The biggest Australian island is a natural wonder for hiking, exploring the wildlife and eating.
It is impressive how the landscape is different from the country's main land. if you love mountains, rainforests and good, fresh food that is the place where you want to be.
HOW TO GET THERE:
The easiest and fastest way to reach the island is through plane which is also usually cheap from Melbourne. Prices range from 80 (if booked well in advance) to 2/300 AUD. The main company covering the distance is Virgin Australia, but there are also Jetstar, Qantas, link airways etc…
However, if you have your own vehicle there is also the ferry option. Currently there is just one company operating: Spirit of Tasmania. In addition, the navigation usually last more than 9 hours and cost not less than 220 AUD.
HOT TO MOVE AROUND:
If you are planning to visit the Tasmanian Devil’s home, and you are coming from the main Australian cities, forget the efficient public transport system. In fact, I highly recommend to hire a car or a camper van otherwise all the best destinations could not be reached.
TO KEEP IN MIND:
A part from the main cities as Hobart, Lauceston and Devonport, all the groceries and activities shut they doors very early (around 4 pm). So make sure you are moving around with enough food and all the things you need.
To visit all the National Parks, a park pass is required. There are different passes according to the length of your stay, which parks you want to visit, and the vehicle you are in. I recommend taking a look at the government website.
WHERE TO GO
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Cradle Mountain St. Claire national park is probably the first and one of the few destinations you do not want to miss. The national parks is home of stunning rainforests, wild alpine glacial lakes and all the wildlife you would expect to see in Tasmania. The national park is a place for all seasons and level of fitness. You might get the chance to spot some Echidnas, Wombats, Joeys and the elusive Tasmanian devils.
There are plenty of tracks available and for every level of fitness.
Overland track: a 5 to 6 days hike from Cradle mountain to lake St. Claire.
Cradle Summit: 8 hours hike to reach the mountain summit. The hike starts from Ronny Creek or Dove lake carpark. If you have a valid park pass the shuttle taking you from the carpark to the start of the lake is free. Anyway the pass is mandatory so do not try to enter without because you will get fined.
Crater Lake: it is a more chilled version of the summit track, but still with incredible views and high chances to spot Wombats. It is a 2 hours circuit taking you to Crater, Lilla and Dove lakes and the Wombat Pool. This is the best option for a day hike. For all the other tracks and real-time updates you can take a look at the government website.
BAY OF FIRES
Named after the english navigator Tobias Furneaux in 1773 after seeing fires lit on the coast by Aboriginal people, the coast is famous mostly for the orange lichens covering the thousand of boulders.
I suggest just to pick a spot on the beach and enjoy the white-carribean-sand and the blue ocean. Famous spot along the coast are Binalong Bay and Cosy Corner.
You also might get to experience the “squashy” sand. A funny and curious sound produced as you step towards the ocean.
FREYCINET
The national park is mostly known for the spectacular view of Wineglass bay and its crystal clear waters. The bay lays 12 km south of Bicheno, and the main park entrance is located right after the visitor centre.
Doubtlessy, Mt. Amos is where you want to go. the 3 hour-long return track leads you to one of the best view point in all Australia. The track is challenging, but not very impossibile. the directions to reach the summit are clear and start from the car park. There are no toilets and facilities along the path.
Wineglass bay track is also rewarding in terms of sight. The path starting from the car park leads you first to a view point and then down (with a discrete amount of steps) to the beach. The beach is exactly what you call a dream. After the hike you can relax with a bath and maybe spot some dolphins and octopuses.
If you started the walk early enough and feel you can still give something after the hike to Wineglass bay, there is the option to add 2 more hours to reach first Hazard beach, located on the other side of the peninsula, and then back to the car park with a round trip along the coast. The track is not difficult, however keep in mind that there is no water supply.
MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
If you always though of Tasmania as a niche of animal and plant conservation, Maria Island is a niche of a niche. This small island on the east coast and not far from Freycinet National Park, is probably the best spot and the most reliable one to spot the famous Wombats.
The island can be reached through ferry from Triabunna in 45 minutes. There are 3-4 ferries daily from 8.30 to early afternoon at the price of 52 AUD per adult. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry station.
the best way to explore Maria island is bringing your own bike (or hiring one there) and staying overnight reach the furthest points. There are either accommodations and free campsites. for more informations take a look at the island website or at the government one.
There are plenty of tracks and hikes available.
Bishop and clerk: this steep and definitely not easy path lead you to a view you probably have only seen on Avatar movie. The track is 5 hours long and can be covered also if you are staying just one day in the island, but mind the time since the last ferry leaves around 3 pm.
Wombat sighting: if your goals are wombat the best way to spot them is the Darlington township walk. a 1.5 hours easy walks through the town. But every place in the island is a potential sighting spot.
For all other parks and activities I suggest scrolling the government website.
WHAT AND WHERE TO EAT
The most famous produce from Tasmania are fruits, salmon, oysters and wine.
I tried to condense all these products in as little restaurant as possible.
This is the southern salmon farm in the world. They provide a farm tour with the possibility to feed salmons and understand how they are grown. And yes, there is also a delicious and unmissable bistrò.
THE FOX AND HOUNDS
This is an icon for Tasmanian food. The restaurant is built with a typical Tudor style and the place has a great selection of tap beers and serves pub food. There is a pool and other gaming stations.
FROGMORE CREEK WINERY
One of the most popular australian wineries lays just in the outskirts of Hobart, in the Coal River valley wine region. Frogmore creek offers the possibility to taste their Chardonnay, Ice Wines and their Sparkling Methods. Both for the cellar and the restaurant bookings are required.
Probably the spot for Pacific oysters. They offer a series of fresh caught oysters tasting with plenty of seasoning. There is also the possibility to buy them or take a tour to see how they grow and farm the seafood.
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