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Often forgotten by the rest of the world, Tasmania is the small island state which sits at the bottom of Australia. Far richer than any of the other Australian States in terms of natural beauty, Tasmania offers travellers and tourists that crazy thing called “fresh air”, and you notice it as soon as you step off the ferry (from Melbourne) or plane.

With many national parks, forests, lakes, waterfalls, and beaches, Tasmania attracts hikers and bush-walkers from all around the world who are drawn to locations such as Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, Wineglass Bay, and Maria Island. However Tasmania also offers an insight into its sandstone heritage – five World Heritage Convict Sites such as Port Arthur, The Isle of the dead, and Sarah Island are only a short trip from the historic capital of Hobart.

With so much to do and see it’s a crime to not spend at least a week in Tasmania, however if you only have two days, here are my recommendations; best experienced over a weekend.

Tasmania’s rugged coastline – one of the most beautiful in the world!

Tasmania’s rugged coastline – one of the most beautiful in the world!

Saturday

Wake up early and take in Salamanca Market.  Open between 8.30am and 3pm on Saturdays, Salamanca Place is one of Tasmania’s best known landmarks and a visit should be a priority!

Part of the Historic docks area of Hobart, Salamanca Place is lined with a long row of simple Georgian sandstone warehouses which were built in the 1830’s for the purpose of storing fruit, grain, wool, whale oil, and imported goods from around the world. Now these warehouses house dozens of restaurants and shops, pubs, artists, galleries, and craft shops to suit every budget.

Connected to Salamanca by Kelly’s Steps, continue your day at Battery Point. The oldest and most historic area of Hobart, Battery Point is a mecca for history buffs and is the most authentic way to step back in time! Historic houses and architecture remain unchanged since the early 1800’s.

Only a short drive from Hobart City is Mt Wellington and Wellington Park. Wellington Park offers nature lovers a range of opportunity for mountain biking, four wheel driving, horse riding, rock climbing, and (depending on the weather) snow play!

For those less adventurous and with less time, a drive to the summit should not be missed.  An enclosed lookout near the summit provides absolutely spectacular views of the city below.

The stunning views over Hobart from Mt Wellington

The stunning views over Hobart from Mt Wellington

For a must-do Hobart experience, head to Cascade Brewery in the afternoon. As Australia’s oldest brewery it produces the country’s finest beer! All tours involve tastings and a tour which matches beer with gourmet food. They even supply you with your own photo personalized beer label!

Should the Brewery not sound appealing, a short trip to Richmond is an amazing way to spend an afternoon. A 25 minute drive from Hobart, the historic town of Richmond includes a fascinating gaol, famous bridge, and lovely country side. Famous for its tea rooms and two huge timber mazes, Richmond is not to be missed!

Spend the evening walking through Franklin Wharf and enjoying the nightlife in and around Old Hobart Town. Stay the night at Wrest Point Casino – Australia’s first legal Casino in an amazing waterfront location on the River Derwent.

Historic town of Richmond.

Historic town of Richmond.

Sunday

Take a day trip into the Huon Valley and Tahune Airwalk. The Huon Valley is a stunning location in Southern Tasmania which is noted for an exceptional natural beauty and diversity of landscapes. Pristine rivers meander through valleys bordered by World Heritage list National Parks. Dolomite caves and thermal springs, wild coastlines, quiet farmlands, craft shops, and galleries, spectacular countryside, and boutique vineyards all make up the Huon Valley.

One of the Huon Valley’s main attractions, Tahune Airwalk offers visitors the opportunity to take a stroll through the canopy of a tall eucalyptus forest. But walking among the tree tops of some of the tallest trees in the world is just the beginning. Tahune Airwalk is a mecca for outdoor adventure and includes “spine tingling swinging bridges” across the Huon and Picton Rivers as well as opportunities for hang gliding, mountain biking, and Segway tours.

While there is no right or wrong way to tour the Huon Valley, the numerous waterways provide a great setting for kayaking, sailing or cruising, or white water rafting and jet boat rides for those feeling more adventurous.

Jet boating through the Huon River.

Jet boating through the Huon River.

But you’ve only just begun to explore Tasmania. Miss your flight on Monday so you can take in the rest of this amazing Australian state!

 

 About Megan Claire

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Follow their journey on FacebookGoogle+ and Twitter.

    30 Comments

  1. As a fellow Tasmanian travel blogger, I couldn’t have put it much better myself! :)

    If time permits, squeezing in a visit to MONA (art museum) and a glass of wine at Moorilla Winery while you are there is a great addition. Plus, a seafood dinner is definitely a must!

    • Glad we’re on the same page! I haven’t been to MONA yet, lol but trust me I’ve heard MUCH about it from my grandparents!!

      Moorilla Winery was only ever just across the road from me for 14 years but would you believe I have never yet been! It’s shocking how we only start exploring our own backyard once we’ve moved away!!

  2. Looks like a great trip! I love the mix of cultural/historical sites and the wonderful availability of ways to experience the natural world like the Huron River.Impressed you got so much sight seeing in in only 48 hours! From the looks of it I agree, I’d need a good week there! Thanks for the share.

    • Hobart truly is a phenomenal destination! We tend to pack as much sightseeing in as possible on our trips – generally need a vacation after each vacation!!!

      Thanks for visiting.

  3. Tasmania is a place I so want to visit, a while ago I have got this idea and seeing all those beautiful pictures only confirm that I should go soon :)

    • You should definitely go soon – plus my grandmother makes some mean fruit cake lol so I could totally hook you up!!

  4. I have been to Tasmania. You are right, it’s often the forgotten outcast of Australia. I am adding it to my bucket list.

    • Yes, add it again!!! I’m on a mission to put Tasmania on the map :D

  5. Would love to visit Tasmania, but for me, no trip would be complete without seeing a Tasmanian devil first! Those guys are so cute :)

    • True! Theyve actually just released a few Devils onto Maria Island in an attempt to keep the population alive. We spent two days camping on the island (it’s amazing), but sadly didn’t see any devils. Would love to catch sight of one in the wild!

  6. Tasmania looks beautiful–would love to visit! Sounds like a great way to spend the weekend!

    • Definitely spend at least a week though :D

  7. The coastline and mountains look beautiful, but I’m surprised to see no mention of the famous Tasmanian Devils. Are there none to be found in Hobart? ;-)

    We seriously need to get to Australia one of these days.

    • Lol you can head to the zoo but it’s not the same! The population is sadly under a huge decline, however they have just released a few Devils onto Maria Island in an attempt to keep the population alive.

      We spent a few nights on Maria last year but didn’t manage to catch sight of any unfortunately!!

  8. I’d love to go sailing through the waterways there! And you’re right, I’d have to spend at least 2 weeks there by the looks of it! ;-)

    • If not more :D!!

  9. If I was there, I would definitely head to Salamanca Markets straight away to buy some local handcrafts and fresh fruits! Being there would also be a great opportunity to chat with locals.

    • As a former local I’m slightly bias, but Tasmania’s are some of the friendliest and warmest people in the world!

  10. Never been in Australia, would like to see that beautiful country. Visiting Tasmania will certainly become part of my journey. I am particularly interested in untouched natural wonders. Natural beauty can’t be compared with anything else.

    • You should definitely head for Tasmania then – natural beauty in abundance! Possibly one of the most naturally beautiful destinations I know of. I hope you can get there soon!

  11. After reading your review, I will definitely be putting Hobart on my travel list. Thanks for the tips!

    • Glad to inspire wanderlust! Have a great trip :)

  12. Hello! Great to hear all these suggestions. Along these lines, I have a couple of free days after a trip to Melbourne this month (June) and I’m considering staying in Tasmania. My goal, primarily, is to see Bay of Fires and the awesome-looking rocks that I’ve seen in brochures. :) Are they really that vibrant and gorgeous? Will flying in and staying in Launceton be a better option? I don’t plan to rent(hire) a car, so are there bus tours that can take me from Launceton to Bay of Fires and back?

    Freycinet also looks amazing but seems quite expensive/high end?

    Your thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!

  13. Oh wow! Tasmania is definitely on my radar if I visit Australia again. It is so scenic and charming. I love that colorful market and old architecture. I have read about it earlier also (Ytravelblog). Spending a weekend would be a great idea. Your suggestions are helpful.

    • Salamanca market is one of my favorite parts about Tasmania. I truly believe it’s one of the best States in Australia! Let me know if you need any more help planning out a trip! Always happy to help promote my home state!

  14. This is great, Megan. I have always wanted to visit Tasmania.

    • I hope you have the chance to visit soon! It’s truly one of the best spots in Australia!

  15. We stayed on a vineyard towards Richmond – lovely place. So much to see and the seafood is great also. Richmond is so old for Australia.

    • Richmond is one of my favorite parts of Tassie – definitely a great hub for food and wine lovers! And for history buffs too, you’re right – it’s one of the oldest and most authentic towns I’ve visited in Australia to date :)

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