Must-see Sights in Tasmania

Read on to discover more about Tasmania’s most wonderful place

Tasmania is often not top of mind for tourists visiting Australia. Many might think it doesn’t hold anything unique or special, and whatever you can experience there, you can also find on the mainland.
 
But this island state has so much more to offer than you may think, and it is easily worth an entire holiday. Here are a few of the most spectacular sights and experiences in Tasmania.

Photo by Paul Carmona on Unsplash

​Bruny Island
Found off the southeastern coast of Tasmania and accessible by boat or charter jet, Bruny Island is a beautiful island oasis made up of two islands joined by an isthmus: North Bruny and South Bruny. The island has a tiny population of only 600, but it also has some of Australia’s most glorious landscapes and beaches.
 
There are many hotels, camping and caravan spots, and retreats to accommodate you while you visit its sites and national parks – where you can take in the animals, creatures, and plants that call this island home.
​
Cradle Mountain
Found in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Claire National Park, Cradle Mountain is the sixth-highest mountain in Tasmania and one of the most popular attractions for both locals and tourists.
 
The national park has a hotel for guests and features numerous paths and trails perfect for walking, hiking, and cycling. The area also has fantastic weather all year round, meaning you are in for a treat no matter when you visit.

Salamanca market
If you want an authentic taste and feel of what Hobart and Tasmania offer, then there is no better place to be on a Saturday than Salamanca Market. First started in the early 1970s, the market now hosts over 300 vendors offering everything from local produce to handmade goods and food. Salamanca is also one of the most visited locations in Tasmania, bringing in 25,000 to 40,000 visitors every Saturday. 

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are in Tasmania, you shouldn’t leave without seeing some of the local wildlife. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary takes in abandoned and injured animals and is also the last refuge for many unique species.
​
Hobart
The capital city will likely be your first stop in Tasmania and is the most populous on the island. Take time to explore Hobart, which is packed with restaurants, stores, museums, and everything in between.

As it is an Antarctic gateway city, Hobart holds a lot of history with regard to polar exploration. Because of this, Hobart is also home to many scientific and exploration institutions, some of which offer tours to the public.
​
Port Arthur
Once one of Australia’s most used penal colonies and convict sites, Port Arthur was transformed into one of the country’s most popular tourist towns. It features quaint architecture and incredible views of the surrounding ocean, and is arguably one of the best places to relax and have a sundowner after a long day of exploring.

MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art, or MONA, is a premier art gallery in Hobart. Opened in 2011, the gallery has almost 2,000 pieces of art, spanning paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

MONA also hosts two events every year: in summer, you can enjoy the MONA FOMA music festival, and in Winter, you can attend Dark Mofo, which has more of a festival and fairground feel, with art exhibitions and installations.
Mount WellingtonOften covered in snow, even during the warmer months, spectacular Mount Wellington is a symbol of the city and one of the first things you see as you enter Hobart. While visitors can stay in Hobart and its surrounds, Mount Wellington has numerous hiking trails for those in search of an adrenaline-filled adventure. 

Photo by Spencer Chow on Unsplash

Photo by Matt Palmer on Unsplash

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Finally, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a hidden gem in Hobart. Established in 1818, it is the second-oldest botanical garden in Australia on land that was once the home of the Muwinina people. Archaeological digs have found artefacts dating back 5,000 years.

With hundreds of different local and international plant species, the garden perfectly represents Tasmanian beauty, heritage, and history.