A hidden gem, just a stone’s throw away from Melbourne, of the south coast of Australia. Here lies the often overlooked, yet seriously stunning island state of Tasmania. Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. Tasmania is a perfect all-year destination. We visited in winter (May to August) when temperatures can reach as low as minus degrees in mountainous areas. However, these are generally cooler months. This makes it perfect to enjoy a hot coco while gazing up at the Milky Way (which we were lucky enough to experience)!

Summer season runs from December to February, where temperatures can average around the low twenties, making this time of year perfect for eating scallops on  pristine white beaches. 

We combined our trip to Tasmania with a pre night in Melbourne, making a direct flight into Launceston super quick and easy. We flew out of the bustling city of Hobart which has direct links to Perth, Sydney and many more. A perfect opportunity for exploring onwards after your time here.

Over 40% of Tasmania is protected as UNESCO World Heritage Area and national park, making it a nature-lovers paradise. From stunning lakes, mountains, an abundance of wildlife and beautiful coastal scenery these are only a few of the reasons to visit this spectacular island. 

I would recommend this destination to all types of travellers; those seeking adventure, or those looking to simply marvel at the outstanding natural beauty. 

We had a fantastic experience in Tasmania, from start to finish. Our guides Josh and Sean from Tourism Tasmania were excellent, their knowledge was second to none! Having both local guides made this trip a unique experience for us.

Tasmania definitely stands out to me as a go-to destination. We were so lucky to experience some of the main highlights including Cradle Mountain on one of the most beautiful days, while also trekking the circuit around Dove Lake. There are multiple hiking and trekking routes for all physical abilities here. A huge highlight was the abundance of wildlife including Tasmanian Devils (those of which are native to the island), along with wombats, wallabies and we were even lucky enough to spot a platypus at the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge! 

We delved deep into the rainforest on the Gordon River Wilderness Cruise, visiting Sarah Island to learn about the convict history here and went back in time on the West Coast Wilderness Railway journey from Strahan. Strahan being a beautiful coastal, quaint town where we stayed in the Risby Cove Hotel, possibly the best seafood ever! We went truffle hunting on a local farm, and took part in visiting local vineyards. Hobart and Launceston are both fantastic cities to explore the rich culture of Tasmanian history as well as a wide range of restaurants to savour some of the most incredible authentic local cuisine.

My personal highlight had to be seeing Cradle Mountain reflecting onto Dove Lake, it was breathtaking!

First of all… DO IT! Second of all, give yourself enough time to immerse yourself in the experience of being in Tasmania. Don’t rush this trip; pick up a car to travel around and take your time on the journey. Tasmania is a lot larger than what you may think, so leave some extra time for your trip to make the most of each area!

For more inspiration take a look at our Tasmania Holidays pages and our Australia Holidays pages.