Top 10 Experiences in Tasmania

Posted: 9 September 2021

Tasmania is an idyllic holiday destination rich in history and unique wildlife and wilderness.  It is an untamed natural paradise at the remote edge of the earth.  It’s a land of hidden valleys, prehistoric rainforest and craggy coastlines that reveal testaments to an ancient past.  Not only is it the home to one of the most beautiful beach lined coasts in the world, but also World Heritage-listed mountains, national parks, and sites of historic and cultural significance. Tasmania is an island filled with natural wonder, from the vivid hues of the Southern Lights to the tantrums of the Tasmanian devil.

Tasmania is the picture-perfect destination for those seeking the adventure of dramatic natural landscapes, secluded romantic getaways, and naturalists wanting to explore a land filled with an abundance of unique wildlife and rich history.

Tasmania is an easily accessible destination from mainland Australia, with multiple airlines providing services including Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Regional Express from several gateways.  It is also accessible by ferry on the Spirit of Tasmania. 

With so many things to do in Tasmania, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect holiday.  Here are our top ten must-sees.

1.    Salamanca Market, Battery Point

Take in the tastes of Salamanca Market every Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm. With tempting truffles and sneaky Hobart tipples, it is no surprise it is one of Tasmania’s most popular attractions. This vibrant meeting point of over 300 makers and creators embraces the culture and welcoming nature of Hobart locals. Fall in love with the characters, crafts, and divine produce, tasting your way through the stalls while listening to the buskers of the laneways.

Visit the Markets with a local guide on the Perfect Tasmania 13-day AAT Kings tour 

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Tasting fresh oysters at Salamanca Markets.

2.    Tasmania’s Wildlife and National Parks

Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, is an absolute must-see and is one of Tasmania’s most iconic sights. With a diverse landscape of grassland and rugged wilderness of ancient flora and fauna, the park is rich in wildlife and the perfect wombat-spotting country. In the heart of the park with the most picturesque backdrop is the crystal-clear Dove Lake. This jewel is the starting point of one of the state’s premier walks best experienced with an expert guide and a visit to the Waldheim Chalet where you can hear the famous love story of the mountain. 

Experience this and more on AAT Kings Tassie’s Parks and Nature 7-day tour 

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Magnificent Cradle Mountain | Image credit Tourism Tasmania and Jason Charles Hill

3.    Fields of purple at Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Stunning fields of lavender outside of Europe may come as a surprise to some, but Tasmania has similar climate conditions to the Lavender regions of Provence, France. In 1921, London Perfumer grew the first lavender flowers from a modest pocket of seeds obtained from the French Alps. Today, Bridestowe Lavender Estate is recognised as the world’s largest privately-owned lavender farm. Wander down the fields taking colourful photos, which are best captured in the mid-summer months when the lavender is in full bloom. Try a lavender latte at the café, or have a spot of afternoon tea, complimented with a blueberry and lavender jam scone.

Visit the fields on the Perfect Tasmania 13-day tour with AAT Kings 

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Venture through the purple fields at Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania

4.    Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

When visiting Tasmania, you cannot leave Freycinet off your list. This stunning curve of coastline hosts one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Wineglass Bay. The perfect setting to view the contrast of the pristine white sand against the deep turquoise waters is the lookout which gives you panoramic views of Freycinet National Park. If you love a brisk walk-through coastal woodland, don’t miss this highlight, a worthwhile reward for the effort of an incline. End your day at sunset on Freycinet Lodge’s deck with some Tasmanian bubbles. Or dip your tired feet in the water at the very tiny but strikingly beautiful Honeymoon Bay.

Stay at Freycinet Lodge on the Tassie Getaway 7-day tour

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Sunset drinks at Freycinet Lodge

5.    New growth from a dark past in Port Arthur

Well known for its history as a place of hardship and sad stories of convicts meeting tragic ends, Port Arthur is one of Australia’s most well-known World Heritage-listed Historic Sites. The unsuspected beauty of this walk-through time is the blooming colonial gardens on the grounds where 1830s oak and elm trees still stand tall today. Take in the scents and colours of these paths, where bulbs and cuttings were shipped on an eight-month journey from England by passionate horticulturists, bringing floral colours to a dark place. 

Discover more about Port Arthur’s gardens on Tasmanian Wonders 10-day AAT Kings tour

5. Mandatory credit Tourism Tasmania and Lynette Graham

Port Arthur | Image Credit Tourism Tasmania and Lynette Graham

6.    Farm-to-table freshness at Mt. Gnomon 

If visiting the cutest-sounding town on the planet is on your bucket list, ensure this is included in your itinerary. The Mt. Gnomon Farm sits just outside Penguin in the north of Tasmania and is the site where fifth-generation farmer Guy Robertson and his family have perfected centuries-worth of skills in cider orchards and gardens. Your farm-to-fork Be My Guest lunch amid this lush setting is like Tassie in a fresh and flavourful mouthful.

Dine in the garden on your Perfect Tasmania 13-day AAT Kings tour 

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Farm-to-table lunch at Mt. Gnomon

7.    A Bay of Fires bush retreat

Meet Anna and Tom at their retreat nestled in the bushland of Tasmania. Not far from the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, this skilful pair will have your relaxing (wine in hand) by the warmth of the fire, admiring the views of a Milky Way in this remote location. With chef served seasonal meals, plated on handmade ceramics made by Anna's father, you'll be delighted with this authentic and unique outback experience. Keep an eye out for wombats and echidnas encounters as you unwind in this natural haven.

Spend a night under the stars, with Inspiring Journeys on the Tastes of Tasmania 7-day trip

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Image credit  Bay of Fires Bush Retreat

8.    The oldest vineyard on the east coast

Craigie Knowe Vineyard offers exceptional wines, this family-run vineyard highlights the many tastes and diverse history of Tasmania. As the oldest vineyard on the east coast, this well-established property in Cranbrook produces several full-bodied red wines and currently produces a diverse range of Cabernet Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling wines loved by locals and visitors alike. Take a stroll through the vineyard and learn more about the complexities of viticulture, before indulging in a lunch of cured meats and divine cheeses, perfectly paired with award-winning wine.

Visit Craigie Knowe Vineyard with experts on Inspiring Journeys Tastes of Tasmania 7 Day trip 

8. Image Credit Craigie Knowe Vineyard

Image credit  Craigie Knowe Vineyard

9.    Visit Australia's #1 winter festival, Dark Mofo

Dark MoFo is Tasmania’s premier winter festival celebrating the darkness of the winter solstice, and all things bizarre and absurd! Created by David Walsh, founder of the Museum of Old and New, this confronting, thought provoking and sometimes controversial festival is like none you have ever experienced before. 

You can experience Dark Mofo on Inspiring Journeys Dark Mofo Long Weekend 4 Day trip.

9. MOFO Image Credit Tourism Australia

Image credit  Tourism Australia

10.    Cruise on the Gordon River in Strahan

A visit in Strahan is not complete without a cruise on the Gordon River, taking in the dark waters, stained amber by button-grass tannins, which reflect the untouched wilderness.  Experience Tasmania’s convict history after passing through Macquarie Harbour, seven times larger than Sydney harbour, was named by the convicts while on their way to Sarah Island, a relic of this powerful history.  The cruise also visits Hells Gates, the notoriously treacherous entrance to the harbour. 

You can experience a Gordon River Cruise on AAT Kings Tassie’s Parks & Nature 7-day trip

10. Image Credit Tourism Australia Gordon River Cruises

Cruise on the Gordon River in Strahan

We are often asked what time of year is best to visit.  High travel season are the summer months, December, January, and February.  However, the fall colors in Tasmania are magical.  To see the best fall colors travel in March, April, and May.  Spring is also a popular time in September, October, and November.  With special events like Dark Mofo Weekend, June has also become a popular time to visit Tasmania.

If you are a first-time traveler to Tasmania, there are a few suggestions we have to ensure you have the best experience possible:

  1. Pack layers, the weather can vary throughout the day
  2. Bring a good camera, the scenery is spectacular
  3. Be prepared to eat!  Tasmania is known for its farm to table food
  4. Tasmania is a world-class producer of whiskey, gin, and wine
  5. Plan on visiting Hobart over a weekend so you can enjoy Salamanca Market

A century’s worth of exploration means AAT Kings offers unparalleled knowledge of Australia, and specifically Tasmania – its highlights, its secrets, and the people that bring them to life. We’re not talking about attractions and experiences you’ll find in a guidebook or online; these are only-locals-know adventures that our guides and Travel Directors have accumulated over years. Think, the best vantage for a view money can’t buy, lunch in a special place no others can dine, stories you’ll remember forever because they’re told from the heart. 

When you step aboard with AAT Kings or Inspiring Journeys, you’re signing up to travel with like-minded people. Everyone who joins us has a similar passion for life and wants to discover new places and have experiences they would never otherwise gain. You’re in good company, with plenty of time to mingle, be social, soak up the serenity and enjoy a setting together like you’re the only people in the world.

To book, contact AAT Kings at 1300 228 546 or by e-mailing reservations@aatkings.com.au

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