Tasmania
Tasmania is an island located in the southeastern part of Australia, and it is the smallest state in Australia. It is one of the six states and two territories that make up the Commonwealth of Australia, with Hobart as its capital.
Tasmania is known for its abundant natural landscapes and unique wildlife. Many parts of Tasmania are designated as national parks, nature reserves, and World Heritage sites, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Sometimes, I want to escape the city and enter the bosom of mother nature while running on the vast land. Australia, the largest country in the southern hemisphere, is a very suitable place to realize this romance. Tasmania, the southernmost island in Australia, is appropriate. Also known as Australia's Jeju Island, Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world. 60% of the total area is designated as a national park and reserve, and 20% boasts an unspoilt natural ecosystem that is listed as a World Natural Heritage. Because it is 240 km away from mainland Australia, Tasmania has unique flora and fauna. The Tasmanian Devil, known as an endangered species, can also be found here. Tourism Australia also strongly recommended it to those who want to feel another Australia within Australia.
Day 1 Hobart Day trip city tour
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, Australia's southernmost state. It is located on the southeastern coast of the island and is the largest city in Tasmania in terms of population. Hobart is known for its rich history, picturesque waterfront, and stunning natural surroundings.
Hobart is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including Mount Wellington, which offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The nearby Huon Valley is known for its pristine forests, orchards, and seafood, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and foodies alike.
One of the prominent landmarks in Hobart is the Salamanca Place, a historic area with well-preserved sandstone buildings that now house art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is a popular attraction where visitors can enjoy local produce, crafts, and entertainment.
Day 2 Hobart - Port Arthur - Swansea
After the Hobart city tour, the full-fledged Tasmania road trip begins. If you drive southeast on the Tasman Highway for about 90 minutes, you will arrive at Port Arthur, where you can feel Australia's long history of exile.
Port Arthur is a historic site located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Australia. It is known for its well-preserved convict settlement, which was established in the 19th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Port Arthur is a significant part of Australia's colonial history and is often visited for its historical and cultural significance.
Originally established as a timber station in 1830, Port Arthur later became a penal settlement in 1833 for male and female convicts, including repeat offenders and hardened criminals. It was known for its strict discipline and innovative architectural design, with separate prison wings for different classes of prisoners, including the notorious "Separate Prison" or "Model Prison" where prisoners were kept in isolation and subjected to a system of silent and separate confinement.
After leaving Port Arthur and driving along the coastal road for about two hours, the dazzling turquoise sea unfolds. It means that we have arrived at the quiet seaside town of Swansea.
One of the main attractions of Swansea is its beautiful beaches, including the popular Swan River Beach and Jubilee Beach, which offer pristine sands, clear waters, and opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water sports. The area is also known for its oyster farms, and visitors can indulge in fresh seafood at local restaurants.
The town of Swansea itself offers a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, with a range of accommodation options, cafes, and shops. It is also a gateway to the scenic Great Eastern Drive, a famous road trip route that stretches along the east coast of Tasmania, offering stunning coastal scenery and opportunities for exploring small towns, beaches, and natural attractions.
Day 3 Swansea - Freycinet National Park - Bicheno
If you head north on the Tasman Highway from Swansea, you will find local wineries. Tasmania is well-known as a wine-producing region in Australia. We recommend stopping by Milton Vineyards to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the small town and purchase their signature Pinot Noir or Riesling wine.
If you drive for about 20 more minutes, you will arrive at Freycinet National Park, Tasmania's best tourist attraction.
It is known for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches, and iconic pink granite peaks, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers.
The highlight of Freycinet National Park is the distinctive pink granite peaks known as the Hazards, which provide a stunning backdrop to the coastal landscapes. The peaks offer opportunities for hiking and climbing, with well-marked trails that lead to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
One of the main attractions of Freycinet National Park is Wineglass Bay, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. There is wine to be seen rather than wine to be drunk. With its white sands, turquoise waters, and stunning crescent shape, Wineglass Bay is a must-visit destination within the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking to the lookout point for panoramic views of the bay or take a scenic cruise to experience the beauty of the bay from the water.
Drive about 40 minutes north of the Freycinet Peninsula to the family-friendly resort of Bicheno. Bicheno is a place where you can see the beautiful open sea as well as the blowhole. Just like a whale spouting water, the seawater enters through the cracks in the rocks and exclamations come out when you face the water gushing out. If you're lucky, you can spot groups of wild penguins returning home after dark near Blowhole and Diamond Island.
Day 4 Bicheno - Bay of Fires - Launceston
From Bicheno, head north along the coastal road to the fishing village of St Helens. When you go to this village, you can see a unique scenery. The orange moss covering the rocks on the beach contrasts with the vivid turquoise sea, presenting an exotic landscape. The 50km stretch of coastline from Binalong Bay to Eddy Stone Point is great for walking. If you take a leisurely walk, on a lucky day, you can say hello to wallabies, wombats, and kangaroos, which are endemic to Australia.
On the way to the last city, Launceston, there are several unique tourist spots worth taking pictures of your life. The first location is the vivid emerald-colored Little Blue Lake. The exceptionally bright turquoise color of the water is due to the minerals and clay of the lake, which was originally a mine. Breedstow Lavender Estate, 45 minutes away from here, is famous as a spot for life shots. Even just looking at the 650,000 lavender fields dyed in purple is mesmerizing. Lavender is usually in full bloom from December to early February, but you can enjoy various experience programs by visiting the farm outside of this period.
Day 5 Last day in Launceston, a friendly little town
After exiting the lavender farm and driving along the Tamar Highway for about an hour, you will arrive at Launceston, the final destination of your trip.
Launceston is a city located in northern Tasmania, Australia. It is the second largest city in Tasmania and is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Although it is Tasmania's second city, Launceston is a small neighborhood with a cozy atmosphere, good for a walk.
The city's iconic landmarks include Cataract Gorge, a natural gorge with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a suspension bridge; and Launceston City Park, a public park with a historic rotunda, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
For a final dinner in Launceston, we recommend Stillwater Restaurant's fresh local produce and premium regional wines.
To the wrap up
Tasmania, where you can feel cleaner air and natural environment than anywhere else in the world.
If you visit a place like this, it would be nice to try a road trip where you can stay where you want rather than a plane or bus with a fixed destination.