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Part 1 Blogs and Photos

Tasmania

Tasmania – Australia’s Island of Wilderness and History

Tasmania, the island state south of Victoria, covers less than 2% of Australia’s total landmass—but don’t let its size fool you. It boasts some of the country’s most pristine wilderness areas, dramatic mountain ranges, lush forests, and stunning coastal landscapes. This is Australia’s premier destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and history buffs alike.

Tasmania is home to many of the nation’s most untouched and meticulously restored historic sites, including the iconic Port Arthur penal settlement. The island’s heritage is rich and well-preserved, offering a glimpse into Australia’s colonial past.

For off-road enthusiasts, Tasmania doesn’t disappoint—some of the country’s most challenging 4WD tracks can be found here. The rugged terrain adds excitement and a sense of adventure, especially for those seeking the road less travelled.

Expect a wide variety of scenery and experiences. Be warned, though—snow can fall in the highlands at any time of the year. Generally, the east coast enjoys a milder, more temperate climate, while the west coast is wild, cold, and windswept.

Must-visit destinations include:

Freycinet National Park
The Bay of Fires
Mount William National Park
Jerusalem National Park
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park
Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
South West National Park

Travel tip: If possible, plan your visit for February. Historically, this month offers the most favourable weather conditions for exploring everything the island has to offer.

If you’re arriving from Melbourne by ferry, your journey will bring you to Devonport in northern Tasmania. Boarding in Melbourne is easy and stress-free—head to Station Pier in Port Melbourne, where check-in typically begins about 2.5 hours before departure. If you already have your tickets, proceed directly to the ticket booth.

Tasmania is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first sighted the island in November 1642. Today, nearly 50% of the population resides in the capital city, Hobart. Remarkably, around 45% of Tasmania is protected as national park, reserve, or World Heritage-listed wilderness. It’s also the birthplace of the world’s first environmental political party.

Located approximately 2,500 km north of Antarctica, Tasmania lies closer to the southern continent than most major cities on Australia’s mainland. Despite its natural grandeur, the island is sparsely populated, featuring vast wilderness areas and well-maintained roads—making it possible to drive from one end of the island to the other in a single day.

Tasmania, often called Australia’s green island or the island state, offers something truly unique for those on an around-Australia or around-the-world journey. A welcome contrast to the arid Outback and vast deserts of the mainland, Tasmania boasts lush greenery, rugged coastlines, pristine wilderness, and some of the most scenic and diverse off-road tracks in the country.

Whether you’re seeking hard, moderate, or soft 4WD tracks, Tasmania delivers. With its abundance of lakeside reserves, beach drives, National Parks, and conservation areas, the island is a dream for nature lovers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The island’s rugged South West and Southern wilderness areas are wild and remote, while the North and East coasts are dotted with picturesque towns, coastal vistas, and some of the best-restored heritage buildings in Australia—an echo of its early days as a penal colony. It’s also Australia’s smallest state, but one of the richest in terms of natural beauty and history.

Arriving in Tasmania – Gateway to the North West

The ferry lands in Devonport, the perfect starting point for exploring Tasmania’s North West. Heading west along the North Coast, you’ll be treated to a rolling tapestry of rivers, ocean views, and mountains. Charming seaside villages along the way include:

Ulverstone
Burnie
Wynyard
Boat Harbour
Stanley
Smithton
Marrawah

In Stanley, don’t miss The Nut—a striking volcanic plug and the remnant of an extinct volcano. The coastline around here is one of the longest and most unspoilt in the state.

Into the Wild West

From Marrawah to Zeehan, the road becomes more remote and adventurous, revealing a wild and scenic stretch of Tasmania’s west coast. Along this route, you’ll pass through or near:

Arthur River
Couta Rocks
Temma
Balfour
Corinna
Granville Harbour
Trial Harbour
Zeehan

Be sure to explore:

Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area
Pieman River Reserve
Mount Heemskirk Regional Reserve
The Spray Tunnel (if still open to vehicles)

Strahan and the Franklin-Gordon Wilderness

From Zeehan, you can either backtrack to the coast and follow the beach (conditions permitting) or take the bitumen road to Strahan, a picturesque harbor town located right on the edge of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park—part of Tasmania’s vast World Heritage Wilderness Area.

Strahan is a great place to stop and reflect on the raw beauty of Tasmania’s western frontier.

A Journey into Tasmania’s Wild West: From Rivers to Mountains

A boat cruise is an absolute must—weather permitting! This unforgettable trip follows the river to the point where the Gordon and Franklin Rivers meet. Along the way, you’ll visit Sarah Island, once a notorious convict prison with a dark and fascinating history.

From there, head to Queenstown, a stark reminder of the environmental toll of early industrialization. The surrounding hills have been completely stripped of vegetation to fuel copper smelters, leaving behind a surreal, almost lunar landscape. (Note: our last visit was in 2008.)

While in Queenstown, it’s worth checking out the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. During our previous visit, a permit was required, which we obtained locally in Queenstown. It’s best to confirm current access with the park office or contact the local 4WD clubs for up-to-date info and tips. There are also plenty of tours and scenic drives around the area to choose from.

A recommended route is to head south as far as Bird River. From there, you can walk to Macquarie Harbour, offering a unique perspective of the wilderness. For those interested in environmental history, the Franklin Dam controversy of 1982 is a significant part of this region’s story. Click here for more background.

Once back in Queenstown, make your way to the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park—often regarded as Tasmania’s best. With its rugged peaks, mirrored lakes, and pristine alpine scenery, Lake St Clair is a definite highlight.

From here, follow the main road east and take the turnoff at Lawrenny to Strathgordon. This is true wilderness territory—home to gorges, waterfalls, world-famous rivers, and ancient Huon Pine trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old. Nestled in the heart of this remote area is the small township of Strathgordon, located on Lake Pedder. It’s surrounded by the Franklin-Gordon River National Park to the north and the Southwest National Park to the south.

Strathgordon is quite literally the end of the road, so you’ll need to return the same way. But rest assured, the journey in and out is just as spectacular as the destination itself.

Hobart & Surrounds – Tasmania’s Historic Southern Gateway

Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is Australia’s second-oldest city after Sydney. Nestled between the River Derwent and the foothills of Mount Wellington, Hobart combines colonial charm with natural beauty. It is famously known as the finishing line of the world-renowned Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, held every December, and is one of the five official gateway cities to Antarctica.

Must-Do Activities in Hobart:

Salamanca Markets (Saturday) – Tasmania’s most famous outdoor market. Wander past hundreds of stalls offering local produce, crafts, fashion, and street food.
Battery Point – A historic precinct with quaint streets, colonial cottages, and lovely cafes. A great place for a walking tour.
Cascades Female Factory – A significant site in Australia’s convict history, where female convicts were imprisoned and reformed.
Sullivans Cove – Hobart’s waterfront precinct. Home to excellent restaurants, historic buildings, and the ferry to MONA.
Australian Antarctic Division – Learn about Australia’s important role in Antarctic research.
Mount Wellington (kunanyi) – Drive or hike to the summit for panoramic views of Hobart and beyond.

Exploring Beyond Hobart:

Head south through the picturesque Huon Valley towards Geeveston and the Hartz Mountains National Park for wilderness walks and stunning scenery.

Franklin – Stop in this riverside village where students from around the world learn traditional wooden boat building.
Tahune Forest AirWalk – Walk among the treetops and enjoy suspension bridges over the Huon River.
Cockle Creek & South East Cape – Continue to Australia’s southernmost road-accessible point at Cockle Creek. From here, keen hikers can walk to the South East Cape, the southernmost tip of mainland Tasmania.

On the Way Back – Don’t Miss:

Bruny Island – Accessible by a short ferry ride, Bruny looks like two islands joined by a narrow isthmus called The Neck. It’s famous for its dramatic coastline, gourmet produce, and as the only place in the world where white (albino or painted) wallabies live in the wild.
Port Arthur Historic Site – A sobering yet fascinating visit to one of Australia’s most infamous convict settlements and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site includes well-preserved buildings and guided tours.
- Port Arthur is also remembered for the tragic 1996 massacre, where 35 people lost their lives and 18 were wounded. You can read more here: History.com – Port Arthur Massacre.

Explore Tasmania’s East and Northeast Coast

Follow the stunning coastline north and you’ll arrive in Coles Bay and the renowned Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay. The lookout offers the picture-perfect view found on almost every Tasmanian travel brochure—an unforgettable sweep of sapphire waters framed by pink granite peaks.

Freycinet boasts more than just Wineglass Bay; the park is dotted with secluded beaches and tranquil bays, all set against dramatic granite backdrops. It’s a place to slow down, hike, swim, and just take it all in.

As you continue to the northeast corner of Tasmania, a host of natural treasures await. Binalong Bay, Eddystone Point, Musselroe Bay, Ben Lomond, and Mount William National Park are all well worth exploring.

Ben Lomond, Tasmania’s only ski resort, typically operates from mid-July to mid-September. Sitting at around 1300 meters, it’s a treeless alpine plateau with a different kind of beauty—especially in spring, when it bursts into colour with wildflowers. Don’t miss the thrilling ascent up Jacob’s Ladder, a steep series of hairpin bends offering jaw-dropping views.

Further north, Mount William National Park, near Eddystone Point, is a haven for campers and nature lovers alike. Expect long, empty beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine coastal scenery—a perfect escape into the wild.

Tasmania’s Only Real Challenge: The Weather

The main consideration when traveling to Tasmania is the weather, which tends to be cooler compared to mainland Australia. Summer runs from December to March, with temperatures typically ranging between 17°C and 23°C. Winter, from June to September, sees temperatures drop to between 3°C and 11°C.

February is generally considered the best time to visit, offering the most stable and warm weather. However, no matter where or when you travel in Tasmania, it’s essential to be prepared for sudden temperature drops, heavy rain, and even cold snaps. For example, we experienced snow in February while driving through Cradle Mountain National Park—proof that Tassie’s weather loves to surprise you!