If you’re planning an upcoming visit to Tasmania get excited. It’s a unique part of Australia with stunning scenery, unmatched history, and a food and wine scene that will make your taste buds EXPLODE.
Just one favour to ask if you don’t mind, please don’t visit for a weekend. Give Tassie at least a week, or three! You can’t do Tasmania on the fly, if you do, you’ll be missing out on seeing some amazing towns.
So plan on a good old fashioned road trip, and below are my 11 favourite towns I suggest you highlight on your map to plot your journey.
1. Richmond
Historic Richmond is a small town within easy reach of Hobart (25km north east).
We enjoyed half a day exploring the historic sites and taking a stroll along the river before grabbing a bite to eat at the Richmond Hotel followed by coffee and cake at the popular bakery.
Richmond is home to Australia’s oldest bridge (built in 1825) and Australia’s oldest Roman Catholic church, St John’s. You should also check out the Richmond Gaol and just wander around town looking at the numerous heritage-listed buildings. Richmond is lovely.
2. Coles Bay
Coles Bay is set in a spectacular location with uninterrupted views of the red and pink granite peaks known as The Hazards. It’s a small town with a few shops and cafes – don’t miss Tombolo Restaurant and coffee bar for great coffee + wood fired pizzas with stunning views (see picture below).
This town is mostly known as the main entrance point to Freycinet National Park (our favourite place in Tasmania). Nearby Honeymoon Bay is a brilliant and consider going kayaking in the beautiful bay. We could easily spend a week based here exploring Freycinet and all it’s walks.
Click to see our walk to famous Wineglass Bay, the STUNNING Hazards Beach, and our great accommodation at The Blue House.
And don’t miss Hazards Beach and Friendly Beaches.
3. Strahan
Getting to Strahan involves a decent half to full day of driving (depending on where you’re coming from) as it’s all the way over on the west coast, but definitely worth the effort.
It’s a small port town and from where we did our cruise down the famous World Heritage Gordon River, one of the highlights of our month in Tassie. We also saw one of the best sunsets we have ever seen anywhere setting over Strahan.
4. Penguin
Situated on the shores of Bass Strait, Penguin is the best town to base yourself to explore the north west region of Tasmania. We really enjoyed the vibe of the town, Kalyra liked the big Penguin dressed in a Santa suit, and the local markets were a hit with Caz.
Nearby don’t miss Turners Beach Berry Patch (great for the kids), Hellyers Road Distillery in Burnie, the coastal drive to Ulverstone, and the Nut in Stanley. We stayed at the Penguin Waterfront Escape Apartments right in the centre of town with awesome views over Bass Strait.
5. Corinna
Corinna is remote, quiet, small, and a true wilderness experience. It’s a former mining town on the banks of the Pieman river and at the end of the Tarkine (the largest temperate rainforest in Australia) and the northern most point where the famous Huon pine grows.
Stay in a rustic cottage, walk amongst the rainforest, kayak down the river or take a cruise on the historic Arcadia II. Access to Corinna is by barge boat (if coming from Strahan) and is a unique experience in Tasmania away from the mass tourism.
6. Evandale
When you arrive in Evandale you feel as if the clock has been wound back 100 years.
It’s a National Trust classified Georgian village with unspoiled heritage buildings making it a popular place for tourists and easily accessible from Launceston.
Clarendon House, just outside of the village, is said to be one of Australia’s greatest Georgian houses.
We devoured a coffee and cake at the Ingleside licensed bakery cafe located inside the old Council chambers built in 1867. There is a pretty courtyard bursting with flowers or, in the winter, a cozy roaring fire.
7. Bicheno
We only stayed for lunch in Bicheno but wished we’d planned a night. The beach was a pleasant surprise, as was the coastal walk around to the rocky headland overlooking the bay.
The town is primarily a fishing port popular with holiday makers and retirees for its mild climate and sunny weather. It’s also a well known place for seeing the fairy penguins.
8. Port Arthur
Looking for history and drama, Port Arthur is where you’ll find it in spades. Port Arthur has a violent and troubled history as a penal colony for some of Australia’s hardened convicts.
It’s one of the best things to do in Tassie and you’re based in Hobart it’s accessible via a day trip. For a great bite to eat, don’t miss the Doo-Lishus food truck at nearby Eaglehawk Neck for the best fish and chips in Tasmania, plus homemade scallop, rabbit, and venison pies.
Click to read about our visit to Port Arthur Historical Site and the fun Ghost Tour.
9. Binalong Bay
Binalong Bay is a small coastal town in north-east Tasmania, and the main reason for visiting is because it’s situated at the southern end of the spectacular Bay of Fires.
Once you’ve photographed the Bay of Fires and played on the beach at Binalong, be sure to hit up the Binalong Bay Cafe for great coffee and delicious desserts, complete with an awesome view of the beach.
10. Hobart
Not a town, no, but you must visit Hobart. It’s a lovely, walkable city on the harbour with a gentle pace of life and lots to do in and around the area – we spent 6 days here.
Walk the historic Battery Point, wander Salamanca Place and admire the sandstone buildings, check out the famous Salamanca Markets and don’t miss the fascinating MONA museum, and that’s a recommendation coming from us non-museum people.
Click to read our post on things to do in Hobart.
11. Launceston
There’s not much going on in Launceston, but it’s a great base to explore some excellent places nearby, and it’s also the cheapest city to fly into from the Australian mainland.
Once you’ve seen City Park, the James Boags Brewery and done the Saturday Harvest Market, the best nearby attraction is beautiful Cataract Gorge.
From Launceston, make sure you explore the Tamar Valley wine region, the Tamar wetlands walk, World Heritage Brickendon Estate and Josef Chromy Winery.
Tours of Tasmania to love
We have two Tasmania group tours to recommend if you don’t want to travel independently. These are with our preferred partner, Globus tours which also include Cosmos. Be sure to use our discount code when booking!
- Ready to discover what all the fuss is about? Serving up waterfalls, wine tastings, and rustic, resort lodges within a stone’s throw of some of Australia’s most spectacular sights, this 9-day Tassie tour will introduce you to the favorite features and creatures of this idyllic island state.
- Consider yourself a bit of a foodie? This escorted tour of Tasmania with Cosmos Tours is the one for you! Embark on the adventure of a lifetime during this 7-day culinary-focused Tasmania tour from Hobart to Launceston.
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We’ve secured an exclusive yTravel discount: Save $100 per person on select 2023 and 2024 Globus and Avalon Waterway Vacations. Use the code: YTRAVEL when booking online at the Globus, Cosmos, and Avalon Waterways websites, by calling Globus and Avalon Waterways directly, or booking with a preferred Travel Advisor. Terms & Conditions.
Plan Your Trip in Tasmania
We’ve been traveling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:
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What towns in Tasmania would you suggest? Share in the comments below.
Whilst Tasmania is the smallest Australian state, it has loads to offer and there’s lots to see and do there. I went to the Targa Tasmania car rally a couple of years back and that’s good fun – worth checking out!
Yep, for a small state it really packs a punch.
Outdoor sculpture trail’s annual exhibition & prize opens 18th April and runs until 12th July.
40 minute drive south of Hobart in beautiful D’entrecasteaux region, the 25 new and acquisition sculptures are set on a trail of 1.5km.
Great drive, great day out for the family, thoroughly recommend it!
Tasmania is so wild and rugged … sick views!
I think “Mount Field National Park Tourism” is another nice destination in Tasmania that one shouldn’t miss out. It has got a huge natural beauty to experience and with trees and waterfalls. Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls are good examples of natural waterfalls in the midst of tall trees and swamp gums.
Yes, we’ve heard this area is great. Unfortunately we had to change our plans to return home for a funeral so missed this area. But, we’ll be back. Thanks for sharing
Wow! Looks beautiful.
I’d like to visit Richmond, Coles Bay and Hobart for sure. 🙂 Sounds like amazing places. Tasmania is a real treasure. Thanks for this comprehensive guide!
Hard to go wrong in Tassie Renuka, but those destinations would be a great start.
Great list. We camped around Tassie in January for 3 weeks. I think Sheffield should be added to this list and most people will travel through the town driving back from Cradle Mountain. Best fudge ever and amazing murals! The Huon Valley and the town of Cygnet are also incredible and only 30 mins from Hobart.
Thanks for mentioning those places Michelle. We did visit Huon briefly, and it’s from there we did our awesome cruise to Bruny Island.
I agree with whoever mentioned Sheffield, the town of Murals! It should be on the list. With the great, imposing Mount Roland overlooking the entire valley, Lake Barrington Canoe area, walks up Mt Roland, amazing murals to see, Tazmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot and not far from Cradle Mountain. Definite must!!
I think Wilmot deserves a mention, if travelling from Cradle Mountain north bound, and not turning off at Moina you will travel through Wilmot, and be sure to stop at the newly reopened Old Wilmot Bakery and Bed and Breakfast, the new manager’s have done a fantastic restoring the Original Wood Fired Oven, and serve the most delicious food using ingredients from local producers. At this time, as part of the Mural Fest, the Wilmot Online Centre has the Visual Arts Competition on, as it always around this time of year. Wilmot also used to be the Potatoe Growing Capital of Australia, I think that title belongs elsewhere now, but we still find Potatoe’s in the soil in Paddocks, lol. The scenery around this area, and all the way up to Devonport is to die for.
Thanks for sharing Craig. Tassie has always been on my one day list but you guys have really been inspiring me to make it a one day soon destination. Loving all of your Tassie posts!
I know you will love it Jen!
If you’re brave enough to go to Sheffield, make sure you visit Sattlers with the mummified-looking-dummy hanging from the ceiling D:
In all honesty though Coles Bay IS absolutely gorgeous – I can recommend Oatlands in the midlands of Tassy, beautiful historic town.
If you’re on the NW Coast, specifically Devonport, The Bluff with its lighthouse is gorgeous and nearby Coles Beach is also lovely 🙂
Thanks for adding in those tips Lena!
Opps you forgot Rosebery on the West Coast! Rosebery has the steepest golf course, the oldest tree, tassie’s tallest waterfall and Rosebery’s Mount Black lays claim to being the most heavily timbered mountain in the Southern Hemisphere!
Sounds like Rosebery is worth a look then Kath. Thanks.
Wynyard is a very pretty town with the river and Stanley is beautiful.
HELP…we drove a short distance out of Wynyard along a very twisty road…houses all the way until we came to a beautiful beach area with a great fish and chip shop…where were we? I have tried to direct friends to this spot but cannot remember the name of it….it was absolutely beautiful..a must visis and I would love to return.
I have no idea sorry 🙂
Colleen, that would be Boat Harbour Beach, in my opinion, a very special place for locals and visitors!
Went searching…Out of Wynard follow Port Rd, to Boat Harbour Beach..Fish and chip shop is the Jolly Rogers.
Hi Colleen, Boat Harbour Beach is certainly a magical spot. If you had continued past the turnoff (twisty road) to Boat Harbour you would have arrived at the beautiful Sisters Beach. Surrounded by National Park it’s an oasis!
Thanks for chipping in Ladies 🙂
Definately Stanley, a beautiful little historic fishing village, and Highfield House, and of course the Nutt, and a boat cruise up Arthur River. The west coast is rugged and beautiful and we love it.
Yes, we took the chairlift to the top of the Nut. Kids loved it.
Ross is just the most beautiful of little towns and definitely a favourite of mine. It has a quiet charm that lingers and remains. The fantastic Ross Bridge is not to be missed. Built by convicts who gained their freedom because of their amazing ability.
Spent 3 weeks just travelling around Tassie we loved every moment of it. Can’t wait to go back. We busied all your 11 places and lots more including Ross (the best bakery ever) in the middle Stanley and every other part. Just loved it
We went to a great bakery in Ross Bridget, but there are two so not sure if it was the same one?!
There’s a bakery close to the hotel; and then the other one is in the centre of the block. That’s the one that the bakery in Kiki’s Delivery Service is based on so it’ gets lots of visits from international tourists, especially Japanese.
Legerwood is a fascinating little town in the NE of Tassie. In the town’s park there are loads of trees that have been carved with a chainsaw into scenes from WW1 & WW2 – really amazing to see. By the way I love that cute cottage you stay in at Corrina.
That sounds pretty cool Rebecca. And yes, our cottage was nice and cosy!
Bronte Park was the place that set our holiday alight some 21 years ago. The views, hospitality, restaurant, huge open fire in the bar. Very close to Cradle Mountain. Thumbs up from my family.
Ok cool. Wished we’d known this Phillip. Thanks.
Ross is just the most beautiful of little towns and definitely a favourite of mine. It has a quiet charm that lingers and remains.
My home state! I miss it dearly. Originally from the Huon Valley I’d have say it is a must…. keep heading south to the Hartz mountains and further still to the end of the road at Cockle Creek. We spent many camping holidays here and onwards to South Cape. Also in the area are Hastings Caves, the thermal pools and the Tahune Airwalk overlooking the Huon River. Simply stunning!
Plenty of Hidden spots that are worth exploring around Southern Tasmania. Beaches – Roaring Beach (6 storey sand dunes ) Boronia Beach (best hidden beach near Hobart). Towns – Kettering (gateway to Bruny Island and Woodbridge (Peppermint Bay, Grand Ewe. Fleurtys). Snug (snug falls walk).
Thanks Sergei
Marrawah – awesome wild ocean and beaches
Sheffield for sure!!!
This is a top list, thank you!
We’re headed for Tassie early next year so I will definitely be using this as a reference point 🙂
Once lived in Bicheno – and in Makepeace Avenue ! Miss it stll…return often
Sheffield. The Town Of Murals is lovely and the views of Mt Roland are just stunning.
I have been to all these places. I would add a few more that people should visit. Queenstown, Stanley, Sheffield and New Norfolk – these are great historic towns too.
Thanks for sharing Glynis-Anne
Latrobe, is one of those towns on the NW not to be missed: home of the platypus, the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame on the way for a picnic lunch at Bells Parade, check out the House of Anvers Chocolate factory and Cherry Shed on the highway and then go in to visit a myriad of antique shops, great restaurants, pubs and last but by no means least, Reliquaire with all its nooks and crannies, selling everything from antiques, to goods to restore old homes, science and educational products, fine china, fudge and wonderful coffees and teas – the list goes on. All of the above have their own web sites – take a visit.
Not upset you completely missed south west Tassie. Very happy to keep it to ourselves!
Great selection, but you forgot Sheffield, the town of murals, which is the gateway to Cradle Mountain, Lake Barrington etc – could add it to your next blog about Tassie 🙂
Great list Craig, glad you mentioned Doo-lishus, they have THE BEST seafood in southern Tassie (IMO), not to mention their Berry Dream Desert (it’s a must have).
The Port Sorell/Shearwater/Hawley Beach area need to be on this list
Also Greens Beach 🙂
I know Bicheno, it is most definitely one of Australia’s hidden treasures
St Marys on the East Coast is only a small town but for those who like art , craft, textiles and more then this is a must. Gone Rustic, Madd=Mudd, Cranks and Tinkerers Muesum, Second Hand Rose, Mt Elephant Fudge, St Marys Bakery, Purple Possum, RiverWillow Artspace, the newly relocated Bagdad Quilting Supplies, St Marys Hotel, Pings, Op Shop, Chemist, IGA, Laundrymat, accommodation is plentiful in Addlestone House, Mariton House and Oakdene Heritage B & B’s, Rainbow Retreat Wilderness Eco Lodge & Cabins, St Marys Seaview Farm aaaand to top it off…..Wrapt in St Marys on 31st May & 1st June!!
Definitely my home town of Wynyard as someone has already mentioned, and apart from Boat Harbour Beach which is a wonderful childhood memory … there is Sisters Creek Beach not far away …. also beautiful ….. plus Cradle Mountain … another must … just dont go in the middle of winter because there can be blizzards … it was more beautiful back in the 60’s when I was a kid and there was an old Swiss chalet there ( long gone) built by an old man called Franz who started the area being a place to stay and he had a pet wombat and us kids used to sit in the main lounge area on a big rug in front of a huge log fire and he would sit on a stool and tell us stories …. the beds had feather and down mattresses and pillows and quilts …. funny what you remember …. still its nice today also … my brother estabished the Hellyer Distillery in Burnie that gets a mention here
Triabunna, lovely friendly little town on the East Coast, awesome fish and chips from the little takeaway caravan behind the pub.
No 12 should be Swansea, best little town in Tassie.
So funny–I’m pretty sure I sat in that exact same spot at Tombolo’s and had a coffee! (Very, very good coffee.)
Great post overall. Tasmania, for being so small, has so much going on. One of my favourite parts of Oz.
Launceston is my home town and agree it is s great base for exploring. Go zip-lining at Hollybank Treetops or just take a picnic and enjoy the forest if heights aren’t your thing. Take a road trip to Liffey Falls and then onto Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Anvers Chocolate, Ashgrove Cheese and the Cherry Shed.
Australia is a lovely country that everyone should know, it is a simply stunning country
2012: a 16 day holiday in Tassie travelling anti-clockwise around the island. We could easily have stayed longer as there was still a lot we didn’t get to see.
Although not a town (locations include Alonnah, Adventure Bay and Crowdy Bay) we would highly recommend a visit to Bruny Island – the car ferry is less than an hour south of Hobart.
A minimum of a day to see everything full of nature and history – visited by Captain Cook on a later voyage with midshipman William Bligh who later visited a few times including once with a young Matthew Flinders on board!
Thanks for this. We are planning a year long trip around Oz living out of our Toyota Coaster bus. Tasmania is the first stop on the trip and we’ll be there for a month. These are great tips to get us started.
Thanks for sharing Craig. Tassie has always been on my one day list but you guys have really been inspiring me to make it a one day soon destination.
Glad to have inspired you to visit Tassie Everton. Lots of great towns in Tasmania, and scenery.
Thanks for sharing!
Tasse is my favorite in the world. I had friends I used to stay with in Sandy Bay Hobart. My favorite trip was up to Hawley Beach with a couple of night at Hawley House ( with stops in Ross then Raspberry Farm).
good post, thanks for share
All 11 TASMANIA CITIES are beautiful, really wonderful places. Thanks for sharing!
Tassie is my favourite part of Aus. Been there twice. Loved Freycinet, Hobart (Mure’s fish), Mona, cradle Mountain, Bruny Island and of course Strahan ( the play on the sea front telling the tales of the ships and the immigrants ) just for starters.
Incredible places !! the most beautiful and Sunset over Strahan! I would like to meet places like this.
We are looking to stay in the Huon for four nights. I just can’t decide which town to stay in as our base, they all look wonderful