If you’re travelling all the way to Australia, then hopping a short flight to the island of Tasmania should definitely be on the itinerary. Tasmania is so unique, boasting multiple ecosystems that range from rain forests to pristine beaches, incredible food and exquisite wineries. The island is massive – it’s the 26th largest island in the world, which makes it about ¾ the size of Switzerland, and it’s nearly as mountainous. Our family spent 6 days on the island and came away feeling like we could’ve used 3 weeks to see everything it has to offer.
Day 1: Mt Field National Park
We flew into the foodie city of Hobart, hired a car, and drove straight out to Mt. Field National Park for some hiking. Mt. Field in July is pretty cold and a little rainy so make sure you bring layers. Our mid day hike took us up a wooded path surrounded by giant fern and eucalyptus trees. In fact, the eucalyptus trees are some of the tallest trees in the world and really only topped by the Giant Sequoia and Redwoods in California. The highpoint of the hike is Russell Falls and if you’re lucky you may even see a duckbilled platypus in the meandering stream along the trail. After hiking Mt. Field, we drove through a countryside reminiscent of Ireland until we reached a little town called Ross.
Day 2: Ross
Truthfully, we picked Ross because it was a good stopping point between Mt. Field and Clarence Point on the northern shore of Tasmania. We were pleasantly surprised with what we found when we got there. As it turns out, Ross has a lot of Australian history. In our limited time there we consumed scallop pies for breakfast and toured the Female Factory Historic Site that dated back over 200 years old when convicts were sent to Tasmania from England. The Female Factory consisted of women convicts who were forced to make clothing, buttons and other products. Not a bad way to spend about 18 hours before we drove north to Clarence Point.
Days 3 & 4: Tamar Valley
Northern Tasmania is known for the Tamar Valley wineries. For two days we sampled some of the best wines that we have ever had. In particular, the Rose and Pinot Noir varietals where delicious from this region. Best of all, the wineries each had some fun games for our kids to play while we enjoyed some well-deserved adult beverages. I would recommend visiting Moore’s Hill for its North Point Pinot Noir, Dalrymple for Rose and Waterton Hall for the views.
Day 5: Oysters and East Coast Beaches
After two days in wine country we got back in the car to drive down the east coast of the island where we came across the Melshell Oyster Shack buried in some pristine beach country near Freycinet National Park. The views from the beach were spectacular and best of all we had nearly 9 miles of beach to ourselves. When can say that you were on that long of a beach where you had it all to yourself? Words can not describe the beauty and peacefulness of this area of the world.
Day 6: Maria Island
As our journey continued, I consulted Google on other things to do in the area and came across a true winner: Maria Island. Located off the east coast of Tasmania and about 1.5 hour drive from Hobart, ferries take you out to an uninhabited island that now serves as a nature preserve. During the hour-long channel crossing you can spot whales and sea lions breaching the surface of the ocean and preying on whatever lies below it.
Once you make shore, about a 10 mile day long hike awaits. Initially, you see ancient buildings that convicts lived in, but most of the remains have been reduced to brick foundations. Once you pass this area, Australia’s version of a walking safari lies in wait. The island teems with all things marsupial and serves as an isolated rehabilitation refuge for the endangered Tasmanian Devil.
As you hike throughout the island you literally have to avoid tripping over wombats which are akin to giant guinea pigs. Our boys thought they were the cutest animals and were able to get up to about 2 feet before they would scamper off. If you keep a sharp eye out you can spot a grey kangaroo or two hopping about with their joeys.
Best of all were the Painted Cliffs, which are sandstone structures carved out by the wind and ocean. They’re similar to what you might see in the Grand Canyon in Arizona or hoodoos in Utah, but distinct in that the ocean’s waves have licked away layers of rock through the eons. Beyond the painted cliffs you hike uphill to literally the edge of the world to the Fossil Cliffs. Here, the view looks North to Northwest out over the ocean and to the Tasmanian mainland. It’s one of the most breathtaking views that I’ve seen in my lifetime.
As if the view wasn’t enough we then crossed over the summit of the hike and were treated to a sunny knoll completely inhabited by grey kangaroos. There seemed to be about 100 of the animals just basking in the sun. They were accustomed to human onlookers and would let you come very close before bouncing away to a safe distance. Maria Island is must do if you’re going to Tasmania, there is simply nothing in this world that is similar to the experience. If you do go, be sure to dress in layers because the island ranges from frigid cold to warm as the day’s sunlight builds – we started out in winter gear and ended the day in t-shirts.
Tasmania is large, so make sure to spend enough time here and see as many things as possible. We packed it in in our 6 days and still were not able to experience Hobart’s wonderful food scene because of our focus on outdoors and wineries.
Have you been to Tasmania? What are your favorite things to do?
