10 Things to Do in Tasmania

You’ll find Tasmania packed with experiences that range from challenging wilderness treks to world-class art museums. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic Wineglass Bay‘s pristine curves or intrigued by MONA‘s controversial exhibitions, this island delivers surprises at every turn. The key isn’t just knowing where to go—it’s understanding which experiences will transform your trip from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s how to uncover Tasmania’s best-kept secrets and make every moment count.

Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Tackle the Overland Track

Where else can you traverse 65 kilometers of pristine wilderness that showcases glacial lakes, ancient rainforests, and seven of Tasmania’s ten highest peaks? The Overland Track in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park delivers Australia’s premier alpine walking experience.

You’ll need permits and advanced preparation for this challenging trek that passes Mount Pelion East, Mount Pelion West, and Tasmania’s highest peak, Mount Ossa at 1,617 meters.

If you’re not ready for the full commitment, tackle shorter alternatives. The Dove Lake Circuit offers stunning mountain views in just 2-3 hours, while the demanding Cradle Mountain summit climb rewards you with panoramic vistas after 8 hours of boulder scrambling.

Don’t miss Crater Lake Circuit for waterfalls and alpine lakes, plus wildlife spotting opportunities including Tasmanian devils and wombats. This remarkable landscape was shaped by glacial erosion over two million years, creating the dramatic valleys and pristine lakes you’ll encounter throughout the park.

Marvel at Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park

Start with the accessible 1.3km Wineglass Bay Lookout trail—it’s a 60-90 minute return hike offering spectacular panoramic views.

For experienced hikers, tackle the challenging Mount Amos climb, requiring scrambling but rewarding you with unmatched vistas.

Consider the 11km Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit for exhaustive coastal exploration, taking 4-5 hours. As you explore the coastline, you’ll encounter the park’s distinctive pink granite rocks that create the striking geological formations throughout the peninsula.

Alternatively, join boat tours from Coles Bay to spot seals, dolphins, and southern right whales while accessing secluded coves.

Remember to purchase your national parks pass and pack adequate water.

Step Back in Time at Port Arthur Historic Site

Beyond Tasmania’s natural wonders lies one of Australia’s most significant historical sites—Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. You’ll explore over 30 buildings spread across 40 hectares, where 12,000-14,000 convicts endured harsh punishment from 1833 to 1877.

Walk through the haunting Separate Prison, where prisoners faced psychological torture through silence and isolation under Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon system.

Don’t miss the convict-built church and workshops where inmates learned trades like shipbuilding and smithing. Take the Isle of the Dead tour to see unmarked graves that highlight the settlement’s brutal conditions.

Archaeological excavations continue revealing artifacts from daily prison life. The site shares its name with various other Port Arthur locations worldwide, making it one of several historically significant places bearing this designation. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers guided tours, ghost walks, and exhibitions that bring Australia’s convict history to life.

Discover the Tarkine Forest and Walk Through Dismal Swamp

While Port Arthur reveals Tasmania’s colonial past, the Tarkine Forest showcases the island’s ancient natural heritage as the largest protected wilderness area spanning 447,000 hectares. You’ll encounter the Southern Hemisphere’s largest temperate rainforest, featuring Gondwanan cool-temperate rainforest that’s survived since the ancient supercontinent era.

Drive the Tarkine Drive for sealed road access through diverse landscapes, then tackle the Milkshake Hills Forest Walk for intimate rainforest immersion. Don’t miss Sumac Lookout’s sweeping views and Trowutta Arch‘s unique flooded limestone sinkhole.

Within this pristine wilderness, Dismal Swamp offers tranquil walking tracks through complex wetland ecosystems where dense vegetation creates cathedral-like corridors. The region also features extraordinary magnesite karst systems with unique cave and pinnacle formations throughout the landscape.

Base yourself at Corinna Wilderness Village for easy access to kayaking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities among over 60 rare and endangered species.

Take a Gordon River Cruise From Strahan

From Strahan’s historic wharf, you’ll set out on Tasmania’s most celebrated wilderness cruise—a six-hour journey through Hells Gates into the pristine Gordon River system.

Your vessel navigates treacherous waters into vast Macquarie Harbour, where salmon farms dot the landscape. The highlight comes aboard the electric-powered catamaran gliding silently along Gordon River, creating perfect mirror reflections of ancient rainforest.

You’ll disembark at Sarah Island for guided tours through convict ruins, then explore Heritage Landing‘s pristine rainforest via elevated boardwalks. The cruise offers three main deck levels plus a premier upper deck, ensuring comfortable seating options for all passengers.

Book upper deck seating for enhanced views and open bar access. The chef-prepared buffet features local Tasmanian produce, while expert commentary brings Tasmania’s convict history and wilderness heritage to life throughout this unforgettable World Heritage Area experience.

Meet Tasmanian Devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Just 25 minutes from Hobart, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offers Tasmania’s most authentic Tasmanian devil encounter at their Brighton facility on Briggs Road. You’ll meet these endangered marsupials up close during guided feeding sessions, available multiple times daily within their 45-minute educational tours.

Book the premium private tour for extensive devil interactions, photo opportunities, and exclusive wildlife hospital access where you’ll witness rehabilitation efforts firsthand. Night tours provide ideal viewing since devils are naturally nocturnal and most active after dark.

The sanctuary operates Tasmania’s only 24/7 wildlife rescue service and houses the region’s first dedicated wildlife hospital. The facility specializes in conservation and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals throughout Tasmania.

Beyond devils, you’ll hand-feed kangaroos, wombats, and cockatoos. Open 9 AM-5 PM daily, arrive early for café lunch specials that sell out quickly.

Experience Hobart’s MONA Museum

You’ll spend over three hours exploring three floors of mind-bending exhibits.

Non-Tasmanian adults pay $39 entry, while locals visit free with advance booking.

The museum operates cashless Thursday through Monday.

Don’t miss the on-site Moorilla winery and Source restaurant. The museum features provocative exhibitions exploring themes like sex, death, and the human condition.

Book ferry transfers for the most dramatic arrival via Derwent River.

Island-Hop to Maria Island for Wildlife and History

Twenty-six kilometers off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island stands as one of Australia’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries, where you’ll encounter Tasmanian devils, wombats, and over 125 bird species in their natural habitat. Known as “Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark,” the island protects endangered species like the Forty-spotted Pardalote and Swift Parrot within diverse ecosystems ranging from grasslands to 400-year-old eucalyptus forests.

Take the ferry from Triabunna for day trips or overnight stays at the historic Darlington convict settlement. You’ll explore heritage ruins while spotting Bennett’s wallabies and Forester kangaroos. The island’s swimming snakes add to the diverse wildlife encounters throughout various habitats.

The multi-day Maria Island Walk offers immersive trekking through forests and beaches. Camp overnight for prime devil-watching opportunities, and visit Fossil Cliffs to discover prehistoric marine environments.

Sample Local Flavors on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail

After experiencing Tasmania’s pristine wilderness, shift your focus to the island’s sophisticated wine culture in the Tamar Valley, where over 30 family-owned vineyards produce world-class cool-climate wines along Australia’s most scenic wine route.

You’ll discover exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and traditional-method sparkling wines at renowned cellar doors like Tamar Ridge and Clover Hill Vineyards.

Book guided tours from Launceston for expert insights and seamless transportation between 3-4 wineries, or self-drive the route at your own pace.

Don’t miss pairing tastings with local cheeses and seasonal dishes at vineyard bistros. The region’s winemaking heritage traces back to the early 19th century, adding rich cultural depth to every tasting experience.

Essential Travel Magazine ranked this trail among the world’s top 10 wine routes—visit during autumn for breathtaking vineyard landscapes and ideal tasting conditions.

Soak in Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

Where else can you explore Australia’s largest tourist-accessible dolomite cave system and then soak in naturally heated mineral springs all in one remarkable location? Hastings Caves delivers this unique combination in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, just 105 kilometers south of Hobart.

You’ll descend 250 stairs into Newdegate Cave, where intimate 8-person tours reveal spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites across 300 meters of concrete-floored passages. Book ahead—these small groups preserve the delicate ecosystem housing Tasmanian Cave Spiders and Cave Crickets.

Afterward, unwind in the 28°C thermal pool, rich with therapeutic minerals. The springs operate daily 10 AM-4 PM from February through December. The cave was officially opened by Premier Albert Ogilvie in 1939 after infrastructure development during the Great Depression.

Don’t miss the scenic Platypus Walk or Hot Springs Forest Walk for wildlife spotting around this protected state reserve.

The Sum Up

You’ve got Tasmania’s best covered with this list. Don’t rush through—each experience deserves time. Book Overland Track permits months ahead, and pack layers for unpredictable weather. Visit MONA on weekdays to avoid crowds, and time Gordon River cruises for clear days. Most importantly, talk to locals wherever you go—they’ll point you toward hidden gems that aren’t in guidebooks. Tasmania rewards those who venture beyond the obvious.