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With its pristine wilderness and cool winters, its many historic sites and some of the cleanest air in the world, Tasmania has a lot to offer. Some of the best attractions, however, are things you might not think about straight away.
Whether you’re looking for a reason to go or help planning your itinerary, we’ve found five of the most unique attractions in Tasmania. Why not visit Australia’s…
- Strangest art collection
- Most spectacular tree
- Oldest brewery
- Most remote location
- Most luxurious private island
1. Discover Australia’s most ‘out there’ art collection
Just a short ferry ride from Hobart, Mona is the largest privately-funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
Mona houses the collection of David Walsh, a millionaire who earned his money as a professional gambler. His collection seems haphazard, yet it’s utterly spellbinding. From great works of art to Egyptian mummies, it’s a place like no other. Even the building is a work of art. Built into the side of a cliff, you’ll catch the best views of it as you approach by ferry.
Also on the property is Moorilla Winery, a great place to get lunch and discuss what you just witnessed. We recommend that you book tickets online before you visit and that you give yourself a full morning or afternoon to fully appreciate all the museum has to offer.
2. Visit Australia’s oldest brewery
Due to the early European settlement of Tasmania, many of Australia’s oldest buildings can be found here. One such relic is Cascade, Australia’s oldest brewery.
Whether you’re interested in beer or history, there’s a tour to suit. The 75-minute brewery tour takes you behind the scenes of the beer and cider making processes, and includes those all-important samples at the end. The historic tour details the building’s journey from a humble mill into the iconic brewery of today. And if visiting the brewery has left you thirsty for more, you may want to explore the Tasmania Beer Trail.
3. Marvel at Australia’s most spectacular tree
There’s lots of amazing scenery in Tasmania, from the beaches to the mountains. But one of the most remarkable is the turning of the fagus (Nothofagus gunnii). The fagus is a type of beech — Australia’s only cold climate, winter deciduous tree — that’s found nowhere else but Tassie.
Every year, generally April through to May, the fagus trees and forests change colour in dramatic fashion. The best places to find them are Cradle Mountain and Mount Field, two of Tasmania’s most popular destinations no matter what time of year you visit.
4. Embrace Australia’s most remote location
Ever wondered what it’s like to look into the abyss? Head to Gardiner Point in the north-west and look out over the sea. What you’ll see is ocean and more ocean — all the way to Argentina. That’s 15,000km, give or take. It’s known as the Edge of the World for good reason.
With the breeze blowing over the ocean and nothing else for miles upon miles, you’ll be breathing some of the world’s purest air. No pollutants, no dirt — just air as it’s meant to be. The lack of anything blocking the wind can, however, lead to some strong gusts, so be prepared to be knocked off your feet by both the view and the wind.
5. Unwind at Australia’s most luxurious private island
Satellite Island, a whale-shaped landmass off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania’s mainland, is one of the world’s most idyllic locations where you’ll find an array of wildlife, rugged cliffs and unobstructed views.
You’ll need to make a booking beforehand – that’s a booking of the whole island. This comes with private use of the island, two (or more) nights’ accommodation, an unlimited supply of wild oysters and a host of activities and gourmet foods.
In a world that’s so often run off its feet, taking the time to find perfect solitude can be the best way to unwind. Where better than on a remote island off the coast of Australia’s most relaxed state?
How to get to Tasmania
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Tasmania is such a popular destination. If you’re thinking of visiting, the first step is to search for flights from Singapore. There are no direct flights so most flight options will include a stopover in Melbourne. The average flight time from Singapore to Melbourne is around 7.5 hours with the final leg to Hobart just 1 hour 15 minutes.
Hiring a car
Once you arrive, hiring a car gives you the freedom to see as much of the state as you like. Much of the main island is within easy driving distance — the drive from Hobart to Launceston takes about two and a half hours — making a hire car an easy way to get the most from your holiday.
Public transport is available between many of the major towns, but it makes getting to the more remote spots a bit trickier. If you prefer to drive your own car in Tasmania, you can take it across from Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Read more
- Taking time out in Tasmania: a must-do list
- Tasmanian government coronavirus advice
- The official travel website for Visit Tasmania
