Tasmania has Antarctic vibes. The state’s capital, Hobart, is home to Australia’s Antarctic Division, and is the only state in Australia where you can catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis - the Southern Hemisphere's answer to the Northern Lights.
Lying 240 kilometres south of mainland Australia is the island state of Tasmania, boasting some of the country’s most unique flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking scenery that has evolved in isolation from the mainland for over 10,000 years.Â
The apple isle
Known affectionately by Australians as ‘Tassie’, the majority of the island’s population is found around the cities of Launceston in the north and Hobart in the south, with more than half of the state made up of national parks and World Heritage Areas, brimming with alpine lakes, mountains, forests and wild rivers. And of course, who could forget to mention the island’s bizarre range of wildlife, such as the Tasmanian Devil or the now-extinct thylacine, the mysterious Tasmanian tiger.
Tasmania is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene and outstanding local produce, food and wine (particularly Pinot Noir), spirits, cheese and seafood. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, foraging for fresh produce, or enjoying a tipple or two of some of the state’s finest.
Vibrant Hobart
Framed by the rugged landscape of Mount Wellington and the flow of the River Derwent, the port capital of Tasmania, Hobart, truly represents what the isle is all about. Not only is there a buzzing arts and cultural scene, but Australia’s second oldest city, also incorporates a range of dining and drinking options that will leave you wanting more. Once a sleepy town, Hobart is now a much sought-after tourist destination and with the hip restaurants and cafes aligning the waterfront precinct, as well as the city’s rich convict history, you too will undoubtedly fall under Hobart’s spell.
Visitor’s can:
When you’re done sightseeing, kick back with a locally brewed beer or whiskey, in one of the many cosy bars, or enjoy some of the best food you’ll eat in Australia.
MONA
A trip to Hobart would be incomplete without visiting the incredible underground Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which opened in 2011 and spans three levels… underground. David Walsh, the Tasmanian multimillionaire who has collected and ultimately shared his 1,900 or so artworks, once described the MONA as a ‘subversive adult Disneyland’. Although it features controversial exhibits, it is certainly worth a visit, and Liv Australia believes it will be unlike any art museum you’ve ever visited before.
Historical sights aplenty
If delving into history is more your thing, be sure to visit Hobart’s Convict Penitentiary, the historic sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place, now filled with shops, cafés, and antique dealers. The historic Port Arthur site, or a walk along the Battery Point Sculpture Trail, to see elegant convict-built architecture, are also worth checking out.
The infamous Salamanca markets, held every Saturday, are also a must-see, as more than 300 vendors converge in Salamanca Place, selling everything from handcrafted jewellery, clothes, woodwork and fresh produce, such as fruit, vegetables, cheeses and seafood.
Wineglass Bay
World Heritage-listed Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania’s ‘relatively’ sunny east coast, is one of Australia’s oldest and most stunning nature reserves. Without a doubt, the star of this picturesque peninsula is the perfect curve of powder-white sand and azure sea at Wineglass Bay. Voted as one of the top beaches in Australia, the bay is a truly breathtaking spectacle, one that you have to see for yourself.Â
Starting and ending in World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, the stunningly scenic, Three Capes Track, slices through more than 48 kilometres of awe-inspiring wilderness in Tasman National Park. After being delivered by boat to the trailhead at Port Arthur, the four-day hike, suitable for all levels of hikers, offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea from the cliff-top trails, as well as eco-friendly cabins and an abundance of wildlife.
Cradle Mountain
Head north from Hobart to the Central Highlands where Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park encompasses many of Tasmania’s most incredible landscapes, as myriads of glistening lakes are dotted amongst majestic mountains. In the north part of the park, the renowned Cradle Mountain (1,545 metres) is just one of the many lofty peaks of the area, while in the south, around the stunning Lake St. Clair, the deepest lake in Australia, there are more reflective lakes than you can poke a stick at. Deep river gorges can also be found snaking their way amongst the alpine scenery, with lush rainforests and flower-filled meadows on display in spring.Â
When to visit
Some may say the best time of year to visit Tasmania is in summer, when it is warm and dry, we reckon the Apple Isle is a perfect destination all year round. It’s considerably less crowded in the winter months and despite being the wettest and coldest, quite a large amount of snowfall on the mountains, makes for stunning vistas. We know we could help make your trip to Tasmania, one of Liv Australia’s most loved destinations in Australia, an unforgettable experience, regardless of when you choose to go.
This little island hosts several world-class events, including Dark Mofo, the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the Tasmanian Food Festival. Book a free consultation to chat with us about planning your trip around one of these events. We know you’ll want to stay longer though, to experience everything else Australia's beloved Tassie has to offer.
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