For those of you who don’t know, I am a Tassie girl.  I spent the first 21 years of my life living in the southern most state of Australia, the island of Tasmania.

It is obviously an area close to my heart.  However, growing up in Tasmania, I felt very isolated.  Having Bass Strait between us and anywhere else in the world made Tasmania feel very far away.  For this reason, holidays growing up were just about always spent seeing the many Tasmanian tourist attractions.

Today, thanks to budget airlines and ferries that run often, it does not feel so far away.  Many people want to visit this beautiful part of the world.  In fact, here in Melbourne it is very easy to tell someone who has been to Tasmania before.  When I say I grew up in Tasmania, I get one of two reactions.  From people who haven’t been there, it is some joke about incest.  From people who have, it’s gushing praise about what a beautiful place it is.

As an adult, I have also been lucky enough to visit many parts of the state.  I have friends and a husband who are keen to see more of Tasmania, and I have been happy to show them.  I also often get asked for help and advice from people planning holidays to Tasmania, so I thought it was about time I put it all in one place.

Here is my guide to things to do in Tasmania, as well as some general planning advice to help you plan your own trip to Tasmania and to work out how much you can incorporate into your time frame.

For general inspiration, you can also check out list of the top 25 things to see in Tasmania.

Where to go?

Tasmania is small, but it is varied.  It does not take that long to get anywhere, but at the same time, a week or two is not enough to see it all unless you like travelling at break neck speeds.

I am going to split the island into four different parts – South, North, East and West.

If you do go, I suggest you spend at least a few days in any one part.  Even a few days is cutting it very fine.  For a one week trip, just pick one or two parts.  For a two week trip you can double this.  I would definitely recommend a car for discovering all the things to do in Tasmania. My recommendations do not change if you are touring Tasmania with kids or not.

This article will concentrate on South Tasmania things to do including Hobart. My next will concentrate on the North, East and West parts of the state.

I should warn that I am not much of a hiker.  Tasmania is justifiably renown for its natural attractions and although some of these will definitely feature here, this is not something I can talk about in detail.

Things to do in Southern Tasmania

I may be biased, but Hobart, the capital, is the best part of Tasmania.

With a population of just over 200,000 people, it is small, but it is also large enough to have many things to do both within Hobart and in its surrounds.  The city is built between the Derwent River and the surrounding mountains which makes it very scenic with views from most parts.  You could base yourself here and make day trips from Hobart Tasmania to visit all of the places below or take a mini tour of the southern part of the state.

Anyway, here is my list of some of the top things to do in Tasmania!

Mt Wellington

My top thing to do in Hobart would have to be Mt Wellington, or “the mountain” as it’s called in Hobart.  It dominates the skyline of Hobart and you can’t miss it.  You can drive, hike or cycle to the top and have the most awesome views of Hobart on a clear day.  On a cloudy day, it can also be fun as you feel like you are above the clouds. It is often snow covered, so a trip here can also mean some snow fun.

If you are including it as a things to see in Tasmania in winter, check the road is open to the summit first here.

MONA – Museum of Old and New Art

This museum surely must be one of the top art museums in the world.  It is just amazing.  I was riveted, intrigued and totally engaged in a way that I have never been in an art museum before.  Many of the exhibits are confronting, all are interesting, and you never know what you will see next.  This museum in itself is a reason to visit Tasmania – it really is that good!

Cascade Brewery

Australia’s oldest operating brewery is definitely worth a visit.  There are tours which of course include some free tasting.

Salamanca Market

This famous market is on pretty Salamanca Place every Saturday.  The market itself is worthwhile, as is wandering around the surrounding area, the wharf and Battery Point.  This is also a fun area to go in the evenings for a drink.

Richmond

This historic town is a pretty spot, less than thirty minutes out of Hobart.  It is a lovely place to wander around.  You can walk over Australia’s oldest bridge, learn about convict life at the old Richmond Gaol, and my favourite part is Richmond Maze.  For family things to do in Tasmania, there is also a park and a river with ducks.  This town is definitely worth a morning or afternoon, and I also recommend their yummy lolly shop!!

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

This old penal settlement is definitely a worthwhile thing to do in Tasmania. It is a haunting place, and it feels like a place where bad things happened.

It is a large site.  Basic entry includes a walking tour and a boat tour, and there are many other activities you can do too, like a ghost tour in the evening.  You can also wander around the site freely and there is a lot of information available. There is also a memorial for the victims of the horrible massacre that took place here in 1996.

Port Arthur is located about an hour a half out of Hobart, but I recommend you stay overnight and do the ghost tour of the site in the evening.

There are also many places to stop along the way along the coast, such as Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the blowhole.  My favourite detour would have to be Doo Town. In this town, every house has a name out the front with the word “Doo” in it. For example, “Doodle Doo”, “Doo Drop In”, “Love Me Doo”, “Wattle-I-Doo” – check out more in my dedicated post to Doo Town.  It is a great for a laugh.

Tahune Air Walk

The air walk is a 620m steel walkway above the forest canopy about an hour from Hobart.  This is a fabulous way to experience Tasmania’s forests.  On the way, you could stop at Huonville and do some pedal boating or jet boating on the Huon River.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Pool

You can tour the caves here which are impressive, but another of my favourite things to do in Tasmania is the thermal pools here.  The 28 degree water can be lovely in chilly Tasmania.

Wildlife Parks

What trip to Tasmania is complete without seeing a Tasmanian Devil?

Side note to my international readers: yes they are real, no they are not at all like Taz in the bugs bunny cartoons!

A recommended park is the Bonorong Wildlife Park.  It has other Australian animals as well.

Accommodation

When visiting Tasmania’s south, we highly recommend the following hotels:

• Sullivans Cove Apartments – These apartments are just stunning and incredibly well located on Hobart’s waterfront. Click here for the latest prices – Read our full review.
• Wrest Point Hotel – A great option in Hobart in Australia’s oldest casino. For a treat, we absolutely love the revolving restaurant here as well. It is probably my favourite restaurant in the world! Check out the latest prices.
• Discovery Holiday Park Hobart – There are budget cabins here starting at just over $100 on Hobart’s eastern shore. Click here for the latest prices.
• Lufra Hotel and Apartments – We loved our stay in one of the beautiful apartments here which are perfectly located for a trip to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur. Click here for the latest prices – Read our full review.

Continue reading this guide in Things to do in Tasmania – North, East and West  – where I will also discuss the best time to go. 

You can also read my top ten list of things to do in Hobart with kids.

I also have many other Tasmanian guides. Find them all here!

So what have I missed?  What are other Southern Tasmania attractions? Feel free to add any other suggestions to the comments 🙂

Tags:  Australia Travel Blog