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- Cradle Mountain (Dove Lake) — The jagged peaks and glacial lakes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park feel like alpine Tasmania turned up to 11. Walk the Dove Lake circuit or day-hike parts of the Overland Track to see ancient button grass plains, rainforest, and wildlife (wombats at dusk) in a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park — That perfect crescent of white sand framed by pink granite is genuinely worth the fuss. Hike to the lookout for the classic photo, then drop down to the beach or kayak the sheltered bays; the coastline’s geology and scale are very Tasmanian and hard to replicate elsewhere.
- Maria Island National Park — A car-free island where cathedral-sized cliffs, conservatively restored convict ruins at Darlington
- Cradle Mountain (Dove Lake) — The jagged peaks and glacial lakes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park feel like alpine Tasmania turned up to 11. Walk the Dove Lake circuit or day-hike parts of the Overland Track to see ancient button grass plains, rainforest, and wildlife (wombats at dusk) in a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Australia.
- Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park — That perfect crescent of white sand framed by pink granite is genuinely worth the fuss. Hike to the lookout for the classic photo, then drop down to the beach or kayak the sheltered bays; the coastline’s geology and scale are very Tasmanian and hard to replicate elsewhere.
- Maria Island National Park — A car-free island where cathedral-sized cliffs, conservatively restored convict ruins at Darlington and fearless wildlife (wombats, pademelons, Tasmanian devils on organised tours) mingle. It’s a hands-on mix of colonial history and coastal wilderness reached by a short ferry from Triabunna.
- Bruny Island — The Neck & Adventure Bay — Dramatic sea-cliffs, sweeping beaches and a local food scene (oysters, cheese, smoked salmon) make Bruny feel like Tasmania in microcosm. Walk the Neck for the view, hop a short boat to see seabird colonies, and eat like a local between scenic stops.
- Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay & Eddystone Point) — Orange lichen-streaked granite outcrops, insanely clear water and long quiet beaches — this coastline has a light and color palette unique to Tasmania. It’s brilliant for camping, coastal strolls and low-key beach days away from heavy tourist infrastructure.
- kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Ten minutes from Hobart and you’re in arctic-looking scrub. Drive or walk up for sweeping views across the Derwent, dramatic dolerite cliffs and wildly changeable weather — an instant reminder how small and rugged Tasmania is.
- Strahan & the Gordon River — Deep temperate rainforest, mirrored rivers and ancient Huon pine give the World Heritage-listed west coast a very different mood to the east. A Gordon River cruise or short forest walk feels like stepping into a primeval Tasmanian chapter few other places can match.
- Oatlands Georgian Village (Hidden gem) — One of the best-preserved Georgian townscapes in Australia, with sandstone buildings, a convict-built gaol site and a quiet main street that time mostly left alone. If you like colonial architecture without the crowds, this is the stop locals quietly recommend.
- Ida Bay Railway (Hidden gem) — A tiny, working heritage railway tucked into southern Tasmania that takes you through forest and to remote coastal spots. It’s low-key, charming, and gives a proper peek at the island’s timber and mining past without the usual tourist gloss.
- Cockle Creek / Recherche Bay (Hidden gem) — The southernmost drivable point in Tasmania opens onto windswept beaches, estuaries and the start of serious wilderness (South Coast Track). Fewer visitors get here; the vast, open feel and quiet historic sites make it a special place for people who actually want to disappear into wild Tasmania for a while.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
Cook Like A Pro in Taroona
Tasmania 6 Day East Coast Tour
Peaks, Falls & Furry Locals: Mt. Field & the Derwent
Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Richmond Village Tour
2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour / Hobart return / Inc. Accommodation
Cruise Ship - Port Arthur Shore Excursion - Hobart
Hobart's Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour
90 minute Cape Raoul Cruise and Port Arthur Historic Site entry
2 Day Tasmanian Highlights Tour-Hobart Highlights & Bruny Island
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.