What comes to mind when you think of Tasmania?
The first thing I think of is the eponymous devil. But after that, it’s rolling hills, untouched forests, pristine beaches and a distinct lack of crowds.
Tasmania is not the most commonly visited part of Australia, with most visitors preferring the east coast of the mainland and the big cities like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, but for me, this makes it one of the most interesting parts of this huge country to visit. I dare say, it is indeed at the top of my wish list for Australia.
And certainly, as is the case with most of Australia, since public transport is not as ubiquitous as in, say, Europe or South East Asia, the best way to visit is with your own transport.
With Hobart as the capital of the state of Tasmania, and the most likely point of entry to the island, a good option is to consider campervan hire Hobart in order to be able to guide yourself around this beautiful island on a road trip that you are not likely to forget any time soon.
Hobart
Hobart itself is a fascinating city to visit. Being Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney, it is full of colonial and indigenous history.
Some highlights include the MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (which has recently been renovated and showcases the aboriginal culture of the island), the Salamanca Markets (known by some to be the best markets in all of Australia, and definitely worth a visit for the street food and interesting street performances), the Cascade Brewery (to experience a selection of local beers and ciders) and Mount Wellington (a great place for 360 degree views of the city and surrounding area below).
Natural Wonders
Being the smallest and least populated state in all of Australia means that there is a lot of space on Tasmania, and luckily for visitors to the island, much of this space is full of gorgeous scenery and some of the most untouched natural wonders in the southern hemisphere.
Some of the most famous landmarks among Tasmania’s impressive range of landscapes are Hazards Beach, Wineglass Bay, Cataract Gorge, Cradle Mountain and Liffey Falls.
Activities
Being a place of such incredible natural beauty, the best way to experience it is to be outside. Many places in Tasmania are set up for outdoor adventure sports for people seeking all different levels of comfort and adventure, such as caving, abseiling, surfing, kayaking, white water rafting and skydiving. Horse riding, hiking (on and off trail) and fishing are also popular and can be easily arranged on arrival on the island.
Overall, Tasmania is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to see Australia without the crowds of the east coast beaches and milder weather. It’s also perfect for a first time Australia road trip, as the distances are not so great as if you were crossing the outback and the scenery is stunning, no matter where you look. So why not visit Tasmania!
