Free Tasmania Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Tasmania
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Tasmania combines cool-climate food and wine, convict heritage, mountain wilderness, historic towns and a rugged coast across one remarkable Australian island.

Tasmania is Australia’s southern island state, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait and shaped by a cool maritime climate, rugged mountains, forested valleys and a deeply indented coastline. Hobart, the capital, occupies the Derwent estuary beneath kunanyi/Mount Wellington, while Launceston lies inland at the meeting of the North and South Esk rivers. Between them are highland plateaux, rural districts, historic towns and some of the country’s most carefully protected landscapes.
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The island’s western and central regions are dominated by wilderness. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park combines glacial valleys, alpine moorland and ancient rainforest, while the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park preserves a largely roadless landscape of deep gorges and temperate forest. In the east, Freycinet National Park is known for granite peaks, sheltered bays and the pale sweep of Wineglass Bay. The north-west has a different character, with working rural communities, coastal scenery and access to the Tarkine, one of Australia’s largest temperate rainforest areas.
Tasmania’s cultural identity is equally layered. palawa people have maintained connections with lutruwita, the Aboriginal name for Tasmania, for thousands of generations. British colonisation introduced farming, maritime trade, penal administration and towns whose Georgian and Victorian buildings remain prominent in places such as Richmond, Oatlands, Evandale and Battery Point. Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula is a major reminder of the convict system, but the island’s history also includes Aboriginal resistance, industrial development, mining, timber-getting and changing ideas about conservation.
Food and drink are central to contemporary travel here. Cool-climate wines, apples, cherries, berries, cheeses, whisky, beer and seafood are linked to distinct growing regions rather than a single cuisine. Hobart’s waterfront and Salamanca area provide galleries, restaurants and a celebrated weekend market, while Launceston is a base for the Tamar Valley and the north’s farm and vineyard country. Smaller towns offer bakeries, country pubs, cellar doors and produce stalls, although opening patterns can be seasonal.
Travel distances are easy to underestimate. Major roads connect the principal towns, but national parks, peninsulas and western wilderness areas require time, preparation and attention to weather. A well-planned itinerary might combine Hobart’s historic waterfront with the Huon Valley, the Tasman Peninsula, the central highlands, Launceston and an eastern or north-western coastal route. Tasmania rewards slower journeys, where changing light, demanding landscapes and traces of earlier industries are part of the experience.

When is the best time to visit Tasmania?

Best: January–March · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2245
February (best)2239
March (best)2044
April1749
May1454
June1260
July1159
August1357
September1556
October1762
November1958
December2155

Getting to and around Tasmania

How to get there

Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie have airports with domestic connections to mainland Australian cities, although routes and schedules change. Hobart Airport is the principal gateway for the south and east; Launceston serves the north; and Devonport is convenient for the north-west. The Spirit of Tasmania passenger ferry operates between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport, with sailings subject to booking and operational conditions. Tasmania is also reached by road via the ferry, while mainland gateway cities such as Melbourne are outside the region.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching national parks, smaller towns, wineries and remote coastlines, but driving times are longer than distances on a map suggest. Hobart and Launceston have local buses, and intercity coaches connect principal settlements, though rural services are limited and are not designed for every park or trailhead. Cycling is practical on selected routes but requires planning around hills, weather and traffic. Keep fuel and supplies available in remote districts, and avoid driving at dusk or night where wildlife is active.

Top city travel guides in Tasmania

The cities of Tasmania, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Tasmania

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Tasmania

Tasmania’s attractions range from urban culture to large protected landscapes. Hobart combines the waterfront, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the galleries and food stalls around Salamanca, while Launceston provides access to the Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley. The Tasman Peninsula brings together coastal scenery, historic Port Arthur and striking geological formations. In the east, Freycinet National Park offers walks among granite ranges and bays, and Maria Island National Park combines quiet beaches, wildlife and convict-era remains. Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park is the best-known gateway to the island’s alpine wilderness, with shorter walks as well as demanding longer routes. The central highlands, Huon Valley and north-west offer different experiences of lakes, orchards, rainforest, farmland and small communities. Wildlife watching may include wombats, wallabies, echidnas and seabirds, but animals should be observed without feeding or approaching them. Seasonal conditions, road access and park facilities vary considerably, so outdoor attractions require preparation rather than a spontaneous city-style visit.

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Best landmarks in Tasmania

Tasmania’s most recognisable landmarks reflect both geology and history. kunanyi/Mount Wellington rises above Hobart and is visible across the Derwent, while Cataract Gorge forms a dramatic natural edge to Launceston. Port Arthur’s penitentiary, separate prison and associated buildings are among the clearest physical expressions of the island’s convict past. The sandstone bridge at Richmond and the colonial streetscapes of Oatlands and Ross show how early roads, farming and administration shaped the interior. In the east, the pink granite formations of the Hazards define the skyline of Freycinet National Park and frame Wineglass Bay. Cradle Mountain is an emblematic alpine landmark, rising above Dove Lake and the glacial landscapes of the central-west. The west has a more industrial visual language: Queenstown’s denuded hills and former mining environment record the effects of extraction and smelting. These places are not interchangeable scenic viewpoints; together they show Tasmania’s contrasting natural processes, colonial history, engineering, settlement patterns and continuing conservation story.

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Explore Tasmania on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Tasmania

Tasmanian dining is strongly connected to its cool climate, maritime setting and relatively compact food-producing districts. Seafood, oysters, salmon, abalone, scallops and rock lobster feature in coastal areas, while inland farms supply beef, lamb, pork, berries, cherries, apples, cheeses and vegetables. The island is also known for cool-climate wines, cider, whisky, craft beer and high-quality chocolate, although individual producers differ widely in style. Hobart has the broadest range of restaurants, cafés and produce-led menus, with Launceston offering an important northern dining base and smaller towns relying on bakeries, pubs, cafés and rural inns. Cellar doors and farm outlets are particularly useful in the Tamar Valley, Huon Valley and Coal River Valley, while east-coast communities provide seafood and relaxed coastal dining. Reservations can be sensible in busy seasons, but travellers should also expect limited evening choices in remote areas and should check opening arrangements before making a long drive.

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Best bars in Tasmania

Tasmania’s evening culture is concentrated in Hobart and Launceston, with nightlife elsewhere generally centred on pubs, restaurants, breweries, historic hotels and occasional live-music events rather than large club districts. Hobart offers waterfront bars, cocktail venues, small music rooms and a broad restaurant scene, especially around the central city and Salamanca area. Launceston has a similarly compact selection of bars, pubs and cultural venues, with a stronger small-city atmosphere. Outside these centres, evenings are often shaped by local hotels, cellar doors, community events and dining rather than late-night entertainment. Tasmania’s brewing, distilling and wine industries provide opportunities for tastings where they are offered, but responsible drinking and a planned journey are important because rural transport is limited and distances between settlements can be substantial. Seasonal festivals and touring performances may add variety, but arrangements change, so current local listings should be checked.

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Best nightclubs in Tasmania

Tasmania’s evening culture is concentrated in Hobart and Launceston, with nightlife elsewhere generally centred on pubs, restaurants, breweries, historic hotels and occasional live-music events rather than large club districts. Hobart offers waterfront bars, cocktail venues, small music rooms and a broad restaurant scene, especially around the central city and Salamanca area. Launceston has a similarly compact selection of bars, pubs and cultural venues, with a stronger small-city atmosphere. Outside these centres, evenings are often shaped by local hotels, cellar doors, community events and dining rather than late-night entertainment. Tasmania’s brewing, distilling and wine industries provide opportunities for tastings where they are offered, but responsible drinking and a planned journey are important because rural transport is limited and distances between settlements can be substantial. Seasonal festivals and touring performances may add variety, but arrangements change, so current local listings should be checked.

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Best shops in Tasmania

Shopping in Tasmania is spread across compact city centres, historic high streets, farm outlets and weekend markets rather than dominated by large retail districts. Hobart’s Salamanca Market is the best-known market setting, with local food, crafts, art, clothing and household goods, while the city’s central streets and waterfront provide galleries, design shops and specialist food retailers. Launceston has independent shops, galleries, booksellers and access to produce from the Tamar and northern farming districts. Regional towns such as Richmond, Evandale, Ross and Oatlands are useful for antiques, crafts and locally made gifts, though small businesses may keep limited or seasonal hours. Good regional purchases include Tasmanian cheese, chocolate, honey, preserves, cider, wine, whisky and craft beer, subject to airline and customs rules when taking food or alcohol onward. Look for locally made woodwork, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and prints, and ask whether an item was produced in Tasmania rather than merely sold there.

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Tasmania essentials

Currency and Payment
Tasmania uses the Australian dollar (AUD), like the rest of Australia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Hobart, Launceston, larger towns, accommodation and most established attractions. Cash remains useful for some small cafés, rural stalls, community markets, parking machines and areas where mobile reception or payment systems are unreliable. Notify your bank before travelling if required, and keep a payment alternative for remote journeys.
Safety
Tasmania is generally straightforward for visitors, but outdoor hazards deserve serious attention. Weather can change quickly in alpine and coastal areas, and walkers should carry suitable clothing, water, navigation equipment and a realistic plan. Observe warnings about bushfires, floods, strong surf and high winds. Drive cautiously on narrow, winding roads and watch for wildlife. In remote regions, tell someone your destination and expected return, as mobile coverage can be intermittent.
Emergency Situations
Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies anywhere in Tasmania. In serious incidents in remote parks or on the coast, emergency services may coordinate specialised rescue resources, but response times can be extended by terrain and weather. For non-urgent police assistance, use the national non-emergency arrangements available locally. Follow park, fire and weather alerts, and provide rescuers with a clear location, route, vehicle description and description of the incident.
Do's and Don'ts
Do stay on marked tracks, respect Aboriginal cultural places and follow local park instructions; do not remove rocks, plants, wildlife or fossils. Keep dogs out of restricted conservation areas and take rubbish with you. At historic sites, do not climb on fragile structures or touch sensitive surfaces. In rural areas, close gates and respect private land. Australian dining and tipping customs apply: service charges are not generally compulsory, though a tip may be offered for excellent service.
Local Tips
Build an itinerary around one or two broad areas rather than trying to cross the island every day. Hobart works well for the south-east and Tasman Peninsula, Launceston for the north and Tamar Valley, and the east coast or Cradle Mountain require dedicated stays. Book national-park accommodation and popular walking routes early, check fuel availability before remote drives, and allow time for farm gates, galleries and small settlements that may not operate every day.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloG'day[guh-day]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYeah[yeh]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo worries[no worries]
Thank youCheers[cheers]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sorry]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it goin'?]
Fine. And you?Good, you?[good, you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[do ya speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please?[can I see the menu, please?]
I don't eat meatI’m vegetarian[I'm vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill, please?[can I get the bill, please?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Get lost![get lost]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doctor]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI'm sick[I'm sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just browsing]
How much is it?How much is this?[how much is this?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[that's a bit pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you do a better price?[can you do a better price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What’s the time?[what's the time?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[it's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[half past ten]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonArvo[arvo]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...? [where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out on the map?[can you point it out on the map?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...[a ticket to ...]

History of Tasmania

palawa Country and Deep Indigenous History

Tasmania has been home to Aboriginal peoples, commonly referred to collectively as palawa, for at least many thousands of years. Communities developed detailed relationships with the island’s coasts, rivers, grasslands, wetlands and forests, managing resources and maintaining cultural traditions despite changing sea levels and environments. The name lutruwita is widely used by Tasmanian Aboriginal people for the island. Indigenous history is not confined to the European period and remains central to understanding Tasmania’s landscapes, cultural institutions and contemporary identity.

European Sightings and British Settlement, 1642–1803

Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted the island in 1642, naming it Van Diemen’s Land after the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies. Later European voyages charted parts of the coast, but permanent British settlement began in 1803 at Risdon Cove and moved to Sullivan’s Cove, present-day Hobart, in 1804. The new colony served strategic and administrative purposes as well as providing access to land, timber, agriculture and maritime routes.

The Black War and Colonial Expansion

As British settlement spread, Aboriginal communities faced dispossession, violence, introduced disease and disruption to established food systems. Conflict intensified during the period commonly called the Black War, particularly in the 1820s. George Augustus Robinson’s later so-called Friendly Mission removed many Aboriginal people to Flinders Island, where poor conditions caused further suffering and loss of life. Tasmania’s colonial history must therefore be read alongside Aboriginal resistance, survival and continuing cultural renewal.

The Convict Colony and Port Arthur

Van Diemen’s Land became one of the principal destinations for transported convicts in the British penal system. Convicts worked in agriculture, road building, timber production, construction and domestic service, helping create the colonial economy while enduring coercive conditions. Port Arthur, established on the Tasman Peninsula in 1830, developed into a major penal settlement and is now part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing. Convict-era buildings and landscapes remain visible across southern and eastern Tasmania.

From Van Diemen’s Land to Tasmania

The colony’s name changed from Van Diemen’s Land to Tasmania in 1856, reflecting an effort to distance the government and wider society from its penal reputation after transportation ended. Free migration, pastoral expansion, commerce and municipal development accelerated during the nineteenth century. Hobart and Launceston gained civic buildings, warehouses, churches and transport links, while smaller settlements such as Richmond, Oatlands and Ross developed around roads, farming and river or coastal trade.

Mining, Forestry and Industrial Development

Mining became especially important in western Tasmania, where deposits of copper, tin, gold and other minerals supported towns such as Queenstown and Zeehan. The west’s steep terrain and heavy rainfall also encouraged hydroelectric development and timber industries. Railways, ports and processing works connected remote districts with Hobart, Launceston and the coast. The legacy is visible in mining landscapes, industrial ruins and communities whose fortunes have long been linked to changing commodity prices and environmental debates.

Conservation and the Franklin Campaign

Tasmania’s wilderness became the focus of one of Australia’s most influential environmental campaigns during the late twentieth century. Opposition to a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Franklin River united conservationists, scientists, artists and many members of the public. The campaign helped bring national attention to the value of the south-west’s rivers and forests, and the dam was not built. Much of the area is now protected within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, although debates about land use continue.

Tasmania in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Tasmania

The closest regions to Tasmania, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Tasmania

Discover Tasmania with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan and book all in one place!

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich media including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty of Tasmania with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, plan your entire trip effortlessly.

  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Essential travel information and historical insights
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Evendo, the premier app-based travel guide designed to make your trip to Tasmania unforgettable. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Cradle Mountain, explore the historic Port Arthur, or wander through the vibrant Salamanca Market, Evendo has you covered. Our app offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities Tasmania has to offer.

Evendo's rich set of information includes stunning images, thorough descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it incredibly easy for users to plan and organize their trip. Picture yourself dining at the award-winning Franklin Restaurant in Hobart, or taking a scenic tour through the breathtaking Wineglass Bay. With Evendo, you can discover amazing new things in Tasmania and beyond.

Booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences has never been easier. No more endless searches on multiple platforms—Evendo consolidates everything into one convenient app. Features like the 'Near Me' function allow you to see what's around you, no matter where you are, while curated local tips help you experience Tasmania like a local. Plus, the app provides essential travel information and intriguing historical insights about Tasmania.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Beyond Tasmania, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, ensuring that once you download the app, you have the world in your pocket.

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