As the license plates suggest, Tasmania truly is Australia’s natural state. A whopping one-third of the island is protected by government conservation projects, leaving plenty of space for bushwalkers to stretch their legs. They do so in a famously unique environment, populated with unique species such as the lovably voracious Tasmanian devil and the slow-growing Huon pine.
Encompassing the tranquil bustle of capital Hobart, a rainy and wild west coast, isolated beaches in the east, and a southern wilderness so far off the beaten path you may not see another soul, Tasmania offers a variety of truly extraordinary outdoor experiences. While many visitors come to hike the famous Overland Track and leave it at that, those who go deeper into Tasmania’s wilds will be rewarded by amazing vistas, fascinating fauna, and a warm welcome from locals. Tassie, as it is affectionately known, is one of the traveler’s best opportunities to meet Australians and get a sense of what it’s like to live here. With so few visitors, Tasmania will welcome you with open arms.
Australia’s least-visited state isn’t for everyone. If hiking boots are a foreign idea or shops and pubs are more important to you than natural sights, the hop across the Tasman Sea probably isn’t worth your while. Plus, the island is not always a budget traveler’s paradise; transportation is tricky here, and it is often limited to rental cars or bus tours. However, the “Under Down Under” has a tremendous amount to offer to anyone willing to seek it out. Not many travelers can say they’ve been to Tasmania, and those who can often remember it as a highlight of their trip to Australia.
Tasmania has three principal gateways: the Hobart Airport, the Launceston Airport , and the Devonport Airport. Take a flight or, if you want an adventure, take the Spirit of Tasmania overnight ferry to ...more
Flights: Hobart Airport (☎ 03 6216 1600; www.hobartairpt.com.au), 17km east of Hobart on Hwy. A3. International flights must make connections on the mainland. Redline Airporter Bus (☎ 03 1938 2240 ...more
Most tourist attractions are condensed into the downtown area west of the Sullivan’s Cove wharf, which is contained by Davey and Bathurst St. Elizabeth St., which intersects downtown, proceeds uphill ...more
Public Transportation: Metro city buses (☎ 03 13 22 01) run through Hobart and the suburbs daily 6am-10pm. Purchase tickets on board ($2-4, depending on the number of route sectors you plan on traveling ...more
Tourist Office: Hobart Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, 20 Davey St. (☎ 03 6230 8233), at Elizabeth St., might employ the friendliest people in Australia. Books accommodations and cars for $3 ...more
Montgomery’s YHA and Montgomery’s Private Hotel, 9 Argyle St. (☎ 03 6231 2660), downtown. A quiet, well-maintained, and well-equipped hostel. Clean kitchen and common room with TV. All rooms ...more
Hobart won’t let you go hungry, although few restaurants here have menus designed for budget travelers. Your best bet for cheaper fare is local produce and baked goods, displayed at their best in a ...more
Hobart’s best sights are a bus ride away: the fantastic tours of the Cascade Brewery and Cadbury chocolate factory, as well as the famous peaks of Mt. Wellington and Mt. Nelson, are outside of central ...more
Find entertainment listings in the “EG” insert of Friday’s Mercury newspaper. State Cinema, 375 Elizabeth St. (☎ 03 6234 6318; www.statecinema.com.au), in North Hobart. Tasmania’s oldest ...more
Hobart’s nightlife only really gets going on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Those looking for nocturnal diversions the rest of the week should arrive at pubs early, as most close between 10pm ...more
The South is dotted with picturesque towns. To the east, the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur testify to Tassie’s fascinating colonial history. To the west, the entrance to the vast Southwest National ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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