Tasmania's air

These enriching experiences take you into Tasmania’s wild places to breathe and bask in the world’s cleanest air.

Inhale the invigorating purity of Tasmania – sustained by renewable energy, including the wind power of the famous Roaring 40s winds.

Meet mountain bike tour guides and sustainable glamping operators immersing visitors in this island’s crisp, nourishing air. On the north-west coast at Kennaook / Cape Grim, scientists have measured samples of the cleanest air on the planet. Out here, where the salty breeze nourishes the grazing cattle, the air you’re breathing has been purified by nature on its unbroken 16,000km journey across the ocean. Face directly west and the only thing between you and South America is the vast, untamed expanse of the Southern Ocean.

Meet the sustainability-conscious tourism operators immersing travellers in Tasmania’s pristine elements.

Lynne Wilton – Little Beach Co

Salt-kissed air cleanses Tasmania’s shimmering east coast. It’s here on the sleepy, scenic Chain of Lagoons that Little Beach Co’s glamping tents rise like shiny white mounds from the shrubbed landscape, nestled among hot tubs, saunas and enticingly luxe villa stays.

“You can hear the ocean; the animals are around,” Little Beach Co owner Lynne Wilton says.

“What we had here was so special we wanted to share it with other people.”  

Little Beach Co’s highest priority is to operate in harmony with the natural values of the land. By emphasising sustainability, Lynne wants to ensure the unique landscapes and vibrant communities of the east coast thrive for generations to come.

Everything we do, we try and think about that balance between livelihood, the environment and understanding the impact, because we have to make sure it’s still here in 100 years’ time.

When it comes to the fresh air gracing these wide-open spaces, Lynne feels the difference between Tasmania’s nourishing air and that of other places. It’s one of the things she loves most about the island.

“We were back on the mainland recently riding our bikes and we were choking,” she says. “We couldn't believe the difference in air quality and, when we told our Melbourne friends, they didn't want to know.

“But the fact is, when we're down here, you feel more energised.”

Bordering the property is a vast kelp forest – an important underwater ecosystem for crayfish and sea life, drawing carbon from the water. As a scuba diver, Lynne wants to protect this seaweed habitat into the future.

“We have about 400m of kelp forest [bordering the property],” Lynne says. “It's quite thick; the stalks can be a good two to three inches [in] diameter. It's massive. It's amazing.”

When you visit Little Beach Co, expect to recline in the hot tub or sweat in the sauna while listening to birdcalls on the breeze. About 1680 plants and shrubs have been planted on the property to provide habitat for the critically endangered swift parrot. Have a chat to Lynne about her low-impact sustainability ethos, explore the pristine coastline and fall asleep by the ocean.

“I think glamping is an amazing thing for the soul,” she says.

Tara Howell – Blue Derby Pods Ride

Feel the crisp blast of the forest against your face as you pedal your way into a luxe multiday mountain biking adventure with Blue Derby Pods Ride.

This experience is based out of exclusive accommodation pods in the mountain biking mecca of Derby. According to owner Tara Howell, this “beautiful natural rollercoaster” immerses, challenges and captivates you at every turn on the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails in north-east Tasmania.

“A lot of the riding is through deep rainforest and temperate rainforest, which is so special,” Tara says. “Your face feels like it's had a massive cleanse of Tasmanian fresh air, just because it genuinely is the freshest you're going to get.

It's endorphins, it's delight. It's everything mixed into this incredible natural cocktail that you want to kind of have forever.

"You feel like you are part of the rainforest."

Tara’s mountain biking business operates at net zero, meaning a sustainable balance has been struck between what’s being emitted and removed from the atmosphere. She’s worked with ethical Tasmanian offsetting company New Leaf Carbon Project through Tasmanian Land Conservancy to achieve this balance.

The avid mountain biker operates completely off-grid, chooses sustainable suppliers and donates any excess food to people in need to avoid waste.

“Our world and the environment which harbours life as we know it is precious and irreplaceable,” Tara says.

“We feel immensely privileged to be able to work in such an incredible natural environment and we recognise that one of our key roles is to leave the environment within which we operate in an improved state.”

The air sweeps over this island after travelling thousands of kilometres over the ocean – a natural purification process. Find out how you can responsibly experience Tasmania’s pristine waterways and landscapes with sustainable travel, and meet more locals committed to making this island a better place for the community.