Win Your Wishlist ❤️ 🤑 Enter to winWin Your Wishlist ❤️ 🤑 Win $7,000 towards Viator experiences. Enter to win
Recent Searches
Clear
Things to do in Tasmania

Things to do in  Tasmania

Welcome to Tasmania

Good food, great wine, and more than three million acres of UNESCO World Heritage–listed wilderness beckon travelers to Tasmania. While Port Arthur's 19th-century penitentiary ruins evoke an eerie sense of Tasmania's convict past, those who visit the island today have a great amount of freedom, especially when it comes to planning an itinerary—or choosing from numerous tours that expertly explore the Island of Inspiration. Want to experience the island's natural beauty? Hike up or bike down Mount Wellington, the landmark of capital Hobart; cruise past ancient rain forests on the Gordon River from Strahan; or day trip to Freycinet Peninsula National Park, home to Wineglass Bay's white-sand beaches and pristine waters. If you're feeling cultural, head to the Hobart waterfront for a taste of its up-and-coming culinary and craft-beer scenes; visit the Salamanca Place weekend market; spy cute colonial buildings along Battery Point; or admire Aboriginal artwork at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. No matter your home base, opportunities for day tours abound—bushwalk through the unspoiled wilderness of Cradle Mountain from Launceston or Devonport; head offshore to wild Bruny Island from Hobart for surf, sun, and the chance to spot wallabies, penguins, and migrating whales; or head to the Tasman Peninsula to witness the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo's namesake critters, kangaroos, and native birds.

Top 15 attractions in Tasmania

Bruny Island

star-53,816
Less than an hour from the Tasmanian capital and yet a world away from the busy streets of Hobart, Bruny Island draws a steady stream of weekenders from the mainland. The two islands, joined by a long narrow isthmus, are a wildlife haven of jagged cliffs and golden beaches swirling with seabirds. Both are dotted with sleepy villages and tranquil guesthouses, and main activities are hiking, fishing, and slurping fresh-from-the-ocean oysters.More

Port Arthur

star-51,302
A moving reminder of Australia’s harrowing history, the former convict settlement of Port Arthur was a key part of often brutal convict discipline within the colonial system. Today, the Port Arthur historic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tasmania’s most visited tourist attraction, with museums and memorials devoted to telling the area’s history.More
#3
Hobart Sandy Bay

Hobart Sandy Bay

star-5386
At the mouth of the Derwent River, the tranquil coastal neighborhood of Sandy Bay is one of Hobart’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods. Sandy beaches, boat-filled piers and a lively arts community offer a change of pace for travelers escaping the bustle of downtown. It’s also a good choice for rented accommodation outside of the central business district.More

Mt. Wellington (Kunanyi)

star-51,626
Standing sentinel over Hobart, Mt. Wellington is also known as Kunanyi or simply “the Mountain.” The 4,170-foot (1,271-meter) peak offers unbeatable views over the Tasmanian capital, and the surrounding parklands serve as a popular recreational ground for city dwellers.More

Tamar Valley

star-5902
The Tamar Valley, situated on Launceston’s doorstep, stretches north to the sea at George Town. This lush, fertile area of emerald hills, orchards, and, perhaps most importantly, vineyards, serves as Tasmania’s prime wine-producing region, known for its Pinor Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. Spectacular views abound.More

Freycinet National Park

star-4.5518
Backed by the pink-tinged granite outcrops known as the Hazards, Freycinet National Park protects pristine white-sand beaches, sheer sea cliffs, azure bays, abundant birdlife, and a lighthouse with stellar views over the ocean. Take in one of Australia’s most photographed views from the lookout over Wineglass Bay.More

Cradle Mountain

star-5453
With its jagged dolerite peaks standing watch over a trio of glacial lakes, Cradle Mountain is the grand centerpiece of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmania Wilderness, the natural landmark also marks the north end of the famous Overland Track.More

Richmond Village

star-52,080
Less than 30 minutes from Hobart, amid the lush vineyards of the Coal River Valley, historic Richmond village is among the most picturesque in Tasmania. Lined with elegant Georgian buildings and presided over by the much-photographed Richmond Bridge, it’s also an important piece of Tasmania’s colonial heritage.More

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

star-5563
Amid the hilly suburbs of Queens Domain, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer an idyllic stretch of greenery, dotted with tree-lined walkways, lily ponds, and flower-filled conservatories. Dating back to 1818 and stretching over 35 acres (14 hectares; it’s one of Australia’s oldest botanical gardens.More

Sarah Island

star-51,258
Established in 1821 during Australia’s period of colonization, Sarah Island was used as a penal settlement where convicts were sent and forced to do the harsh labor of felling Huon pine used for shipbuilding. Surrounded by the Southern Ocean, the island is Australia’s oldest penal colony and the most isolated.More

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

star-5568
Some of Australia’s most beloved animals—including kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils—call the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary home. As one of Tasmania’s most important sanctuaries, Bonorong’s aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and preserve some of the island’s rarest and most endangered creatures.More

Hobart Salamanca Market

star-5770
What was once a rundown warehouse and storage unit on the waterfront of Hobart has since become one of the most-visited destinations in the city. More than 600,000 people visit Salamanca Market for its fresh fruit, organic produce, and handmade craft stalls each year. Its trendy bars, quiet cafes and inventive restaurants attract food-lovers from around the area, making it a uniquely Tanzania experience. Salamanca’s popularity has caused it to grow rapidly from 12 vendors in 1972 to more than 300 in 2010. As a result, there’s something for everyone at this once-a-week market that brings the best of Hobart together.More

Gordon River

star-51,252
This remote stretch of waterway is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and boasts approximately 117 miles (188 kilometers of the unobstructed river completely devoid of inhabitants and civilizations. Cruise along the Gordon River for a peaceful glimpse of the banks of one of the last temperate rainforests in the world.More

Cataract Gorge Reserve

star-4.5303
The magnificent Cataract Gorge, a river gorge on the South Esk River right at the edge of Launceston, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation that feels a world away from the city. The reserve is home to the First Basin outdoor swimming pool, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, and a Victorian-era landscaped garden.More

Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

star-5684
Cascades Female Factory Historic Site is where Hobart’s female convicts were imprisoned and put to work back when Tasmania was a penal colony known as Van Diemen’s Land. Visitors today can explore the haunting site, which, at its peak, held even more prisoners than the much-feared Port Arthur.More
Win Your Wishlist!Want to win $7,000 towards your dream getaway? We thought you might. Just make a Viator Wishlist to enter.

Trip ideas

Top activities in Tasmania

Bruny Island Produce Sightseeing and Exclusive Lighthouse Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Full-Day Bruny Island Cruises Day Tour from Hobart
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Tasman Island Cruises and Port Arthur Historic Site Day Tour from Hobart
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

star-5
596
From
USD106.88
BIG 3 Tasmania - Hobart to Launceston 3 Day Active Adventure
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour from Hobart
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay

Wineglass Bay Cruise from Coles Bay

star-4.5
813
From
USD104.19
Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston Including Lunch
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Tasmanian Wine Tour
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Tasmanian Wine Tour

star-5
72
From
USD127.05
Wineglass Bay & Freycinet NP Full Day Tour from Hobart via Richmond Village
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Port Arthur and Tassie Devils Active Day Tour from Hobart
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
Hobart Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Hobart Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

star-4.5
335
From
USD26.89
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Tasmania

Currency
Australian Dollar (A$)
Time Zone
AEST (UTC +11)
Country Code
+61
Language(s)
English

People Also Ask

What is Tasmania known for?

The island of Tasmania is known for its early and troubling convict history. It’s also famous for its rich natural heritage of ancient rainforests, highland mountains, and empty beaches—plus its abundant wildlife including Tasmanian devils, wombats, and pademelons.

...More
What is the number one tourist attraction in Tasmania?

MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, in Hobart is likely the most visited tourist attraction in Tasmania with 1.35 million visitors recorded in 2019. Salamanca Market is another top destination.

...More
What is the prettiest place in Tasmania?

While it’s tempting to say that the whole island is the prettiest place in Tasmania, attractions such as the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Bay of Fires, Dove Lake, and Russell Falls are definitely front-runners for that illustrious title.

...More
How many days do you need to see Tasmania?

You need at least five days in Tasmania to get a real sense of the state and see more than one destination like Hobart or Cradle Mountain. Longer visits are worthwhile, as more time will allow you to see the island’s different sides.

...More
What is the best time of year to visit Tasmania?

The best time of year to visit Tasmania is on either side of summer—October, November, March, and April. These months offer ideal weather for outdoor activities, and they allow you to avoid the heat and crowds of summer—and avoid winter’s chilly temperatures and restricted highland access.

...More
How long would it take to drive around Tasmania?

It takes at least one week to drive around Tasmania in a loop, although many travelers choose to take longer—often a month or more—to explore the island state in more depth.

...More

Tasmania information

Number of Attractions

83

Number of Tours

216

Number of Reviews

16,432

Currency

AUD
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Tasmania?
Q:
What are the top activities in Tasmania?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Tasmania?
A:
Check out things to do near Tasmania:
Q:
What do I need to know before visiting Tasmania?