Holidays in Tasmania

At the far corner of the planet, washed by the clean oceans and fresh air, lies the island of Tasmania – Australia’s Natural State.

Wildlife holidays in Tasmania

If there’s any place on earth that is an unchanged Garden of Eden, it is Tasmania’s remote, temperate wilderness. With more than 40% of the island protected in easily accessible reserves and national parks, Tasmania holidays are perfect for nature lovers.

Being separated from the Australian mainland by the Bass Strait, Tasmanian wildlife has remained protected and the island is an oasis for many animal species now endangered or extinct in mainland Australia, including the Eastern Quoll, Eastern Barred Bandicoot and of course the Tasmanian Devil.

History of Tasmania

On your holiday in Tasmania you can step out of your car into primeval forests, or drive to some of the most beautiful beaches on the globe. With a rich colonial history, thriving food, wine and arts scenes and stylish hotels, Tasmania holidays are truly rejuvenating.

Steeped in a rich history, fanning from local aboriginals through to the Dutch, French and English landings, Tasmania has a rich convict history and the old whaling and maritime days now form a strong part of Tasmania’s European heritage.

Tasmania today

Today, this heart shaped island thrives on innovative agriculture, intelligent industry and its burgeoning tourist trade. There is still a nautical feel to the island, with shipbuilding being an important business. Tasmania is also Australia’s Antarctic link, and it’s often possible to see icebreakers moored in the capital Hobart’s docks, alongside yachts and fishing boats.

For those looking for natural landscapes and wide open spaces on their Tasmania holiday, the contrast in scenery across the island is amazing, from the rugged mountains and tranquil lakes of the wild west coast in Strahan, to the pristine beaches and untouched bushland of the Freycinet Peninsula.

Tasmania accommodation

Although the region retains its remote feel, there is now an excellent range of accommodation in Tasmania – hotels, villas and B&Bs in abundance. As a result, the ambience is of a welcoming, laid–back haven that’s eminently civilised and yet feels blissfully far away from the manic pace of the rest of the world.

Food and Drink

Up north, you will find the Tamar Wine Valley Route where you can book into a relaxing Tasmanian hotel and indulge in wonderful wines, crisp ales and beers, superb seafood and fresh local produce. The south, meanwhile, is a perfect place to enjoy the spectacular coastal views with the highest sea cliffs in Australia around the Tasman Peninsula.

For food lovers, eating and drinking on a Tasmania holiday is an epicurean treat. Fresh Southern Ocean seafood, cool climate wines and some of Australia’s most innovative chefs make dining out a pleasure. Many wineries have restaurants with wine tasting and cellar door sales. Near Tasmania’s northern city, Launceston, lies the Tamar Valley wine region, and near the capital, Hobart, in the South, are the vineyards of the Coal River Valley.

Tasmania holiday makers can also visit specialist cheese and chocolate makers that host tastings. Several honey producers, fruit and berry farms and oyster growers also have restaurants and cafes where guests on holiday to Tasmania can sample their products. You can take a tour to a vineyard for wine tasting and lunch, and then follow it up with an evening of classical music; the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra is one of the best in Australia.

Tasmania holiday tours

An ideal gateway to Tasmania from the mainland is to take the Spirit of Tasmania, which sails from Melbourne to Devonport daily (often overnight sailings). Here you can pick up a car for the perfect way to take your Tasmania holiday at your own pace.

Due to its size, a 6–7 day exploration of the island is easily achieved. Just book into your chosen Tasmanian accommodation and proceed to immerse yourself in the history, culture and nature – from a visit to Port Arthur Penal Settlement to a relaxing glass of outstanding Australian wine at the stunning Wineglass Bay.