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Tasmania is Australia's smallest state, but that doesn't mean it isn't packed full of fantastic sights and sounds. A buzzing art scene, delciious produce for foodies and of course spectacular nature trails, all set against a backdrop of rich history and beautiful wildlife. Tasmania has something for everyone.
Here are our top 5 reasons to visit the Island State:
MONA. The Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart houses over 1,900 artistic works and takes an unique approach to it's displays. Aside from shirking from the standard museum labeling system (they don't have any at all!). MONA are also displayed in a non-chronological order, with your guide being 'O' an i-Pod like device which will update you on art close to you using GPS sensors. MONA is famous for it's confronting exhibitions, from maggot ridden installations, X-rated sculptures and obese automobiles, you might not expect the subterranean galleries to reside a ferry ride up the peaceful Derwent River.
MONA - Photo credit Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy
Pure O2. Recorded at Cape Grim on Tasmania's north-western tip by an air pollution station - fresh air literally doesn't get any cleaner than this. A lack of urbanisation combined with fresh winds that sweep in from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica ensure Tasmania's air is the least polluted in the world. Which is handy, as if you are visiting Tasmania you are going to want to be outside - a lot...
Photo credit Jason Charles Hill
Magnificent scenery. Outside of it's cities and towns, Tasmania is made up mostly of National Parks (Approx. 30% of Tasmania is protect wilderness). One of our favourites is Freycinet Peninsula on the east coast. This is home to Wineglass Bay, which is a feast for the eyes and takes the envious honor of Tasmania's most photographed natural attraction. Pink granite mountains, whist sandy beaches and a eucalyptus forest mean this is a great place to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Wineglass bay cruise - Photo Credit Wineglass bay cruises
Salamanca Market. Now a Hobart institution, the Salamanca Markets are Australia's most vibrant and loved outdoor markets. Taking place each Saturday next to the Hobart waterfront, over 300 stallholders make an unique experience whether it's your first for 50th visit. It boasts Tasmania's biggest selection of locally made products, from hand-worked glass, wooden furniture, clothing, jewellery and organic local produce. It is Tasmania's most visited attraction and has won awards for excellence.
Salamanca Market - Photo credit City of Hobart & Alastair Bett
History. Tasmania’s Port Arthur, one of Australia’s 11 penal colony sites was thought inescapable: only a narrow band of land, Eaglehawk Neck, connected it to the rest of the island, and this was fiercely guarded by dogs. Today, Port Arthur has been conserved as an open-air museum. You can explore the former prison wings and convict-built chapel, board a boat to the lonely graveyards on Isle of the Dead and linger for a ghost tour - if you dare.
Port Arthur Historic Site - Photo Credit Alastair Bett
There are many ways to explore Tasmania depending on your time, budget and inclination. If you'd like some freedom to explore on your own, but with a little help along the way, a self-drive itinerary would be perfect for you. If you are short on time and enjoy meeting new people; a guided-holiday around the island might fit.
Tasmania has four distinct seasons, our favourite time is spring when Tasmania's beautiful flora starts to bloom. The town of Wynard celebrate with the Bloomin' Tulips festival in October and see the countryside showing the new shoots of colour is spectacular. However, Tasmania is spectacular through-out the year, with all seasons providing interesting colourful and dazzling displays.
Virgin Australia have started direct flights from Perth into Hobart, but you can always fly via Melbourne The Spirit of Tasmania sails from Melbourne daily
If this has inspired you to visit the Island State, then talk to one of your friendly travel agent's today.