Top Tasmania How to Get Around

This is a great choice for animal lovers in Tasmania. Enjoy a close encounter with Tasmanian Devils by visiting Devils@Cradle. You’ll save time waiting in long entrance lines as entrance fees are included, and a guide will enhance your tour with a guided walk around the sanctuary. Learn about Tasmanian Devil behavior, biology, and conservation, before seeing them being fed in their enclosure with environmentally sensitive lighting.

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged wilderness, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife of Bruny Island than from the sea. On this 3-hour cruise by custom-built eco-cruiser, explore deep sea caves and towering cliffs as you search for wildlife from dolphins and seals to sea eagles and great white sharks. Covered open-air seating creates a real connection to your environment on the adrenaline-pumping ride.

Spend around half the day exploring the coast of Tasmania’s scenic Freycinet National Park on this easygoing kayaking tour. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, don’t worry – all kayaking gear is provided free of charge and participants receive personalized coaching and guidance from the guides on this small group tour. Get striking landscape photos of Freycinet’s forests and mountains from the sea and even disembark at one of the park’s isolated beaches.

Brave an after-hours visit to one of Australia’s most haunted locations on this spine-chilling 1.5-hour walking tour. Enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site and uncover the harrowing history of the UNESCO-listed convict site. Hear terrifying tales of ghosts and paranormal activity that date back to the 19th-century and listen out for ghostly footsteps as you tiptoe around the former penal colony. For those that dare to finish the tour, you’ll even be presented with a ‘Certificate of Bravery and Courage’!

Take the day to fully explore Port Arthur with a guided tour of all the history of this former convict site, followed by a cruise. You’ll see the ruins and restored buildings, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Tasman National Park on this day out. When finished exploring the historic site, you can hop aboard your vessel, and sit back and relax as you enjoy a short cruise in the Port Arthur Harbour.

The scenic riversides and lush bushlands of the Cataract Gorge lie just downstream from Launceston. On this tour, discover the gorge from the water on a 50-minute morning cruise—ideal for those short on time. Admire views of Kings Wharf and the Seaport as you glide along Launceston’s riverfront, then sail beneath the spectacular cliffs of the Cataract Gorge, enjoying unobstructed views from the purpose-built cruise ship.

The 4,170-foot (1,270-meter) peak of Mt. Wellington is one of Hobart’s most famous landmarks. This Explorer Bus ticket offers hassle-free transfers between Hobart and the mountain summit—a 30-minute journey each way. Your ticket is valid all day and there are several different departure times, so you can hop off to hike the mountain trails and spend as long as you like admiring the views from the summit.

The Gordon River winds through wilderness with no road access, so the only way to reach its landmarks is from the water. Cruise out from Strahan on a morning departure instead, passing Hells Gates at the entrance to Macquarie Harbour and continuing into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Stop at Sarah Island to walk the ruins of its former penal colony and enjoy a chef-prepared lunch served on board.

Set out from Coles Bay on a half-day cruise across the clear waters of Wineglass Bay, an easy way to experience the highlights of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula from the water in just a few hours—including spots hard to reach by land. Sail past white-sand beaches and dramatic granite cliffs while taking in the area’s coastal scenery, with the option to upgrade and enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch. As you cruise, keep watch for local wildlife such as dolphins, sea eagles, and migrating humpback whales (depending on the season).

Book a 1- or 2-day pass on a Hobart hop-on hop-off bus tour for an easy way to explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. Travel by double-decker red bus to 20 stops around the city, where you can hop off whenever you wish to visit the places that interest you. Alternatively, opt to stay onboard the bus for the full loop.

A great way to maximize your time onshore in Tasmania, this fun-filled group trip includes a sightseeing tour around Hobart and Richmond, a trip up a mountain (by vehicle), and a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. Depending on time, either drive by or stop at the oldest brewery in Australia. Perfect for cruise ship shore excursions, the tour starts and ends at Tasports in Hobart, although pickup from other destinations can be requested.

Make the most of a short time on land when you dock at Burnie and head to the Wings Wildlife Park. See cute and crazy Tasmanian critters, including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils without spending hours searching for them in the wild. The shuttle picks you up from your ship and returns you in time for your departure, so there’s no need to worry about missing the boat.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and eventful history of Tasmania on a 6-hour boat tour from Strahan. The first-class catamaran ensures comfort from beginning to end. Cruise through Hell’s Gates, then enjoy a guided visit on Sarah Island, which once housed the island’s most notorious penal settlement. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board the ship, then continue your adventure with a boardwalk tour through the UNESCO listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Admire Bruny Island by both land and sea on this full-day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour eco-cruise around the island. See remote beaches, rugged coastlines, and native wildlife such as dolphins and fur seals as you cruise past steep cliffs and deep sea caves. Ferry transport to the island is included, plus hot drinks and lunch.

Get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s cutest residents on this exclusive sunset wildlife encounter. Visit Devils@Cradle after regular closing hours and meet some of sanctuary’s quolls and Tasmanian Devils in a small group, all while sampling local sweet treats and drinks. Then, as the sun sets, take a walk around the sanctuary and watch these little critters feed.

When your cruise ship docks in Port Arthur, discover Tasmania’s tasty local foods and stunning scenery on a half-day shore excursion suitable for all ages. Take in natural wonders including Devils Kitchen and Tasman Arch; sample treats at Lavender Farm and Tasmanian Chocolate Foundry; and purchase a fresh seafood lunch at the Blowhole. Includes port pickup and drop-off.

This active, fast-paced tour is ideal for travelers who want to see and do a lot in a single day. There’s something for everyone on this tour, as long as you’re prepared to work those feet. Learn about Tasmanian history at the Port Arthur Historic Site, watch Tasmanian Devils feeding, hike along cliff-tops and to spectacular lookouts, walk across Australia’s oldest bridge still in use in the historical town of Richmond and much more. Ideal if you're short on time.

This tour takes you through Port Arthur with several stops along the way, then on to the Isle of the Dead, where you’ll continue the tour. Suitable for the entire family, this walking tour will have stops at the Richmond Bridge, and then onto the Tasman Peninsula with views of Pirates Bay Lookout. You’ll learn about the convicts at Port Arthur, then take a cruise on Carnarvon Bay and a walking tour of the Isle of the Dead.

Enjoy a full-day tour with small groups of up to 10 guests, including transport by air-conditioned minivan, visiting Freycinet National Park with stops at Wineglass Bay, Honeymoon Bay, and Cape Tourville lookout. See the sights up close during several short nature walks, then return to Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston in Launceston. Children under 8 years are not permitted on this active tour.

Start your day with unparalleled scenery from the summit of Mount Wellington. Beautiful all year round, don’t miss the opportunity to get into nature and learn about the diverse ecosystems found on the mountain. End your tour with a visit to the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site before returning back to Hobart.

Visit some of the top attractions outside of Hobart on this day trip to Mount Wellington, Mount Field National Park, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, and the historical town of Richmond.

Experience one of Launceston’s highlights on a relaxing cruise through Cataract Gorge. Board your 1890’s-style vessel and sail through the precinct, taking in the views of the cliffs and riverfront precinct. While you sail, listen to the live onboard commentary to get a better idea of the history of the area and the gorge.

Seeing Launceston's riverfront and Cataract Gorge from the water takes a boat and someone who knows the Tamar, hard to sort on your own. Sail out on an afternoon cruise instead, gliding into the gorge and past the city's riverfront precinct and Tamar Island with the route handled for you. Hear about the area's history and nature as you go, over afternoon tea and snacks.