Discover Tasmania: Drive, Trek, Taste & Hidden Gems

Tasmania packs an extraordinary amount into a compact island. Over 40% of the state is protected as national parks, reserves, and UNESCO World Heritage wilderness, while its cool-climate farms, vineyards, and distilleries have turned Tassie into one of Australia's most exciting food and drink destinations. 

Whether you're planning a scenic road trip, a multi-day hiking adventure, or a long weekend tasting your way through local produce, our House of Travel experts share the experiences that make Tassie utterly unforgettable.

What makes Tasmania a world-class Food and Wine destination?

Tasmania's food scene spans fresh-off-the-boat seafood, award-winning whisky distilleries, cool-climate vineyards, and hands-on farm experiences. The food and drink scene is blowing up thanks to that cool climate, clean air, and rich soil.

Where to find the freshest seafood in Tasmania

Seafood in Tasmania is completely worth the journey. Hursey's Seafood in Stanley has been serving crayfish and scallops for decades, while The Lobster Shack in Bicheno cooks live southern rock lobsters and serves them waterfront. On Bruny Island, Get Shucked has become a pilgrimage for oyster lovers. We recommend ordering the Mixed Dozen with a local craft beer for one of the best casual meals in the state. Good luck stopping at twelve!

For something more immersive, join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys on their Seafood Seduction cruise through the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Guides dive for fresh abalone and sea urchin before turning your catch into a gourmet feast on the water.

Tasmania's award-winning whisky and cool-climate wines

Tasmania now has more than 70 whisky distilleries, and they've become a genuine force at the World Whiskies Awards. Names like LARK, Sullivans Cove, Hellyers Road, Waubs Harbour, and Launceston Distillery have all earned international recognition, and most welcome visitors for tastings and tours.

The cool-climate vineyards are equally impressive. House of Arras sparkling from the Tamar Valley is widely regarded as Australia's finest, Bream Creek Vineyard on the East Coast produces Pinot Noir of real elegance, and Tolpuddle Vineyard in the Coal River Valley has made its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir a national benchmark. You’ll want to bring a designated driver!

Farm-to-Table experiences you shouldn't miss

On land, the Huon Valley's Willie Smith's Apple Shed pours some of Australia's finest organic cider alongside legendary apple pie and Friday night live music. In the north, Tasmanian Truffles lets you hunt Australia's first black truffles yourself, then watch your haul shaved fresh onto pizza, a hands-on food experience that's hard to beat. You’ll feel very fancy, lean into it!

HOT TIP: Don't miss The Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk, a light-filled restaurant and renowned cooking school situated in the repurposed heritage buildings of the town's former psychiatric hospital. It's one of Tasmania's most memorable dining experiences.

What are the best hikes and walks in Tasmania?

From the iconic Overland Track at Cradle Mountain to the Wineglass Bay lookout at Freycinet, Tasmania offers world-class hiking for every fitness level.With 19 national parks packed into an island of just 68,000 km², you're never far from a trail that will stop you in your tracks, from multi-day wilderness treks to gentle short walks with stunning coastal views.

Cradle Mountain and the Overland Track

Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is Tasmania's hiking icon. The Overland Track, a 65 km trek, threads through glacially carved valleys, ancient rainforest, and alpine meadows. It's consistently ranked among the world's great multi-day walks. Short on time? The Dove Lake circuit delivers the drama in just a few hours.

What about guided multi-day walks?

Tasmanian Walking Co offers some of Australia's most extraordinary guided walks, operating year-round with each route revealing a side of Tasmania that most visitors will never reach. Walks range from three to eight days, with options to suit every fitness level. Each night ends with a stay in exclusive lodges and eco camps along the trail — so you can push yourself by day and recover in comfort.

Freycinet and Wineglass Bay for epic views

On the east coast, Freycinet National Park draws visitors to Wineglass Bay — the lookout walk takes about an hour return, or extend to the full peninsula for granite peaks, secluded coves, and impossibly clear water. It's one of Tasmania's most photographed landscapes for good reason.

HOT TIP: Short on time? Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks range from seaside strolls to mountain-vista wanders, all accessible from major roads. They cover everything from rainforest to coastline and are perfect if you want dramatic scenery without committing to a multi-day trek.

What active adventures can you do in Tasmania beyond hiking?

Tasmania's adventure credentials go well beyond hiking. World-class mountain biking, scenic cycling routes, and links golf courses with jaw-dropping ocean views make Tassie a playground for active travellers looking for something different.

Mountain biking at Blue Derby and Maydena

Blue Derby has put Tasmania firmly on the global mountain biking map. Threaded through forests and myrtle beech, it offers 125 km of purpose-built enduro-style trails for all levels. The signature Blue Tier descent drops through its namesake mountain range and finishes at the Weldborough Hotel for a well-earned meal and beer. Cheers!

An hour west of Hobart, Maydena Bike Park delivers Australia's largest gravity terrain network, with over 70 trails and 820m of vertical drop through magnificent rainforest. It skews towards experienced riders, but newer family-friendly trails like Dirt Surfer offer a gentler introduction. Both parks offer bike hire, shuttles, and guided tours.

HOT TIP: After riding the trails at Blue Derby, wind down at Sauna Lake Derby — Australia's first floating wood-fired sauna. Take the plunge into the freshwater lake below for the perfect post-ride recovery.

Cycling from Launceston to Hobart

For road and touring cyclists, the guided cycling tour from Launceston to Hobart rolls through a postcard route: Bay of Fires, Bicheno's beaches, Wineglass Bay, and Maria Island. Tasmania's growing network of rail trails and open roads make it genuinely world-class cycling territory.

Golf on King Island

Tasmania claims five courses in the world's top 100, but few experiences match King Island. Hugging a spectacular coastline with undulating fairways, endless ocean vistas, and greens in excellent condition, it remains one of golf's truly great experiences — and one of Australia's best-kept sporting secrets. Fair warning; it’s hard to focus on your swing with that view. 

Where can you see wildlife and wilderness in Tasmania?

Over 40% of Tasmania is protected as national parks, reserves, and UNESCO World Heritage areas — 19 national parks in total, packed into an island of just 68,000 km². Visit Tasmanian devil sanctuaries, spot endemic bird species on Bruny Island, and join whale-watching tours off the Freycinet and Tasman peninsulas.

Ancient rainforests, alpine peaks dusted with snow, beaches so white they glow, and wildlife that will stop you mid-step, this is nature on a scale that feels both vast and intensely personal.

Tasmania's unique wildlife

Wildlife is part of the deal here. Visit a Tasmanian devil sanctuary to see the endangered marsupials up close, a must-do for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. With more than 300 bird species, including endemic species like the Tasmanian native hen and green rosella, Bruny Island, the Tamar Wetlands, and Mount Field National Park are serious birding ground.

Coastal and marine life

Offshore, the waters around the Freycinet and Tasman peninsulas teem with dolphins, seals, and migrating whales. Join a guided boat tour during whale season for one of Australia's most thrilling marine wildlife encounters, or snorkel the shallows to see reef life beneath some of the clearest water in the country.

HOT TIP: Bruny Island is considered one of the best birding locations in Tasmania, with 12 of the state's endemic species regularly spotted. The Neck lookout and Adventure Bay are particularly rewarding areas.

How do you plan a Tasmania road trip?

Tasmania's compact size is one of its biggest advantages for road trippers. The island is roughly the size of Ireland, which means you can drive from Hobart to Launceston in around two and a half hours, or reach Cradle Mountain from either city in about three. That said, the real magic of a Tassie road trip is in slowing down, pulling over for a farm gate stall, detouring to a beach, or following a hand-painted sign to a cellar door.

• It's Compact: Tassie is small, so drives are quick (Hobart to Launceston is only about 2.5 hours). But the real fun is slowing down!

• How Long? Aim for 7–10 days minimum. Two weeks is ideal if you want to include the islands.

• Book Early: The popular guided walks and cruises (Overland Track, Pennicott's, etc.) fill up way in advance (especially Dec–March).

• Weather Prep: Pack for all four seasons—it's notoriously changeable! Layering is key.

• Don't Skip: Visit the smaller towns like Stanley, Coles Bay, and New Norfolk for the best character and food.

• Best Time: Dec–March is peak. Shoulder season (Oct–Nov or Mar–Apr) means fewer crowds and lower prices. Winter is great for whisky and truffles.

• You Need a Car: Seriously, public transport is limited. A rental car or campervan is a must for exploring all the cool off-the-main-road spots.

• Family Friendly: Yep, Tassie is great for kids, with easy walks, wildlife sanctuaries, and fun food experiences like truffle hunting.

What is the best time of year to visit Tasmania?

Tassie is a stunner year round. The peak season runs from December to March, when days are long and warm, ideal for hiking, cycling, and outdoor dining. However, the shoulder months of October–November and March–April offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and beautiful conditions. Winter (June–August) is best for whisky trail touring, truffle hunting, and seeing Cradle Mountain dusted with snow.

How many days do you need in Tasmania?

Most visitors find 7–10 days is ideal for covering the main highlights without rushing. If you want to include islands like Bruny Island or King Island, or explore the remote west coast, two weeks gives you more breathing room.

Do you need a car to get around Tasmania?

Yes,  a rental car or campervan is the best way to explore Tasmania. Public transport is limited outside Hobart and Launceston, and many of the best experiences (farm gates, cellar doors, trailheads, coastal lookouts) are off the main routes. Roads are well-maintained and distances are short.

Is Tasmania good for families?

Tasmania is excellent for families. Wildlife sanctuaries, short coastal walks, bike parks with beginner trails, and interactive food experiences like truffle hunting all work well for kids. Many guided walks and tours cater to a range of ages and fitness levels.

What food is Tasmania known for?

Tasmania is renowned for its fresh seafood (oysters, crayfish, rock lobster, abalone), award-winning whisky, cool-climate Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, organic cider, black truffles, and farm-to-table dining. The island's clean environment and cool climate give its produce a distinctive quality.

Ready for your Tasmania adventure? Connect with our Aussie travel specialists and let’s find your perfect adventure.