Tasmania

							Home to untouched beaches, lush rainforests, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains, Tasmania has something for everyone. 
						

Tasmania offers travellers a rare mix of quiet, wild places and striking natural beauty. Whether someone is chasing time in nature or simply wants a break from busy city life, the island delivers an experience that feels distinctly Australian and wonderfully remote.

History and culture

Tasmania holds a deep and complex history. Aboriginal people lived across the island for tens of thousands of years and knew it as Trowenna, the Land of the Big Water. Their connection to country remains strong and is recognised through cultural sites, stories and ongoing community leadership.

European settlement began in 1803 when Lt John Bowen arrived with a small party from Sydney. From that point the island grew into an important part of Australia’s cultural and economic story, shaped by maritime industries, convict history and a strong creative community.

Travellers can explore this history through museums, galleries and heritage sites. Hobart alone offers several places to learn about the region’s past, including the Tasmanian Maritime Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Across the island there are opportunities to understand Aboriginal heritage, such as Wybalenna on Flinders Island and the historic landscape of Risdon Cove.

The great outdoors

Tasmania is well known for its outdoor experiences. Forests, mountains, rivers and rugged coastlines create endless options for walking, paddling and wildlife watching. The Huon Valley features walking trails that weave through tall forests and along riverbanks, while Freycinet National Park is ideal for coastal walks and calm-water paddling among sheltered coves.

For those who enjoy time on the water, Tasmania’s rivers and beaches offer everything from white water rafting to quiet fishing spots. The island’s varied landscapes make it easy to find an adventure that suits any traveller’s pace.

A memorable destination

With its striking scenery and rich cultural heritage, Tasmania stands out as a destination that leaves a lasting impression. From ancient Aboriginal sites to remote natural places, the island offers experiences that stay with travellers long after they return home. Whether visiting solo or with family and friends, Tasmania provides a journey that is both grounding and unforgettable.

TASMANIA AT A GLANCE

You will find rare species of plants and animals in Tasmania's 20 national parks.
Tasmania has spectacular views, world renowned wilderness, clean air, cool fresh water, rich soil and gourmet produce.
Tasmanian beer is brewed from some of the cleanest water in the world, and the green pastures of King Island ideally suit the area to cheese making.
Landscapes range from mountains, waterfalls, glassy lakes and alpine tarns to tannin rivers, vast plains and beaches.
Forests comprising of native rainforest, open eucalypt forest, and plantation now cover about 3,317,000 hectares (8,192,990 acres), or 49% of Tasmania.
There are over 1,000 kilometres of bushwalking tracks and routes in Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain Lodge is an iconic, unique wilderness experience and is the closest you can be to the entrance of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.
A signal station was set up at Low Head in 1805. It is Australia's oldest continuously used pilot station. The light station, established in 1833, was Australia's third and Tasmania's second.

Tasmania is an ideal destination for self-drive holidays, with endless reasons to stop, explore and create an itinerary as you travel. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area protects one of the last true wilderness regions on Earth and encompasses a greater range of natural and cultural values than any other region on Earth.