Fascinating Things You Should Know Before You Visit Tasmania
The famous boat shed at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
If you’ve ever looked at Tasmania on a map and thought, “Surely this island can’t hold that much adventure,” get ready… Tassie will prove you wrong in the best possible way.
Whether you’re planning a weekend away, a whirlwind 7-day adventure or a slow and scenic two-week road trip, here are the most fascinating, and genuinely helpful, things to know before you go.
1. Tasmania’s Convict History Is Intense, Emotional and Everywhere
Tasmania’s past is anchored deeply in its convict history. In the 1700s and 1800s, when British prisons overflowed, convicts… many sentenced for crimes of survival like stealing a load of bread, were transported here, often never seeing home or their families again.
You’ll feel this history in the buildings and the stories of places like Port Arthur, one of the most compelling historic sites in Australia.
Traveller Tip:
Give yourself enough time. Port Arthur deserves at least half a day. The stories, mini tours, ruins and preserved buildings offer a powerful understanding of the island. Your ticket also includes a short boat cruise to see the island from another perspective.
2. Tasmania Is a Foodie Paradise… Fresh, Local and Ridiculously Good
Tassie’s lush green hills aren’t just pretty, they’re the backbone of its incredible food culture. Expect farmers markets, paddock-to-plate restaurants, bakeries, truffle farms, berry farms, and seasonal produce that tastes like it was picked five minutes ago. If you’re vegan like me, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised.
Traveller Tip:
If you visit Bruny Island, stop by The Bruny Baker fridges where you can pick up freshly baked bread using an honesty system. The sourdough is amazing!
3. The Wineries Are World-Class (And Beautiful)
Tasmania may be small compared to mainland Australia, but its wineries pack a punch… especially if you love cool-climate varieties.
Some favourites:
La Villa - intimate, beautiful, warm hospitality
Pooley Wines - a must-visit, stunning grounds
Tamar Ridge - sweeping valley views
Even if you’re not a wine drinker, you’ll appreciate the scenery.
4. Tasmania Has Some of Australia’s Oldest Breweries
Breweries in Tassie offer a blend history and swank. You can tour the iconic Cascade Brewery in Hobart or Boag’s Brewery in Launceston… both set inside impressive historic buildings with tastings included in the tours.
5. And If You Love Whisky… This Is Your Place
Tasmania has become a serious force in whisky production, and no distillery captures the spirit of the place quite like Lark. Their tasting rooms are modern, while their main distillery sits inside a gorgeous 1800s building, set amongst rolling hills.
6. Don’t Miss the Cideries… Especially The Apple Shed
Tasmania produces top quality apples, and cider houses like The Apple Shed make for a perfect stop between adventures. Don’t miss this warm spiced apple cider, and their famous apple pie.
7. The Wildlife Is Unlike Mainland Australia
Tassie’s wildlife feels like mainland Australia… just different.
Here’s what surprised me:
Endless wallabies and pademelons (everywhere!)
More echidnas than I’ve ever seen in my life
Plenty of wombats, especially around Cradle Mountain
Only occasional sightings of emus
No kangaroo or koala sightings on my entire trip
Fairy penguins along the coast
Platapus live in many streams, though are hard to spot
And yes, Tasmania is home to the iconic Tasmanian devil, but seeing them in the wild is rare.
8. The Scenery Is Picturesque
With rolling hills, moss covered rainforests, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, and beaches with clean white sand… Tasmania delivers nonstop scenery.
9. The Speed Limits Will Surprise You
There were so many rural roads signed at 40 km/h or 60 km/h that easily felt like they should be 80. Don’t fight it… Tassie’s winding roads and abundant wildlife mean the slower limit is there for safety. Unfortunately you will see roadkill everywhere.
10. Things Close Early… Really Early
Shops, cafés, and tourist sites shut early. Some National Trust sites open only two days a week and only via guided tour.
If you’re used to mainland convenience, plan ahead. You don’t want to arrive at a historic goal at 4pm and realise the last tour was at 3 (we did this more times than I’d like to admit).
11. You’ll Need a National Park Pass
There’s no pay-on-entry for National Parks. Instead, you purchase a park pass (day, holiday, or annual) that you’ll leave on the dashboard of your car.
You can:
Buy it online in advance
Or use the automated machines at major parks
We went with the 12-month pass because it was the best value for our 15-day trip.
12. The Weather Is Wild and Unpredictable
With close proximity to Antarctica, you can expect cold weather in Tasmania most of the year. We visited in late November, just days before summer… and saw snow. It rained 14 out of 15 days, with patches of sun, and lots of wind. It really was four seasons in one day.
Always pack:
A waterproof and windproof jacket
Layers
A beanie (yes, even in summer)
Good hiking boots
Swimming gear (for the sauna lovers and the brave)
13. The Beaches Are Stunning… And Freezing (Most of The Year)
Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires are some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia… but they’re usually too cold to swim in. Visit them anyway. The scenery alone is worth the trip.
14. Travel Distances Are Much Shorter Than Mainland Australia
Hobart → Launceston? Just 2.5 hours via the Midlands Highway. This makes Tasmania an incredible destination for travellers who want to see a lot in a short amount of time.
15. Sauna Culture Is a Thing
Tassie’s cold climate has helped sauna culture thrive. Expect sauna-and-plunge experiences along coastlines, in boutique stays, and woven into wellness retreats. Try a floating sauna experience.
16. The Cities Feel Like Big Country Towns
Hobart and Launceston may be cities on paper, but their vibe is warm, local and friendly. With limited high rises, they are a refreshing contrast to bigger Australian hubs.
17. Tassie Towns Love a “Thing” They’re Known For
From the quirky “Doo” signs in Doo Town to the murals in Sheffield, everywhere has its own quirks and own identity, and locals are proud of it.
18. Tasmania Is Famous for Truffles
If you’ve never tried fresh truffles, Tasmania is home to some of the best, thanks to its cool climate and clean soils.
19. The Air Really Is Some of the Cleanest on Earth
Especially on the west coast, where winds blow straight from Antarctica with minimal landmass in between.
20. Huon Pine Trees Are Some of the Oldest in the World
Found in Tasmania, these slow-growing giants can live for thousands of years and are found mainly in the rugged west. Get up close and personal with the Huon Pines on the Tahune Forest Airwalk.
21. Multi-Day Hikes Are Huge Here
From the iconic Overland Track to remote wild trails, Tassie is a hiker’s dream.
But even if multi-day treks aren’t your thing…
22. Tasmania Has 60 of Australia’s Best Short Walks
The 60 Great Short Walks program showcases Tasmania’s best scenery without needing to commit to big hikes. Many range from 30 mins to 3 hours.
23. Tasmania Is Often Left Off World Maps
It’s a running joke, but also weirdly true. Look closely the next time you see an international map… Tassie often goes missing.
24. There’s a Poo Museum
Yes. Really. The Pooseum in Richmond Tasmania is as quirky and memorable as it sounds.
25. Volunteers Are Everywhere, And They Make the Magic Happen
Many historic sites, museums, walks and national park facilities are supported by passionate volunteers who keep Tasmania’s cultural and natural heritage alive.
26. Nothing Feels Tourist-Trappy
Even the most popular sites feel authentic, intimate and wonderfully uncrowded.
27. You’ll Want More Time Than You Think
Even if Tasmania looks small on the map, its experiences run deep. Give yourself time to slow down, linger and take in the magic… it’s part of the Tassie charm.
Ready to explore?
Tasmania is one of those places that quietly sweeps you off your feet. It’s wild, green, historic, quirky, creative and endlessly scenic. And once you get a taste of it, you’ll already be planning your return trip.
If you’re ready to start planning your adventure, explore next: