Tasmania, Australia - Travel Guide

Tasmania offers a stunning natural escape with rugged wilderness, pristine coastlines, and unique wildlife. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst breathtaking scenery.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Van Diemen's LandTassieHobartLauncestonCradle MountainPort Arthur

🇦🇺 Country Information: Australia

CapitalCanberra

CurrencyAustralian dollar ($)

Language English , Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek

Phone Code+61

Electricity230V (Type I)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service (\~10% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis, a few dollars for hotel staff)
Tipping is not customary in cafes or pubs

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted
It is good to have some cash for smaller purchases and markets
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common
Punctuality is appreciated but a bit flexible
"No worries" is a common phrase meaning "no problem"
Australians are generally direct and friendly, but overly effusive greetings might be unexpected

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Australia has robust LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18 nationwide
Drug laws are strict, with varying penalties for possession, use, and supply
Cannabis laws vary by state/territory

Special Laws

Sun protection is legally required for outdoor workers
It is illegal to feed wild animals
Jaywalking is illegal in many areas
Strict quarantine laws apply to bringing food and biological items into the country

Common Phrases

HelloG'day (guh-day)

CheersCheers (cheerz)

Thank youTa (tah)

Climate

General classification for Tasmania, acknowledging variations across the island.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Summer (Dec
Feb) can have extreme heat, particularly in inland areas
Winter (Jun
Aug) can be extremely cold, especially in the highlands, with snow
Flooding can occur in any month, but is more common in winter and spring (Jun
Nov)
Tasmania is not prone to hurricanes or monsoons
Earthquakes are rare and generally minor

Getting There

Fly into Hobart (HBA) or Launceston (LST) airports from major Australian cities (e
g
, Melbourne, Sydney)
Ferry from Melbourne to Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania, 9
11h, costs vary)

Getting Around

Car rental is highly recommended for exploring Tasmania
Public buses available in major cities (Hobart, Launceston)
No ride
sharing apps widely used beyond major urban centers
Taxis are available in cities

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, DTP, Varicella)
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics generally not required
No malaria risk

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Australian providers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone)
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Tasmanian Scallop Pie must_try

A popular savory pie filled with fresh scallops, often combined in a creamy sauce with ingredients like curry powder, vegetables, and white wine. It i

Bruny Island Cheese regional_speciality

Artisan cheese produced on Bruny Island, known for its small-batch, raw-milk cheeses like the C2. The island is famed for its high-quality produce and

Tasmanian Wine (Pinot Noir/Chardonnay) alcohol

Tasmania is renowned for its cool-climate wines, particularly excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The island's rich soil and distinct seasons contrib

Fresh Oysters must_try

Tasmania's pristine waters yield some of Australia's finest seafood, including exceptionally fresh oysters. They are often served natural or lightly p

Tasmanian Whisky alcohol

The island has gained international acclaim for its single malt whiskies, produced in boutique distilleries using pure local ingredients. These spirit

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Cradle Mountain Accommodation Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance

Accommodation near Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is limited, especially during peak hiking season and holidays, and often sells out far in advance.

Vehicle Ferry (Spirit of Tasmania) Transport

Book 3–12 months in advance

The ferry connecting Melbourne and Devonport is the only way to bring a personal vehicle, and peak season crossings, especially cabin spaces, sell out quickly.

Multi-Day Guided Hiking Tours (e.g., Overland Track) tour_or_activity

Book 3–6 months in advance

Guided tours on iconic tracks have limited capacity and finite starting dates, requiring reservations well in advance to secure a spot.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Port Arthur Historic Site Special Tours tour_or_activity

Book 2–6 weeks in advance

Specialized tours like the Ghost Tour or Isle of the Dead Tour have strict capacity limits and are very popular, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.

Hobart and Launceston High-End Dining Dining

Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Tasmania has a limited number of critically acclaimed restaurants (especially those focused on local produce) that often require reservations weeks ahead for prime dinner slots.

Fun Facts

1. Tasmania has the world's cleanest air, due to its position directly in the path of the "Roaring Forties" wind that circles the globe.
2. The first environmental political party in the world was founded in Tasmania.
3. Over 20% of Tasmania is designated as Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
4. Tasmania is home to the world's oldest trees, which can be found in its ancient rainforests.

Ready to explore Tasmania?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip