5 ways to experience the outdoor life in Tasmania

Tasmania is one of the most unique islands in the world and offers unbelievable outdoor experiences that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Nearly 45 per cent of Tasmania is made up of reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites, meaning nature lovers will never run out of things to do on the stunning island.

It is a paradise for walkers with trails to suit travellers regardless of their fitness level, so whether you want to challenge yourself or simply soak up the exceptional environment on some relaxing walks, Tasmania is the destination for you. It’s also not that hard to combine with your next visit to Australia, and can be added to any of our Australia Multi Centre Holidays, so there’s really no reason not to visit.

Here are five of the top activities for travellers:

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and offers a wide variety of things to do for all kinds of travellers. Arguably the most popular attraction in the city is Mount Wellington, which is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the island.

The mountain rises to 1,269 metres above sea level and is only a 20 minute drive from the city centre. Near to Mount Wellington are other peaks such as Sleeping Beauty, Collins Cap and Cathedral Rock and there are a number of micro-climates existing in the area that support 500 native plant species, including beautifully exotic Tasmanian plants.

Whether as a tourist you want to walk to the mountain park from the city, or focus on exploring some of the beautiful forests, the choice is yours in this extraordinary environment.

On the east coast of the island is the sensational Freycinet National Park, where travellers can explore beautiful beaches and bays and enjoy outstanding views of the Tasman Sea and Tasmanian coastline.

Whether you want to go for a long walk to the stunning Wineglass Bay lookout or opt for a shorter hike instead, there are plenty of options for tourists. You could even take a jump into the crystal clear sea to snorkel and observe the plentiful marine life present in the area.

If you don’t want to be on your feet for too long, you can take a cruise around the area, sit back and soak up the unbelievable atmosphere of your magical surroundings.

Port Arthur is 37 miles away from Hobart and is well known as one of Australia’s most important heritage areas. The site is comprised of 11 remnant penal sites initially developed by the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The port was a prison used until 1877 and became a big tourist attraction for Tasmania. It is now managed by the Port Author Historic Site Management Authority and moved onto UNESCO’s World Heritage Register in 2010.

Along with exploring the storied history of the site, travellers will be able to take advantage of the stunning scenery of the Tasman Sea to snap some extraordinary photographs to show friends back home.

The Pieman River State Reserve is one of the most peaceful areas of Tasmania and the perfect location to camp and experience the natural beauty of the island first-hand. It is situated in Corinna, which lies on the edge of the Tarkine rainforest.

In this area, you are perfectly placed to enjoy some beautiful walks along Huon Pine and through to Lovers Falls or Donaldsons Peak. You can even hop aboard one of the Pieman River Cruises to see the stunning environment from the tranquility of the Pieman River.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could follow the trail to Mount Donaldson and try to climb the peak, where you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the local area.

The Nut State Reserve in Stanley is a perfect day-out for nature lovers. Offering some glorious views over the landscape of Tasmania’s east coast. You can choose to walk up the cliff via a 430-metre path, or opt to take the chairlift instead.

At the top of the nut, travellers can take advantage of some extraordinary photo opportunities, especially when sunset arrives. You could perhaps walk up and take the chairlift back so you can explore all of the possible views available from this magnificent area.

Having worked up an appetite once you return from the Nut to Stanley, you can explore the town’s stunning variety of cafes, shops and galleries or perhaps even sample some of the delicious local seafood available at the Touchwood Cottages and Craft Gallery.