Tasmania is Australia’s last piece of true wilderness and raw beauty. The final frontier. A small island off our bigger island nation that offers the avid traveller just about any pleasure that you could ask for. Plentiful in nature, internationally acclaimed food, wine and whiskey as well as some of the nicest Australians that you’ll eve meet. Luckily for us we’re returning to this beautiful island for a much needed get away in May.
Why Tasmania?
Food.
Wine.
Whisky.
Nature.
So really why not Tasmania? It’s one of Australia’s most under rated tourist destinations in my mind. It’s only a short flight, at just over an hour, from Melbourne to Hobart.
Tasmania receives approximately 1.2 million tourists a year, not including those who arrive on cruise ships. 1.2 million people can’t be wrong about the wonders of Tasmania.
Yes we’ve been before. We spent a long weekend down in Hobart for James 30th a few years ago. We had a great time exploring Hobart, went to Mona, did the Cascade brewery… Basically we were A grade tourists! Went to the popular places, had a great time and came home. But we really didn’t get time to explore Tasmania and all that’s on offer. Now we won’t get to do Tasmania justice on this trip too as we’ll only be there for five days.
Adventure Plans
Like all good adventures we have a very loosely detailed plan of what we want to see and do. Just for fun we’ll be flying into Hobart and out of Launceston. Who are we flying with? Well this time around we decided (and I mean me) to test out Tiger Airways. We get asked a lot about the Tiger experience. Which we’ve never done. So just for you all we’ll be trying out Tiger. With some funds put aside in case we need to book another airline on the day. Just saying!
So far out adventure plans look a little like this;
Frolic in Frecyinet Bay
Drink whisky at Nant Distillery
Spending two nights at Pepper Cradle Mount Lodge
Hike Cradle Mountain area
Find cheese – eat cheese – have no regrets about eating all the cheese.
Adventures Around Cradle Mountain
I’ve always wanted to hike around Cradle Mountain. As this is a little bit more of an R&R kinda of trip then our usual mad adventures we decided to up our game and base ourselves at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
As we are off to South America later this year I really need to break in my new hiking boots. Rather than just wearing them around the suburbs as I have it’s time to introduce my new boots to a whole new world of adventure. So after a day of hiking, testing out James patience and my new boots I’m really looking forward to dinner at the Highlands Restaurant, a comfy bed and waking up surrounded by glorious nature and wildlife.
Sadly I don’t think we’ll have enough time to squeeze in any mountain biking or horse riding. We’ll just have to eat more along the way to make up for this disappointment. If you’re thinking about heading to Tasmania during the winter time here are some great things to do.
Yup. Just stop and stare at the wonder of Tasmania and Cradle Mountain. I’ll be rugging up and braving the cold in May to get out at night and experience this for myself. There most likely won’t be any snow but hey I’m still game for a midnight adventure (in my super amazingly warm sleeping bag jacket from Mountain Designs).
We’ll also be experiencing the wonder of Australia’s wildlife. Searching for elusive Tasmania Tigers, avoiding drop bears, dancing with Tasmanian Devils and hopefully cuddling a baby wombat.
Packing Light
So maybe, just maybe, in my airfare buying pre Christmas presents for James I forgot to add checked in luggage. Just maybe. There’s very litle evidence of this or the fact that the price for checked in luggage is now double what it was when I booked our flights. So we’ll be packing uber light weight, taking along and sharing our CabinZero bag and rollie nation shoes. Over the past few months we’ve been road testing both these products and can’t wait to share our reviews and experience with you when we get back.
Have you been to Tasmania? Let us know your tips, tricks and any recommendations in the comments below.
Jeanette
Founder, Principal Blogger & Coffee Drinker
Coffee Lover | Travel Blogger | Horse Rider | Adventure Racer | Donut Dame. Generally nice lady-enjoys wine, indie movies & random dance parties in my tent.
Disclaimer:
This article contains affiliate links. If you do decide to purchase any items from the links above we receive a meagre sacrifice from the accounting gods. This is at no additional expense to you or your family. These funds help us continue to live, feed the dogs and go on cafe runs. Which Milly really does appreciate.
Any and all views and opinions expressed are entirely my own based on personal experiences when travelling and are honest and factual without any bias.
The above images are credited to Tourism Tasmania.
43 Comments
Submit a Comment
Travellers are some of the most financially savvy people you will ever meet.
Travellers are some of the most financially savvy people you will ever meet. Have you ever wondered how people afford to travel, invest & drink take away coffee?
The simplest way to explore Darwin
Darwin is the gateway to the top end of Australia. A place where you can go back in time or explore a growing city. The city has something for everyone, from sun-drenched beaches to bustling markets and vibrant nightlife.
Geelong’s best kept hidden secret – Eden Oak
Eden Oak offers travellers the chance to experience an urban oasis hidden amongst the gum trees in Geelong’s Botanic Garden
I haven’t been to Tasmania, the only reason for this was because I ran out of time when I was over this way.
I am really into hiking and i have heard that it is great for this. I’m always looking for an adventure.
I now feel like I really missed out by not making time to visit Tasmania when I was over there. I will have to go in the future.
You certainly will!!
I had never heard much about Tasmania besides the wildlife, but your piece does a great job summing up what is has to offer! I always thought it would be an adventurous type of place and this confirms it! Also, your pictures are really great, Hobart reminds me of Nova Scotia or some fishing village in the Atlantic.
I went for the opening of Saffire Resort in 2010 and have been trying to get back to Tassie ever since! What a gorgeous island.
Oh okay firstly I love your writing style! And secondly thanks for shedding light on something I haven’t considered when I journey to Aus. This looks stunning!! And those summary points are perfect. I was sold then haha 🙂
I visited Tasmania about 5 years ago on a quick trip but I really really want to go back and explore even more! I didn’t see anywhere near as much as I would have liked, and this just makes me realise that even more!
Tasmania looks amazing! We are just completing our Aussie intinerary and your post is very helpful for us 🙂
Well keep your eyes open. We have a lot more Australia stuff coming up soon!
Tasmania is indeed a destination that fascinates me and it seems you prepare yourself a great trip!!!
Wow. Tasmania has always peaked my interest and this post is absolute proof that I need to put this at the top of my bucket list. Thanks for all the info!
I completely agree! I had a wonderful time in Tasmania – I’ve only been once on a long weekend years ago while studying in Melbourne – but the scenery was incredible. I think it’s a very under-rated destination, but maybe that’s a good thing for now! I’m only sorry I missed all the cheese, lol 🙂
Tasmania is at the top of my bucket list!! Can’t wait to see your photos! 🙂
I would looove to go to Tasmania! Whatever that little animal is in the first picture is so cute 😀 I love all of the pictures!
It’s a baby wombat
It’s so cute 😀
They really are!
Beautiful pics! I’ve heard lots about Tassie, especially the hiking and the southern lights. Guess it’s time for me to plan a Melbourne+Tasmania trip…
I just did a week in Tasmania!!! We did a lot of what you have planned! Like hiking Cradle mountain and Freycinet national park is amazing, I recommend Hazards beach!
Thanks Becca! We’re going to try Fit in as much as possible
Tasmania looks and sounds so amazing, especially the wine! Can’t wait to see your adventures there 🙂
Tasmania looks gorgeous. You are right to say, that it must be a spectacular spot when so many tourists flock there yearly. I always enjoy finding the less known destinations. It seems you allow yourself more freedom to explore as you wish rather than visiting the more touristy spots. Cradle Mountain Lodge looks really lovely to stay at as well for some well-deserved relaxation. Thanks for sharing.
Tasmania is so damn gorgeous. One of my ex-colleague recently moved there for work. He keeps raving and uploading pictures on his Fb account. Would love to visit this place someday.
Tasmania is so dan stunning. One of my ex- colleague have recently moved there for work. Would love to visit someday. Wish the flights are not too expensive from India.
I read your article with an interest as we were planning to visit Tasmania for Easter but eventually decided to leave it for now as one of my Aussie friends told me it will be windy and cold during Easter. I am still not 100%convinced it is a good idea to leave it but I hope I will not regret! Good luck with your trip 🙂
No still go!!
We’ve been to Tassie 3 or 4 times in the past 10 years. Most recently was in May 2016 when we explore Cradle Mountain and the West coast. Hands down Tassie is my favourite destination in Australia. You will love Cradle Mountain in May! The weather is so crisp (there was frost and ALMOST snow last year), and at dusk you can find so many wombats and wallabies around the Lodge or near the National Park. You should explore the Devil’s at Cradle, and there are plenty of short walks around the National Park near Dove Lake, you can try for breaking in those boots. I AM SO JEALOUS.
I’ve read many good things about Tasmania. But you have completely sold this destination to me. I hope to visit it someday being the nature lover that I am, I am sure there are many things for me to see and enjoy.
Ah, lovely, your trip sound grand. I’m hoping to drag my fella down there next month. Well, not drag. He’ll come along willingly. In any case, have had aspirations to retire to Tasmania since visiting it a few years ago. Seriously underrated patch of Oz.
Awesome to see more about Tasmania. Growing up ‘next-door’ in New Zealand, I have been to Australia countless times but never thought about Tasmania, partly because the whole purpose of visiting Australia as a youth was to go somewhere warm and sunny – and I guess Hobart doesn’t really have that sort of climate…! But your photos are stunning and the more I read about it the more I think I need to go over there.
Yes indeed you do!!!
I’ve only heard about Tasmania, but never knew anything in detail about it. This place looks incredible! Cradle Mountain reminds me of the magical island in Life of Pi!
I heard of Tasmania many years back from one of my Singaporean friends who happened to get scholarship to study there. Since then, it’s been into my bucket list. Hope to be there one day soon!
I had been to Australia before but couldn’t do Tasmania. Guess your post has just made me rethink about my upcoming travels. Now I want to return to Tasmania for the exact reason you mentioned in your post – Food, Wine, Whisky & Nature.
You had me at food, wine, whisky, nature! Minus the whisky maybe. Cradle mountain looks AMAZING! I dunno about a midnight adventure tho… Haha. Depends what kind of adventure, I guess! Thanks for sharing
Hopefully a full moon camera out kinda adventure 😉
Everything about Australia has fascinated me since childhood . I have longed to see Tasmanian Devil and a wombat. I learnt about them in schooldays. What I didn’t know is that Tasmania also offers breath taking views. Until I stumbled upon your blog, that is.
Never been to Tasmania, but it sounds wonderful. It definitely seems like an underrated destination! And I agree with the cheese comment, it’s one of my favorite foods too.
Cheese is delicious. I could never be a vegan and give up chocolate and cheese!
Hey Jean, your plans sound neat. Have fun hiking around Cradle mountain with your new boots. Remember to blog after your trip and let us know whether you actually got to cuddle a wombat!
Tasmania looks like a really great place to visit. I’ve never made it there yet, only the main island. Hope you manage to pack light enough. I always pack light, don’t have to drag heavy suitcases around. Better to just do some laundry on your trip I think 🙂
This is so true! Thankfully we’re only gone for a short time so no worries about laundry.
Hi Jean, Tasmania sounds exciting !
It certainly is.