Oceania | AU | Tasmania Bridge over Derwent River [Hobart, Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Aurora Australis as seen from Taroona Beach [Tasmania, Australia] Mike Rowe | CC BY 2.0 Dove Lake Landscape [Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park [Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck [Tasmania, Australia] JJ Harrison | CC BY-SA 2.0 The Spit, Bruny Island [Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Cradle Mountain [Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Kings Bridge from Cataract Gorge [Launceston, Tasmania, Australia] Shutterstock Inside Modell Prison, Port Arthur Historic Site [Port Arthur, Tasmania] Lc95 | Public Domain The Foley Artists at Salamanca Market [Hobart, Tasmania, Australia] Doug Beckers | CC BY-SA 2.0 Tasmania at a Glance A short ferry ride from the mainland, Tasmania has just come on the traveler's radar as a beguiling historical and outdoor destination. Pristine wilderness, rugged shorelines and fascinating towns make Tasmania a fun place to visit. Tasmania has very diverse landscape and climate zones. Hobart and the southern part of the island is warmer and was easier to settle than the harsh, rocky northern portion. While seas lash the island in most spots, the sunny eastern coast is a fine place for swimming and vacationing. Inland you'll find mountain trails, wineries and mountain biking tracks over wild landscapes. Tasmania was originally a settlement for British convicts and you'll find a lot of convict and prison history here. Some of the oldest sandstone buildings in Australia are still standing on the island from when they housed and punished convicts. Advertisement What to Expect High Season December - April Low Season May - November Things To Do jeaneeemCC BY 2.0 Salamanca Market Every Saturday Salamanca Market bustles with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, arts and crafts. Live music makes it an atmospheric experience. SPONSORED jeffowenphotosCC BY-SA 2.0 Museum of Old and New Art This controversial private collection features both contemporary art and ancient art and artifacts. SPONSORED Michael CoghlanCC BY-SA 2.0 Mount Wellington Mount Wellington has gorgeous views which are accessible by car. Hiking, rock climbing and picnic areas are popular with Hobart day-trippers. SPONSORED s13n1CC BY-SA 2.0 Port Arthur Historic Site Port Arthur was once a prison housing British convicts. The prison was notorious for its brutal conditions and strict punishments. SPONSORED Related Articles 7 Places You’ll See the Unexpected Southern Lights Everyone knows about the ribbons of green, purple, red and yellow that light up the winter sky around the Arctic Circle, but did you know the same aurora phenomenon occurs around the South Pole as wel... Travel Inspiration: Russell Falls, Tasmania Russell Falls, Tasmania | You’ll find the two feathery tiers of Russell Falls at the edge of Tasmania’s Mount Field National Park. Take the short, wheelchair accessible trail to the falls and then cro... Is Pebble Shore Lake Really the Most Beautiful Lake in the World? It’s no doubt that Glacier National Park in Montana has some of the world’s most stunning lakes. Deep blue in color and surrounded by green-black fir trees, it’s tough to say whether you’ll find more ... Travel Inspiration: Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania | Locally known as the Neck, this isthmus connects the Tasman Peninsula to mainland Tasmania. This natural gateway is marked by rugged and unusual terrain that is often mistak... Travel Basics Current Time Difference from Unknown Location Update Your Location Exchange Rate United States Dollar $ Euro € Conversion rate supplied by European Central Bank Language: English × Update Your Location Traveler photos Submit your travel photos of Tasmania Upload Your Travel Photos Top Forum Questions about Tasmania Have a question about Tasmania? Ask our travel forum. More Ask a Question Where to Eat Where to Stay Getting There Passport / Visa Requirements All tourists need a visa to visit Australia with the exception of New Zealand nationals. Contact the Australian Consulate for more information. The U.S State Department website has information to help guide American citizens. Getting Around Public Transportation Spirit of Tasmania TassieLink Need to Know Severe Weather Tasmania has cool weather moderated by the ocean. Inland, high-altitude areas receive snow in the winter, but most of the island has wet winters. Safety Concerns It is important to stay alert while in Hobart. Pick-pocketing, theft, car break-ins and other crimes could occur. In the wilderness, avoid snakes and wear insect repellent. Speak with locals to learn about dangerous insects and animals and how to avoid them. Health Concerns Ticks, snakes and mosquitoes spread diseases and infections. When spending time outdoors, protect yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and covering your skin. Check for ticks a few times a day if you are hiking. Get immediate medical attention if you receive a snake bite. For travel in remote areas, consider taking a wilderness first aid course. Whenever you are outdoors in a hot climate take steps to prevent heat-related problems by staying cool and well hydrated. × Update Your Location