Why Tasmania Should Be on Your Australia Itinerary
When most people plan their first trip to Australia, Tasmania doesn’t usually come up in conversation — but I believe it absolutely should.
Tasmania is an island just 150 miles south of mainland Australia, with easy flights from all the major cities. We flew there from Sydney, and I can’t recommend it enough. It feels like stepping into a postcard from the 1950s — rolling farmland, historic towns, dramatic wilderness, gorgeous coastlines, and an incredible farm-to-table food scene.
Our journey started in the north, flying into Launceston. We spent a few days hiking in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where wombats grazed right in front of us and rugged alpine landscapes stretched as far as the eye could see.
From there, we drove east to Bicheno, a peaceful coastal town and the perfect base for exploring Freycinet National Park. Here, we hiked to the breathtaking Wineglass Bay and enjoyed some of the freshest seafood imaginable — oysters, scallops, and lobster straight from the ocean to your plate.
Our final stop was Hobart, Tasmania’s capital. This small city punches well above its weight with a thriving arts scene, the remarkable MONA museum (Museum of Old and New Art), and a lively waterfront packed with markets and restaurants. Just south of Hobart a drive and a short ferry ride takes you to Bruny Island is a must-visit day trip. Wild, empty beaches and oysters shucked straight from the water to your plate make it a highlight in its own right.
Tasmania Highlights:
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park — Alpine hikes, wombat sightings, and stunning highland scenery
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay — Coastal trails, turquoise waters, and secluded beaches
Bruny Island — Wildlife encounters, quiet shores, and unforgettable oysters
Hobart — Home to MONA, a thriving arts scene, and a vibrant waterfront
Tasmanian Wildlife — Spot wombats, wallabies, echidnas, and even the elusive Tasmanian devil
Food & Drink — Farm-to-table dining, cool-climate wines, artisanal cheese, and fresh seafood at every turn
How The Spence Connection can help
Tasmania works beautifully as either a standalone trip or as an add-on to a wider Australia itinerary. Speak to John Spence to help plan the perfect Tasmania extension, whether you want a fully guided, chauffeur-driven tour accompanied by one of our expert guides, or a self-drive adventure where all accommodations, routes, and excursions are arranged in advance based on your time and interests.
My Experts can tailor a trip that blends Tasmania’s best landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural highlights, and culinary experiences — all at your pace.
If you visit, we recommend giving Tasmania at least 8 to 10 nights — two weeks would be ideal. It’s one of those rare places that still feels untouched, welcoming, and timeless.