Tasmania - 5 Fun Facts

Tasmania, often called "Tassie," is an island state located south of mainland Australia. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique wildlife, Tasmania offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

You might be surprised just like myself when reading up on this island, but here are some interesting facts about Tasmania:

1. Wildlife: Tasmania is home to many unique animals, including the famous Tasmanian Devil, which is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. The island is also a haven for other unique wildlife and various species of birds that are not found anywhere else. For more information on Tasmania's wildlife and conservation efforts, you can visit the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.
2. Natural Beauty: About 40% of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. The island features ancient rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of the most iconic destinations, offering breathtaking scenery and a range of outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting. The Overland Track, a 65-kilometer trail through this park, is one of Australia's signature long-distance walks.
3. Rich History: Tasmania has a deep history, from its Indigenous heritage to its role as a convict settlement in the 19th century. The colonial era left a significant mark on Tasmania, especially through its use as a penal colony. Port Arthur, a former convict settlement, is one of the best-preserved convict sites in Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the ruins, participate in interactive exhibits, and learn about the conditions the convicts endured. For a deeper dive into Tasmania’s history, the Port Arthur Historic Site provides extensive information and resources.
4. Smallest State: Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia, covering an area of about 68,401 square kilometers. The compact size of Tasmania also means that you can explore a lot in a relatively short period. Whether you're driving along the scenic Great Eastern Drive, hiking in the wilderness, or exploring historic towns, everything is easily accessible. This diversity makes Tasmania a unique destination where you can experience different natural environments within a short distance.
5. Food and Drinks: Tasmania is known for its fresh produce, including seafood, cheese, and berries. These high-quality ingredients can be easily sampled at the famous Salamanca Market in Hobart, which operates every Saturday and features over 300 stalls selling everything from fresh food to handmade crafts. Tasmania’s cool climate is also perfect for producing premium wines like Pinot Noir, with several distilleries offering tours and tastings. If you want to find out more, websites like Discover Tasmania offer comprehensive guides and recommendations.

Getting there

How does one reach this little island of Australia? Well, there are a few ways:

1. By Air: The quickest way to reach Tasmania is by flying. The main airports are Hobart International Airport and Launceston Airport, which serves direct flights from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flights are frequent and the journey is relatively short, usually taking about 1-2 hours depending on the departure city.
2. By Sea: If you prefer a more leisurely journey, you can take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which runs between Melbourne and Devonport. The ferry ride takes about 9-11 hours and offers a unique way to see the Tasmanian coastline. Both day and night sailings are possible, and you can choose from various accommodation options on board, from recliner seats to private cabins. You can drive your car up the ferry too which can be a convenient way to explore Tasmania once you arrive. The ferry also features restaurants and lounges, making the journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

As for us, we took a flight from Singapore to Sydney then hopped on another flight for the onward journey to Hobart, and the total journey took almost 14 hours.

Getting Around Tasmania

Once you’re in Tasmania, there are several ways to get around and explore the island:

1. Renting a car: This is one of the best ways to see Tasmania at your own pace. The roads are well-maintained, and driving gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. There are many rental companies to choose from like Hertz. Alternatively, great car rental deals are available via Klook as well.
2. Campervan: For a more adventurous option, consider renting a campervan. This allows you to combine transportation and accommodation, and many campsites are located in beautiful natural settings.
3. Public Transport: While public transport options are limited compared to mainland Australia, there are bus services that connect major towns and cities. Companies like Tassielink and Kinetic offer routes across the island.
4. Tours: If you prefer guided experiences, there are numerous tour operators offering trips to popular attractions. This can be a convenient way to see key sights without worrying about logistics.
5. Cycling: For the active traveler, cycling is a great way to explore Tasmania. The island has several scenic cycling routes, including the East Coast Escape and the Tasmanian Trail, which offer stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in the landscape.

Hobart, the capital city, is a great starting point for your Tasmanian adventure. The city itself has a lot to offer, including historic sites, vibrant markets, and stunning views from Mount Wellington. Launceston, in the north, is another excellent gateway to explore the island’s attractions. Both cities have a range of accommodations and transport options to help you get around.

If you have a driving license, I highly recommend going for option 1 or 2. My friends and I rented a car and travelled from Hobart up north to Launceston over 4 days, covering most of the iconic spots like Salamanca Market, Bruny Island, Freycinet National park, Cataract Gorge and Cradle mountain. Read on and find out :)

Day 1

Salamanca Market

After landing in Hobart International Airport the night before, we picked up our rental car and proceeded to our stay for the night - A nice cozy mountainside room atop Mount Wellington with a great view of Hobart town.

The next day started with a trip to Salamanca Market, a delightful location that captures the essence of Tasmania’s vibrant culture and community spirit, showcasing a plethora of local food options and handcrafted items for sale. Read on here to find out more about my experience at Salamanca Market.

Bruny Island

The next part of the day brought us to Bruny Island, a stunning destination renowned for its natural beauty and delicious local produce off the southeastern coast of Tasmania. Just a short ferry ride from Kettering, this island offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. Read about my experience in Bruny Island here.

After completing our tour around Bruny Island, it was time to head back to mainland Tasmania. We drove back to Roberts point and drove up the ferry to get back to Kettering. It was another 3 hours drive before we reached Freycinet National Park, our rest point for the day.

We stayed at a Holiday Park, which was called BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park, which was accessible, spacious and provided sufficient amenities like laundry and cooking facilities, and even houses a cafe. On top of cabins, the Holiday Park provides accommodation options for caravan and campervans. When we booked for a stay in June, the cost was SGD60 per pax - Not too expensive although not the cheapest either.

Day 2

Freycinet National park

Freycinet National Park, located on Tasmania's east coast, is a stunning blend of rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and breathtaking views. This park is home to the famous Wineglass Bay, granite peaks known as The Hazards, and a diverse range of wildlife. With its unique combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Freycinet National Park is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Read on more about Freycinet National Park, including our exploration at Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Sleepy Bay.

After a chilly morning, we continued our journey onwards towards The Gardens situated among the Bay of Fires Conservation Area - Around a 2 hour drive from Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre.

If you're driving, don't hesitate to capture some of the scenery along the way -

We even stopped by Four Mile Creek Scenic lookout to get a great view of the Tasman Sea -

The Gardens

The Gardens is a stunning section of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area on Tasmania's northeast coast, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, white sandy beaches, and striking orange lichen-covered granite boulders. If you're keen, I documented my experience at The Gardens here.

After snapping some pictures, we embarked for a 2.5 hours drive for Launceston where we will be spending our next day at.

Day 3

Cataract Gorge

Located just a short distance from Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a stunning natural attraction renowned for its stunning landscapes and is a must-visit for nature lovers. Read on here to find out more about Cataract Gorge and my experience visiting.

Platypus House

Platypus House, located on the northern coast of Tasmania near the town of Beauty Point, is a unique attraction dedicated to the fascinating and elusive platypus and echidna. A visit here offers an educational and interactive experience to learn about platypuses, which are among the few egg-laying mammals in the world. Read here to find out more.

I'll be Back

And that concludes our 3 day journey in Tasmania! Tasmania is truly is a treasure trove of nature that should be on everyone's bucket list. There's lots more to see and do in Tasmania, but that's an experience for next time. I'll be back!