What makes Tasmania unique?

Vibrant white beaches lined with orange rocks and ancient forests that look fit for Jurassic-era dinosaurs – Tasmania is your playground to explore.

From the amusing sight of Tasmanian devils to the bustling convict-era streets, you'll find rugged charm and a sense of wildness across all corners of this island. Read on to discover the flavours, culture and experiences that set Tasmania apart.

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 a walk on nature's softer side, meet the friendly waddling wombats of Maria Island. Or 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 all about rescue and rehabilitation, here you can come face-to-face with Tasmania’s cheeky and unique fauna, including wombats, quolls and the tiny but mighty Tasmanian devil. Similar devilish fun awaits across the island at East Coast Natureworld, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, and Devils @ Cradle.

Sea life

Explore Tasmania’s pristine marine playgrounds, where giant kelp forests shelter a lively underwater world. There's plenty of coastline to choose from. 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 (they really are that little) waddling ashore to their burrows with Bicheno Penguin Tours and Low Head Penguin Tours, or go snorkelling and diving to meet the marine residents on their turf. Remember, before you take the plunge: Tasmania’s weather can change quickly – always check conditions and forecasts before diving or snorkelling. There’s safety in numbers, so go with others and let someone know where you’re going and when you’re planning to be back. And the safest way to enjoy Tasmania's underwater world is with an accredited local guide or tour. 

Tasmania’s unique culture

Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) experiences

Discover Tasmania’s deep and complex Palawa heritage through immersive experiences that delve into the stories and culture of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Walk through history and learn about cultural traditions from Palawa guides with wukalina Walk, a four-day journey through the vibrant north-east coastal landscapes. Sample delicious native bush tucker with Palawa Kipli and learn about sustainable foraging with proud Palawa woman Kitana Mansell, or forge a profound connection to ancient lands with the half-day kooparoona niara tour in Launceston. In the island's north west, proud Palawa waypa (Tasmanian Aboriginal man) Jye Crosswell leads tunapri Patuyala, a guided 1.5hr cultural tour immersing you in the traditional Palawa foods, seasonal crafting and living sites of Patuyala (Boat Harbour).

Museums and galleries

The Tasmanian 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 sure to spark conversation. Explore Tasmania’s rich history at Hobart’s TMAG or Launceston’s QVMAG, where Palawa art, historic objects and scientific pieces are on show.

Convict heritage

Journey back in time to Tasmania’s recent past as a convict settlement, home to Australia'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 reimagines the historical quarters of 1911–14 Antarctic expeditioners.

Public art

The island’s isolation might explain why our locals have a quirky friendliness to them. This is embodied by Tasmania's public art scene. Take Sheffield, Tasmania's ‘Town of Murals’ for example, a country town turned outdoor gallery with more than 160 murals. Make your way 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

Tasmania's World Heritage area is truly vast, with nearly half of the island's total landmass protected in national parks and reserves for you to explore, 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 intricate rock formations of Tasman National Park. Walk along Tasmania’s most famous beach, Wineglass Bay, on the east coast within Freycinet National Park.

And it doesn’t get much more remote than Southwest 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 offering unique perspectives on this rare primeval place.

Wilderness walks

Some of the greatest hikes in the world are in Tasmania. Fancy a day trip? Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks include striking hiking tracks such as Cape Hauy, Hartz Peak, and Wineglass Bay. Or go tramping on a multiday hike: pair your adventures with luxury accommodation on the Bay of Fires Signature Walk, venture to an island-off-the-island with Flinders Island Walking Adventure or embark on Australia's famous alpine Overland Track in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Unusual trees

With the world's cleanest air (scientifically measured at Kennaook / Cape Grim) 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 rare, thousands-of-years-old Huon pines, and witness the turning of the fagus at Mount Field or Cradle Mountain, a colourful spectacle where Tasmania's beloved deciduous alpine beech covers the landscape in shades of gold, orange and red.

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 multiday 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 along the Gordon River.

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 stories and smiles to share. Hobart’s Farm Gate Market and Launceston’s Harvest Market showcase Tasmania’s slow and sustainable farming practices to delectable perfection. Taste produce whipped into innovative creations by talented chefs in Hobart and Launceston’s vibrant restaurant scenes, or try moreish 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, or indulge in the fruits of the Apple Isle with crisp libations at Frank’s Cider House. Sip gin and other quality botanical-infused spirits across the island, including a unique Tasmanian lavender spirit made with local flowers at Old Kempton Distillery.

Fresh seafood

Savour the flavours of the sea with Tasmania’s abundant fresh seafood. This island is surrounded by oceans, after all. Try sweet oysters at Melshell Oyster Shack. Watch a guide dive for succulent abalone then cook it for you in the Tasmanian Seafood Seduction experience. And there's plenty more seafood where that came from: juicy scallops, delectable crayfish and more at renowned foodie spots Freycinet Marine Farm on the east coast and Hursey Seafoods in the north west.

Food and wine trails

Can’t decide on a single place? Embark on a culinary road trip and taste as much as you can. Tasmania's wine, whisky and beer trails will take you on a full-flavoured journey to different corners of the state. Sample or forage for local goodies on the Tasting Trail sprawling across the north and north west, from truffles to hazelnuts. Journey the Huon Valley on the cider trail to learn why they call Tasmania the 'Apple Isle', or traverse the coast on one of Tasmania's fine seafood trails. 

Hungry for more Tassie travel inspo? Check out our New Zealander’s guide to Tasmania. Or skip the reading and dive straight into planning your Tassie trip with our TripPlanner.