1. Wineglass Bay
Located on the Freycinet Peninsula within Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is Tasmania’s most recognisable beach, and has even been considered one of the best beaches in the world.
Standing on the lookout point, you will be absolutely wowed by the contrast between the dark greens and browns of the landscape, the bright, white sand beach and turquoise/blue colours of the water of Wineglass Bay.
For even better views, you can take a hike to the top of Mount Amos, but be warned, it is quite a steep, challenging walk and should only be completed by those with a good level of mobility and fitness.
Photo by Matt Donovan
2. Bay of Fires
Stretching for over 50 kilometres from Binalong Bay to Eddystone point, the Bay of Fires is known for its white sand, sparkling blue water and large granite rocks that are splashed with vibrant orange lichen.
Strolling along the magnificent beaches, it’s easy to see why it’s regarded as one of Australia’s most beautiful places, and one of Lonely Planet’s hottest travel destinations.
Photo by Victoria Hearn
3. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
At 1,545 metres above sea-level, Cradle Mountain isn’t Tasmania’s highest mountain, but it is arguably its most iconic. Named after its resemblance to a gold-mining cradle, there is much more to the area than just this recognisable peak. You’ll find seven of Tasmania’s highest 10 mountains and Lake St Clair, which at 200 metres deep is the deepest lake in the country. There’s also plentiful wildlife including wombats, Bennett’s wallabies, pademelons and platypuses.
Dove Lake sits below Cradle Mountain and, with a 6 kilometre boardwalk on its banks, it provides for some wonderful photo opportunities of the iconic mountain.
Photo by Cultivate Productions
4. Hobart (from the top of Mount Wellington)
Dominating the Hobart skyline is the 1,271 metre high Mount Wellington. Officially kunanyi / Mount Wellington, you’ll often see the mountain covered in snow, even within the summer months.
From the summit you can take in panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula, making for some spectacular photographs (on a clear day!).
Weather conditions at the top can change quite quickly, and it is usually at least 8 degrees cooler than down in Hobart, so make sure you’re ready to layer up!
Photo by Andrea Schaffer
5. Port Arthur Historic Site
On the Tasman Peninsula we’ll visit Port Arthur, one of Tasmania’s most visited tourist destinations.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement, here you will learn about Australia’s confronting colonial history. Surprisingly, Port Arthur is set on a picturesque harbour and is surrounded by dense forest, which give you a real feel for the isolation experienced by the convicts.
Entry to the site gives you the opportunity to access a guided walking tour and 25 minute harbour cruise, as well as the historic buildings, ruins, restored houses, heritage gardens and walking trails.
Photo by Martin Pot
6. The Hazards Mountain Range
Like Wineglass Bay, you’ll find the Hazards within Freycinet National Park on Tasmania’s east coast. Consisting of 5 rocky mountains, the range is made from a type of granite that gives it a pink tinge.
For the best photos of the range, make sure you see them at sunrise or sunset, when the sun hits them at just the right angle to make it look like they’re glowing.
Photo by Dean Hughes
7. Cataract Gorge
A natural formation on the South Esk River, Cataract Gorge is a tourist hub just minutes from the city centre of Launceston.
Here you’ll find walking trails, a restaurant, a swimming pool, rolling lawns, a Victorian era garden, footbridge and a chairlift. Walking upstream, you’ll come across the historic Duck Reach Power Station which has been turned into an informative interpretation centre and is well worth the walk.
Photo by Tourism Tamania and Rob Burnett
8. The Nut
Heading to the north-west of Tasmania and the historic town of Stanley, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the coast and the aptly named sheer sided bluff, 'The Nut'. This natural wonder was formed from the remains of an ancient volcanic plug and its top, mostly flat surface allows you to wander the area and take in incredible 360 degree panoramas over the Bass Strait and the surrounding peninsula. Not up to the 152 metre climb to the summit? That's ok, there is a 5 minute chairlift ride that will take you up!
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Photo by Honi Gibson
9. The Tarkine
The journey from Smithton to The Nut takes you through the gorgeous Tarkine region - Australia's largest temperate rainforest and the second largest in the world. Bounded by the Arthur River to the north and the Pieman River to the south, this diverse landscape consists of mountain ranges, wild river and cave systems, sandy beaches, grassy woodland, buttongrass moorlands and coastal heath.
Stopping at Sumac Lookout enjoy the spectacular view of the gorge below, before making your way to the ‘Edge of the World’! Gardiner’s Point, which sits just south of the Arthur River has been given this title as it lies at the edge of the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe.
Photos by Zoe Francis
10. Russell Falls
Located within the Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls is known as one of Tasmania’s favourite waterfalls. A tiered-cascade waterfall formed from eroded beds of rock, you will truly be able to feel the serenity as you see and listen to the gently cascading water. From the visitor centre, it is just a short, easy stroll through vibrant green forest to this spectacular sight.
Photo by Andrea Messina
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