The Ultimate Hobart & Huon Valley Travel Itinerary for Nature Photographers

Mainland Australia boasts some of the most diverse natural landscapes, but no destination nationwide evokes an ethereal tranquility quite like Tasmania. There is a rugged charm to Tassie’s mountain ranges and ancient forests that is almost yearning to be captured on film. With Huon Valley and Hobart’s selection of towering sea cliffs, sprawling national parks, and the chance for unique wildlife encounters, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide lays out what we think are the absolute must see destinations in Tasmania for any happy snappers that are looking to fill their camera roll with beauty, and their hearts with adventure. 

In order to establish a central location, we’d suggest you book accommodation in Hobart and hire a car to make travel simple. To support accessibility for travel photographers, all the destinations and sights we’ll be sharing below can easily be accessed with just a quick drive from Hobart’s city centre. 
Keep in mind, however, that whilst you may not be taking very long journeys, you will need to set off at odd hours for different lighting conditions. So whether you’re heading out for a dawn shoot or driving back in the dark after golden hour, make sure you are well prepared for your road trip for the day in advance.

Hobart’s Top Scenic Photography SpotsMorning or First Light:

• Kunanyi / Mount Wellington – For all you early risers, the summit of Kunanyi will provide the best location for a panoramic shot of Hobart with the sunrise breaking over the horizon. There are also plenty of walking trails available if you’re searching for a vantage point other than that offered by the lookout. 
  
• Cascade Gardens – If the chilly air of the mountain is too much for you first thing in the morning, our second best option would be the Cascade Gardens. With historic architecture like the Cascade brewery or the Cascade Female Factory surrounded with lush greenery, there’s great opportunity to capture colonial era buildings juxtaposed with the gentle plantlife.
  

Mid-day or Afternoon:

• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – These gardens boast native and vibrant flora, from lush ferns to a Japanese garden. If visited around spring, this destination makes for a great chance to practice macro photography of flowering buds. 
  

Evening:

• Hobart Waterfront – For a stunning sunset photo session, the Hobart waterfront is not to be missed. While the fleeting sun’s reflections amongst the boats at constitution dock can be a golden hour delight, the mouth of the river Derwent’s relaxing ebbs and flows provide a good subject for experimenting with lower frame rate photography. 
  
• Night photography at MONA – Whilst the Museum of Old and New art is a fantastic destination during opening hours, the installation known as Spectra, where powerful beams of light are shot up into the sky, is certainly a once in a lifetime experience. Well, once every winter and summer solstice to be exact. In addition, James Turrell’s Amarna is another stunning light installation at the MONA which is perfect for some late night snaps. 
  

Huon Valley’s Top Landscape Photography SpotsMorning or first light:

• Huon River at Franklin – With serene water reflections, this destination is perfect for capturing some misty morning shots as the dew refracts the rising sun. If you’re positioned waterside, you may be lucky enough to snap a shot of the rare Australian grayling or other native fishes sparkling in the water under the softer morning sun.
  

Mid-day or Afternoon:

• Tahune Airwalk – This elevated, tree-top walk will provide amazing shots of sprawling forests with native eucalyptus trees. Another opportunity for panoramic shots, or capturing the amazing regrowth amongst charred trunks from fires of previous years. 
  
• Hartz Mountains National Park – If you prefer your rocks to your trees, the Hartz Mountains provide some breathtaking alpine landscapes with some striking colour schemes. With more condensed shrubbery, Hartz Mountains National Park is also a good spot for finding the typically elusive wombat to photograph. Although, you may need to stake-out a very comfortable, quiet spot for this wildlife encounter. 
  

Evening:

• Dover Beach – For a breathtaking coastal landscape at sunset, Dover beach cannot be beat. The bay is protected from the rough and unpredictable waves of the southern ocean, meaning the gentle ripples that travel across the shores of Dover beach are perfect for long exposure shots. Utilise your tripod and lower the shutter speed and take a moment to enjoy the serenity while your camera captures some breathtaking sunset pictures. 
  

Some Basic Photography Tips for Capturing Magic in Huon ValleyHere are some final tips for your Tasmanian shoot. Don’t underestimate the impact that the seasons can have on your photography. Waiting outside in the elements for that perfect shot is not something that should be undertaken without preparation. 
Keep in mind too that setting up for nature photography can be a different process to a standard photoshoot. There are weather conditions to consider, lighting restrictions, and also the general public which may hinder your quest for the perfect shot. Try to plan as best you can, bringing along multiple different lenses and presetting your shooting modes to save time with adjustments when you are in the field. 
And whilst you are visiting the sights we’ve outlined in this itinerary, we also recommend taking some time to let yourself be present between shoots. Southern Tasmania is filled with picturesque scenery so you’ll have no shortage of photo opportunities. But while you are here in this silent part of the world, take it from us locals – you’ll want to soak up as much of the serenity as you can. Perhaps you will stumble across a moment too beautiful to do justice with a picture.