Lydia LeeLocated off Australia’s southernmost coast, Tasmania comprises a plethora of stunning landscapes that set the backdrop for equally invigorating experiences. From breathtaking views atop the peak of Mount Wellington, forest airwalks, fresh seafood, adorable wildlife, camping in the wilderness and more; you’ll find yourself falling in love with this gorgeous gem of a city.
Don’t believe me? Here are 10 irresistible reasons to visit Tasmania, and make it your next favourite travel destination!
| And if you’re too lazy to plan out your trip, why not let the experts at Dynasty Travel do that for you? This specially curated 8D6N Tasmania, Nature & Wildlife package brings you the best of Tasmania – ALL in one trip! Fly Down Under in comfort and style via Melbourne with Singapore Airlines, and kickstart your Aussie adventure today. |
1. The city is full of soul
Image credit: (left) Anthony Thong Lee, (right) Warrick Wynne
Get to the heart of Tasmania in its capital city, Hobart. This underrated city has a tendency to come in second place for many things; it is the second oldest capital city, the second least populated Australian state capital city, and has the second deepest natural port in the world! Still, Hobart places first in displaying extraordinary spirit, and the city bursts with exuberant energy and soul. To better experience this, take a walk through the city centre, dine at the many restaurants and spend a peaceful time along the dazzling waterfront.
2. You will be floored by the scenic views
Image credit: Andrea Schaffer
Located right in the backyard of Hobart is the iconic Mount Wellington, also affectionately referred to as kunanyi. Rising 1,271 metres above sea level, this spectacular mountain consists of different environments – with lush forests, dolerite columns and snow-peaked caps, expect a surprise at every turn. Whether you bike or hike, make your way up to the summit to enjoy views that are out of this world.
Image credit: Mark Pegrum
The high vantage point guarantees unfettered views of the surrounding landscape, and you cannot help but marvel at such natural beauty. While feeling like you’re on the top of the world, be on the lookout for prominent areas such as Bruny Island, the Iron Pot and the Tasman Peninsula. Also, don’t forget to capture this moment with a perfect panoramic shot!
3. There are exciting ways to interact with nature
Image credit: (left) Tahune Airwalk, (right) Discover Tasmania
Reinvent your relationship with nature by interacting with it in a more active and personal way. Ditch your regular forest hikes for the Tahune Forest Airwalk, where you will literally walk next to these forest giants. The walkway rests between 20 to 30 metres above ground, and culminates at a cantilevered platform 50 metres above the riverbank. It may sound daunting, but any fear of heights will quickly dissipate when you concentrate on the unique patterns of the trees, energetic wildlife, and sublime views of the river and mountains. Basic fitness is required for the walk, and a return trip is expected to take 50 minutes to complete.
Image credit: Discover Tasmania
The Cataract Gorge Reserve is another excellent destination for an unconventional experience with nature. The gorge reserve is a natural formation that rests on the South Esk River, and boasts a variety of gardens and lakes. Not only is it a great place for a leisurely picnic or swim, but it also offers the world’s longest single span chairlift! Get strapped in with a friend to make your way across 308 metres of the rock gorge, and immerse in the surreal beauty all around you.
| Get one step closer to these exhilarating activities and embark on an 8D6N Tasmania, Nature and Wildlife tour with Dynasty Travel. You don’t have to go through the hassle of planning your own itinerary, plus transport and accommodation have all been arranged for you – so just sit back and focus on having fun! Expect a refreshing tour of the underrated Tasmania, and of course, the adventure of a lifetime. |
4. It is home to an abundance of fresh local produce
Image credit: (left) Hazelbrae, (right) Ashgrove Cheese
Tasmania’s spectacular natural environment has not only given rise to great views, but also amazing food! Locals have taken advantage of good weather conditions and the abundance of land to grow fresh produce that is both healthy and delicious. For one, the humble family farm Hazelbrae is dedicated to planting and harvesting hazelnuts, a sweet and nutritious treat. Take a walk through the flourishing hazelnut grove, and pick up some hearty hazelnut snacks at the store. You will nut regret it!
In addition, Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm is renowned for all things dairy – with their very own in-house factory, you can’t get it any fresher than this. Drop by for a taste of their creamy farm ice-cream, fresh milk, cream and of course, an assortment of cheeses. On top of satisfying your taste-buds, you can also learn about the fusion of traditional and modern techniques used on the farm, and even get your own hands dirty.
Image credit: Discover Tasmania
Aside from going directly to the food source, you can also check out the best of Tasmania’s local produce at the Salamanca Market. As the state’s most visited tourist attraction, the market has won many awards and continually strives to improve its selection of stalls. Make sure you go with an empty stomach to make space for freshly baked breads, mouth-watering hot dishes, refreshing desserts and of course, wine.
Don’t underestimate the power of street vendors; these stall-holders are all chefs in their own right, and have mastered the art of bringing out the best of these locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the high quality of food, and fall in love with the local produce. While you’re trying hard to stave off your food coma, take a walk and shop at the other stalls – it’ll be hard to resist buying the beautiful flowers, locally-made handicrafts and bespoke jewellery.
5. You can indulge in the freshest seafood
Image credit: Barilla Bay
Seafood lovers, here’s a treat for you! Aside from amazing farm produce, Tasmania is also renowned for their top-notch seafood. Barilla Bay is committed in their efforts to cultivate fresh oysters, and they are continually equipping themselves with new technologies to improve the quality of their shellfish. Drop by their facility to find out about all the work that goes behind the scenes, and indulge in the freshest, most succulent oysters you will ever taste.
In addition, swing by the Tas Live Abalone Factory, which supplies 25% of the entire world’s abalone! Their well established fisheries ensure that the sea continues to maintain a healthy proportion of abalone, and that their harvests remain to be of the highest quality. Have a guided tour around the factory, taste freshly cooked abalone, and remember to buy some home for your loved ones!
| Your Tasmanian adventure would not be perfect without such delectable delights, of course! Dynasty Travel offers an 8D6N Tasmania, Nature and Wildlife tour that will take you on a true gastronomic adventure – aside from the abovementioned places, the tour also includes visits to the Sorell Fruit Farm and the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company, which serve fresh jams, honeys and chutneys. It’ll be a real treat for your tastebuds! |
6. Adorable animals are waiting for you!
Image credit: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
As you already know, Tasmania is home to none other than the Tasmanian devil. While nowhere near as menacing as the caricature from Looney Tunes, this carnivorous marsupial is definitely not to be trifled with. To get a better understanding of this adorable-yet-fiery animal, head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a social enterprise that fights to protect endangered species. Get up and close with your favourite native kangaroos, as well as underrated animals like the Eastern quolls, wombats and of course, the Tasmanian devils. These furry critters will win your heart over in no time!
Image credit: Discover Tasmania
Be charmed by more exotic animals at the Platypus House, which exclusively houses echidnas and Tasmanian platypuses. These unique, egg-laying mammals cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and increased efforts have been made to raise awareness about them. No matter how elusive they are in the wild, it is guaranteed that you’ll catch a glimpse of them on the guided tour – get ready to learn about their fascinating biology and squeal at their cuteness!
7. Where else can you walk a day in the footsteps of a convict?
Image credit: Discover Tasmania
One of the most fundamental things to know about Australia is its historical significance as a land of penal colonies. For close to 100 years, the British Empire sent their political prisoners and other convicts to various colonies in Australia to be imprisoned. One of such colonies was located in Tasmania, and some 12,500 convicts served time and suffered hardship over the 47 years of its operation. Presently, it is known as the Port Arthur Historic Site, and is one of 11 UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict sites. Go back in time and walk the same path that thieves and murderers once did, and learn about the history and cultural significance of the events that transpired there. It’s an educational field-trip like no other!
| Don’t miss out on this intriguing outdoor lesson, and take advantage of Dynasty Travel’s 8D6N Tasmania, Nature and Wildlife tour to learn more about Tasmania’s history and culture. The expert guides will provide you with detailed explanations about the places of interest, and are happy to answer your queries. At the end of it, you’ll practically be an expert on all things Tasmanian, and fall in love with the state even more. |
8. Art and culture are all around you
Image credit: Sheffield Murals
Step into a world of colour at Sheffield, a rural town that’s best known for its vibrant and provocative murals. The numerous illustrations across many compounds evoke memories from different eras of the town’s history – from its humble agricultural background, to a bustling centre for industries and now, a prominent arts community. For one, the above mural, The Hardest Years, showcases the back-breaking work of the pioneer generation as they worked the land and sought to build up the town.
Image credit: Sheffield Murals
Other murals have been dedicated to commemorating significant townspeople, such as this mural named Mountain Rescue. Senior Constable Harry Clark was Tasmania’s longest serving policeman, and was integral in improving the efficiency of search and rescue operations in the mountains. Learn more about the history of this quaint town, and be mesmerised by the talent in Sheffield, Tasmania’s own outdoor art gallery.
9. Campgrounds have never been this stunning
Image credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Who needs glamping when you have Cradle Mountain as your campsite? With such a beautiful campground, it won’t be hard to channel your inner scout and do things the traditional way! The mountain is a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, and is one of the most sacred places in the whole state.
Image credit: Think Tasmania
Explore the various terrains and be enchanted by the luxuriant forests, tranquil lakes and alpine heaths. The iconic boat-shed is also a hot favourite for photography buffs, so get your cameras ready! At the end of an adventurous day, set up camp and be prepared for a captivating night under the stars.
10. Be free and frolic in the lavender fields
Image credit: Bridestowe Lavender Estate
“Remember to stop and smell the flowers” – at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, you can do just that. Spanning over 260 acres of flourishing lavender fields and landscaped gardens, this magnificent estate is a prime location for you to literally smell the flowers, and completely let loose. Leave all your troubles behind as you frolic through the endless vistas, and be overwhelmed by the vastness of the area. After you’ve had your fun, stop to admire these delicate blooms and be on the lookout for the friendly bees!
Image credit: blairwang
While there are around 39 species of lavender, the estate focuses on cultivating the Lavandula angustifolia. This is the only species that can be used in both culinary and perfume options, and is also known to possess therapeutic properties that promote health and beauty. What an amazing herb! You may be tempted to take some of it home for your own use, but remember not to pick any of it from the fields. Instead, drop by the visitor centre to stock up on their best-selling lavender oil and dried flowers.
Image credit: Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Complete your experience at the Woodcroft Cafe for a taste of lavender-inspired and infused goodies – try out classics snacks like lavender ice cream and cookies, but also new combinations like lavender flower honey and jellies. YUM!
| Are you convinced yet? With so many remarkable sights and intriguing activities to check out in Tasmania, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be your next travel destination! Furthermore, Dynasty Travel offers a 8D6N Tasmania, Nature and Wildlife tour that allows you to explore the very best of this irresistible island state.
Whether you want to experience bustling city life, or get in touch with Mother Nature and native wildlife, this jam-packed 8D6N Tasmania, Nature and Wildlife tour has it all covered! |
Don’t wait any longer, and discover the beautiful Tasmania today!
Brought to you by Dynasty Travel.
