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Tasmania is Australia's wild island state: rainforest, empty beaches, mountains and animals you won't see anywhere else. These are three things to do in Tasmania that I filmed on my trip, and that I'd happily do again: giant sand dunes on the west coast, Tasmanian devils up close, and a river gorge right on the edge of a city.
Quick facts
- Where: Tasmania is the island state south of mainland Australia. The main airports are Hobart (HBA) in the south and Launceston (LST) in the north.
- How to get around: a rental car. Distances are long, public transport is limited, and the best spots are outside the towns.
- How long: at least a week to do a loop of the island without rushing.
- Best time: the warmer months (roughly December to March) for long days. Weather changes fast at any time of year, so pack layers.
1. Henty Dunes, Strahan
On the wild west coast, about 15 minutes' drive north of Strahan, the Henty Dunes rise up to around 30 metres, with rainforest right at their edge. It's one of those landscapes that doesn't look like it belongs next to a forest.
- Climb to the top for views over the dunes towards the ocean, and bring water: the sand gets hot and the walk is harder than it looks.
- Sandboarding is popular here. Some operators in Strahan rent boards or run tours, so check before you go.
- Stay in Strahan and add a Gordon River cruise into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, or a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
2. Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest carnivorous marsupial, and in the wild it's found only in Tasmania. Wild populations have been hit hard by a contagious facial tumour disease, which is why sanctuaries play a big part in protecting them.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, about 30 minutes north of Hobart, is a rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary. You can see devils feeding (they're loud, messy and fascinating), meet wombats and feed kangaroos. Check their website for feeding times, guided tours and current prices before you go.
3. Cataract Gorge, Launceston
Cataract Gorge is a wild river gorge just a short walk from Launceston's city centre. Walking trails follow the cliffs, and the First Basin has picnic lawns, a café and a swimming area. Highlights:
- the Alexandra Suspension Bridge across the gorge,
- the chairlift over the First Basin,
- easy walking tracks along the river from Kings Bridge.
The water is deep and cold, so swim only where it's allowed and safe. Entry to the reserve is free.
A simple Tasmania road trip
- Hobart: Salamanca Place, MONA, and Bonorong on the way north
- Strahan and the west coast: Henty Dunes, Gordon River
- Cradle Mountain: if you have time, for the famous Dove Lake walk
- Launceston: Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley wineries
Driving times between these stops are long, and the roads wind a lot, so plan for half-day drives and don't drive at night if you can avoid it: wildlife on the roads is common.
How to get to Tasmania
Fly into Hobart (HBA) or Launceston (LST). Both have direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. You can also take the Spirit of Tasmania car ferry across the Bass Strait from Victoria if you want to bring a car.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Hobart for the south, Strahan for the west coast and Launceston for the north. Small towns have limited accommodation, so book ahead in summer.
Planning more of Australia? Read my guide to Sydney after dark.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a car in Tasmania?
Yes, for most trips. Public transport between regions is limited, and places like the Henty Dunes, Cradle Mountain and the west coast are much easier to reach by car.
How many days do you need in Tasmania?
At least a week to loop the island at a relaxed pace. With 3–4 days, focus on one region, such as Hobart and the south, or Launceston and the north.
Where can you see Tasmanian devils?
Wildlife sanctuaries such as Bonorong near Hobart are the most reliable places to see them up close. Devils are nocturnal and hard to spot in the wild.
Is Cataract Gorge free?
Yes. Entry to the Cataract Gorge Reserve and its walking tracks is free. Some extras, like the chairlift, are paid.
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