Lush rainforests, towering cliffs, endless stretches of white sand beaches: you can find all of this in one place and you don’t even have to go to the edge of the world for it – well, only almost. Tasmania, called “The Island of Inspiration” by many and for a good reason, is one of the best examples of unspoiled nature and a perfect retreat from the daily hustle and bustle. While it is the smallest state of Australia, with its capital being home to a little over 200,000 inhabitants, it has an extensive number of must-visit places. I am lucky enough to be able to call myself a “seasoned traveler” of this charming island, so here are some of my tips for getting the most out of your Tasman experience.
Infused with history
When traveling to Tasmania, one can hardly ignore its history. As soon as you arrive in Hobart, the oldest capital city in Australia, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. Its 19th-century buildings and historic port already tell lots of stories in themselves, but to delve deeper, you should visit some of the museums and historic sites that commemorate the past of this island. The one that I recommend most is the Port Arthur historic site, at an hour and 20 minutes’ distance from Hobart. This prison was originally for some of the worst criminals and repeat offenders of the island and it’s interesting to see the remainders of this era up close. Guided tours will let you in on the dark side of history, while “ghost tours” are a fun experience if you’re not easily spooked!
Hike the Three Capes
As mentioned, Tasmania is certainly not lacking beautiful natural wonders worth exploring. So, an absolute must when on this island is, of course, hiking! Even if you’re not an avid mountaineer (neither am I), the vistas are well worth the sweat regardless of which hiking hotspot you go for. My personal favorite out of those that I’ve visited is definitely the Tasman National Park, with its majestic seaside cliffs and beautiful heights. For example, if your time allows it, taking a three-day excursion on one of the Three Capes hikes will give you views of a lifetime.
Untamed spots
A little north of the capes but still in the Tasman National Park, you can check out another area renowned for its interesting rock formations. Near the Eaglehawk neck and by the funny little settlement of Doo Town, we took a breather and had some of the tastiest seafood in the area at Doo-lishus while marveling at the ocean view. You can also find the Blow Hole and a couple of lookouts nearby, however, it’s well worth walking all the way to see the Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen too.
Romantic scenery
If you are visiting at the beginning of the year, don’t miss out on seeing the lavender fields in full bloom! At the Bridestowe estate, you can walk through the largest privately-owned lavender farm that stretches across 260 acres, while at Port Arthur Lavender Farm, you can experience a homely atmosphere and delicious lavender-inspired dishes. We had the chance to visit the latter on our way back from our trip to the Port Arthur historic site, and I must say their lavender ice cream is worth taking a detour for!
Get acquainted with the Tasmanian Devil
A trip to Tasmania cannot be complete without this experience. You can visit the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to see a variety of native animals up-close, including cute koalas, friendly kangaroos, tiny sugar gliders and, of course, the infamous Tasmanian Devil. Alternatively, you can also stop by the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo that has a unique approach to wildlife experiences. Whichever you choose, be prepared because these little furballs are even cuter in real life than in pictures – and no, they are not at all scary (minus their “blood curdling” scream).
Check out Bay of Fires
On the northeastern coast of the island, you can find a bay that is painted in hues of orange, making it a truly interesting sight. Although it doesn’t have to do with its name (which the fires set by the indigenous people along the coast inspired), this bay truly looks like it’s on fire – and the best photos can be captured at sunrise!
Majestic creatures
Besides meeting the Tasmanian Devil, Tasmania is also a great location for whale watching – in fact, one of the best locations, thanks to it being in the path of migrating whales. However, you have a better chance of seeing them during winter and spring months, so keep that in mind. There are numerous locations where you can go whale watching in Tasmania, but some of the best are at Freycinet National Park, such as Great Oyster Bay.
Tasmania is an amazing choice of destination especially if you’re a nature lover, like me. I have yet to see more impressive sceneries than those I’ve captured on this magnificent island. This list only scratches the surface as there are so many beautiful sights in Tasmania that they can hardly fit on any list; however, these will give you a solid base and an amazing experience leaving you wanting to come back!
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