1. Explore The Rugged Coastline
Tasmania is well-known for its incredible coastline and there are so many ways to take it in.
Take a kayaking tour around the Tasman Peninsula, check out some of the southern hemisphere’s highest cliffs and spot Australian fur seals.
A Port Arthur Heli Tour will show you the cliffs from a whole new, incredible perspective. Bruny Island Wilderness Cruises takes you around the rugged coastline, where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Southern Ocean (great for spotting albatross, dolphins and whales). The relatively untouched Maria Island offers incredible views on all of its walking tracks.
Perhaps one of the most exhilarating sights to see is Bicheno Blowhole which has formed in the granite rocks. If the waves are big, the bursts of water which shoot out of the blowhole are powerful. Sometimes, when the water runs under the rocks, it sounds like whales! It can be spectacular some days and can get up to 20m high.
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2. Take To The Mountains
Mount Wellington is just outside of Hobart and an excellent way to spend a day or two exploring nature. At 1,271m above sea level, the summit offers incredible views. Make sure you wear warm clothes, it can be really cold on top even if it’s warm in Hobart.
You can walk, drive, cycle or catch the shuttle bus to the top. There are a number of spots to stop for a picnic along the way.
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3. Try Some Local Seafood
Tasmania is synonymous with seafood, and oysters in particular. Wherever you go, you likely won’t be disappointed.
There are a few seafood cruise companies operating from Hobart which allow you to sample oysters, lobster and sea urchin straight from the water! Or, you could visit one if the many seafood farms in the area, including Freycinet Marine Farm at Coles Bay or Spring Bay Seafoods, at Triabunna. The Lobster Shack in Bicheno and Melshell Oyster Shack in Swansea are among the best restaurants for seafood in the area too.
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4. Visit The Museums
Hobart and surrounds are abundant with art and cultural experience, with a huge number of museums and galleries to take in.
Mona is an experience not to be missed, it’s built underground.The gallery hosts one of the richest and most provocative contemporary art collections in the world, which will delight even non-art lovers.
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is Australia’s second oldest museum and has more than 2,000sqm of exhibition space. Admission is free.
Pooseum is one of the most unique museums you’ll come across. It’s the only museum solely dedicated to animal droppings!
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5. Jump On The Convict Trail
The drive between Richmond and the Tasman Peninsula will take you to some fascinating sites, rich with convict history. Richmond itself is abundant with history thanks to its colonial past, so start here and explore for the day.
Then, head down to Port Arthur. Along the way, you’ll come across a number of cute little stops where you’ll be able to sample some local produce. Once you’re in Port Arthur, you’ll want to head to the Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s a must-do when visiting Tasmania.
The history of the 19thcentury convict settlement is amazing. Now an open-air museum, the ruins include the huge penitentiary and the remaining shell of the Convict Church, which was built by inmates. Solitary confinement cells in the separate prison building were used to inflict mental punishment in place of floggings.
While you’re here, take in a ghost tour at night to see the spooky side of the site!
Heading further afield, the 3 Arches Bridge is a great sight to see too. To see this hidden gem, built in1845 by the convicts, park at Mayfield Bay Conservation Area, go to the beach and walk to the right.
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