Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Tasmanian summer brings long days perfect for hiking and exploring. Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires are at their most accessible. MONA's Dark Mofo festival in June is spectacular for those who don't mind the cold.
Top Destinations in Tasmania
Hobart
Salamanca Place, Battery Point, MONA and Mount Wellington form the cultural and geographic heart of Tassie's capital.
Cradle Mountain
One of Australia's most iconic hiking destinations, the Overland Track starts here and the Dove Lake Circuit is unmissable.
Freycinet National Park
Wineglass Bay, one of the world's most photographed beaches, and stunning pink granite peaks along Tasmania's east coast.
Bay of Fires
Lichen-covered orange boulders, impossibly clear water and white sand beaches on one of Australia's most beautiful stretches of coastline.
MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art, 15 minutes from Hobart by ferry, is the most remarkable privately funded museum in the world.
Huon Valley
Apple orchards, salmon farms, artisan cheese makers and beautiful river scenery just an hour south of Hobart.
Must-Do Experiences
Hike to Wineglass Bay lookout
A 3km return walk from the Freycinet car park rewards with one of Australia's most beautiful views. Go early to beat the crowds.
Visit MONA by ferry
The $28 return ferry from Sullivan's Cove is part of the experience. MONA itself is free for Tasmanian residents, $35 for other Australian visitors.
Walk the Overland Track
This 65km wilderness trail from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair takes 6 to 8 days and is one of Australia's great multi-day walks.
Eat oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm
Fresh oysters directly from the lease in Coles Bay are $1.50 each and among the best in Australia. A non-negotiable stop.
Accommodation Tips
Budget (hostels, camping)
$28 to $65 per night
Hobart has good hostel options near Salamanca. National park camping requires booking online via the Parks Tasmania portal.
Mid-range (B&Bs, cottages)
$110 to $200 per night
Self-contained cottages across the Huon Valley and Freycinet area offer excellent value and the most atmospheric stays.
Premium (boutique lodges)
$220 to $500+ per night
Pumphouse Point and Saffire Freycinet are exceptional but book months in advance. Summer school holidays sell out immediately.
Budget Breakdown
Approximate daily costs for a solo traveller in Tasmania.
Prices are approximate guides based on 2025 averages.
The Tarkine
Australia's largest temperate rainforest covers 447,000 hectares in Tasmania's north-west and sees a fraction of the visitors that Cradle Mountain and Freycinet attract. Ancient myrtle beech forests, wild coastline and absolute silence.