Tasmania, a haven for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike! Here are some of the best places to visit on a 2 week trip to Tasmania, Australia. The great thing about Tasmania is that there is so much to see in such a tiny island, so drive times aren't as arduous as the rest of Australia.
GOOGLE MAP link at bottom of post.
I painted a lot on our way around, I always think there is nothing better to get you out of a rut (creative or not) then a change of scene.
In Tasmania somehow life seems slower, the food tastes fresher and even the air is sweeter.
You can fly into Launceston or Hobart from any capital city in Australia. Or you can catch the Spirit of Tasmania from Geelong (near Melbourne) to Devonport, there are also option to take your car/caravan on the boat. We did the overnight sailing and chose a recliner instead of a cabin, the comfort level was pretty good, certainly better than a long haul flight in economy, so if you are trying to save pennies go for this.
Port Arthur: A Glimpse into Tasmania's Past
Discover the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through history and imagine life in Australia's most notorious penal colony.
They have a fantastic interactive museum, full of tales of the hardship and resilience of the convicts, along with the sometimes petty crimes for which they ended up being transported in the first place.
You can't help but be moved when hearing of 10 year old boys transported in horrendous conditions for stealing a bit of cheese.
Remarkable Caves
Just up the road from Port Arthur is a Nature walk along the cliffs to Remarkable Cave, a cave formed by the sea eroding the sandstone over thousands of years to form amazing geometric pillar type formations. A hidden gem.
There were so many gorgeous towering Tasmanian Blue gum trees, I had to get out my sketch book and paint them for my new tree series
Make a day of it in Launceston.
Launceston has lots of beautiful old buildings, Cataract Gorge is a great spot for a walk and the National trust has lots of houses within driving distance of the city including Franklin House and garden and the oldest umbrella shop.
Armalong Winery
Armalong Winery and accommodation has gorgeous views across the river and vineyards, we stopped at a local farm shop and collected some cheese and crusty bread for a ploughmans style dinner watching the sunset.
Stanley:
Stop in Stanley for the best seafood and a chance to see the penguins coming in after dark to their nests. There is a free nature platform with red lights to protect the penguins while giving us the chance to watch them waddle up the beach. It is FREE but if you can afford to leave some money at the collection at the front it helps maintain it for everyone.
Hursey Seafood Restaurant on the sea front is a short stroll from the center of town through the streets full of adorable workers cottages. If feeling energetic you could even walk up the top of the nut for a stunning view.
Cradle Mountain:
Lace up your hiking boots for a scenic walk around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain. Marvel at ancient rainforests, alpine heaths, and glacial lakes. You can only drive up so far and then park at the visitors center to catch the bus up the mountain, a great way to see nature while having a smaller effect.
The Dove Lake walk is around 2.5 hours and pretty easy, although there are a few stairs towards the end. Make sure you let people know you are hiking, the weather can change so quickly and take plenty of water.
Keep an eye out for wombats, wallabies, and the elusive Tasmanian devil! We were lucky enough to see wombats around the cradle mountain lodge. They are so placid and sweet.
Then back to a warm spot by the fire for lunch at Peppers Cradle mountain, after a big walk it feels so lovely to relax watching the flames. There is a Tavern with a lovely central fireplace and good food or a fancy restaurant option. Apparently look at for platypus too!
Oatlands Village
Driving through we stumbled upon the above antique shop The Jardin Room which was full of antiques from around the world and everything was set out so beautifully it really inspired you for decorating with antiques in your own home.
Evandale Village
On the way to Hobart make sure you stop in at the beautiful old villages, full of stone cottages, tree lined streets and some lovely antique shops.
Starting at Evandale, a beautiful place to walk around with a beautiful pub and boutiques along the main street
Campbell Town
A beautiful hidden bookshop The Booksellers is full of both old and new books, always a treasure trove with some beautiful antique books too.
Ross Village
Definite stops are Ross, where they have 2 lovely bakeries, and a beautiful main street to stroll down.
Woolmers Estate & Brickendon UNESCO World Heritage site
Visit Woolmers Estate near Evandale, for a beautiful day out at a historic house. A UNESCO world heritage site, it was originally built in 1817, it spans over 82 Hectares and is a beautiful homestead, providing a glimpse into the early European settlement of Tasmania and the progression of rural life in Australia across two centuries.
The beautiful Rose gardens alone are worth a visit.
Richmond Village
I loved the views from the side of the stream looking at the bridge I painted it for a travel print.
Mount Wellington/Kunanyi
Mount Wellington/ Kunanyi is a spectacular drive and an epic view at the end. Though wear warm clothes, we were there in December (Summer) and I made the mistake of wearing fetching linen pants-and promptly froze. The wind chill alone meant we ended up eating our treats we had planned enjoying looking out over the view, in the comfort of the car instead.
Huon Valley - Willie Smiths Apple Shed
Venture to Willie Smith's Apple Shed in the picturesque Huon Valley. They have a great lunch menu, weekly markets and Cider tasting. (Can confirm; delicious)
Learn about Tasmania's apple-growing heritage and see the rustic apple paraphernalia.
Driving through the countryside full of orchards and stopping at the odd roadside stall, weathered boxes and chalk signs, full of fresh produce.
Whether you're admiring contemporary art at MONA, hiking through Cradle Mountain, or sipping cider in Huon Valley, Tasmania promises an unforgettable journey filled with warmth, charm, and a touch of adventure.
When we got home I painted all my favourite spots from our trip to Tasmania and it's now a Vintage Travel poster style print available in my shop!
Google Map Link
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1aaW4d5HRxpwKHdrUEMMxByOUJLMAlnc&usp=sharing
For the top places in Hobart check out this blog post
