Things to Do in State of Tasmania — Australia: Top Attractions, Tours & Tickets

#1MONAMust4.3(13,965)

MONA is Tasmania's defining contemporary-culture experience: deliberately provocative, immersive and much more than a conventional gallery visit. Give it an unhurried half-day from Hobart and lean into the ferry journey if schedules and budget allow.

4h Timed entryChoose the first entry of the day or a weekday; late sessions can also feel less compressed.

Reserve a timed entry in advance for weekends, holidays and ferry-inclusive visits.

Pairs with: kunanyi / Mount Wellington · Port Arthur Historic Site

#2Russell FallsMust4.8(2,307)

Russell Falls is the approachable, iconic waterfall walk that makes Mount Field a first-timer essential, particularly for travelers short on hiking time. It works beautifully as a Hobart day trip, but is even better when folded into an overnight or westward drive.

1h FreeGo early or near dusk, when day-trip groups are thinner.

Pairs with: Mount Field National Park · Horseshoe Falls · Lady Barron Falls

#3Mount Field National ParkMust4.8(1,494)

Mount Field packs Tasmania's most accessible progression from lush fern forest to alpine country into a manageable visit from Hobart. Base the visit around Russell Falls, then add a longer walk only if weather and daylight cooperate.

3h Walk upArrive at opening or stay later than day-trippers; alpine roads and walks need weather checks.

A Tasmania parks pass is required for vehicle entry; buy it online or at the park when available.

Pairs with: Russell Falls · Horseshoe Falls · Lady Barron Falls

#4Port Arthur Historic SiteMust4.6(11,704)

Port Arthur is Tasmania's most consequential historic site, confronting the colonial penal system in a dramatic peninsula landscape. Allow enough time for the core interpretation and grounds, then use the surrounding Tasman Peninsula scenery to make it a full-day excursion from Hobart.

4h Timed entryTake the earliest practical entry, before Hobart coach groups arrive.

Book ahead for peak summer dates and any special guided experiences.

Pairs with: Three Capes Track · kunanyi / Mount Wellington

#5Freycinet National ParkMust4.8(4,548)

Freycinet is the essential east-coast national park, combining the Wineglass Bay walk, granite headlands and beaches that justify a dedicated overnight stay. Pick one signature walk and leave room for a beach or scenic drive rather than trying to cover every trail in a day.

5h Walk upStart the Wineglass Bay walk at dawn or late afternoon, avoiding the busiest middle of the day.

A Tasmania parks pass is required; secure accommodation and popular seasonal tours well ahead.

Pairs with: Three Thumbs Lookout · Bay of Fires · Painted Cliffs

#6Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National ParkMust

This is Tasmania's signature wilderness landscape and the strongest case for slowing down in the state's alpine interior. Stay nearby if possible, take the shuttle where required, and choose a walk that matches the forecast rather than treating the summit as compulsory.

6h Book aheadTake an early shuttle and expect rapidly changing alpine weather at any hour.

Buy a parks pass in advance and book accommodation and seasonal shuttle arrangements early.

Pairs with: Mole Creek Caves · Preston Falls · Nelson Falls

#7kunanyi / Mount WellingtonMust

The mountain above Hobart supplies the fast, dramatic perspective that orients a first visit to southern Tasmania. Drive or join a tour for the summit in clear weather, but treat it as a flexible half-day because conditions can erase the view without warning.

2h FreeGo at opening light for clearer views when forecasts allow; avoid committing to it on a cloud-bound day.

Pairs with: MONA · Port Arthur Historic Site

#8Bay of FiresMust

The Bay of Fires is the northeast coast at its most distinctive: pale beaches, clear water and orange lichen-covered granite. It is best experienced slowly on an east-coast road trip, with enough time to explore several coves rather than simply photographing one beach.

3h FreeEarly morning and late afternoon bring the best light and the quietest beaches.

Pairs with: Freycinet National Park · Three Thumbs Lookout

#9Liffey FallsShould4.7(383)

Liffey Falls is one of the state's most accessible classic rainforest-and-waterfall experiences, with a gentle forest setting that suits non-hikers as well as walkers. It is an excellent scenic break when driving between Launceston, the Central Highlands and the east coast.

1.5h FreeArrive early or later in the afternoon for quieter paths and softer forest light.

Pairs with: Mole Creek Caves · Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site

#10Cataract Gorge ReserveShould4.7(8,759)

Cataract Gorge gives Launceston an immediate nature escape, with cliffside paths, river views and enough infrastructure for an easy city-based outing. It is a useful first or final stop in northern Tasmania, especially when weather makes a longer wilderness walk impractical.

2h FreeWalk early in the morning or late afternoon; midday is busiest around the main basin.

Pairs with: Tamar Island Wetlands Centre · Tamar Valley wine country

#11Mole Creek CavesShould4.7(914)

The guided caves add a subterranean counterpoint to Tasmania's forests and mountains, with formations and glow-worm encounters that appeal beyond dedicated cavers. Choose one cave tour and combine it with nearby waterfalls or Cradle Mountain on a northern circuit.

1.5h Timed entryTake an early tour to keep the rest of the day flexible.

Book ahead in busy holiday periods, as tour capacity is limited.

Pairs with: Liffey Falls · Meander Falls · Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

#12Horseshoe FallsShould4.7(149)

Horseshoe Falls is the worthwhile extension to the Russell Falls walk, offering a quieter and more intimate rainforest payoff. Add it if you are already in Mount Field; it does not need a separate trip.

45m FreeContinue beyond Russell Falls early in the day, before most visitors turn back.

Pairs with: Russell Falls · Mount Field National Park · Lady Barron Falls

#13Nelson FallsShould4.8(744)

Nelson Falls is a superb short rainforest stop on the west-coast drive, delivering the mossy, water-rich Tasmania many visitors imagine. It is best used to break up the long road journey between the central highlands and Strahan or Queenstown.

45m FreeEarly morning is quietest; rain enhances the experience but makes surfaces slippery.

Pairs with: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park · Mount Field National Park

#14Painted CliffsShould4.7(341)

The Painted Cliffs are a compact but memorable Bruny Island stop, with patterned sandstone best appreciated under the right tide and light. Pair them with a food-focused island day or an overnight rather than rushing over solely for the cliffs.

45m FreeVisit in lower-tide conditions and later in the day for better color and fewer tour groups.

Pairs with: Bruny Island · Port Arthur Historic Site

#15Richmond GaolShould4.6(998)

Richmond Gaol is a compact, atmospheric stop in one of Tasmania's best-preserved historic villages. It works best as part of a leisurely Coal River Valley outing, alongside the bridge, village streets and local produce rather than as a standalone destination.

45m Walk upWeekday mornings are quietest, before day-trip coaches and lunch visitors.

Buy admission on arrival; check seasonal opening hours before making a special trip.

Pairs with: MONA · Port Arthur Historic Site

#16Bruny IslandShould

Bruny Island is southern Tasmania's most satisfying island day or overnight: coastal drama, wildlife opportunities and serious local food in a compact route. Reserve ferry timing and any guided experiences around the day, while leaving room for weather-driven changes.

7h Book aheadCatch an early ferry and visit the main lookout before midday tour traffic.

Prebook vehicle ferry crossings for peak travel periods, especially if carrying a car.

Pairs with: Painted Cliffs · MONA

#17Three Capes TrackShould

This guided-logistics multi-day walk is the polished way to experience the Tasman Peninsula's enormous sea cliffs and wild headlands without expedition-level planning. It is a commitment rather than a casual add-on, but it is exceptional for active first-timers with enough itinerary space.

Sells out — book weeks aheadBook shoulder-season departures for a quieter track, while accepting more variable weather.

Reserve well ahead for the main walking season; departures and hut places are limited.

Pairs with: Port Arthur Historic Site · kunanyi / Mount Wellington

#18Waddamana Power Station Heritage SiteIf time4.8(306)

This is an unusually evocative industrial-heritage stop in the Central Highlands, with machinery and stories that explain how Tasmania's hydro era reshaped the interior. Use it as a deliberate detour between the east coast and central or northern routes, rather than as a destination on a short first trip.

1h Walk upGo during daytime opening hours; it is rarely crowded.

Pairs with: The Steppes Sculptures · Liffey Falls

#19Meander FallsIf time4.7(66)

A rewarding remote waterfall walk for travelers who want Tasmania's wet forest without the better-known Mount Field circuit. It needs a proper weather-aware hiking day, so prioritize it only if you have time in the north-central interior.

4h FreeStart early, especially after rain when trail conditions can slow progress.

Pairs with: Mole Creek Caves · Liffey Falls

#20The Steppes SculpturesIf time4.2(116)

These quirky outdoor sculptures turn a short Central Highlands stop into something distinctly Tasmanian: art, pasture and big skies in one place. Treat it as a quick roadside pause rather than a reason to reroute a limited itinerary.

30m Free

Pairs with: Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site · Liffey Falls

#21Lady Barron FallsIf time4.7(100)

Lady Barron Falls offers a more secluded forest walk within Mount Field, rewarding visitors who have already done the headline waterfall loop. Make it an add-on for walkers, not a substitute for Russell Falls on a first visit.

1.5h FreeGo in the morning, when the track is quieter and you have ample daylight.

Pairs with: Russell Falls · Horseshoe Falls · Mount Field National Park

#22Tamar Island Wetlands CentreIf time4.6(1,086)

The wetlands offer an easy boardwalk nature break near Launceston, particularly good for birdwatchers and travelers who want a gentle counterweight to gorge walks and wine tasting. It is pleasant rather than essential for a first-time Tasmania itinerary.

1.5h FreeVisit early or toward sunset for bird activity and cooler walking conditions.

Pairs with: Cataract Gorge Reserve · Tamar Valley wine country

#23Preston FallsIf time4.5(233)

Preston Falls is a handsome forest waterfall for travelers exploring the northwest and Cradle Mountain approaches. It is a worthwhile detour if conditions are good, but not one to displace the region's major national-park experiences.

1h FreeGo early after rain, while allowing extra care on the access road and track.

Pairs with: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park · Tasmazia & The Village Of Lower Crackpot

#24Three Thumbs LookoutIf time4.6(108)

This is a rewarding local lookout for walkers near the east coast, with views that make the Freycinet area feel larger than its beaches and bays. Choose it if you have an extra active day; it is not the default first walk in the region.

2.5h FreeStart early for cooler climbing conditions and clearer coastal views.

Pairs with: Freycinet National Park · Bay of Fires

#25Tamar Valley wine countryIf time

The Tamar Valley is Tasmania's most convenient wine-region detour from Launceston, offering cellar doors in a landscape that feels distinct from the island's wilderness icons. Use it for a relaxed half-day with a designated driver or organized tour, not as a substitute for the state's headline natural sights.

3h Walk upWeekday late mornings are calmer and make lunch reservations easier.

Most cellar doors accept walk-ins, but reserve lunch and premium tastings on weekends.

Pairs with: Cataract Gorge Reserve · Tamar Island Wetlands Centre