Tasmania is a must visit if you are a nature lover because it is filled with so much natural beauty. It was named after Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer as he was the first European explorer to reach the island.
If you are chasing southern lights Tasmania is the ideal place to see Aurora Australis. There is a high chance you’d be able to see the lady dancing in Tasmanian sky during winter.
I planned my first tour of Tasmania to catch the lady, yes it’s a hit or a miss because you can get the aurora forecast maximum 3 days prior. It was a miss for me, but I had a spectacular time traveling the east coast of Tasmania.
Day 1: Salamanca Markets & Exploring around Hobart
Hobart was the starting point on a Saturday and my first visit was to Salamanca markets to grab some lunch with a fresh Tasmanian taste. Then had a relaxing time in afternoon exploring Hobart, beautiful European styled architecture.
Day 2: Bruny Island
Bruny Island was the planned destination for the second day. To go there you need to take the Bruny Island ferry departing from Kettering (http://www.brunyisland.org.au/bruny-island-ferry/).
I booked a cruise to visit seal colonies which was recommended by one of my colleagues. Unfortunately, it got cancelled due to bad weather. It is added back to my bucket list for the next time 🙂
https://www.brunycruises.com.au/
Probably, it’s good to avoid winter if your intention is to fully utilize sightseeing. Having said that, Tasmania is very popular for having very uncertain weather conditions.
Nothing can change my positive attitude, I enjoyed my time visiting Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Company.
Day 3: Maria Island
On the way to Maria Island, you will encounter this small township Sheffield. I really enjoyed artistic power in this small town with beautiful European styled architecture.
Maria Island is an amazingly beautiful small island. I enjoyed the painted cliffs, yes I spent more than half of the time watching all blues as far as my eyes can see. You can visit some fossil cliffs in the other side of the island. A far horizon with a breathtaking view of mountains, what else should I ask for?
Yes, my heart lost to Maria Island!
To go to Maria island you need to book Maria Island ferry (https://encountermaria.com.au/timetable-pricing-luggage-check/). I chose the earliest available ferry (10.30 am) to make sure I have enough time to enjoy without a rush. There are no shops, you need to take your own food and drinks.
I recommend spending the night in Triabunna.
Day 4: Freycinet National Park
Fourth day was all about Freycinet National Park. Wineglass Bay – 2 1/2 hours return hike was a good start. Wine glass bay lookout gives a breathtaking view while if you go further down to the beach, you really don’t want to come back. I really wanted to get lost there to a book!
Then, the Cape Tourville hike. You can capture amazing views from there. Definitely you will keep your third eye busy.
Next, Sleepy Bay and Honeymoon Bay. Lovely colors and such a solitude. I enjoyed almost every bit of my time in Freycinet National Park.
I recommend spending the night in Swansea. You could enjoy a nice dinner with good wine at Bark Mill Tavern & Bakery.
Day 5: Cradle Mountains
Cradle mountains was my favorite out of all the places I visited so far in Tassie.
Crater Falls, Crater Lake and Wombat Pool 2-3 hour hike in the afternoon was a nice walk for me. The park maintains shuttle buses to with multiple stops. Walk was amazing and I wasn’t tired, because my mind was filled with lots of pictures of the mountains. There are lots of different hikes including short walks, long hikes and night tours. You can get more information from the visitor centre there. I recommend staying the night over there as you can save time to explore the beauty more.
Day 6: Cradle Mountains – Dove Lake (Reflections)
I couldn’t’ take my eyes off starring at both cradle mountains and its reflection at Dove Lake. I spent a quite a lot of time taking pictures and having a hard time taking myself away from that spectacular view.
Nature’s creations are so beautiful, pure and healing!
At the end of day 6, with lots of picturesque memories, I took myself back home from Launceston airport. I will definitely visit Tasmania again!