A Canberra Girl’s Guide to Tasmania
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Tasmania is only a hop, skip and a jump away, and yet there seem to be very few recommendations of what to do. Luckily, after spending a week exploring the island with my family, I now have plenty of suggestions!
Each day in our trip was at a new place, allowing us to explore more of Tasmania’s South and West Coast. Not only does this mean I got to see many incredible sights, but it also means more recommendations for you.
So, take this as a sign to book that mid-year trip and explore what Tasmania has to offer.
Sink your teeth into some great food
Ashgrove Cheese Factory (Elizabeth Town)
With the average Australian eating roughly 13.5 kilograms of cheese per year, it’s essential that cheese lovers stop here! For over 100 years, a local family has been farming this patch of Tasmania and crafting world-class cheese since 1993. Cheese lovers may recognise the name, these products are on the shelves at home! Visit their Dairy Door to see their cheese-making process before embarking on a cheese tasting, digging into some nachos and finishing with locally made ice-cream. Moo-re of this please!
6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town | Find out more here.
The Metz (Hobart)
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This bustling restaurant in Sandy Bay provided us with undoubtedly some of the best pizzas we’ve had all year. A perfect balance of flavours and a light base – we couldn’t resist!
217 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay | Find the menu here
Spreyton Cider Co (Spreyton)
Take some weight off your feet and sit down for a refreshing cider tasting at Spreyton’s! They’ve been growing apples for the people of Tasmania and reserving some for delicious ciders since 1908. I couldn’t go past the sweet Apple & Raspberry. If you’re not an alcohol drinker, enjoy a flight of home-made juice!
6 Melrose Road, Spreyton | Check out their history and menu here
Jack Greene (Hobart)
The burgers from this quaint European beer bar setting hit the spot perfectly after a jam-packed day! The busy state of the restaurant speaks to how enticing the burgers were…
49 Salamanca Place, Battery Point | Find a menu here
The Highlander Arms Tarraleah Estate (Tarraleah)
This cosy dinner spot offers casual pub style meals using locally procured ingredients where possible. The food was tasty and warm – perfect on a cold night. In warmer months their outdoor patio serves as a great place to relax and enjoy a cold drink.
Main Square, 25 Oldina Drive, Tarraleah | Find out more here
Take some time in nature
Mount Field National Park
Pack those hiking boots! Mt Field offers nature lovers a variety of walks with varying challenge levels, but equal levels of incredible nature. Russell Falls walk takes you through a mixed forest of swamp gums, the tallest flowering plant on Earth and more! The Horseshoe Falls is a quick detour off the Russell Falls walk but well worth it. Enjoy the opportunity to absorb the fresh air and look out over incredible views and become bewildered at just how tall these trees are (hence the aptly named ‘Tall Trees’ walk also on offer)! On each of these walks, take time to look at all the small details, notably the texture of the moss and the shapes and colours of mushrooms.
66 Lake Dobson Road, National Park | Plan your visit here
kunanyi / Mount Wellington (Hobart)
Observe Hobart from high up at kunanyi / Mount Wellington! While the drive to the top of the mountain may feel incredibly precarious, the view makes it all worth it. Road access may be restricted during winter months due to snow and ice, so it’s best to check the road status before heading up. It’s also roughly 10 degrees colder at the top, so pack an extra layer!
kunanyi / Mount Wellington details here
Franklin River Nature Trail
Let your worries flow away as you walk alongside the Franklin River! This part-boardwalk track takes you through a beautiful mossy rainforest (think the Botanical Gardens Rainforest but denser) and straight to the bank of the Franklin River. Scattered along the walk are signs explaining some of the many values of the region, and a sign sharing what the river means to local primary school students. Cute!
Find out more here
Donaghys Hill
While the climb may be harder than you’d expect, it’s doable! And once you get to the top, a view of wilderness, rugged mountains and the Franklin River await you (and your camera). The track climbs through forest and scrub to a high lookout perched on rocky Donaghys Hill where you can survey the area. Take a moment when you’re ascending to stop and listen to the complete silence around you. It feels very mysterious and yet so calming.
Donaghys Hill Nature Trail, Southwest | Learn more about the walk here
Lake St Clair
While Tasmania is well-known for Cradle Mountain, the lesser-known Lake St Clair may pip it in my opinion! Whether you’re looking to camp here or just enjoy some short walks, Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, will deliver. Picture glistening lakes, fringed by dense forests and high mountains. Sounds picturesque? My words can’t do it justice. Keep an eye out for native wildlife – we saw a wombat enjoying some grass, and if you go at the right time, you may see some resident platypus!
Find out more here
Cradle Mountain
What would a trip to Tasmania be without visiting Cradle Mountain? If the weather isn’t as clear as you would like it to be, it’s still a majestic nature reserve. Crystal clear waters, lookouts over the valley, bursting nature. The Dove Lake circuit is the perfect way to see prime views of the mountains around. This is another great place to keep an eye out for wombats – even when you’re on the bus taking you directly to the mountain. On that note, make sure you don’t miss the last bus service to take you from the vista to the car park!
Get your fix of incredible art
The Museum of Old and New Art / MoNA (Hobart)
The Museum of Old and New Art (lovingly known as MoNA) is something we were hesitant about. But it turned out to be a highlight of the trip. Dedicate a lot of time towards your trip here – there are so many things to explore. Make a stop at their in-house café for the full experience! Visit with an open artsy mind and make sure you’ve downloaded their app which tells you about the displays. Keep an eye out for the ‘4 pm’ exhibit which is different every day…
655 Main Road, Berriedale | Find out what’s on here
The Wall in the Wilderness (Derwent Bridge)
While on your way to Lake St Claire, stop at ‘The Wall in the Wilderness’ a 100-metre handcrafted wooden sculpture portraying the spirit and history of Central Highlanders. Artist Greg Duncan set out with a mission in 2005 to sculpt a 3-metre-tall Huon Pine wall and over a decade later is still progressing. Duncan has mastered the art of intricate details, which will leave you in awe. The artist has requested no photos be taken of his work, which invites you to become fully immersed in the creation.
15352 Lyell Highway, Derwent Bridge | Learn more about the process here
Explore over 160 murals (Sheffield)
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The small town of Sheffield has made a name for itself with murals dotted throughout! Take yourself on a tour and explore over 160 murals painted on the walls of shopfronts, brick walls, old buildings, and more. These artworks depict local stories and characters (keep an eye out for the real Ludo and his alpaca Pedro the Poser). Make sure you visit Mural Park to see the winning works from each year’s Mural Fest too!
5 Pioneer Crescent, Sheffield | Get a sneak peek at some of the murals here
More fun things to do
Salamanca Markets (Hobart)
An absolute must-do is the Salamanca Markets, which is on every Saturday from 8.30 am till 3 pm. Packed full of locals and tourists alike, this is the spot to pick up some lovingly made trinkets, indulge in some great food, and browse knick-knacks. For fans of Canberra’s Handmade Markets, this will be like a gold mine!
Salamanca Place, Hobart | Plan your visit here
Take a walk around town (Hobart)
Part of Hobart’s charm is the old sandstone buildings. Make the most of your day and set out early for a walk in Battery Point to learn a bit about the beautiful (and very Instagram-worthy) historical buildings! Keep a lookout for the old Signalman’s cottage at the top corner of Princes Park and learn how the mast was used to spread messages back in its glory days.
Learn more about Hobart’s history here
Don River Railway (Don)
All aboard! Ride back in time on a heritage train from the Eastern bank of the Don River to their junction in Coles Beach. Complete with a physical ticket that gets punched by a train conductor, you’ll get the whole show! After the short trip through the trees, have a wander through their museum and workshop and marvel at all the heritage locomotives and carriages on display.
Forth Road, Don | Book your tickets here
Tasmazia (Promised Land)
If you think you’re a great navigator, put those skills to the test in the eight different mazes at Tasmazia! With mazes of varying levels of difficulty, you’re sure to find yourself lost and laughing. But it’s not just mazes! Explore the quirky model village built to 1/5 scale and take a trip round the world in their Embassy Gardens, with buildings dedicated to over 40 countries, as well as a few imaginary ones… With so much to do here, dedicate some time to let that inner child run free.
500 Staverton Road, Promised Land | Start memorising the mazes here
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse (Devonport)
Photo spot alert! The Candy-striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse built in 1889 is still operating, guiding ships safely around the rocks. Head here to watch the sunset and snap some incredible shots.
39 Bluff Access Road, Devonport | Learn about its history here
Planning on booking? Here are some top tips!
- Get a National Parks pass to make the most of Tasmania’s stunning nature.
- Download a map of Tasmania before heading over – some places don’t have great reception. Google Maps has a ‘download map’ feature.
- Start a game of spotting the mushrooms! These fungi grow in all shapes and colours and once you’ve started looking out for them, it becomes an addictive game to find one in every colour!
