Tasmania is full of wonders and it can be hard to contain all of the sites in a just few days. If you are visiting Tasmania, be sure to take into account all of the possibilities to make your stay unforgettable. There are aspects that travelers of all kinds will not want to miss, but nature-lovers will receive day after day of jaw-dropping sites. With all of the reserves and parks, it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly you want to spend your time on.
Tasmania Overview
Tasmania is an island off of the southern coast of Australia. The wilderness is rugged and eye-catching. The island is only 25,000 square miles, a little larger than West Virginia, but is home to an individual variety of flora and fauna native only to the geographically and genetically secluded island. The aboriginals native to Tasmania were isolated from Australia due to rising sea levels in the 6th century BCE. This allowed them to build a distinct cultural art style based on the beauty of Tasmania’s unique geography and wildlife.
Top Ten List
Now, here are the very best attractions and sites to behold in Tasmania. Write them down, and plan your course- simply cater to your sense of adventure by visiting each site and you’ll always have options of what to do in Tasmania.
Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is an alpine summit within the Wellington range which has views over the jagged landscape below. You can hike the entire way, or take an easier route and drive. It is a winding road that leads way to an interesting experience before you even reach the destination. Winds may prove a little harsh, so take shelter in their observation room before venturing the catwalk. It is within the city of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain
Of all of the many trails within cradle mountain, each one will take you to different. You may find yourself around the breathtaking Dove Lake or the Ballroom forest. Take in the sight of Tasmania’s famous horizontal shrubs, among all of the other unique wildlife. If time allows, there are longer, more intense walks for more dedicated athletes or nature lovers.
Cataract Gorge Reserve
In this peaceful reserve, you can find peacocks boasting their vibrant colors, and gardens of exotic plants. The Cataract Gorge reserve even has lifts that give you a view of the gorge and accompanying river. Consider taking a hike on one of their winding trails.
Wallabies are a native species to this area so be sure to keep an eye out with your camera to spot them. More adventurous travelers will not want to miss the walk across a swinging bridge over the gorge before visiting the local cafe.
East Coast Natureworld
Nature world is a fun experience for all members of your family. If you have children take them to see the infamous Tasmanian devils or view a few wombats. This can serve as a great learning experience about all of the wildlife found in Tasmania. Do not miss out on a guided tour to find out all of the quirks of these vastly different mammals.
The Neck
Take a walk along the beach or from one of the renovated lookouts you can see many areas of both the Tasman Sea and Simpson Bay from The Neck. This is a sliver of land -long and thin- that separates these two bodies of water and connects the North and South Bruny islands, a rare geographic formation known as an isthmus.
When you visit at night, there is a chance you can spot the arrival of fairy penguins. There is camping in the immediate area which makes it the perfect location to stay before traveling between islands.
Hogarth Falls
The path to the falls is lined with giant rows of trees and wild vegetation. It takes a hike of thirty minutes to reach the falls from the beginning of the trail. The water offers serenity and it is easy to feel like the only people in Tasmania under its individual array of trees. Educational information is available nearby to learn history as you see it before you.
Spirit Of Tasmania
A boat ride to and from Tasmania is a phenomenal experience and is the preferred method of getting to Tasmania. The spirit of Tasmania crosses the Bass Strait between Melbourne and Devonport, an almost 280-mile journey. Plan to spend the day or night on the boat relaxing and enjoying the sights or entertainment and dining aboard the ship.
There is also limited space to bring a vehicle aboard the ship for travel on the other side of the ship.
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur is an entire settlement built in the eighteenth century. This is one of the most preserved convict sites in the area. Tasmania, on the whole, used to serve as a prison and evolved into a settlement with additional housing and vegetation. Sign up for a walking tour and explore the entire city to catch all of the hidden wonders.
Cemetery tours and ghost tours are offered and each historic site is both educational and beautiful.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
South Bruny National Park’s most iconic landmark is its lighthouse, built in 1836. This lighthouse, perched upon Tasmania’s rocky coastline, is the Southernmost lighthouse in Australia available for tours. A short uphill hike is required to get to the lighthouse at the bottom is a small museum detailing the history.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
The architecture around the Botanical Gardens reflects the ‘royal’ beauty of ornate details. Take a quiet walk among the wonderfully diverse plants that coat Tasmania. There are also sections telling of the different vegetation in case a certain beautiful flower bush catches your eye.
Explore Tasmania
Remember to grab a few souvenirs to remind you of your experiences. Exploring a new place can be exciting, even if you are just wandering the streets of another culture. Fill your time with all of the natural beauty of this wondrous place. The animals and wildlife are so unique that a trip to Tasmania cannot be easily forgotten.