I’m Hamish Lockett and welcome to my short guide on the best things to do in Tasmania. I’ve been addicted to the outdoors ever since I took a random trip up a mountain in my first year of university three years ago.
I grew a love for the wilderness and experiencing new places that day and have been at it every day since. From there photography became more and more prominent and as I took trips into the mountains, I experimented with editing and developed a style I base my photos around today.
Why Tasmania should be on your Bucket List
Tasmania is a different place to the rest of Australia and a lot of the world because it has some of the most pristine wilderness on the planet. The feeling of being in a wild place so far away from everyone is just magical.
Photographing the natural beauty of Tasmania is addicting because it’s so stunning and interesting. You always just want to delve deeper to see more. I’ve explored some of Tassie but there’s always more to check out.
My Tassie bucket list is long and always gets longer. There’s endless amounts of mountain areas in the Southwest that take days to reach. You could spend a lifetime down here – it’s a bit of a Mecca for bushwalking.
Favourite Place in Tasmania: Lake Pedder
Lake Pedder would be one of my favourite places. Whenever I’m there – whether it’s lakeside driving or in the surrounding mountains – it always feels like New Zealand. The Tasman Peninsula is also great as I love its beaches and the slow vibe of the area. I love spending time down there.
6 Best Things To Do in Tasmania
Tasmania has enjoyed a tourism boom in recent years and this is largely due to its natural beauty. Much of this state is made up of beautiful national parks, stunning reserves and rugged coastline. So without further ado, let me introduce you to the best outdoor adventures on offer:
1. Hike the Overland Track in Tasmania
The Overland Track is considered to be Australia’s premier alpine walk. It’s a great way to experience the ever-changing landscape through Tasmania from button grass plains to snow-capped mountains. However, people should know that this is no easy walk. Tracks can be long, rough and steep.
2. Visit Maria Island off the East Coast
Maria Island is a gem situated off the east coast. Many people refer to it as a mini version of Tasmania but without people. This mountainous island has everything that adventurers will love such as a fantastic range of hikes, biking trails, camping sites and a rich array of wildlife.
3. Discover the Wildlife at Narawntapu National Park
Narawntapu National Park is where you can discover diverse scenery, native wildlife and plenty of camping spots on the coast. Hiking in this national park rewards visitors with sweeping views of beaches in between encounters with wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies and bird species.
4. See the Sights on the Epic Tasman Peninsula
The Tasman Peninsula has the biggest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere. They are nothing short of epic! This place will appeal to those who like coastlines, blowholes and caves. Located less than an hour and a half away from Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is a must-do in Tassie.
5. Explore the Waterfalls in Lush Tasmanian Forest
Chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Tasmania because the rainforest that leads to the falls will always be that classic lush Tasmanian forest. Some of the best waterfalls include: Liffey Falls, Westmoreland Falls, Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls, Waratah Falls, Lovers Falls and many more!
6. Enjoy a Beach Day at Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires stretches over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point and is regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Australia. Enjoy a day of discovering white-sand beaches with the most crystal clear water on earth. It’s heaven on those bluebird summer days.
Booming Food Scene of Tasmania
Along with its beautiful landscape, Tasmania also offers visitors a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries and vineyards across its cities and towns. These places can fill up everything from mornings and afternoons to full day experiences eating and drinking the day away.
There are some awesome vineyards in Northeast Tasmania that are worth checking out. Make a road trip out from Launceston and visit them on the way to the coast! Great cafes and eateries can be found everywhere. My favourites would be any place serving fresh seafood like The Gulch.
What you Need to Know Before you Go
It goes without saying but you should know that the summer months are always going to have the best weather. December through to March is a fantastic time to visit Tasmania and also autumn is a great time to visit too.
Autumn is when the Fagus comes out in the mountains. This is Australia’s only cold climate winter-deciduous tree and is found nowhere else in the world. It has a beautiful autumn display that is worth seeing.
The best way to travel in Tasmania is to rent a car and just drive around the island. You can’t really go wrong with a Tassie road trip. Without a doubt, you’ll find something new around every corner. I guarantee it. There are many fantastic coastal towns to visit like Stanley, Strahan and Swansea.
When it comes to accommodation, I can’t really help with hotels and stuff but Airbnb’s along the coastal towns can’t really be beaten and the same goes with campsites! The best campsites include Lake Saint Clair, The Gardens at Binalong Bay and the campgrounds around Lake Pedder.
Thanks for reading and I hope you get the chance to visit Tasmania this summer and enjoy one of the many amazing adventures on offer!
