Besides the natural wonders and wondrous land of Tasmania, traveling to Tasmania will allow you to enjoy the best of what this magical country has to offer. An Australia cruise that stops in Tasmania offers sweeping landscapes, wildlife, vibrant cultures, and cuisine. The area is renowned for Australia's most diverse flora and fauna, old British settlements, and revered Indigenous cultural sites.
The island state of Tasmania is a charming city of quaint streets, markets, and galleries, and it is the site of an evocative penal colony steeped in local lore. You will find plenty of fun activities and things to do on the island state. There are even trails to hike through national parks on the Freycinet Peninsula. The area is home to Tasmanian devils and wallabies.
The only way to reach some of the most remote parts of Tasmania is in small tender boats during a Tasmania cruise. There are hikes along the coast, caves, stone pillars, thermal spas, beaches, and large cliffs. Here are some highlights of Tasmania.
Australia's aboriginal heritage sites are located here. These sites share a deep connection to the past with how the island's modern culture has shaped the place we live today. At the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, you can view rock art dating back 20,000 years, or at the Port Arthur Historic Site, you can see shell middens and stone huts. Discover the island's unique culture and language by participating in an aboriginal cultural tour.
The Tasmanian national parks are home to many wild animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and echidnas. The picturesque Myrtle Gully Falls near Hobart is another must-see attraction for visitors, as is St. Clair National Park with its sweeping views of this wilderness area. If you wish to see penguins, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat, you can trip to one of the smaller offshore islands.
In the wine industry, Tasmania has earned a reputation for excellence. Some of Australia's most renowned wineries can also be found there. Experience a tour and wine tasting at one of Tasmania's many wineries, or savor a delicious meal with local Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and other local wines. Tasmania's wines complement the island's cuisine perfectly with its organic meat and fresh fish, to local cheeses and honey.
There is much to explore and experience in the destinations you'll visit. This section offers some insight into the ports you'll be visiting.
There is a strong colonial history in the architecture of Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. The historic Battery Point in Hobart is famous for its narrow streets and Victorian seafarers' cottages. It has been a favorite spot for tourists for more than a century. Then, head to Salamanca Place, a cultural hotspot in the city: browse the boutiques, cafes, and restaurants now occupying the Georgian-style warehouses. Hobart's landmark, the 1,271-meter-tall massif Mount Wellington, is the highlight of the cruise. Panoramic views, bushwalking, and a 30-minute drive to the summit.
On a Port Arthur tour, you'll have a hard time believing this tropical island was once an infamous penal colony. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts immaculately preserved ruins and a scenic location on a breathtaking peninsula, making it a sight to behold. You can spend your day exploring the outskirts of the original Port Arthur site, including marine caves, spectacular bays, and rocky cliffs. It has enough history and landmarks to keep you entertained for hours. On a Tasmania cruise, discover Port Arthur's fascinating history.
This destination is also known for its wildlife encounters at Port Davey. It is one of the few remaining wilderness areas in the world. The port, as well as the surrounding area, is part of the Tasmanian wilderness world heritage area. Many bushwalking tracks here range from a few kilometers to 70 kilometers along the Port Davey trail. On the coast, there are opportunities to dive, kayak, and fish in the rivers. The waters around Tasmania have an unusual brown tint caused by tannin, so it is possible to see a range of marine life when diving here.
A Tasmania boat cruise can be challenging for wildlife enthusiasts. You can see fur seals, penguins, dolphins, and humpback whales at Tasman National Park if you're unsure where to go. Small tender boats offer guests access to nooks and coves around Tasmania as they do on cruises around Australia. The Tasman National Park allows visitors to visit places that other tourists cannot access and enjoy the sights and sounds of land animals. Here you'll see wombats, wallabies, and the iconic Tasmanian devil.
