Tasmania offers an enchanting range of landscapes and experiences in a compact environment. Its rugged, ancient beauty and vast tracts of World Heritage wilderness, coupled with some of the world’s best food and wine, are unparalleled.
From wild mountain ranges, secret coves, remote plateaus and dramatic dolerite cliffs to magical and mysterious thick-wooded forests, and an abundance of locations to sample world-class whiskies and wine, here’s why Tasmania should top your bucket list.
Wine and whisky
With the world’s cleanest air, pristine water sources, cold climate and exceptional grain-growing conditions, Tasmania produces top-quality tipples which have gained global recognition. What’s more, Tasmania’s many drink makers are passionate about their craft, and each drop comes with a unique, captivating and extraordinary story.
Wine
Tasmania’s wineries are world-class, and the island is a hub for world-leading cool-climate wines – sparkling and pinot. It is home to the world’s most awarded sparkling wine outside of Champagne: House of Arras, which can be enjoyed at its cellar door or within one of the island’s many wine bars – alongside the state’s other renowned producers.
Whisky
Australia’s smallest state is known for its incredible whisky-making craft, being awarded on the world stage as well as among the local whisky-making community. One of the pioneers of Tasmanian whisky is Lark Distilling Co. which was founded by Bill and Lyn Lark in 1992 and has been crafting world-class, award-winning Tasmanian whisky for more than 30 years. From humble beginnings on a kitchen table, curiosity and courage bore Tasmania’s very first licensed whisky. Sample it during a tour at the Lark Distillery in Pontville, or at one of two inner-city Hobart venues: the Lark Cellar Door or the Still, Lark Whisky Bar.
See the night sky in full clarity
Tasmania is known for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. Tasmania’s relatively small population, isolated position, and high volume of nature reserves (comprising around 50 per cent of the island) set the stage for lower light pollution and clearer skies than other regions.
For an organised affair complemented by expert insights from guides, the Astronomical Society of Tasmania hosts its popular Public Night Sky Viewing Evenings at its observing site at Mount Pleasant. It is an opportunity for people and families of all ages to see the many wonders of the southern night sky through telescopes and explore astrophotography, planetary skies, astrophysics, cosmology, the history of astronomy, space exploration and travel, with experts. Click here to check if a Public Night Sky Viewing Evening is currently scheduled.
You can also explore the dark skies and southern stars from kunanyi/Mount Wellington with Walk on Kunanyi. Immerse yourself in the night sky; starting with the moon, the solar system and, depending on the time of year, the planets. See the Milky Way and peer into deep space.
Seafood
Australia’s southern state of Tasmania is a gourmet isle, complete with some of the country’s best culinary experiences. Its clean air and water, cool climate and produce-first culture make it a mecca for foodies and, as an island, a seafood-lovers’ paradise.
Winter is a great time to visit, with many fish, mollusc varieties and crustaceans entering their reproductive cycles, meaning they will make for a tasty catch at their highest fat content. Imagine the best quality pipis and clams, as well as seasonal fatty winter fish. Winter coincides with mussel, scallop and Pacific oyster season, and pipis and clams are at their best at this time of year.
One of the best ways to experience Tasmanian seafood is via a Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – Tasmanian Seafood Seduction experience. Harvest and feast on the freshest Tasmanian seafood in an intimate full day cruise in the calm waters surrounding Bruny Island. Watch your guide snorkel and dive for abalone and sea urchin, and enjoy a diverse range of Tasmanian seafood with the bays and deserted beaches of Bruny Island as your backdrop. Sit back and watch your guide shuck abundant plump oysters. Sample the unique flavour of sea urchin straight from the sea. Savour rock lobster, abalone and salmon accompanied by fresh breads, salads, cheese and Tasmanian wines, beers, ciders and organic juices.
High-end accommodation
Pumphouse Point
In the middle of Tasmania, on the Southern Hemisphere’s deepest lake, awaits one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness experiences: Pumphouse Point.
Pumphouse Point is a unique adults-only retreat poised mysteriously over the glacial waters of Lake St Clair. Nineteen boutique rooms and suites have been thoughtfully created within a magnificent industrial 1930s pump house surrounded by century-old forests, where time grinds to a halt for quiet awe, calm, and reconnection.
Pumphouse Point is an entirely unique wilderness experience, from gliding away on e-bikes and rowboats, sharing honesty bars and roaring fire feasts, to packing picnics from all-inclusive larders or indulging in a highland massage, it’s no wonder it’s been crowned Australia’s best unique accommodation.
The Tasman
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart is a destination luxury experience that connects guests to this unique environment and community, creating a sense of indulgence and reinvigoration.
This premium Hobart hotel has 152 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites across a heritage, art deco, and modern pavilion building. With a rich design palette of colour and carefully restored features including bathtubs and fireplaces, the Tasman guest room embodies elegance and the uniqueness of its destination.
The Tasman’s signature restaurant, Peppina, welcomes you with true hospitality to explore the Tasmanian seasons through a menu showcasing produce with integrity and influenced by Italy. Mary Mary, a hidden cocktail bar steeped in history, is a hub of locally inspired cocktail creations, award-winning wine and artisanal beer and cider. The indoor/outdoor Deco Lounge offers a refined atmosphere to take in locally sourced tea, roasted coffee, handmade pastries and delights, light seasonal delicacies and lunches, and the Tasman signature high tea.
MACq 01 Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is Australia’s first storytelling hotel. Throughout the halls and across the walls of the hotel you’ll find engaging pieces of history, and tales and fables that make up the remarkable history of Tasmania. MACq 01’s unique Hidden Hobart Storytelling Tour has become a must-do experience for visitors to Tasmania.
MACq 01 Hotel offers a variety of 114 rooms and suites, each characterised by a generous floorplan and relaxed and informal style. All waterfront rooms have views of both the River Derwent and kunanyi / Mount Wellington, with Hunter Rooms overlooking the historic Hunter Street which is steeped in colonial history.
MACq 01 is the perfect place to begin exploring the magic and mystery of Tasmania. MACq 01 is situated on Hunter Street on the old Hunter Island, one of the earliest sites of European settlement in Tasmania. Surrounded by yachts, docks, convict-built sandstone warehouses and a vast expanse of open water and only a short five-minute walk from the city or the famous Salamanca Square, MACq 01 is the perfect place to begin creating your own Tasmanian story.
Saffire Freycinet
Australia’s most iconic luxury lodge and voted World’s Best Boutique Hotel, Saffire Freycinet offers an authentic, enriching and uplifting experience overlooking one of Tasmania’s most iconic and spectacular wilderness areas, Freycinet National Park.
With tailored, one-on-one service, all-inclusive degustation dining and immersive experiences such as shucking oysters in waders or gathering honey from Saffire’s hives, guests come away with an unforgettable connection to place.
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge provides the closest accommodation to the spectacular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Set in the wilderness are 86 private timber cabins, from contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins through to luxurious King Billy Suites. Each provides the modern comforts you would expect and some are appointed with spa baths. The King Billy Suites and Spa Suites have king-sized beds and can accommodate up to three guests, utilising an additional roll away bed. There are also family cabins, some with spas and one with disability access, sleeping up to five people that can be booked directly at the lodge.
There are more than 20 walking trails around Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. Imagine wandering through towering forests with trees older than mankind. Guests can visit the award-winning Waldheim Alpine Spa to indulge in a therapeutic massage or sauna.
Walks
The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is brimming with incredible national parks, all with their own unique appeal. The total area of every national park and reserve covers 1.5 million hectares, making up nearly a fifth of the landmass of Tasmania, and widely renowned as one of the last great wildernesses on earth.
Highlight national parks include Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair, Walls of Jerusalem, Mole Creek Karst, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers, Southwest and Hartz Mountains.
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