Four Reasons Tasmania should be top of your Australia Travel List
1. The scenery is out of this world
Tasmania is one of those places that no matter where you look, it’s always incredible. The different peninsulas that jut out from its rugged coastline offer some of the most spectacular panoramas in Australia. Only a few hours’ drive from Hobart you can find cliff top hikes, secluded beaches and national parks that hem the edges the island. It’s pristine, with human footprints easily becoming a distant memory as you cruise down the coast. It is recommended to rent a car to explore the coast, because like most parts of Australia things are quite spread out and not accessible via public transport. This adds to the experience though, because there are so many places to explore, you’ll want the freedom.
Some of our fave hikes include:
Waterfall Bay, an hour and a half drive from Hobart down Eaglehawk Neck
Cape Huoy, an hour and a half drive from Hobart, starting from Fortescue Bay, about five hours return hike
Cape Raul, an hour and a half drive from Hobart, about five hours return hike
St Patrick's Head, starting in St Mary's on the east coast, about three and a half hours drive from Hobart
2. There’s heaps of free camping
Unlike many of the more popular tourist destinations in Australia, there are heaps of free camping spots around Tassie. In fact, the whole east coast you are allowed to set up camp, letting you be immersed in its astounding natural beauty. One of the most delightful places we visited was Fortescue Bay, where you can camp amongst the trees right by the bay. Cook dinner over the camp fire and watch the sunrise over the water, with nothing but the birds for company.
Some of our fave camping spots include:
Fortescue Bay, about an hour and a half drive from Hobart
Hartz Peak, down by the river, about an hour and a half from Hobart
Bay of Fires, about four hours north of Hobart on the east coast
Chain of Lagoons, about three hours north of Hobart on the east coast
3. It’s not busy
Most people, when they think of traveling in Australia, think of Byron Bay, Bondi and the Great Ocean Road. Tassie remains a kind of hidden gem, allowing for you to get lost in the wilderness without the sound of camera clicks and overpriced cafés designed for unsuspecting foreigners. Tassie has a kind of grassroots feel to it, with authentic oyster pies and lonesome landscapes for you to enjoy. Life seems to move a little slower and you won’t feel like a sheep being herded along a board walk or spend 45 minutes trying to find a park so you can sit among a row of others just like you on the beach. It’s a little chillier down in Tasmania, but this adds to the rawness and is all part of the experience.
Some of our stop spots include:
Roaring Beach, just under two hours from Hobart
Marion Bay, about an hour from Hobart
Sisters Beach, north coast abut six hours from Hobart
4. Hobart is adorable
Hobart isn’t like other Australian cities. Australian cities are renowned for their urban sprawl, heat radiated off the bitumen packed beaches. Compared to Hobart, these cities seem a little soulless. Hobart blankets the foot of Mount Wellington, wrapping the edges of a harbour and making you think for just a second that you might have stepped into something slightly European. Salamanca markets (every Saturday) stretch through the centre of the quaint little city, showcasing Tasmania’s delicious and high-quality produce, music and arts. There are charming old buildings and pubs with big hearts, much needed for the chilly evenings. You can get some of Australia’s best cheese, wine and seafood and at of the many bars, restaurants and cafes that litter the city. Hobart is a delight and definitely worth spending some time exploring.
Some of our fave eats and drinks include:
Grinners Dive Bar in the CBD
The Winston, burger and wings bar, North Hobart
The Whaler, Salamanca
The Retro Cafe, Salamanca
Ginger Brown Cafe, South Hobart