Top Things to Do in Tasmania For 2024: Your Guide to the Island's Best Attractions and Activities

May 28, 2023

If you're visiting Tasmania for a fishing trip or wider adventure, here's some things to do with the best activities and attractions to get the most from your trip.

Tasmania (Lutruwita) is on the ‘places-to-visit bucket list’ of many travellers, and for good reason!

It is hard to believe that Australia’s smallest state, an island situated to the south of the mainland, can pack so much in for visitors to see and do.

Tassie, as the locals call it, is a mountainous island with diverse environments ranging from rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches, snow capped mountain ranges and dense rainforests - all of which create stunning backdrops for Tasmania's best tourist attractions.

Those wishing to visit Tasmania will find that many of the attractions are within proximity of our major town centres, including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie, which allows for easy travel and the ability to visit many of the key highlights within a single trip.

Our pick for the best attractions in Tasmania in 2024 include:

  • Freycinet National Park
  • Port Arthur Historic Site
  • Cradle Mountain National Park
  • Maria Island
  • South Bruny National Park
  • Mount Wellington/Kunanyi
  • food/wine tour of Launceston
  • fly fishing tour of the Central Highlands

Many of our clients often ask us what else they can add to their Tasmanian fly fishing adventure whilst they are here, so we thought we’d compile a list of our favourite things to do in Tasmania and places to visit in Tasmania.

Visit Tasmania: Our favourite things to do and see around the state in 2024.

The Best Things To Do And Places To Visit Near Hobart (Southern Tasmania)

Visit the popular Mona Art Museum

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is an art museum located within the Moorilla Winery just outside the Hobart CBD. It is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere. MONA houses a range of artwork created by David Walsh. The venue also boasts amazing architecture, restaurants, cafes, accommodation and wine and beer tastings. 

Browse the famous Salamanca Markets

Salamanca Market is a street market in Salamanca Place, on the Hobart Waterfront. The Market is one of Tasmania's most visited tourist attractions, with a wide range of local stallholders including woodwork, arts and crafts, clothing, food and drinks, it is a must-do whilst in Hobart.

Enjoy the spectacular views from Kunanyi/Mt Wellington

Towering 1271m above the Hobart city, Kunanyi/Mt Wellington provides a backdrop that is hard to rival, and a great opportunity for a drive up ‘the mountain’ for some breathtaking views across Hobart and Southern Tasmania.

Learn more: Hop on the Kunyani/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus

Visit the Port Arthur historic site

Located about a 2 hour drive from Hobart and home to more than 30 convict-built structures and substantial ruins, the Port Arthur Historic Site is another one of the excellent places to visit in Tasmania.

The Historic Site provides an insight into early colonial history in Tasmania with guided and self guided tours throughout the museums, ruins and nearby convict islands are a great way to learn more about Tasmania’s past.

Other honourable mentions

Other things to do around Hobart include:

  • visiting the Richmond Bridge
  • taking a harbour cruise
  • visiting the city centre and
  • exploring local hikes and trails.

photo of port arthur convict ruins, orange brick building set among nature
Port Arthur Historic Site is a cultural and historical experience in Tasmania.

The Best Things To Do And See Near Launceston (Northern Tasmania)

Visit the Cataract Gorge

The Cataract Gorge is a deep river gorge 15 minutes from Launceston CBD with dramatic views via boat cruise, chairlift, suspension bridge and walkways.

The natural history of the gorge, along the South Esk River, stretches back tens of millions of years and is a significant part of Tasmania’s culture.

Kings Bridge, built in 1867 is a significant feature, as well as the chairlift, which at 308m, is the world’s longest.

Explore the Tamar Valley region

Nestled near Launceston, the Tamar Valley is very well known destination boasting a blend of natural wonders as well as cultural heritage and is high on visitors places to visit in Tasmania.

The region is renowned for its wine industry, offering a wide selection of award-winning vineyards and wineries to visitors that range from boutique family-run establishments to world-class estates.

Visitors can also indulge in many culinary delights of the Tamar Valley, with farm-to-table experiences and fresh local produce as well as farm gate stalls that offer artisanal cheeses, fruits, and vegetables.

There are also many gourmet restaurants that showcase the region's finest ingredients, food enthusiasts will be treated to a gastronomic journey.

Tasmania's East Coast is also a relatively short drive for those visiting Launceston, offering spectacular coastal scenery and access to other national park attractions.

The Best Things To Do And See In Tasmania's Wilderness

Trek through Cradle Mountain National park

Cradle Mountain is an iconic mountain range located in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. A variety of rainforests, deep river gorges, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild alpine moorlands and glacial lakes, the park is world famous for its diverse and breath-taking landscapes.

A fantastic system of walking tracks allow visitors to explore the ranges, from very short, easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track.

Take a hike to the stunning Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is located on the East Coast of Tasmania, approximately 2.5 hours from Hobart or Launceston.

The park is best known for the stunning beauty of Wineglass Bay with its  crystal-clear waters and white beaches, it is one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views.

Freycinet National Park is also known for its striking granite peaks, including the iconic Hazards Range. These mountains showcase bold red and pink hues, providing a stunning contrast against the surrounding coastal scenery.

Adventure seekers can embark on exhilarating hikes within the Freycinet National Park, such as the rewarding ascent to the summit of Mount Amos featuring panoramic vistas of the park's rugged beauty.

Freycinet National Park is a captivating destination that showcases the very best of tourism Tasmania along with its natural beauty.

Learn more: Book a tour around Wineglass Bay

Relax on a Gordon River Cruise

The award-winning Gordon River Cruise departs from Strahan on Tasmania’s rugged West Coast and takes guests into the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cruising the Gordon River, Macquarie Harbour and Hells Gates, providing magnificent views and walks through rainforest to see ancient Huon Pines. Spacious and comfortable seating as well as a delicious lunch that showcases Tasmanian produce.

Enjoy The West Coast Wilderness Railway

Embark on a memorable adventure through Tasmania's rugged West Coast, as you hop on board the Wilderness Railway.

The Unesco World Heritage site and region lets you traverse ancient rainforests, cross breathtaking bridges as well as exploring the history of the region's mining heritage.

A key highlight is the scenic West Coast Wilderness Railway journey that winds its way through the rugged wilderness. Visitors can travel in style aboard the meticulously restored heritage steam and diesel locomotives that allow you to immersing yourself in the nostalgia and charm of a bygone era.

The Best Tours and Attractions in Tasmania

Book a fly fishing experience in Tasmania with Trout Tales.

It wouldn't be much of an article if we didn't mention fly fishing tours in Tasmania!

Trout Tales Tasmania offers personalised trout fly fishing packages across the state, from single day trips to multi-day adventures - exploring a range of water types and fishing techniques.

Matt and the team of experienced fishing guides make each trip one to remember, including sorting food, accommodation and transport - so all visitors to Tasmania need to do is arrive and enjoy the incredible fishing landscape.

Learn more: Book your trout fishing tour in Tasmania with Trout Tales

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys deliver tours of Tasmanian scenery, including wildlife and produce cruises and tours including Bruny Island Cruises, Bruny Island Traveller, Iron Pot Cruises, Tasman Island Cruises, Tasmanian Seafood Seduction, Wineglass Bay Cruises and Wilsons Promontory Cruises.

Tasmanian Walking Co

Tasmanian Walking Co offer guided walks through many of Tasmania’s National Parks and World Heritage Areas, with all-inclusive guides, accommodation and meal packages.

Love food and drink? Here's some of our favourite restaurants in Tasmania:

Hobart

Launceston

If you're a wine lover, here's some of our favourite wineries in Tasmania:

South - Coal Valley

East Coast

North - Tamar Valley

In conclusion, Tasmania offers an incredible abundance of experiences that can cater to a variety of interests for those who visit the state.

Tasmania boasts a range of activities from its stunning national parks and iconic landmarks to its unique wildlife encounters, not to mention the gourmet delights on offer - this island state delivers unforgettable adventures at every turn.

Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, budding fly fisher, or foodie - Tasmania invites you to embark on a journey of discovery.

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