My Photography & Travel Guide To Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While Tasmania might not receive as much attention as other parts of Australia, it is truly amazing, and I recommend that everyone who has the chance to visit go. I only wish that we could have stayed longer.
From breathtaking landscapes and wildlife to delicious cuisine and vibrant arts, Tasmania has something to offer everyone. Tasmania's wilderness areas are so unique that a significant portion of the island has been declared a World Heritage area. And, thanks to the island's compact size, these natural wonders are all within easy reach.
The island’s separation from mainland Australia helped create a unique ecosystem, with many plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This is why they do not allow you to bring any fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc., with you on the flight from the Mainland, and they spray the cabinet before landing.
Hobart Harbor
Its uniqueness also extends to its people and culture. Tasmanians are very friendly, and you can see how much they love their beautiful island. There is a strong sense of community here, with locals passionate about preserving their unique lifestyle and environment. This passion is reflected in the cuisine and the vibrant arts, local wines and beer, local whiskey, and a thriving community of artists and musicians calling Tasmania home.
In this guide, we'll explore the best places to stay, eat, and capture stunning photos in Tasmania.
How to Get There?
As Australia’s only island state, Tasmania can only be accessed by air and sea. Regular flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane and direct to Hobart and Launceston.
Where to Stay?
Hobart, the capital city, is the perfect base for your Tasmanian adventure. It offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, making it an ideal spot to start your journey.
Hotel Islington
Luxury Hotels
MACq 01 Hotel - A hotel that offers luxury with a touch of Tasmanian history.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, blending contemporary design with historic charm.
Islington Hotel - Visiting Islington is like staying in a family home with 11 bedrooms. While the location is unassuming - a short drive from Hobart's city center along a quiet road that appears entirely residential - the mansion is so cozy and enticing that it is genuinely difficult to leave. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with incredible views of Mount Wellington. This is the hotel we stayed, and I highly recommend it.
Mid-Level Hotels
Salamanca Inn - Located in the heart of Salamanca Place, this hotel offers comfort and convenience.
Mantra Collins Hotel - A modern hotel situated close to the waterfront and popular attractions.
Hadley’s Orient Hotel - A historic hotel that combines old-world charm with contemporary comfort.
How Long to Stay
A week in Tasmania is ideal to appreciate its diverse landscapes and attractions fully. This allows ample time to explore Hobart, venture into the wilderness, and visit iconic sites like Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Tasmania is during the Australian summer, from December to February. This period offers pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and vibrant local festivals. Autumn (March to May) is also a fantastic time for photography, with stunning fall colors and fewer crowds.
Mount Wellington
Getting Around
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Tasmania, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace and reach remote locations. Uber and local taxi services are available in Hobart, but for exploring beyond the city, a car is essential.
Hobart Harbor
What to Eat?
Tasmanians are very proud of their local produce. Driving around the island, you’ll come across cafes and roadside apple carts selling delicious fruits and locally brewed cider.
Hobart’s waterfront comes alive on Saturdays with Salamanca Market, a huge outdoor market selling artisan crafts and fresh produce. In Tasmania’s summertime (December to February), you can hear live music everywhere downtown.
What should you eat? In Hobart, get the seafood, specifically lobster, salmon, and black truffles.
Templo - A cozy, intimate restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Franklin - Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Mures Upper Deck - Fresh seafood with stunning waterfront views.
Daci & Daci Bakers - A perfect spot for breakfast or a sweet treat.
Coffee Shops
Villino Coffee - Specialty coffee roaster with a warm, welcoming vibe.
Machine Laundry Café - A quirky café offering great coffee and brunch options.
Hobart Coffee Roasters —fantastic flat whites
Somewhere Coffee Bar — best coffee we had in Hobart
Somewhere Coffee Bar in Hobart
Visiting Whisky Distilleries
We visited Lark and Nant (sold in 2016).
it was a fantastic experience to visit Lark Whiskey in Hobart. We took a tour and sampled the whiskeys, and ended up buying a few small bottles to take home with us.
Photography Gear to Bring
Camera Models: Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z7 II, Sony A7R IV
Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscapes
Standard zoom lens (24-70mm) for versatile shooting
Telephoto lens (70-200mm) for wildlife and distant subjects
Tripod: Essential for long exposure and low light photography
Filters: ND filters for controlling light and polarizing filters for reducing reflections
The Best Photography Locations
We need to go back to Tasmania. We did not have enough time to visit all the sites on the Island during our short stay.
Hobart
What an adorable city! Hobart is the perfect place to spend a few days visiting coffee shops and art galleries and eating delicious food by the harbor.
Stroll along the waterfront. Wander through the galleries and boutiques in the historic Georgian warehouses of Salamanca. Drink delicious coffee while sitting in wonderful cafes. Sip whisky in a tiny bar. Pick up a handcrafted gift at Salamanca Market. Catch the ferry to Mona.
The famed Salamanca Market has been a Saturday tradition for more than 50 years, and the city’s food scene is dynamic. .
Cafes, restaurants, and bars transform Tasmania’s famously fresh produce into seasonal plates of delicious foods
Mount Wellington -
kunanyi / Mt Wellington is Tasmania’s most visited natural attraction. The sheer height of Mount Wellington, with views over the Greater Hobart Region, is stunning. Access to Wellington Park is free, and the park is almost always open.
The drive from Hobart to the summit of kunanyi / Mt Wellington is around 21 km and takes around half an hour (
Bonorong WILDLIFE Sanctuary
Bonorong is a wildlife sanctuary run by a passionate team. You will see Kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian Devils!
Bonorong Animal Sanctuary, located half an hour north of Hobart, Tasmania, by car, is working to save many of the Australian animal species that are on the soon-to-be-extinct list. The most famous of these is the Tasmanian devil. The numbers of Tasmania devils are sadly dwindling.
We arrived at Bonorong on a beautiful morning. We were given small paper bags containing pellet food and directed into the sanctuary. There were tons of kangaroos on the grassy hill, just over 100 of them.
Tasmanian Devil
The kangaroos knew what we were carrying, and it did not take long before bunches of them hopped over to us. Watching my wife feeding the kangaroos was something I will never forget.
We offered the kangaroos small handfuls of food, which they ate right from the palms of our hands. It was amazing how tame and patient they were.
Museum of Old & New Art (MONA)
Usually known as MONA, you will find the avant-garde and provocative Museum of Old and New Art. Before visiting, someone told us, “You will either love or hate the museum, but you will never forget it!” That was so true!
The museum contains owner David Walsh's AUS$110 million private collection of art and antiquities and cutting-edge special exhibitions. So, who exactly is David Walsh? The short answer is that David Walsh, among many things, is an Australian businessman and avid art collector who made his vast fortune through gambling. He took his fortune and varied art collection and started MONA, Australia’s largest privately owned museum.
You will take a ferry from the Harbor in Hobart to reach the museum. MONA is a 40-minute ferry ride up the Derwent River. Once you arrive, you will walk through a long tunnel that brings you into the museum.
Since its shock-and-awe opening in 2011, the Museum of Old and New Art has been called many things, including “a subversive adult Disneyland.”
For Our Next Visit
I would begin our trip with a few days in Hobart before going to Bruny Island. We would then drive northwest to Strahan and cut across east to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and continue to the northeast corner to spend a few days exploring the remote country around Scottsdale. We could then drive south down the island’s east coast, stopping at Freycinet National Park to explore Wineglass Bay.
If you enjoyed this guide to Tasmania, you can check out my other Photography and Travel Guides at this link. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more travel inspiration and photography tips!
If you enjoyed this guide to Tasmania, you can check out my other Photography and travel Guides at this link.