Southern Tasmania Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Southern Tasmania with our travel guide. Discover natural attractions, cultural hotspots, food and drink scene, and more. Read now!


Introduction to Southern Tasmania

Southern Tasmania is a mother lode of natural wonders, art, culture, and history. Tucked in the southeastern part of Tasmania, it boasts stunning coastal vistas, towering peaks, verdant valleys, exquisite heritage sites, and much more. Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, relax by the beach, explore the rich history and culture, or savor sumptuous food and wine, Southern Tasmania offers it all. This comprehensive travel guide is a roadmap to help you experience the best of Southern Tasmania.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Tasmania

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Old and New Art (MONA): This avant-garde museum is one of the finest contemporary art museums in the world. The subterranean architecture and eclectic collection of art and antiquities make it a must-visit attraction.
  • Port Arthur Historic Site: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a prime example of Australia’s convict history. Explore the ruins, take a ghost tour, or visit the museum.
  • Cascade Brewery: Established in 1832, Cascade is Australia’s oldest continuously operated brewery. Visit for a beer-tasting session and learn about the history of beer-making in Australia.
  • Salamanca Market: This vibrant market is a must-visit for foodies and souvenir hunters. Browse through the stalls and pick up some handmade crafts, fresh produce, and locally sourced delicacies.

Natural Attractions of Southern Tasmania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Freycinet National Park: Freycinet boasts some of the most picturesque coastal views in Australia. Go on a hike, paddle around secluded coves, or simply watch the sunset.
  • Mount Wellington: This 1,270-meter peak offers breathtaking views of Hobart and beyond. Take a scenic drive, hike to the summit, or explore the mountain bike trails.
  • Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs: Explore the subterranean world of limestone caves and take a dip in the warm thermal springs.
  • Bruny Island: This unspoiled island features pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and gourmet food and drink.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Tasmania

  • Three Capes Track: This four-day hike offers spectacular views of the Tasman Peninsula and the Southern Ocean. Stay overnight in comfortable cabins.
  • Tasmanian Trail: This 480-km trail offers an immersive experience in the Tasmanian countryside. Hike, bike or horse-ride through diverse landscapes, forests, and farmlands.
  • South Coast Track: This six-day hike takes you through some of the most remote wilderness areas of Tasmania. Expect rugged landscapes, wild weather, and stunning vistas.

Best Things to Do in Southern Tasmania: Activities and Tours

  • Wine-tasting tours: Tasmania is renowned for its cool-climate wines. Join a wine-tasting tour in the Coal River Valley, Huon Valley, or Derwent Valley.
  • Wildlife tours: Encounter native animals such as wallabies, wombats, and echidnas with a wildlife tour in the Tasmanian wilderness.
  • Sea kayaking tours: Explore the rugged coastlines and hidden coves of Tasmania’s waterways with a sea kayaking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Tasmania

Day Itinerary
1 Explore Hobart’s cultural and culinary attractions
2 Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site and take a ghost tour
3 Hike in the Freycinet National Park and take a sunset cruise
4 Relax on Bruny Island, visit the lighthouse, and try local delicacies
5 Explore the Hastings Caves and thermal springs
6 Take a wildlife tour and visit the MONA museum of contemporary art
7 Hike the Mount Wellington trail and join a wine-tasting tour

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Tasmania

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tasmanian scallops: Freshly caught scallops served with local herbs and butter.
  • Salmon and trout: Tasmania is known for its sustainably farmed fish, especially Atlantic salmon and freshwater trout.
  • Wallaby steak: Lean and flavorful meat with a gamey taste.
  • Abalone: A rare and expensive delicacy, abalone is considered a Tasmanian specialty.

Local Beverages

  • Tasmanian wine: Tasmania produces some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines, especially Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sparkling wine.
  • Cascade beer: The oldest brewery in Australia, Cascade is known for its classic Tasmanian beers such as Cascade Pale Ale and Cascade Premium Light.
  • Gin: Tasmania is home to several artisanal gin distilleries, such as Lark Distillery and McHenry Distillery.

Where to Stay in Southern Tasmania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • MONA Pavilions: Luxury accommodations with panoramic views of the Derwent River and the Mona museum.
  • The Henry Jones Art Hotel: A boutique hotel housed in a historic building on Hobart’s waterfront.
  • YHA Hostel Hobart: Affordable and centrally located hostel with a charming atmosphere.
  • Bay of Fires Bush Retreat: A rustic eco-lodge located in the Bay of Fires region.

What to Buy in Southern Tasmania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Art and crafts: Tasmania produces some of the finest handmade crafts, including woodwork, glassware, and textiles. Visit the Salamanca Market for a wide range of options.
  • Tasmanian devil souvenirs: The Tasmanian devil is an iconic animal of Tasmania, and you can find plushy toys and other souvenirs featuring this endangered species.
  • Tasmanian honey: Tasmania is famous for its unique varieties of honey, such as leatherwood honey and meadow honey.
  • Whisky: Tasmania is fast emerging as a whisky destination, with several distilleries producing world-class single malts.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Tasmania

  • Respect for nature: Tasmanians have a deep connection to nature, and it’s important to respect the environment and follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • Friendliness and hospitality: Tasmanians are a welcoming and friendly bunch, and visitors are often surprised by how helpful and hospitable the locals are.
  • Protecting wildlife: Tasmania is home to many unique and endangered species, and it’s important to refrain from feeding or harassing them.

Best Time to Visit Southern Tasmania

The best time to visit Southern Tasmania is from late spring (October) to early autumn (April). This period offers comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. The peak tourist season is from December to February, but expect higher prices and busier attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Tasmania

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Tasmania is a nature lover’s paradise, with stunning national parks, coastal walks, and mountain trails.
  • Try the local food and drink: Tasmania is home to some of Australia’s best produce, including salmon, oysters, cheese, and wine.
  • Respect local culture: Tasmanians are proud of their heritage, and it’s important to show respect for local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment: Tasmania’s natural beauty is its most precious asset, and it’s important to preserve it for future generations.
  • Feed or disturb wildlife: Tasmania has strict laws protecting its unique wildlife, and it’s important not to interfere with their natural behavior.
  • Drink and drive: This is a serious offense in Tasmania, and the penalties are severe.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Tasmania

Tasmania is generally a safe destination, but visitors should exercise caution when exploring the wilderness, especially if hiking alone. Be mindful of weather conditions, carry appropriate gear and inform someone of your itinerary before heading out. Look out for signs of snakes, spiders, and other potentially dangerous wildlife.

Health in Southern Tasmania

Tasmania has an efficient healthcare system, and visitors can access medical services in hospitals and clinics throughout the state. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical services and repatriation.

Getting to Southern Tasmania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern Tasmania

  • Hobart International Airport: The largest airport in Tasmania, Hobart International Airport is located 17 km from Hobart city center.

Bus Stations Near Southern Tasmania

  • Hobart Bus Station: The main bus station in Hobart, located in the city center.

Other Options

  • Ferry: Visitors can reach Tasmania by ferry from Melbourne via Spirit of Tasmania.
  • Car rental: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore Southern Tasmania independently.

How to Get Around in Southern Tasmania

Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Southern Tasmania, especially if you want to explore the wilderness areas.

Public Transport: Tasmania has a reliable public bus network, operated by Metro Tasmania.

Taxi: Taxis are available in major towns and cities, but may be scarce in rural areas.

Where to Go Next from Southern Tasmania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: A wilderness area known for its alpine landscapes, hiking trails, and stunning scenery.
  • Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour: A remote wilderness area accessible only by boat or plane, Port Davey is a paradise for kayakers, hikers, and nature lovers.
  • Maria Island National Park: An island national park with a rich history and abundant wildlife, located off the east coast of Tasmania.

Conclusion

Southern Tasmania is a dream destination for every traveler, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, history, art, and food. Whether you decide to hike in the wilderness, explore the museums and galleries, or simply relax by the beach, Southern Tasmania has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and discover the best of Tasmania.

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    Derwent Valley
    Greater Hobart
    Huon and Far South
    Tasman and South East