Must-SeeCradle Mountain
Tasmania
Tasmania's emblem, above Dove Lake, at the start of the Overland Track.
Guide Coming Soon
Tasmania
Wild mountains, white beaches and Hobart's MONA, on Australia's island state.
Tasmania is Australia's island state, a little smaller than Ireland, a short flight or an overnight ferry south of Melbourne. More than 40 percent of it is protected, much of that World Heritage wilderness, so it's known for its walks, its wildlife and its clean, cool air.
Most trips loop the island by car: Hobart and the MONA museum in the south, Port Arthur's convict ruins, the granite peaks and beaches of Freycinet on the east coast, and Cradle Mountain in the wild northwest. Hobart and Launceston have the main airports.
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- Best Time
- December–March for long, mild days; late April brings autumn color to the mountains
- Ideal Trip
- 7 days for a loop of the island; add 6 for the Overland Track
- Fly Into
- Hobart (HBA) or Launceston (LST); the Spirit of Tasmania ferry sails from Geelong, near Melbourne, to Devonport
- Getting Around
- A rental car; buses are few
The Short List
On the Map
Grey pins: guides still being written.
Good to Know
Getting Around
Distances are short but the roads are slow and winding: Hobart to Freycinet takes about 2½ hours, and Cradle Mountain is about 2 hours from Launceston. A car is close to essential, since buses are few. Drive slowly at dusk, when wallabies, wombats and possums are on the roads.
Weather
Tasmania is cooler than mainland Australia, and its weather changes fast. Summer days are mild and rarely hot, and winter brings snow to the mountains. The west is wet, and the east coast is the sunniest part of the island. Pack layers and a rain jacket for any walk.
Food
Tasmania is known for its produce: oysters and salmon, scallop pies, cheeses, apples and leatherwood honey, with cool-climate pinot noir, sparkling wine and a well-known whisky scene. Hobart's Salamanca Market fills the waterfront every Saturday.
Before You Go
Every national park needs a Parks Pass, sold online. At Cradle Mountain a shuttle bus runs from the visitor center to Dove Lake for much of the day. The Overland Track has to be booked from October to May, and has a fee.