Tasmania is probably my new favourite place in the world.
I fell for it harder than I have anywhere else. More than I did Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines or Slovenia. It is just so ridiculously gorgeous.
Before I write about my time in Tasmania in detail, I’d first like to share a few of my favourite photos from my week spent on the island. Hopefully they’ll convince you to visit one day, it truly is a wonderful part of the world.
We began in Hobart, state capital of Tasmania and all-round wonderful city that provided a welcome relief from the major cities in Australia. I hadn’t warmed to either Sydney or Melbourne but fell in love with Hobart in seconds. There were no towering glass skyscrapers here. Instead the streets were lined with old Georgian buildings; former warehouses and port buildings converted into small restaurants, cafes and craft shops. The weather was fantastic, which, as I was told repeatedly, is a bit of a rarity for the city.
While the temperatures on the ground were soaring, breaking records and starting bushfires, at the top of Mount Wellington, 1200 metres high and overlooking Hobart, it couldn’t have been more different. Struggling to open the car door against the gale-force winds, I noticed the temperature gauge in the car reading 1 degree Celsius before taking a deep breath and running out to the viewpoint in shorts and a t-shirt. I managed to take just five photos before surrendering to the icy air, staggering back to the car in defeat.
The following morning, we left Hobart for Bicheno and found ourselves taking double the estimated two hour drive to arrive. The reason? The scenery was just so incredible. Every turn-off featured another deserted beach and I wanted to stop at all of them.
This was our first discovery.
Following a sign marked “beach” on the side of the road, we weren’t expecting much from our detour but ended up astounded with our find. This was one of the best beaches I’d ever seen and I couldn’t believe that Dave and I were the only two people on it.
We arrived in Bicheno and, after finding ourselves with not all that much to do, decided to check out Bicheno Blowhole. This was going to be my first blowhole experience…
Looking back, having now experienced several “blowholes” since Bicheno, I can now say that this one was by far the best I’ve been to. Human sized rocks surrounding the hole meant that I could spend a couple of hours sunbathing while watching occasional columns of water erupting over unsuspecting tourists. Fun.
The bush fires I mentioned previously had been ravaging through Tasmania for a week prior to our arrival and had almost convinced us to cancel our trip to the island. Parts of the island were closed off, including Freycinet National Park, the place I was most excited about visiting.
Amazingly, the weather decided to co-operate with our plans and cooled down significantly after we arrived. We couldn’t believe our luck when Freycinet National Park re-opened the day we arrived in Bicheno.
I was ridiculously excited to explore the National Park. It’s where the gorgeous Wineglass Bay is located, somewhere I’ve wanted to visit for years. Not even the fact that it would involve a two hour hike to get to the viewpoint could dampen my spirits.
Shockingly, the walk ended up being more of a struggle than I’d anticipated but the views were more than worth it. Wineglass Bay was so, so beautiful.
After finishing up in Freycinet, it was time to head up the coast to St. Helens. Our drive took us past even more ridiculously gorgeous beaches, with us choosing to eat our breakfast of Vegemite sandwiches at this beach…
And our lunch here!
The spectacular scenery of Tasmania isn’t limited to the coastline. Driving inland on the way up to St Helens had us passing through rugged mountains, great expanses of green and yellow fields laced with tall forests and sparkling highland lakes– I was absolutely taken in by its beauty.
Even with us stopping and taking photos every 4 seconds, we arrived in St. Helens several hours too early for check-in. Knowing that Tasmania has never let us down with its beaches so far, we got back in the car and drove along the coast.
A few minutes later, we stumbled upon Binalong Bay.
And it had some of the whitest, cleanest sand I’ve ever seen…
I spent a week in Tasmania and I could have spent so much longer. In the future, I plan on returning and spending months there. I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love. Tasmania was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited with incredible landscapes and yet most visitors to Australia choose to ignore it.
If you’re planning a trip to Australia don’t be one of them.
Go to Tasmania.
Where to Go in Tasmania
Tasmania is an incredible island, and it can be tough narrowing down where to visit. Here’s a rundown of my favourite places:
Hobart: What an adorable city! Hobart is the perfect place to spend a few days visiting coffee shops and art galleries, and eating delicious food by the harbour.
Cradle Mountain: Feel free to skip Cradle Mountain if you’re not a hiker, but it’s worth doing if you’re keen to do some walking. It’s easy hiking here, with a boardwalk for much of the route, but it’s still spectacular.
The East Coast: Choose to drive the east coast rather than taking an inland route. The east coast is home to so many ridiculously beautiful beaches, and you won’t find a single person on them. Plan to spend three times as much time driving as your GPS predicts, and stop off at all of the beaches. Each one offers something special.
St Helens: St Helens has some incredible beaches. Binalong Bay is the star of the show here, but drive a few minutes along the coast and you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous beaches with far less people on them.
Freycinet National Park: Aim to spend at least two days here, exploring and hiking the area. Wineglass Bay is a must-visit, especially if you only have one day.
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So beautiful! Nice white sand, blue beach, lovely mountains, wide road good for road trips. Wow :D
It was amazing for road tripping! And given that public transport is pretty much non-existent in Tasmania, it’s a good thing too! :-)
Wow, really incredible! I love following your journey. I think you’ve single-handedly made me want to go backpacking again, even after I “retired” in 2009, haha.
Aww, thank you so much for the lovely comment, Joey! You should go ;-)
Wow, amazing. And now I’m adding it to my list…
Yay! Glad to hear it :-)
Tasmania is by far my favourite state. I’m glad you had an incredible time there :)
Awesome! I’m glad to hear you love it too :-)
Wow, those are some amazing pictures. This definitely moves Tasmania up my list of places to travel.
Thanks Joshua! It should definitely be near the top of your list ;-)
I didn’t get the chance to visit Tasmania during my trip to Australia. Looking at your beautiful pictures, makes me want to hop on the next flight to Australia :p
Haha, next time you can visit, right? :-)
I’m going to Tasmania next week and after reading this post I’m even more excited! Amazing photos!
Glad to hear it! I hope you enjoy your time in Tasmania :-)
I spent a long weekend in Hobart in the fall and absolutely loved it–but I absolutely need to go back to Tasmania and do a proper road trip! Such a gorgeous, laid-back part of Australia.
Wow, now I’m wondering if I should extend my stay in Australia (planned for later this year) to take in Tasmania!
OMG, I’m in love! Thank you for this.
it’s gorgeous!
Tasmania is really, really gorgeous. Did you do the walk that takes you along the beach of Wineglass Bay? It’s a breathtaking lunch spot too :)
Incredible pictures. You’ve sure got me convinced to go!
My Tasmanian colleague always goes on about how gorgeous Tassie is, but I always thought he’d be biased. It does look stunning I have to say. Never considered it a travel destination to be honest, but seeing your photos really makes me want to go.
Tasmania is so clean and beautiful!
The Beach photo (4th from top) is so inviting…
Looks absolutely stunning!
You’re right about people overlooking Tasmania as a place to visit! Most people seem to gravitate towards Sydney or Melbourne. I live in Australia and have never really considered visiting Tasmania but your pictures have pretty much changed my mind!
I want to go sooo much! xx
Stunning! Tasmania has always been a bit of a mystery to me, and somewhere that seems easy to forget or ignore. Not any more, thanks to these gorgeous pictures! It will definitely be on our itinerary for an antipodean tour!
Wow, this place looks incredible. I must go to Tasmania one day. Your photo’s are brilliant!
Wow, better than Cambodia?? It’s hard to believe, so I guess I’ll have to go there myself! Thanks for the inspiration :)
Holy cow! I am SOLD.
It looks amazing!!
All that blue, blue skies and blue seas, it really looks like Paradise.
awesome landscape! that’s is indeed gorgeous!
Those are some beautiful beaches. Uncrowded too! My kind of place.
Amazing photos–it looks so beautiful! Would love to go there one day–I will have to add it to my list :)
OH WOW!!!! How lovely that is! Now I have an excuse to visit my Uncle’s family who just immigrated to Tasmania a few months ago. They never said it was this beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Lauren! :)
Hi April!
You definitely should go visit your family there — Tasmania is wonderful!
As an Aussie should I be ashamed I’ve never been there! It does look beautiful. There are some really huge trees in the forests there my parents rave about.
Love your photos..I’ve lived in Tassie almost my whole 45yrs apart from 2yrs in the mainland,this place will always be home. 4 years ago I married a guy that is West Aust born,he loves & knows Tassie more than I do,when we get the chance we goto places around Tassie..little towns,dirt roads that don’t even show on a map,we’ve seen alot but still plenty more to explore,we’re looking forward to our next adventure :-)
Hi Heather, I think that’s fantastic that you’re still discovering new places after 45 years there! It just goes to show that I really did just scratch the surface. I can’t wait to return :-)
Hi Lauren
Great write up of our beautiful Island State of Tasmania. I must thank you so much for wonderfully showcasing my home. I hope more people come and visit and discover the beauty Tasmania has to offer. I already know how great it is down here and I love nothing more than showing it off to Tourists who come and visit. Well done and thank you again. Cheers Michelle
Thanks, Michelle! I really hope I can encourage more people to visit Tasmania. It really is a spectacular place, and too many people forget to pay it a visit!
Hi Laurren, glad you enjoyed your trip to Tasmania, i am a local Tasmanian i was born and raised here and i wouldnt wanna live any where else, our weather motto here is 4 seasons in 1 day, if you o[en the door and dont like the weather close it and open it again in 10 mins. if visiting Tassie threw the colder months, may – sep bring a warm jacket, if travelling threw the warmer months Oct – April bring sun block and a big ass hat. ENJOY YOUR STAY IN TASMANIA
Ha, they say the same about London, Renee! I think I experience 4 seasons just on our drive up to Mount Wellington! There was a heat wave on the ground, and it was freezing at the top :-)
Lovely blog. Our family moved from Fremantle, Western Australia (one of Australia’s most desirable places) to live in Tasmania six years ago and haven’t regretted it for a second. It’s great to see other people love the place as much as we do.
Thank you, Brian! I’m glad you enjoyed it :-) I think I’d choose Tasmania over anywhere else in Australia.
Hi Lauren,
I lived in Tasmania for eleven years.
You have let the secret out.
Ha! Sorry about that :-)
Thank you for sharing your experience in Tasmania! Next time I visit Australia, I will try to make time to get there. If you loved Tasmania, I promise you that you will love New Zealand as much or even more! (I live in the U.S.). Please take time to drive around NZ (and one week for both islands would be too much) and post your photos and story!
Hi Katy,
I flew to New Zealand straight after Tasmania and spent two months road tripping from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and visited 40-odd places :-) I loved it! And I’ve posted dozens of photos and stories from New Zealand :-)
After I made the comment, I read more about you and found out that did go to NZ. I am really impressed with your focus and determination. I will look for your write up on NZ and other places. Your photos are amazing! What camera do you use?
Best wishes for the new year!
Thanks, Katy! I use a Canon 550D :-)
I’m going out to tasmania in march for 6 months to work. I’ve been looking online for information and pictures and unfortunately fell short, before stumbling upon this post. The pictures look amazing and reading your post has made me even more excited!!!
I’m glad to hear that, Roxy! I hope you have an amazing time :-)
I had a very similar road trip around Tassie last year and fell in love! I know exactly what you’re feeling, I spent 12 days and I wish I would’ve never boarded my return flight back into Sydney! I took so many photos I’m first going through and posting about my trip on my blog now, I think you’ll enjoy them ;)
Nice! I’m already trying to convince Dave to return to Tasmania and stay for months with me!
Going to Tassie with six of my family members at the end of this year for a two week road trip. SO excited. This post has just made me all the more excited. Although an Australian (from Perth) we’ve never been, so I can’t wait.
I’m so pleased to hear that, Carmen! I hope you have a wonderful trip! :-)
Beautiful photos. My grandparents are originally from Tasmania and I have such a longing to go and see all the beauty there and the history. It’s a special place. We live in North Queensland and the cost to get my family down there is the problem. I went when I was 6 and all I remember is fields of buttercups daffodils and visiting great aunts. One day I’ll get there!!!
Thanks, Charli! It’s definitely worth the visit :-)
Iam so glad you loved Tasmania because most people who have been to New Zealand tend to think that Tasmania isn’t as beautiful.Since you have been to both ,iam so happy that you still love Tasmania
Absolutely! I can’t wait to return :-)
Hi Lauren. Been tossing up whether to visit Tasmania or not. Not really expecting an answer I typed Shall I go to Tassie. Wow I’m glad I did cause I found your lovely informative blog, and amazing pics. Thank you for sharing.
There are some very good deals at the moment, but I’m wondering is it best to go in November or Feb. Living in Qld I relish the chance to get away from the hot weather. Enjoyed reading about your travels. Cheers. Jennifer
I’d guess maybe November then? I went in January and there were wildfires everywhere! Well, in a lot of places.
I stumbled upon your blog while travelling in Laos & doing some research on Luang Prabang. I’m really enjoying reading your blog entries, some entertaining stories for sure! Being from Tasmania originally it’s great to read such positive reviews & also inspire me to get back there & explore more of my own home state. Travelled to 40 or so countries and still never been to cradle mountain or Binnalong Bay!
Yay! You’re lucky to be from there — it’s a beautiful place! :-)
What about the Tarkine Wilderness and Rainforest? I am planning a trip and that looks amazing – has anyone been?
I’m afraid I haven’t. It looks amazing, though!
Hey! What gorgeous photos! Could unjust check with you though, what’s driving in Tasmania like? The road conditions, weather, patience of other drivers etc. I’m planning to do a solo trip there end aug. Wasn’t planning to drive but I kept hearing about the public transport conditions and that I should drive. But I’m a little worried cos I’m a pretty inexperienced driver and I’ll be alone. So, :(. Thanks!
It was super easy to drive around. Not many people visit, so the roads were pretty empty most of the time. You don’t really need to worry about the patience of the others drivers, as you’ll hardly run into any outside of the cities. Roads were all paved and smooth and fine, like you’d get in any Western country. I don’t think you need to worry about it.
A great story highlighting the very best of Tasmania. I agree with the comment regarding driving. Everywhere is simple and easy to drive in Tassie but definitely allow plenty of extra time to get between points as there are so many scenic places to stop along the way.