Tasmania is one of my favorite places I visited on my Lap of Australia. This island state has so much to offer, especially if you enjoy being outdoors and hiking. There are simply so many spectacular spots to visit, it’s hard to choose! Here’s my pick of the most incredible destinations to see in Tasmania.

Where to Go in Tasmania: East Coast

Bay of Fires

Years ago, a travel blogger I follow (who’s from Tasmania) posted a video from the Bay of Fires. I had never even heard of Tasmania, but from that point on I became low-key obsessed with visiting! The Bay of Fires did NOT disappoint. Spectacular white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, and bright orange lichen-colored rocks make this one of the most phenomenal stretches of coastline in the state.

Be sure to stop at Binalong Bay to see the beach there, before driving up to Honeymoon Beach and Suicide Beach – Suicide Beach was my favorite beach in the Bay of Fires. Walk around the headland at the Gardens, too. Bonus points if you get a spot along Millionaire’s Row at Swimcart Beach Road free camp!

Mount Amos

If you’re up for the challenge, hike up to the summit of Mount Amos in Freycinet National Park. This 4km hike ascends up the mountain, navigating slippery rock paths and scrambles, before reaching the top. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with the best view in all of Tasmania over Wineglass Bay. Catching sunrise or sunset here is an unforgettable moment – but take extreme care on the rocky scrambles in the dark.

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach

Wineglass Bay is the most visited place in Freycinet National Park, but this gorgeous stretch of white sand is popular for a reason. A 12.8km hike links Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach in a loop, with impressive coastal views. Give yourself 3.5 to 4.5 hours for this hike.

Richardson’s Beach

This is the most accessible beach in Freycinet – it’s right next to the visitor center. There are amazing views of the Hazards, and with a beach this big it won’t feel crowded. If you nab a campsite in the national park, all the unpowered (tent) sites have direct access to the beach.

Honeymoon Bay

Honeymoon Bay is a small beach in Freycinet, between Richardson’s Beach and the car park for Wineglass Bay walks. The water here is so clear – it can be the most stunning shade of blue! Soak up the sun on the rocks and go for a dip in the water, under the shadow of the Hazards mountain range.

Sleepy Bay

This beach is often overlooked by the other gorgeous beaches in Freycinet. A short walk from the car park brings you down to this quiet bay. It’s a rocky beach, as opposed to a sandy beach, but the perfect place to avoid the crowds and relax.

Maria Island

A trip out to Maria Island is a must on the East Coast of Tasmania. You can’t miss the Painted Cliffs, a set of stunning cliffs with unique, intricate patterns and colors. Visit the Fossil Cliffs for more beautiful geological formations and a fantastic view of the summits of Bishop and Clerk. Step back in time in Darlington to learn about the island’s intriguing convict history.

Where to Go in Tasmania: Tasman Peninsula

Tessellated Pavement

The Tessellated Pavement in Eaglehawk Neck is typically the first stop on a trip to the Tasman Peninsula. It’s a short walk from the car park to see this tiled-like geological feature – you can also walk down to the pavement itself, too. Photographers will want to visit at sunrise or sunset!

Tasman Arch

This huge arch over the sea is one place you don’t want to miss on the Tasman Peninsula. See the Devil’s Kitchen before doing the short walk down to Waterfall Bay – it’ll take about 1 to 1.5 hours in total.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site is a very important historic site in Tasmania. It’s one of the most infamous prison and convict settlements in all of Australia, and the best-preserved in the country. It was also the site of Australia’s worst modern mass shooting – a gunman killed 30 people here in 1996, including at the historic site. There is a small, poignant memorial garden here. Entry to the historic site includes a cruise around harbor, where you’ll see the nearby islands with commentary. There’s a lot to take in here, so be sure to give yourself a few hours.

Fortescue Bay

Clear blue water, a white sandy beach, walking trails that start from the beach – what more could you ask for?! If you’re visiting the Tasman Peninsula, you need to go to Fortescue Bay. I camped at the campground here for two nights, and heading from my site straight to the water to soak up the sun was pure bliss.

Cape Hauy

Cape Hauy (and Fortescue Bay) is the end of the Three Capes Track – but it’s certainly worth a day hike even if you aren’t doing the multi-day walk. The trail is undulating, with some sharp ascents and descents as you head out to the very end of the cape. It’ll take 3 to 4 hours altogether, starting from Fortescue Bay.

Cape Raoul

This is a spectacular hike in Tasmania – the view at the end over Cape Raoul and its hexagonal basalt columns has been on my Tassie bucket list for ages. After soaking up the main viewpoint, be sure to visit the other viewpoint to see the seal colony! The walk is 16.5km and will take 3.5 to 5 hours in total.

Where to Go in Tasmania: Hobart & Around

Richmond

Richmond is a pretty and charming little town, just a short drive from Hobart. Be sure to stop to see Richmond Bridge, the most popular spot in town. It was built by convicts in the 1820s, and completed in 1825. There are over 50 historic buildings here, including the oldest remaining Catholic church in Australia: St John’s, which dates back to 1836.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to see Tassie’s wildlife up close, plan a trip to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Seeing Tasmanian devils here was a huge highlight of my trip! This isn’t a zoo, so many of the animals are in the process of being rehabilitated to eventually be released in the wild. In some cases, the animals are unfortunately unable to be released as they won’t survive – so they live out their days at the sanctuary. Bonorong does a lot of wildlife rescue, and one of the best parts of the visit is to see the wildlife hospital – it has one-sided glass so you can actually see the vets doing procedures! I highly recommend taking a tour to learn more about the wildlife – besides Tasmanian devils, there are also wombats, echidnas, emus, kangaroos, and quolls.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, so there’s a lot to see and do here. MONA is the most popular attraction – and getting there is an adventure in and of itself, if you take the ferry from Brooke Street Pier to MONA. Salamanca Market is definitely worth a visit if you’re visiting on a Saturday (open from 8:30am to 3pm). I also really enjoyed wandering through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – there’s a lot to see here, plus it’s free!

Mount Wellington

The best thing to do in Hobart is to admire the view from the top of Mount Wellington. You can drive up to the top, or there a number of hiking trails you can do, too. The views up here really are phenomenal – you can see for miles! Don’t miss this on a trip to Hobart.

Cathedral Rock Track

For a great walk outside of the city, hike up to Cathedral Rock. This is a steep 10km hike, but has fantastic views from the summit over the saddle and ridgelines. Cathedral Rock will take about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how confident you are with switchbacks and an easy scramble or two.

Where to Go in Tasmania: Bruny Island

The Neck Game Reserve Lookout

This viewpoint is one of the most popular spots on Bruny Island – it’s also the closest main attraction when you drive off the ferry, about a 20-minute drive away. Climb up the steps for a view down over the unique “neck” of Bruny Island. This is a good place to spot penguins at night – bring a red light and stay off the beach.

Adventure Bay

This is one of the most popular beaches on Bruny Island – a long stretch of sand, with plenty of space for beachgoers. If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the rare white Bruny Island wallabies. These albino animals are very unique, and Adventure Bay is the top place to see them on the island. Try to visit early in the morning around dawn, or later at the end of the day around dusk.

Fluted Cape Walk

Fluted Cape is an excellent short walk on Bruny Island. It’s a loop and can be walked in either direction, but I recommend doing the hike in a clockwise direction. You’ll have the coastal views as you hike up to the top, which makes it more exciting. It’s just over 7km and should take 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Jetty Beach

Head to the far side of Bruny Island for this slice of paradise. It’s a long sandy beach, with super clear water – perfect for spending a few hours in the sun. The campground here is a nice place to stay overnight, although it does get fairly busy. It costs $10 per person, per night, and the machine accepts card payments.

Cape Queen Elizabeth Track

This is an interesting hike on Bruny Island, only recommended for walkers with good navigation skills. It’s very poorly marked, with few signposts or markers – I actually wasn’t sure if I made it to the actual endpoint or not! Check tide times in advance to walk along the beach, and see the huge sea arch. The full hike is 13.8km, and will take about 3.5 to 5 hours.

Where to Go in Tasmania: Southwest & West

Hartz Peak Track

A short mountain hike that packs a big punch: head up Hartz Peak for unbelievable views over southwest Tasmania. You’ll pass two pretty alpine lakes (perfect for a dip!) before the ascent up to the summit – the final section is over a large boulder field, which requires some care. It’s 8.5km in total and will take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

Three Falls Circuit

This is one of the top hikes in Mount Field National Park, as it takes in three beautiful waterfalls: Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lady Barron Falls. Russell Falls is easily the most impressive – it’s the first one on the trail from the visitor center, an easy 10-minute walk. Visit at night to see the glowworms here!

Tarn Shelf Circuit (and Lake Dobson)

The Tarn Shelf Circuit is one of my favorite day hikes in all of Tasmania! It’s a longer hike so a bit of a challenge, but the views are simply spectacular. Start at Lake Dobson, and pass Platypus Lake and Sealy Lake (detours from the path) before the ascent up to the shelf. There are so many pretty alpine lakes here, I loved it! Finish by passing the huts and descending down through the skifield. It’s 16.5km and should take 4.5 to 6.5 hours.

Gordon Dam

The Gordon River Dam is the tallest dam in all of Tasmania, and was built in 1974. This is – quite literally – the end of the road: there’s nowhere else to go from here by car! I loved driving the road out to Strathgordon, it really gives a scale of how majestic Tassie’s Wild West really is. Be sure to stop at the viewpoint; you can walk down and across the dam wall, too.

Nelson Falls

Nelson Falls is a pretty waterfall off the Lyell Highway, easily accessed by a short five-minute walk from the car park. The boardwalk through the rainforest ends at the impressive waterfall, which cascades over the rock wall.

Iron Blow Lookout

I didn’t see any pictures from here in all of my research for my Tassie trip – I was stunned at just how beautiful Iron Blow Lookout is! You can look down onto the open-cut mine and pit walls, with a bright blue manmade lake in the center. Don’t miss this stop

Gordon River Cruise in Strahan

Strahan is one of the main towns in the Wild West of Tasmania – it’s a cute place, with a pretty, historic waterfront, some shops, and an easily accessible waterfall. But the main reason for visiting Strahan is to go on a Gordon River Cruise. This was definitely one of my highlights of my Tasmania trip!

The cruise goes out to Hells Gates, the entrance to Macquarie Harbor and the smallest entrance of all major harbors, and to Sarah Island. Sarah Island is Tasmania’s oldest and most remote convict settlement, so there’s a lot of history to learn about here. All in all, it’s a six-hour adventure, which includes lunch. I definitely recommend doing the cruise here – I learned so much. Book the exact Gordon River Cruise I did below!

Montezuma Falls

Montezuma Falls is 104 meters high, and one of the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania. There’s a swing bridge you can walk out across for an even more dramatic view! It’s an 11km return hike to see it, but the trail is an old tramway and very easy to navigate.

Where to Go in Tasmania: Northwest

Mount Murchison

A top day out for mountain lovers: head up the steep trail to the summit of Mount Murchison. The walk has nearly 700 meters of elevation gain in just 3.5km, so prepare to work for those views at the top! This is one walk that should only be done in good weather – there are a lot of slippery sections and a scramble or two that would be dangerous in wet weather. But on a clear day, it’s one of the best hikes in the area for phenomenal scenery at the top. It’s 7km in total, taking 4 to 6 hours.

Lake Rosebery

You get an epic view of Lake Rosebery from the summit of Mount Murchison. But head down to the lake itself and you’ll have an equally incredible view of the mountain from the lakeshore! This is one of Tassie’s best free camps – you can swim directly from camp. I loved my swims here so much, it was a real highlight of my time in Tasmania.

Cradle Mountain Summit

Cradle Mountain is a symbol of Tasmania – the jagged lines of the iconic summit are recognizable anywhere. A hike to the summit is a true challenge, and will take a full day. It’s 16km altogether, and will take between 6.5 to 8 hours. The final push to the true summit involves scrambling up and down massive boulders, but it’s well worth it. Try to do this walk on a clear day – the views make all the difference, and it’d be unsafe in poor weather conditions!

Dove Lake

If you’re not wanting to hike up to the Cradle Mountain summit – or if the weather forecast is bad during your visit – Dove Lake is a great low-level alternative. It’s an easy circular path around the lake, with views up to the mountain in clear weather. It’ll take 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2.5 hours altogether.

Bridal Veil Falls & Champagne Falls

These two waterfalls are accessed by a trail starting from Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat. The route climbs steadily up a well-made fire trail, before descending into the bush to see the waterfalls. If the weather is bad and you aren’t wanting to mess around with the shuttle buses in Cradle Mountain National Park, this is a fantastic hike to do!

Philosopher’s Falls

Philosopher’s Falls is a pretty waterfall near Waratah in northwest Tasmania. An easy, well-marked trail goes through the forest and down a metal staircase to the viewpoint for the waterfall. In 2023, a Belgian backpacker went missing here; her body still hasn’t been found. Take care visiting this place, especially if you’re a woman traveling alone.

Trouwatta Arch

A hidden gem in northwest Tasmania, Trouwatta Arch is accessed on a short five-minute walk through the forest. It’s a collapsed cave with an exposed sinkhole – it looks quite dramatic due to the bright green color of the water! It’s one of the most popular spots on the Tarkine Drive, a tourist route in the northwest. I wish I’d have had more time in Tassie to do more of this route – it’s definitely underrated and full of lesser-known gems!

The Nut

The Nut is a steep bluff in Stanley, on the coast of northwest Tasmania. You can’t miss it as you drive into town! Take a chairlift up to the top, or walk the steep concrete path up. There are great views over the beaches and coastline from the top of the bluff – it’s one of the best things to do in the northwest.

Where to Go in Tasmania: North

Grindelwald

Did you know Tasmania had a Swiss-themed village?! I didn’t! Head to Grindelwald to feel like you’ve been transported to Europe, with buildings and chalets that feel like they’re picked straight out of Switzerland. Be sure to visit Grindelwald Chapel, in a picturesque setting on a peaceful lake.

Cataract Gorge

My favorite thing to do in Launceston was Cataract Gorge. Do a loop of the lake, then walk along the cliff out to Sentinel Lookout. There’s a pool here, so it’s a great spot for swimming – if you can brave the cold (and apparently, the eels), you can go for a dip in the lake itself. It’s so close to the city, so it does get busy on weekends.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Bridestowe Lavender is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Tasmania. It’s the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere! You can visit year-round, but the best time to see the purple lavender in bloom (and get those beautiful photos) is from December to January. There’s an entry charge during these months, but it’s free entry during the rest of the year. Unfortunately, I was a bit too late to see the spectacular purple fields on my trip!

Little Blue Lake

The Little Blue Lake was originally a mine hole, and is now a dramatic lake with bright blue water. It’s popular with locals, but not crowded with tourists – visit now, before this changes! Swimming isn’t advised here, due to the water’s high mineral content. But you can do other water activities like paddleboarding and water skiing.

St. Columba Falls

This is one of the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania, so it’s definitely worth a visit. The falls are approximately 90 meters high, and accessed by a short 10-minute walk. It feels quite peaceful here as St. Columba Falls is tucked away in the forest!

Big Penguin & Big Platypus

Australia loves its Big Things – the Big Banana, Big Prawn, Big Mango, Big Lobster… you get the idea. Of Tasmania’s Big Things, there are two in the north to visit. The Big Penguin is located in the town of (surprise, surprise) Penguin, on the north coast, while the Big Platypus is in the quiet town of Latrobe. If you go to Latrobe, keep an eye on the river – you might just be lucky enough to spot a platypus!

Leven Canyon Lookout

Leven Canyon Lookout is a nice walk, deep in the forest in northern Tasmania. There are actually two separate viewpoints here, Cruickshank Lookout and Edge Lookout – the walk can be done as a loop from the car park. I recommend starting with Cruickshank Lookout, as you then descend several hundred steps to get to the Edge Lookout. I wouldn’t want to hike up all of those steps going the opposite way!

Sheffield

Sheffield is a charming, vibrant town in the north of Tasmania. It’s famous for its beautiful murals, which decorate the sides of buildings and shops throughout the town. Follow the mural trail to see all of them! I loved the mural with the (now-extinct) Tasmanian tiger. For a great view over the area, head up to Kimberley Lookout – it’s a 3km hike and will take about 1.5 hours.

Forth Falls

This pretty waterfall is hidden away in the bushland around Lake Barrington. To get to the waterfall, park in the designated layby, which is about 400 meters away from the starting point of the trail (there are no suitable parking places at the trailhead). Walk on an undulating trail through the forest to reach the waterfall – it definitely feels like a hidden gem.

Lake Barrington

Lake Barrington is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and all sorts of water activities. It’s an artificial lake, but divine for a dip on a sunny day! I loved spending my last two days of my Tassie trip here, jumping right off the dock into the water and staying at the free campsite. Don’t miss this place on a visit to northern Tasmania.

Planning Your Trip to Tasmania

You have two options for getting to Tasmania: bringing your car over on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry (from Geelong to Devonport), or flying to Tassie and renting a car. Either way, you really need a vehicle to get around and explore the island – public transportation is limited or non-existent. Read my tips for a Tassie road trip here! Book your ferry as far in advance as possible for both price and availability. Hobart is the main airport in Tasmania; I use Skycanner to find the best flight details.

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Many of these destinations are located in national parks. You need a Tasmanian parks pass to visit them – if you’re visiting multiple parks, buy a parks pass. I bought a two-month holiday pass for $89.50 (for one vehicle); an annual parks pass is only slightly more expensive, giving you 12 months for $95.30. A parks pass will save you money if you’re visiting multiple parks, and is easy to purchase online in advance or on board the Spirit of Tasmania! Visit the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service website for updated information.

Interested in joining a tour to see the best destinations in Tasmania? Check out tour options below!

Where I Camped in Tasmania

I camped for my entire trip in Tassie; I slept in my car every single night. I stayed at a mixture of free and paid campsites. Tasmania has a lot of really good free camps – you can read my post on the best free camps in Tasmania. Below is a list of all the campsites I stayed at during my trip in Tasmania.

• Old Liffey School (free/donation)
• Swimcart Beach Rd Camping Ground (free)
• Freycinet – Richardson’s Beach ($13pppn)
• Spring Bay Hotel in Triabunna (free/donation)
• Tasman Peninsula – Mill Creek Campground ($13pppn)
• Dunalley Golf Club (free/donation)
• Hobart – The Lea Scout Camp ($10pppn)
• Longley Hotel (donation – free with purchase from the pub)
• Jetty Beach Campground ($10pppn)
• The Pines (free)
• Arve River Picnic Area (free)
• Mount Field Campground ($16pppn)
• Brady Lake (free)
• Macquarie Heads Pine Forest (free)
• Lake Roseberry Camp (free)
• Vale of Belvoir Campground (free – recommend the spots/laybys just off the track, about 400 meters past the turn-off, as the track to the campground is terrible)
• Lake Kara (free)
• Lake Barrington Campsite (free)

Where to Stay in Tasmania

If you’re looking for accommodation as opposed to campsites, I recommend basing yourself in one place for a few nights at a time – you’ll feel less run down than if you’re switching accommodation every night. Here are a few top choices in main destinations!

Freycinet

Eagle Peaks – studio apartments in Cole’s Bay, all including a balcony with outdoor dining and a mountain view

Freycinet Hideaway – a four-bedroom holiday home, sleeping up to 10, with a fireplace and private patio

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet – a top choice for budget accommodation in Freycinet, with campsites and cabins in Cole’s Bay

Tasman Peninsula

The Shed at Port Arthur – Hidden Gem – a one-bedroom holiday home, sleeping three, close to Port Arthur

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park – a variety of accommodation options, from cabins to glamping tents and dorm rooms, plus powered and unpowered campsites

Winganah Cottage – a pretty one-bedroom house, with a homey vibe just steps from Dalton’s Beach

Hobart

The Macquarie Hobart – traditionally decorated rooms in a historic manor house

Hobart City Apartments – modern and stylish rooms, studios, and apartments in Hobart

YHA Hobart Central – clean and comfortable hostel accommodation, a top pick for budget travelers

Bruny Island

Loma Cottages – comfortable and well-equipped cabins or holiday homes

Mount Field National Park

Scout Hall – cozy rooms in a guest house with scenic views

Russell Falls Holiday Cottage – one- or two-bedroom apartments with an unbeatable location

Mt Field Retreat – modern studio and apartments, in the heart of the national park

Rosebery

Tullah Lakeside Lodge – comfortable rooms located right on the banks Lake Rosebery

Glamping at Zeehan Bush Camp – glamping tents in a bush camp setting in Tassie’s Wild West

Launceston

Hideaway on George – smartly decorated modern suites and townhouses in the heart of Launceston

Hotel Verge Launceston – semi-Scandi design in a convenient central location

Alice’s Cottages – studios and cottages with spa baths, all uniquely decorated

Tasmania was one of the most special places I visited in my entire Lap of Australia. I loved it so much – every single day was incredible. It takes a lot to “wow” me after seeing so much of Australia, but I fell deeply in love with Tasmania. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to see the most incredible destinations in Tassie!

Have you visited Tasmania? What were your favorite places?!

You might also like my posts:

The Best Hikes in Tasmania, Australia

A One-Month Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

12 Tips for a Road Trip Around Tasmania

Hiking the Tarn Shelf Circuit in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania

The Best Free Camps in Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Summit: What to Know About This Epic Hike in Tasmania

15 Underrated and Incredible Hikes on the East Coast of Australia

Australia Budget: Month 11 (February 2024)

All of my Australia posts!

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