of a working conservation facility for one of the world’s iconic animals, knowing your ticket fee is contributing to our conservation of these species. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Seahorse World (930 reviews)
    - Fun, informative experience!
    Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums
    
    
    Seahorse World provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the secret life of seahorses, from pregnant males through birth up to adulthood. By joining one of the regular guided tours, you will gain an intriguing insight into the seahorse, experience the feeding of the fish and hands-on opportunities in the touch pool with many interesting sea creatures. Seahorse World is fully accessible for people with special needs, has an impressive gift shop featuring some of Tasmania’s fine art, crafts and souvenirs and the Seahorse World Coffee Shop. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Bicheno Blowhole (912 reviews)
    - That She Blows
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We drove back to the eastern shore, below Waub's Harbour, to checkout the Bicheno Blowhole, whose reputation is underwhelming. No such problems today as the tide was full, the wind from the optimum direction and a decent swell operating. Thar she blew with a small roar and whoosh a column of water rose and then dispersed in the air and left an impressive trail of water running of the smooth rocky surface and back to the sea. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Tasmanian Devil Unzoo (765 reviews)
    - Highly recommend
    Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    The world's first Unzoo project is an innovative and holistic wildlife experience dedicated to showing you the unique animals and plants of Tasmania while taking a lead role in preserving the critically endangered Tasmanian devil. Join our guided wildlife encounters and come face to face with our famous devils, pademelons, rosellas, kangaroos, possums and tawny frogmouths. More than two km of trails take you through the Tasmanian Native Botanic Garden from tall tree forest to the Norfolk Bay seaside. The principle of the Unzoo is to immerse you in our natural environment so, for instance, we have removed our boundary fences so the local wild animals can come and go as they please. Allow two hours for your visit or add an hour for a 4WD research and conservation adventure to see how we are managing the last safe wild Tasmanian devils on Earth. The Unzoo is open every day (except 25 Dec) from 9am. We schedule our wildlife encounters each half hour or so, that's 14 every day. See more..