Best things to do in Tasmania in 2025

Tasmania — an island state south of the Australian mainland — is a must-visit. It’s got national parks, historic sites, one-of-a-kind festivals, and some of the best seafood, wine, and whiskey in the southern hemisphere.

If you’re considering Tasmania for your next vacation, we can help. This guide covers the top things to do in Tasmania, Australia, for every type of traveler — the nature lover, the history buff, and the foodie — so you have the perfect experience, no matter your preferences.   

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Explore Tasmania’s national parks

One of the best things to do in Tasmania is to visit its national parks. The state has 19 national parks and some of the most diverse landscapes in Australia — great for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

You’ll need to get a Parks Pass to enter all of Tasmania’s national parks — a two-month pass costs around $29 USD ($46.60 AUD) for adults. A few parks have daily passes as well, but for most, you’ll need the Parks Pass.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

Located right at the center of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park is a must-visit. Both landmarks are quite iconic: 

• Cradle Mountain’s distinctive “cradle-like” shape — with a dip between the main summit and Little Horn (another peak) — is one of the most unique land formations you’ll find. 
• Lake St. Clair is Australia’s deepest lake.

If you’re a hiker, one of the best things to do in Tasmania is hike from Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair. This multi-day hike is around 50 miles (80 km) and is a great way to explore its scenery.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot some native species like Tasmanian devils, wombats, and echidnas. 

If you’d rather walk for a while and take in the scenery, you’ll enjoy the walking tracks near Dove Lake, at the foot of Cradle Mountain.

🗓️ Best time to visit: The mild weather from November to March is a great time to hike the trails. If you want to see the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), go from June to August.

Freycinet National Park

On Tasmania’s east coast, you’ll find Freycinet National Park — known for its pink granite mountains (The Hazards) and calm, blue waters. Some Freycinet National Park, Tasmania must-dos:

• Cruising Wineglass Bay and Schouten Island
• Exploring the national park on a 4-day guided walk
• Sampling fresh oysters at the Freycinet Marine Farm
• Taking a scenic flight for aerial views of the mountain and seascapes

If you’re traveling as a group, you can even rent a private island — Picnic Island — for a more relaxing, personalized vacation stay. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: Visit during spring (September to November) for hiking, and winter (June to August) for whale-watching. 

Mount Field National Park

One of the state’s oldest national parks, the Mt. Field National Park is another one that deserves a spot on your itinerary.

It’s a short drive from Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, and is famous for its mountainous landscapes, walking trails, and Aboriginal Heritage Sites. 

The three-tiered Russell Falls (in the park) is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Australia, so make sure to take a photo when there — especially at night when the area is full of glowworms.

Other must-see attractions are Pandani Grove (groves of endemic Pandani plants near Lake Dobson) and Tall Trees Walk (a short walk through a forest of the tallest eucalyptus trees in the world).

The National Park has all-terrain wheelchairs, and the walking track to Russell Falls is one of the most accessible trails for visitors. 

Bonus tip: When visiting mountainous areas, especially during the colder months, wear layers — warm clothing, a waterproof jacket with hood and storm front, waterproof overtrousers, and sturdy walking boots are a must.  

🗓️ Best time to visit: Visit during fall to see the Fagus (deciduous beech) turn the hillsides of the Tarn Shelf a beautiful gold and orange. 

Visit Tasmania’s historic sites

One of the best ways to spend your time in Tasmania — especially if you’re traveling solo — is exploring Tasmania’s historic sites. You can spend hours learning about its convict history and aboriginal heritage. 

Port Arthur Historic Site

Just a 90-minute drive from Hobart, Port Arthur — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia. It includes 100 acres of gardens and grounds and 30 ruins. 

Two tours that you’ll find interesting are:

• Escape from Port Arthur: A 1-hour experience where you’ll witness how a criminal character tried to escape from the site. It’s held twice daily — at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM — and costs around $12 USD ($20 AUD) for adults and $6.20 USD ($10 AUD) for children.
• The Ghost Tour: A 90-minute, lantern-lit walking tour through the site where you’ll be told stories about unexplained events. The number of tours per night varies according to the season, so do check and book in advance.  It costs around $22 USD ($35 AUD) for adults and $11 USD ($18 AUD) for children.

We also recommend taking a boat trip to the “Isle of the Dead” — the historic cemetery where many convicts were buried.

🗓️ Best time to visit: Check their website for the latest tour and guide talk schedules and plan your visit accordingly.

Hobart’s Battery Point and Salamanca Place

When in Hobart, don’t forget to visit two historic Tasmania attractions — Battery Point (known for its colonial-era cottages and maritime history) and the nearby Salamanca Place (popular for its historic warehouses, which have been turned into restaurants, art galleries, and shops). 

Take the Battery Point Walking Tour to learn about the historical events that happened in the area, like the fall of Reverend Robert Knopwood and the story of shipbuilding tycoon Alexander MacGregor.

And if you’re in Hobart on a Sunday, visit the Salamanca Market to sample fresh produce and purchase locally-made art and craft items.

🗓️ Best time to visit: It’s a great place to visit year-round. Just make sure you plan ahead, as there’s a lot to see in the area — Kelly’s Steps, St. George’s Anglican Church, Narryna (The Merchant’s House), and more.

Richmond Village

Richmond Village — about 15 miles (25 km) from Hobart — is a historic village with a rich convict history.

It houses the oldest gaol in Australia, which dates back to 1825. You can explore the cells and learn about the lives of notable inmates, including bushranger (outlaw) Martin Cash, who’s known for his escapades.

Another must-visit attraction is the Old Hobart Town Model Village, a miniature replicating Hobart as it appeared in the 1820s.

And if you’re interested in the weird, drop in on the Pooseum — a museum dedicated to animal droppings.  

🗓️ Best time to visit: Check out the Richmond Village Market, held on weekends from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Richmond Townhall. You’ll find a range of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handicrafts. Check ahead to get the latest opening information before you travel.

Experience wildlife encounters in Tasmania

Nearly 45% of Tasmania has been declared a protected area to preserve its diverse ecosystem and safeguard the endemic species.

This means you have numerous opportunities for wildlife encounters — from seeing penguins up close to feeding native animals during rehabilitation. 

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

For animal lovers, one of the top things to see (and do) in Tasmania is visiting (and even hand-feeding) the animals in the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located in Brighton, Tasmania, it’s a conservation center dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native Australian wildlife.

Today, it’s home to 25 species, including the eastern grey kangaroos, wombats, sugar gliders, and eastern quolls.

They have multiple programs available to learn about their conservation efforts and wildlife care. If you’re going as a family, there’s also a picnic area within the grounds where you can relax and have a meal.  

The entrance fee is around $22 USD ($34.50 AUD) for adults and $12 USD ($19.50 AUD) for children. Activities like animal encounters and feedings cost extra.

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during spring (September to November) to interact with the baby animals. 

Maria Island National Park

A 75-minute drive from Hobart, the Maria Island National Park is known for its beautiful landscapes and conservation efforts.

In fact, it’s called “Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark” as it is home to a variety of rare birds and animals, including the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote and Swift Parrot.

As there’s no vehicle access, you can either walk or cycle around the island to spot wildlife like wombats, kangaroos, and Cape Barren Geese. Another more immersive option is to take the 4-day guided walk.

As with most other national parks in Tasmania, you’ll need the Parks Pass to visit Maria Island. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during summer. It’s breeding season, and many species, including wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies, are active during the day. Winter, on the other hand, is a good time for whale-watching as whales migrate along Tasmania’s eastern shore.

Bruny Island

Located on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is another must-visit spot for wildlife experiences.

Bruny Island consists of two main landmasses — North Bruny and South Bruny — connected by a narrow isthmus called “The Neck.” And it’s from “The Neck” that you can see little penguins returning to their nests at dusk during the breeding season (September to February).

Bruny Island is also one of the few places in the world where you can see the white wallaby. And if you’ve got an extra hour or two, you can take a cruise to watch marine species like seals, dolphins, and seabirds.

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during Spring to see the migratory birds return to the island and fall for the oyster harvest (and great food).

Enjoy Tasmania’s culinary scene

Tasmania has one of the best farm-(or sea)-to-table experiences. Many restaurants have seasonal menus with local ingredients and freshly caught seafood — making for a healthy and tasty culinary experience. 

Taste Tasmania’s famous seafood

One of the top things to do in Tasmania, Australia for foodies is sampling the delicious seafood in the area — oysters, rock lobster, mussels, abalone, sea urchins, and crayfish are just a few things you should try.

In fact, there are tour operators and fishing charters — like Oyster Bay Tours — that allow you to catch your own oysters and fish.

We suggest Candy Abalone Tasmania (near the Hobart Airport) for abalone and Melshell Oyster Shack for oysters. And fish lovers should head to The Drunken Admiral. The interior resembles an old ship, and they update their fish selection every night based on the daily catch.

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during fall or winter for the best oysters, November to February for abalone, and of course, you can indulge in the Tasmanian blue mussels all year round.

Visit Hobart’s Farm Gate Market

Every Sunday — no matter the weather — you’ll find Bathurst Street in Hobart bustling with the Farm Gate Market from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

You’ll find in-season produce and artisanal goods, and be able to interact with the people who grew (or made) your food. Look for boutique spirits, local ciders, handmade cakes, jams, and more.

If you’re hungry — and you will get hungry — head to the middle of the market, where you’ll find Grub Hub, with 10 rotating street vendors serving some of the best food in Tasmania. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: Arrive early (as soon as the market opens) for the best selection of produce. And make sure to check the weather so you can dress appropriately. 

Try Tasmanian whiskey and wine tours

Just like seafood, Tasmania is also well-known for its whiskey and wine. Both Hobart and South Tasmania have some of the best whiskey distilleries, and for wine, we suggest Coal River Valley. It’s only a short drive from Hobart and is popular for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

You can also do the East Coast Wine Trail. It takes you on a tour of some of Tasmania’s popular vineyards including Spring Vale Vineyard, Devil’s Corner, Gala Estate Vineyard, and Iron House Vineyard. Some of these even provide gourmet tasting plates with woodfired pizzas, local cheese, and cured meat. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: Many distilleries release limited-edition whiskies and special cask finishes during winter. Summer, on the other hand, is best for wine tours, and many vineyards host wine tastings in outdoor areas — so you can make a picnic out of it.

Discover adventure activities in Tasmania

Tasmania’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes also give you great opportunities for outdoor activities — like skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, and more. Here are some of our favorite activities to get your adrenaline levels pumping.

Kayaking and canoeing at Derwent River

If you’re an adventurous soul wondering what to do in Tasmania, we suggest kayaking (and canoeing) on the Derwent River. For beginners, New Norfolk is perfect — many tour companies operating in the area (like Tassie Bound) include easy sections of the river with low-level rapids. 

For the more experienced, we suggest two routes: Gretna to New Norfolk and Meadowbank to Big Bend. Both feature strong winds and currents, and level 2 rapids. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during spring or fall — the weather is mild and the water levels are stable. 

Mountain biking in Derby

Another of the top things to do in Tasmania, Australia is mountain biking at the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Park.

With well-maintained trails for all skill levels, it’s great for casual riders, beginners, and mountain biking pros. Some notable trails include:

• Derby Lake Trail: A beginner-friendly trail that’s also great for spotting birds.
• Return to Sender: An intermediate trail with a variety of terrain — downhill sections, ascents, and dense forest areas. 
• Air Ya Garn: An advanced trail that’s considered one of the best jump trails in the world.

Several bike rentals operate in the area, and some even provide shuttle services to various trailheads.  

🗓️ Best time to visit: Go during spring for the mild weather, and winter if you’re looking for a less crowded, more adventurous experience. 

Hiking the South Coast Track

For hikers, one of the best things to do in Tasmania, Australia is hiking the very popular South Coast Track. It’s a multi-day hike that spans 53 miles (85 km) and goes from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek.

As it’s inside the Southwest National Park, you’ll need the Parks Pass to access it. It’s a super challenging trail with steep climbs and muddy sections, and trekking poles are a must.

When hiking, make sure to stop at both Lion Rock (a landmark that resembles a resting lion) for great photos, and South Cape Bay for the best coastal views.

🗓️ Best time to visit: The main hiking season is mid-November to late March. 

Explore unique experiences in Tasmania

And finally, here are some only-ever-in-Tasmania activities you should definitely check out during your visit. They’re incredibly interesting, and you’ll remember them long after you return home.   

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Berriedale — a short ferry ride from Hobart — is the largest privately funded museum in the southern hemisphere. It houses over 1,900 works of art from the private collection of David Walsh.

Also, the museum itself is built into the sandstone cliffs along the Derwent River and has three underground levels — the architecture is as incredible as the art. 

It’s open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the admission fee to view the general collection is around $25 USD ($39 AUD) for adults and $10 USD ($17 AUD) for children aged 12–17. You’ll need to purchase an additional ticket to visit the special exhibits. 

🗓️ Best time to visit: While the museum is great to visit year-round, book your tickets online — preferably the Wildcard ticket — so you’re not restricted by a specific time slot and can join the line at any time.  

Penguin tours in Bicheno

We recommend booking the penguin tour in Bicheno to observe penguins in their natural habitat on the east coast of Tasmania.

The evening and nighttime tours depart from Bicheno and take you to a private penguin rookery, where you can learn about the penguins’ behaviors, habitat, and local conservation efforts. 

Tours last about one hour, and they’re wheelchair-accessible. You’ll need to reserve in advance as spots are limited. 

Rates vary depending on the season, usually costing around $30 USD ($46.50 AUD) for adults and $14 USD ($22.50 AUD) for children aged 4–14.

Also, you can only take photos on your mobile phone (no flash). If you’re booking a night tour, make sure to carry a red-light torch so you don’t disturb the penguins.

🗓️ Best time to visit: The best time to see penguins is during their breeding season (September to January).

Dark Mofo Festival (Winter)

An annual mid-winter arts and culture festival held at MONA, the Dark Mofo Festival is a must-visit if you’re in Tasmania during the southern hemisphere’s winter months (typically around June).

It usually aligns with the Winter Solstice and celebrates ancient pagan rituals with large-scale light installments and interactive art experiences. 

There’s also a Winter Feast where local vendors serve dishes made from home-grown produce. Another popular event is the Ogoh-Ogoh Parade and Burning on the Solstice Night — where you burn ogoh-ogoh sculptures (after parading them around) to signify spiritual cleansing.

Entry is usually free, though some special events might require a ticket.

🗓️ Best time to visit: Anytime is a good time to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration. But a lot is happening during the Dark Mofo Festival — so do your research and plan your itinerary beforehand to avoid being overwhelmed or missing out on interesting events. 

Top tips for visiting Tasmania

Now that you have an itinerary of sorts for when you visit Tasmania, here are some things to know before you get packing. 

• First things first — Tasmania is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are:
  • Summer: December to February
  • Fall: March to May
  • Winter: June to August
  • Spring: September to November
• While the bigger cities in mainland Australia, like Sydney and Melbourne, can be expensive, Tasmania is relatively budget-friendly. You just need to find the right accommodation and activities. 
• Australians speak English, but they have a colorful slang vocabulary. Have some fun and impress the locals by learning some of their common phrases before you travel! 
• Tasmania has a pretty good public transportation network, with buses, metros, and ferries for traveling within the larger cities like Hobart. However, there are no rail services on the island — only buses for inter-city travel — and it can get tricky to reach remote areas. 

Keep in touch on your trip to Tasmania with Holafly

Tasmania’s stunning natural beauty, rugged terrains, and unspoiled wilderness make for a great vacation — especially if you’re tired of cities.

But many of its attractions are in remote areas where public transport options are quite limited, if not non-existent. So you’re better off planning your own transportation like hiring a car or using private shuttle services.

Then there are other logistics like renting outdoor gear, downloading trail maps, and booking reservations — all of which require mobile internet. Plus, you’ll also need to call home (and international roaming charges can be super expensive).

The best way to go about all of this is to get yourself an embeddable SIM (eSIM). Top eSIM providers like Holafly offer benefits like unlimited data, affordable plans, and no roaming charges on international calls. 

Consider a Holafly Australia eSIM for your trip to Tasmania. A two-week plan costs only $47.90 ($3.42 per day), and longer plans offer even better rates.

Simply purchase your eSIM from the Holafly website and scan the QR code upon landing in Tasmania for unlimited, hassle-free internet.

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Stefania Manea

Living in Romania's only coastal city, Constanta, Stefania Manea has been in the content marketing space for 9 years. She discovered her passion for writing while studying Maritime Engineering, which led her to switch her career path and join the marketing industry. Since then, she has relentlessly written copy and content for renowned brands in the B2B SaaS landscape, including MarkUp.io, Toggl, MarineTraffic, Route4Me, and Insense. She values creativity, loves horror novels, and occasionally believes in ghosts!

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