The Top Ways to Experience the Natural Wonders of Tasmania

For those who are at home among the gumtrees or enjoy a sea breeze and are looking for an adventure fit for a Mark Twain novel, Tasmania, home to the Tasmanian devil, offers a landscape and environment that will have you exclaiming “Howzat!”.  If you haven’t already noticed, Tasmania is having its moment. With international borders open, there is still some uncertainty surrounding international travel, and so Australia turns to its southern gem, Tasmania. There are several irresistible natural beauties to see, and we’ve put together the top ways to experience the top wonders of Tasmania, from walking tracks and trails that will lead you through Tasmania’s picturesque landscape, to luxury cruises that will take you to fairy tale looking islands.

Wellington Park and Mount Wellington

It’s a must-see while visiting Hobart, with the mountain often seen towering into the sky even while one dabbles in Hobart’s CBD? While I would prepare for all weather possibilities while visiting this area, it is certainly worth wrapping up into a cocoon for the immaculate views and scenery that will leave you in awe, while visiting the summit. If you, like Midnight Oil, wish to be king of the mountain, without the walking of our aforementioned Scottish duo, you can drive to the summit, while those looking to stretch their legs and be physically involved in the adventure can view this area by hiking, cycling, horse riding, or 4WDing.

Eaglehawk Neck’s Tessellated Pavements

On Tasmania’s east coast, sitting on the Tasman Peninsula, Eaglehawk Neck’s Tessellated Pavements is a sight that could only be described by the likes of Banjo Patterson. The tessellated pavements are a natural formation of tiled-like rocks on the coast of Tasmania that is said to be a photographer’s dream. For those that fancy themselves to the liking of Sir David Attenborough or Charles Darwin, the Tasmanian crab and other animal life are living on the rocks that are sure to bring you plenty of excitement and curiosity. While it is recommended to adventure down the several steps to the pavements themselves, you can also catch a magnificent view after a short walk from the car park. The tiled formation is said to have been created from the siltstone formed over 300 million years ago and is located close to Port Arthur and can be incorporated with ease into a day trip.

Bruny Island

For our Attenborough and Darwin minded friends, as well as our foodies, Bruny Island truly is a natural wonder and foodies’ delight. For those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the island, there are several ways to become immersed in the divine surroundings, which can be explored here. Among Bruny Island’s ravishing landscape, you will also find several endemic Australian species such as fur seals, fairy penguins, albatross, wedge-tailed eagles, and white wallabies as well as beautiful lookouts such as The Neck, which overlooks the Bruny Island Neck, known for connecting the north and south ends of Bruny Island in Tasmania’s south. 

For those, like myself, that enjoy the delicacies of the palette, there are several locally produced foods and wines that will make your taste buds dance in delight. These include Tasmanian honey straight from the hive, described as a connoisseur’s dream, premium cool climate wines, such as pinot noir and chardonnay, and ethically made cheese. The cheese from Bruny Island is some of Australia’s best, boasting cheesemakers who have trained in France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. For our historians and art lovers, you can also be immersed in culture at the Bligh Museum in Adventure Bay, with island history dating back before the mid-1600s, and the Dennes Point art gallery featuring the work of local artisans.

Cradle Mountain

For those of us unable to paint like Monet, Tasmania offers us Cradle Mountain. Northwest of Hobart, Cradle Mountain is a sight that words can only unjustly describe as a landscape unapologetically magnificent. Whether seen in the harsh Tasmanian winter or refreshing summer, Cradle Mountain offers those who visit an experience that must be seen to be believed. If you are seeking both adventure and luxury in your travels, then Cradle Mountain is the place to be. You could be experiencing the creations of gourmet chefs, wine artisans, walking, hiking, swimming, or horse riding your way to adventure and or luxury while you visit Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair national park. For those who are still unsure and may wish to go back to my references of Sir David Attenborough, the Cradle Mountain-St Clair Lake National Park also has some of Australia’s most unique fauna including the famed Tassie devils, pademelons, quolls, platypus, wombats, and several bird species. Go kayaking, or enjoy some popular tours across the river to see the Cradle Mountain like no one else can. For our botanist, you can enjoy the diverse landscape and unimaginable beauty of either St Clair Lake or nearby Dove Lake, while also spotting ancient plants such as the King Billy pine and native deciduous beech. 

Tasmania’s East Coast

Take a road trip to Tasmania’s East Coast and stop by Denison Beach, an endless stretch of white sand beach that meets the turquoise blue waters. This destination is a beautiful Tasmanian natural attraction that you don’t want to miss.

Also on the east coast of Tasmania, not too far from Freycinet National Park and under three hours drive from Hobart is Wineglass Bay. Wineglass Bay is not to be overshadowed by the beauty Cradle Mountain offers, for those looking for a refreshing sea breeze and a view that dances in colours of turquoise and shades of blue and green words fail to describe, Wineglass Bay offers a juxtaposed experience. While the water may be best left for the native fauna and those willing to brave the chilly waters for a swim, Wineglass Bay offers views that can be captured in luxury via a cruise or for those looking for a hike, there are many trails in this national park that provide explorative excellence. Whether hiking or sipping a pinot noir, all travellers alike could spot some of the amazing locals of this area including White-bellied Sea Eagles in the mouth of the bay or Black Swans in the Moulting Lagoon. 

Mount Field National Park

Located in Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s most photogenic icons and arguably one of Tasmania’s most aesthetically pleasing waterfalls, Russell Falls. If a leisurely walk through one of Tasmania’s stunning temperate rainforests then the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWHWA) is your cup of tea, then Russel Falls is a breath-taking natural phenomenon that you won’t want to miss. Located a little over an hour outside of Hobart, this gem is the perfect inclusion for a day trip that may feature a visit to the historically rich New Norfolk and is inclusive for the whole family with access for both strollers and wheelchairs. I like our adventurist friends, Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, you are looking for an adventure of your own, Mount Field National Park is also the home to the Lady Barron Falls and Horseshoe Falls which are equally enchanting. 

Maria Island

Another suggested day trip is to visit Maria Island, popular for being a world heritage island off the east Tasmanian coast and every nature’s lover dream. Maria Island is a haven for endangered species, and the remoteness is ideal for their preservation. 

Experience the Aurora Australis

If you’re visiting Tasmania between May and September, you should attempt to see the Aurora Australis. You don’t have to travel all the way across the world to catch this described ‘celestial ballet of light dancing across the night sky.’ Being as far south as possible increases your chances of seeing an Aurora Australis. A nice place to start in Hobart is Mount Nelson, which is a quick ten-minute drive up the hill from the city. Mt Wellington (kunanyi) is very popular as well, but remember to wear warm clothes because the greater elevation and alpine breezes can be cold. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the official Aurora Australis alert pages; so you never miss the chance to see one.

Tasmania has a lot of natural wonders to offer. Discover Tasmania with our unforgettable tours and experiences.