Adrift from mainland Australia, Tasmania is a quiet island mainly covered by forests, mountains, and farmland. This makes it an inviting playground for travelers fond of hiking, spotting wildlife, and chasing waterfalls. But the best things to do in Tasmania also appeal to those looking for stunning—and empty—beaches, quaint colonial towns serving up local produce, and somber ruins from its past as a convict settlement. The island state even has a handful of smaller and more peculiar islands, such as Bruny Island and Flinders Island.
Unlike a lot of Australia, Tasmania is one of the few places where you can experience a proper winter—with snow common in the highlands and on top of Mt. Wellington (Kunanyi). To combat the season’s gloomy cold conditions, the raucous Dark Mofo festival is held in Hobart each June to lighten the mood. Summer (December–February) is when most travelers come to the state, taking advantage of the milder temperatures and the island’s many empty beaches.
Having your own vehicle or transportation is a necessity when traveling in Tasmania. The state is larger than it looks and is mostly rural communities and wilderness. A limited bus network connecting the largest cities and towns is the only public transport available in Tasmania, and even some of the island’s most popular attractions are found down rural, unpaved roads. Regular ferries provide access to areas like Bruny Island, Maria Island, and across the River Derwent.
Tasmania’s diverse wildlife and abundant natural spaces are a special treat for visitors, but problems with roadkill mean you need to drive with some caution on the state’s roads. Some roads are posted with lower speed limits between dusk and dawn, and it’s generally best to slow down when driving at night. As for special wildlife encounters, head to Bruny Island to try to spot albino wallabies and Maria Island for wild wombats.
