It has been exhilarating to travel in Tasmania

During the awkward years (yep, that pandemic!) travel was put on hold for many. The most wonderful thing that happened for me, was the refocus back to travel in Australia. We had sadly overlooked, always heading overseas for other adventures. There are places here I simply didn’t know existed. Why have we waited soooo long? – I shall never know! Tasmania is so insanely gorgeous; we’ve visited twice in 9 months and simply can’t get enough!

For the foreseeable future, we are looking to more travel around Australia. Maybe we have just been so lucky to have travelled to many places before, but we are simply loving the beauty, diversity, and surprise that our amazing country keeps on delivering. If you haven’t visited Tasmania, you really need to put this on your bucket list. If you are a seasoned traveller, Tassie has a lot of English influence, some Scottish, Irish, German and Swiss influence. It is such a small state, but enormous in terms of culture, culinary delight, dramatic landscapes, wildlife and the best boutique wine and gin in the world! Our last visit – was over 12 nights and we felt we got to explore some dreamy highlights of Tasmania. Sharing these with you – make sure to add them to your holiday plans.

Get out and about across Tassie to really explore - Bruny Island

1. MONA (Museum of the Natural Arts)

Are you a culture vulture? My one love on our travels is to visit art galleries or museums in every place. Some of my favourites being the Louvre, the Musee Dorsay (a fav!), the Cairo Museum, New York Museum and HOTA to name just a few, however I have to say MONA absolutely captured my heart. I loved, loved, loved it here – the entire experience.

From the high-speed catamaran ride to the eccentric artwork, to the adhoc performances, to the dining experiences, fun atmosphere, and the architecture. MONA makes you feel incredibly alive. I could happily visit again and again for the immersive and unique experience. A must-do for you!!

2. GORDON RIVER, STRAHAN

Think incredible beauty, think water that reflects the heavens above, think green, lush ancient forests, think tranquillity and complete peace – multiply that by a million and you can begin to imagine the beauty of the Gordon River.

Choosing our day out with Gordon River Cruises was an amazing adventure. You get to do 2 stops on the way, Sarah Island and Heritage Landing. Add in a dreamy cruise on the quietest catamaran, sumptuous buffet and settle in complete comfort – a memorable day out. One that I shall hold close to my heart for a long time.

3. PENNICOTT WILDNERNESS JOURNEYS TO TASMAN ISLAND

Soaring sea-cliffs, deep sea caves, rolling ocean waves, abundant marine life – whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds – it has it all! This is jaw-dropping and beyond stunning. I am not sure I have ever had an experience like this. The weather gods shone upon us on this day, so in terms of weather we were very lucky.

Cruising along the rugged coastline of Tasmania is one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was stunning.

This journey is just outside of Port Arthur (though does also leave from Hobart) and takes you along the rocky landscapes of the East Coast of Tasmania out to the Lighthouse on Tasman Island. Not sure any of my photo’s do this incredible part of the world justice, but is seriously bucket list stuff.

4. CRADLE MOUNTAIN, DOVE LAKE CIRCUIT

We’ve all seen the pics on Insta! There are many reasons to visit here. We chose to walk the Dove Lake circuit – very easy to do. About 3 hours for the whole circuit if you aren’t deviating to any other paths that is. This place is another part of Tasmania that has swiftly changing seasons in the one day, so always be prepared. We visited in the spring, again the weather gods really favouring us. It couldn’t have been a more magical, sunny day.

old-boathouse — The most captured image on Dove Lake - the iconic old boathouse with Cradle Mountain in the background

I think on any journey in Tasmania, you do have to factor that the weather may be unpredictable. It can be a chilly on days in the middle of the summer, so always be prepared. The walk around Dove Lake changes at every turn, from stunning views over the lake and spires of Cradle Mountain, to mossy rocks, waterfalls, running streams and lush forests.

The Ballroom Forest is a magical, almost fairy like forest. At the end of the circuit, you will find the old boathouse, one of the most iconic and photographed boathouses in Australia. I would have loved more time here to really explore. My advice is to strap on your hiking boots and find your way here! The whole surrounding area of Cradle Mountain is flush with wildlife, wombats, echidnas, pademelons at every turn.

5. LETTES BAY

This is a hidden gem right near Strahan. As you approach Lettes Bay you shall find these little historical shacks that line the Bay.

Sleepy Lettes Bay, near Strahan, Tasmania

From the rear, you can be mistaken to think that these are rundown shacks that have zero appeal – but let me tell you – what a find! As you make your way to the front of the shacks, the village overlooks the tranquil bay, with the main jetty that was built in 1938.

We stayed at Salt Box Hideaway. This gorgeous shack has been beautifully restored, and is a swank, luxury abode inside. Warm, cosy with a fireplace inside and fire pit just outside the front door at the water’s edge. The ducks rush to greet you as you arrive (LOVED that!), and the village is surrounded by the wild mountains and tranquil waters of the bay. A dreamy location, dreamy accommodation, dreamy experience.

6. MOUNT WELLINGTON

We tried to get up to Mount Wellington, however the weather had other plans as the roads were closed to visitors. As we thought it began to spit with rain, we looked to the sky and the heavens began to snow!! Let me tell you, for a Queenslander that lives in a hot, humid climate, this was like being a kid in a candy store! In a few minutes, the green landscape became laden with a sea of white.

What ensued was Snow-fights, chasing snowflakes (including a blue seal moment – Gav taking an almighty icy tumble - lol!). It was exquisite - the snow, not the fall :). Keep this in mind, the weather can change at any moment, so be flexible with your travels.

Such an incredible view out from Mount Wellington

We did get up to Mount Wellington in the end and that panoramic view – incredible. I would love to get up there in the wintertime as would be a whole different experience. If you don’t have a rental car, you can coordinate a shuttle bus to get you there.

7. WINEGLASS BAY LOOKOUT– MT FREYCINET

A rather steep walk, that takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Think this was the moment that I realised I need to step up my fitness game! The sweaty hike is so worth the climb up the many, many stairs.

On your ascent, you will pass pink granite peaks, picturesque outlooks and as you reach the outlook you will be rewarded with the most photographed views in Tasmania – across the long pristine white sands and turquoise-coloured waters of Wineglass Bay.

8. BAY OF FIRES

If you have seen any of the advertising about Tasmania you will see images of people frolicking in the ocean at the Bay of Fires. I think Tassie are trying to keep this one on the quiet! The advertisement does not reflect at all how incredibly stunning the landscape is in this area. Really get out and explore the Bay of Fires.

Take a drive from St Helen’s (on the East Coast of Tasmania) and head to Binalong Bay. The Bay of Fires stretches along a 50km radius of the coast. Head up the coastline, is easy to drive, even if off bitumen. Pull up and head out to the orange lichen covered boulders. Walk along the coastal stretch as far as you can. I have never seen anything like this before. It felt brutal, exposed, and glorious all at the same time. The rocks were easy to climb and you can simply sit watching the ocean waves crash against the boulder backdrops. Oyster farms are all along this stretch - make sure to pop in and grab your fresh oysters! Very good prices too!!

9. SHEFFIELD

As a lover of art, Sheffield is so unique. Nearly the whole township has a painted mural on their walls. It is an art lover’s paradise. Mt Roland is set as the background to the town and you can wander the streets discovering a new mural at every turn. Sheffield also has the best scallop pie that we had discovered at any place in Tasmania! A bit of a tidbit for you.

10. BRUNY ISLAND – THE NECK LOOKOUT

Now you must remember that we only had 12 nights to circumnavigate Tasmania and we were squeezing in as much as possible to see and do. We popped over to Bruny Island for a full day of exploring. If I could have chosen to, I would have stayed a few days. In a nutshell, amazing views, culinary delights such as fudge, cheese coupled with Bruny Island’s best wine and ciders. Find your way to the Neck Lookout.

It is the isthmus of land that connects the north and south of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania. It is a short, but steep walk up to the lookout via a timber staircase that leads up from the dunes. An incredible outlook from this point.

11. PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE

Port Arthur is a major tourist destination and one of Australia’s most important heritage listed sites.

The historic Port Arthur Settlement is such an intriguing place to visit.

It is a definite must visit for you. It’s brutal and gruelling history, is preserved in time.

port-arthur — Port Arthur Historical Site

Your tickets will allow you to visit the site for 2 consecutive days and it is a huge site to explore so best to stay overnight. We stayed at the Port Arthur Motor Inn as it is literally located on the site grounds which makes it a perfect stay. We also had the opportunity to do the Ghost Tour (make sure to book early!). No ghosts seen, but an eerie encounter. There is a lot to see and do at this site and in the surrounds of Port Arthur.

12. CATARACT GORGE

Located on the fringe of central Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a natural formation carved out over the years by the flooding of the river which has created the Gorge landscape. Take the Zig Zag track into the First Basin for experienced hikers (I found this a bit of a challenge for unfit DeeLuxe! – lol!) or the easy level track.

As you near the end you will find exotic Victorian gardens at Cliff Grounds. Lush green ferns and plants with wandering peacocks and wallabies.

Peacock at Cliff Gardens — Peacocks roam around Cliff Gardens - such beautiful creatures

In the summertime, the flowers are bursting with colour. There is a swimming area popular with the locals in the summer and the world’s longest single span chairlift that takes you across the gardens and over the gorge. Picturesque at any time, stunning during the flood periods.

13. BICHENO – BICHENO BLOWHOLE

This quaint seaside town is best known for its penguins, white sandy beaches, aqua coloured water, and the Bicheno Blowhole.

Located on the East Coast of Tasmania, make sure to stop over and discover beautiful Bicheno.

14. LAUNCESTON

My other love, other than art and travel is architecture. On my travels, I love to admire great architecture, spending my day marvelling at the beauty of buildings and structures. Launceston although a city, seems a small thriving cultural hub. No high-rises, no bustle – just a beautiful city steeped in history with perfectly preserved buildings from early Australian settlement.

Easy to explore on foot – so I suggest you do! (check out my 7 day itinerary guide which includes more on Launceston).

15. BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER ESTATE

A sea of purple for miles and miles during the flowering season. A crazy beautiful sight to behold. For me, absolute bucket list stuff. The smell, the feint sound of bees buzzing, the beauty - it feeds your soul! On the Scottsdale route, wonderful to see any time, however truly gorgeous in the height of flowering season. (Dec/Jan)

Build all of these into your itinerary as they are truly the most insanely gorgeous places to visit in Tasmania. I am sure that there are many other spots I have yet to discover!

Best time to visit Tasmania?

If it were up to me, I would have said the Spring - as that is a fabulous season in Queensland, but according to Tasmanians we spoke to - it’s the winter! Though cold, days are bright, cloudless and stable. Apparently Spring can be a little more unpredictable in terms of the weather, with literally 4 seasons in a day. Our spring experience was quite lovely, however I did meet others who travelled just after us and it was a different weather experience altogether, hindering visibility.

Best Places to stay in Tasmania?

Salt Box Hideaway - Lettes Bay (Unique)
Somerset on the Pier - Hobart (great location)
Mercure and Quality Hotel Colonial - Launceston (Mercure is opposite the Botanic Gardens -Jacques Monkey location)
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village - Cradle Mountain

Best Car Rental?

Book on-line - much, much cheaper than booking directly - We used Discover Cars and saved lots of $$$ this way.

Best Wineries?

Surprisingly didn’t get to go to a lot - I know right!! What happened!

Puddleduck Vineyard - Richmond
Bruny Island Wine - Bruny Island

How to save $$?

Pick up the travel brochures at the airport - discounts located in the catalogues. Quote when booking. Always look online at Bookme and Groupon to see if anything on offer in the state or territory you are in.

Phone the hotel directly to see what is on offer first or use your genius discount with Booking.com

Tasmania should be on your bucket list! If not, you need to put it on there! You will be amazed at how insanely gorgeous it really is. Perhaps you will fall so in love, you may never want to leave!

Cheers to your adventures!

DeeLuxe

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Tasmania - 15 Insanely gorgeous places to visit