What makes Tasmania unique?

Covered in ancient forests and lake-dotted mountain ranges, Tasmania is full of beauty and adventure.

From the haunting calls of devils at night to the bustling convict-era streets, every corner of this island exudes rugged charm and a sense of wildness. Read on to find out what sets Tasmania apart, and look to the New Zealander’s guide to Tasmania for further information.

Tasmania’s unique wildlife

Wild encounters

In Tasmania, evolution took a few detours, resulting in a fascinating cast of characters found nowhere else – like the Tasmanian devil, whose nocturnal growls at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park will keep you on your toes. For the softer side of nature, meet the friendly wombats of Maria Island. Then visit Narawntapu National Park, where wallabies and pademelons graze on grassy plains.

Animal sanctuaries

Much of Tasmania’s wildlife is nocturnal, but you can guarantee an encounter with a furry friend at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. A sanctuary focused on rescue and rehabilitation, here you can come face-to-face with Tasmania’s fauna including Tasmanian devils. Similar experiences abound across the island at East Coast Natureworld, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, and Devils @ Cradle. The Tasmania wildlife game is strong.

Sea life

Dive into Tasmania’s pristine marine playgrounds, where giant kelp forests shelter a bustling underwater world. Embark on a boat tour with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for a look at wild coastlines and potential encounters with seals, dolphins, migrating whales and a chorus of seabirds. See adorable little penguins with Bicheno Penguin Tours and Low Head Penguin Tours, or go snorkelling and diving to meet the marine residents on their turf.

Tasmania’s unique culture

Tasmanian Aboriginal experiences

Discover Tasmania’s rich palawa heritage through immersive experiences that delve into the stories and culture of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Walk in the footsteps of history with the wukalina Walk, a four-day journey through the magnificent landscapes of the north east. Sample delicious native bush tucker with palawa kipli, or forge a profound connection to ancient lands with the half-day kooparoona niara tour in Launceston.

Museums and galleries

The Tasmania culture scene is as eclectic as its landscape, with museums and galleries that defy expectations and challenge conventions. Get your dose of wonderfully weird at Mona, a contemporary private art collection that is sure to spark conversation. Explore Tasmania’s rich history at Hobart’s TMAG or Launceston’s QVMAG, where palawa art and scientific objects are on show.

Convict heritage

Journey back in time to Tasmania’s past as a convict settlement, home to the country’s most notorious penal sites. Explore the haunting remains of Port Arthur Historic Site, a sprawling complex with over 30 buildings and ruins. Delve into the stories of convict women at the Cascades Female Factory and extend your curiosity to Woolmers and Brickendon Estates and Coal Mines Historic Site. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites are among Australia’s best-preserved examples of colonial-era artefacts and landmarks.

Hobart is one of the world’s five gateway cities to Antarctica, so don’t be surprised if you bump into a marine scientist or two during your travels. The Mawson's Huts Replica Museum on Hobart’s waterfront remarkably encapsulates the historical quarters of 1911–14 Antarctic expeditioners.

Public art

Perhaps due to the island’s isolation, our people have a quirky friendliness to them. This is embodied by the public art scene. Take Sheffield ‘Town of Murals’ for example, a country town turned outdoor gallery, adorned with over 160 murals. Chart a course to the Western Wilds Art Trail, or see the Wall in the Wilderness, where the history of the highlands has been carved into 100m of timber.

Tasmania’s unique nature

National parks

The World Heritage area is truly vast, so here are just a few ways to lose yourself in nature. Gaze in awe at the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest sea cliffs and the magnificent rock formations of Tasman National Park. Walk along Tasmania’s most famous beach, Wineglass Bay, at Freycinet National Park.

And it doesn’t get much more remote than Southwest National Park: Tasmania’s largest national park. Access this ancient, mountainous landscape via a challenging (but breathtaking) coastal hike, a drive deep into the wilderness, or a luxurious plane or boat tour.

Wilderness walks

Some of the greatest hikes in the world are in Tasmania. There’s even an official list, the 60 Great Short Walks, which includes Cape Hauy, Hartz Peak, and Wineglass Bay. Or go tramping on a multi-day hike, from the luxury accommodation of the Bay of Fires Signature Walk, to the brand new Flinders Island Walking Adventure and the famous alpine Overland Track. Venture out into the wild, wondrous wilderness.

Unusual trees

With the world's freshest air and plenty of rainfall, Tasmania grows some of the tallest trees on the planet. To bask in these giants’ shadows, visit Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area or Evercreech Forest Reserve. Walk among the treetops at Tahune Airwalk, visit Corinna to see Huon pines, and witness the turning of the fagus at Mount Field or Cradle Mountain, a colourful standout of Tasmania natural attractions.

Wild waterways

Take to the water and explore Tasmania’s untamed rivers and pristine lakes. Experience the thrill of river sledding at Meander Wilderness Experiences River Sledding or embark on an epic multi-day rafting journey with Franklin River Rafting. Paddle through the remote wilderness of the south west with Roaring 40s south west wilderness kayaking or cruise into stillness with Arthur River Cruises.

Tasmania’s unique tastes

Quality produce

Shaped by the pristine air and sea, Tasmania’s passionate farmers grow produce of the freshest quality. Being a small island with low food kilometres, you can taste the best ingredients straight from the source: fresh fruit and veg, dairy and meat, oysters, truffles, hazelnuts and more. Allow some time for a chat with the makers and producers, who have fascinating stories to share. Places like Hobart’s Farm Gate Market or Launceston’s Harvest Market showcase Tasmania’s slow and sustainable farming practices. Taste produce prepared by talented chefs in Hobart and Launceston’s vibrant restaurant scenes, or try delicious cheese at a dairy door like Bruny Island Cheese Co.

Delicious drinks

Fancy a drink? Tasmania has no shortage of places to try a cheeky beverage, from wineries and cellar doors to more than 80 whisky distilleries. Sip premium wine at Devil’s Corner Cellar Door, quench your beer thirst at Cascade Brewery, lap up the single malt whisky of Lark Distillery, and indulge in the fruits of the Apple Isle with crisp libations at Frank’s Cider House, just to name a few.

Fresh seafood

Savour the flavours of the sea with Tasmania’s abundance of fresh seafood. It’s surrounded by oceans, after all. Try sweet oysters at Melshell Oyster Shack. Watch a guide dive for iconic abalone then cook it for you in the Tasmanian Seafood Seduction experience. Taste the state’s range of seafood, from juicy scallops to delectable crayfish, at Freycinet Marine Farm and Hursey Seafoods.

Food and wine trails

Can’t decide on a single place? Embark on a culinary road trip and taste as much as you can. There are numerous wine, whisky and beer trails that take you to different corners of the state. Sample or forage for local goodies on the tasting trail in the north and north west, from truffles to hazelnuts. Journey the Huon Valley on the cider trail, or traverse the coast on one of the seafood trails. Tassie is for foodies.