Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia's island state, lies 150 miles south of the mainland across Bass Strait. You can climb the pink-hued dolerite columns of Cradle Mountain, swim at the crescent-shaped Wineglass Bay beach, or spot Tasmanian devils hunting at dusk in Narawntapu National Park. The cool climate and rich soil support more than 95 wineries and 850 apple orchards, while the cold waters yield rock lobster, scallops, and oysters that you'll find at Hobart's waterfront restaurants.

Getting to Tasmania

You can reach Tasmania through direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth to Hobart Airport. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry connects Melbourne to Devonport, allowing you to bring your vehicle for exploring the island. The journey takes 9-11 hours, with both day and night sailings available.

Climate and When to Visit

Tasmania has four distinct seasons, with temperatures cooler than mainland Australia. December through February brings warm days suitable for hiking and beach activities, with temperatures reaching 24°C (75°F) inland. Winter months from June to August see snow on mountain peaks and temperatures dropping to 3°C (37°F). Rain falls throughout the year, with the western regions receiving over 2,500mm annually.

Mountains and Lakes

The western region contains parallel mountain ranges, with Mount Ossa rising to 1,617 meters. The Central Plateau has more than 4,000 lakes, including Lake St. Clair, which reaches depths of 215 meters - Australia's deepest lake. The Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain takes 2.5 hours to walk, passing through ancient rainforest and alongside rock formations shaped by ancient glaciers.

Wildlife Watching

National parks cover 42% of Tasmania. Walk quietly at dawn or dusk to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, and eastern quolls hunting and feeding. Look for platypus in mountain streams during early morning hours, and watch little penguins waddle ashore to their coastal burrows after sunset at places like Bicheno and Low Head.

Food and Agriculture

Farmers grow apples, berries, and stone fruits in Tasmania's valleys. The surrounding waters supply salmon, oysters, and abalone to Hobart's Salamanca Market and waterfront restaurants. In the Huon Valley, you can taste cider at Willie Smith's Apple Shed or pick your own fruit at one of the 850 apple orchards that produce 55,000 metric tons annually.

Aboriginal Culture

The palawa/pakana people maintained this land for over 60,000 years before European arrival. Join Aboriginal guides on takara nipaluna walks through Hobart to learn about traditional food gathering sites, land management practices, and cultural traditions that continue today.

Exploring Hobart

At MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), descend into underground galleries cut into sandstone cliffs to see contemporary art installations. Browse through 300+ stalls at Saturday's Salamanca Market for Tasmanian produce, woodwork, and local food. Drive up Mount Wellington's summit road to 1,271 meters, where walking tracks lead to lookouts over southern Tasmania and the Derwent River estuary.