> Getting to Tasmania
> Travelling around Tasmania
> Planning Your Holiday
> Shops and Services
> Parks and Reserves
> Weather
> Museums
> Theatres & Cinemas
> Other FAQs
By air - Flights to Tasmania operate on a regular basis from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. To compare prices and make bookings, visit Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar or Tiger Airways.
By sea - The Spirit of Tasmania ferry service operates daily between Melbourne and Tasmania, arriving in the North-West city of Devonport.
A number of Cruise Ships currently travel to Tasmania. Passengers and crew are supplied with extensive information on tours, local shopping, money exchange, internet cafes and more.
You can view all quarantine regulations at the Tasmanian Government's quarantine site
Approximate driving times between major destinations are:
Hobart to Launceston - 2.5 hours
Hobart to Port Arthur - 1.5 hours
Hobart to Strahan - 5 hours
Hobart to Coles Bay – 2.5 hours
Hobart to Cradle Mountain via Launceston - 4.5 hours
Launceston to Cradle Mountain - 2 hours
Launceston to St. Helens (Bay of Fires) – 2.5 hours
Cradle Mountain to Strahan – 2.25 hours
For all other travelling times you can do a search on Google Maps and click on "Get Directions." This will bring up two search fields where you can enter the towns that you're looking for.
Driving is a wonderful way to see the Tasmanian countryside, and most Tasmanian roads are easy to travel on. However, certain areas (such as the West Coast and areas of the East Coast) are notoriously steep and windy and should be taken with extra care. If you are travelling at dusk or night-time please be cautious of local wildlife who may leap out on our roads, such as kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, or wombats.
There are also some off-road gravel tracks in Tasmania - these should only be taken by experienced drivers in appropriate vehicles and it is always wise to ask for local advice before using them. Find out more on the Department of State Growth website.
Hobart Airport: Hobart International Airport is approximately 20 minutes drive from the Hobart city centre. There is an airport shuttle bus that
meets all flights coming into Hobart.
Taxis are located at Hobart Airport. A fare to Hobart should cost approximately $45 to $50 AUD.
Launceston Airport: There is an airport shuttle bus that meets all flights that arrive at Launceston Airport.
Taxis are another great option, and should cost between $35 and $40 AUD approximately.
Tasmania is deceptively big and getting around the island takes time and planning. Your options for getting around include:
Air: Flights within Tasmania are limited. Par Avion and Sharp Airlines operate flights within Tasmania connecting Hobart and Launceston to remote areas such as Strahan, Burnie, Flinders Island, King Island and the remote World Heritage Area South-West National Park. These airlines also operate charter flights. Visit the Par Avion or Sharp Airlines websites for more details.
Bus: Metro Tasmania offers regular bus services in Tasmania’s major centres, including Hobart, Burnie and Launceston.
You can find out more, and download bus timetables and route maps on the Metro Tasmania website or download the free Metro Tas App at:
App Store (for iOs devices)
Google Play (for Android devices).
Tassielink and Redline coach services offer the most extensive services throughout Tasmania, and are the only forms of public transport that travel to some of the more remote areas within Tasmania. Transport to Tasmania's remote areas (some of which include popular tourist destinations) can be difficult to organise as some services may only offer one bus every few days, and at inconvenient times. Visitors wanting to travel around the island by bus should make sure they have plenty of flexibility in their travel itinerary. You can find out more information, including timetables on the Tassielink and Redline websites.
Car: Driving is perhaps the best and certainly the most efficient way of getting around Tasmania. Cars can be brought to Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, or can be hired upon arrival. Hire cars do book out very quickly over peak tourist seasons, such as Christmas and during the Dark Mofo winter festival, so it is a good idea to book in advance.
Cycling: Cycling is an increasingly popular way to see some parts of Tasmania. Popular routes include the east coast, Tasman Peninsula, Huon Valley, Bruny Island or the Tasmanian Trail. Bicycles can also be hired to sightsee around the major cities. Visit the Bicycle Network Tasmania website for more information.
In peak times such as summer (Dec-March), during Easter and throughout the Dark Mofo winter festival in June, accommodation in Hobart, Launceston, Strahan, Coles Bay and Cradle Mountain can be extremely difficult to find. The same is true for car hire all over the state. For tours and activities it is also wise to book ahead - especially in peak times.
Public holidays in Tasmania can be viewed here.
Check here for dates for school terms.
The walking season for The Overland Track is from 1st October to 31st May. Bookings are compulsory. To make a booking and for further information, please visit The Overland Track website
The Three Capes Track is a newly developed four day walk that’s 46km in length. Bookings are essential and can be made online here.
Yes. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has a range of passes available which must be purchased before entering any of our 20 national parks.
You can find out more on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website
Most shops within the Hobart CBD are open 7 days per week, as are some shops and most major supermarkets in the suburbs.
A short stroll from any of the major hotels or transit points you'll find Tasmania's premier commercial centre Hobart's CBD. A lively, friendly destination with that magical blend of pavement, arcade and centre shopping, providing easy access to national department stores, fashion outlets, Tasmanian souvenirs and crafts and a cosmopolitan cafe society. In the heart of the CBD, nestled amongst some of Australia's best examples of sandstone and colonial architecture, street cafes and restaurants mix with great shopping to provide hours of fun and entertainment.
Salamanca Place, renowned for the famous Salamanca Market is home of fine Tasmanian arts and crafts, showcasing the works of many of Tasmania's finest artists and craftspeople. Located amongst beautiful heritage listed buildings and tree lined streets, the area is home to restaurants, specialist food shops, bars and niche shopping. Pick up a bargain, sip a coffee, browse through the galleries. At night enjoy the attractive river view whilst dining and relaxing.
A leisurely walk from the CBD, this historic location features preserved architecture, arts and crafts shops, and fine dining restaurants. Discover Arthurs Circus, Kellys Steps, and the Heritage museum, with an impressive sandstone building housing a significant colonial collection.
North Hobart is known as the restaurant strip, with eateries including pubs, taverns, restaurants and cafes. This busy area also features art galleries, small fashion boutiques, and Tasmania's oldest operating movie house. Necessary services such as banks and postal facilities are also conveniently located here.
Sandy Bay home of Australia?s first casino, Wrest Point, is renowned for small stylish boutiques and gift shops. Wander the busy streets for unique interiors, fashion or gifts. Banks, supermarkets and the post office are located in the main shopping area.
New Town is a suburban shopping strip containing National shopping chains, supermarkets and unique retail outlets.
Hobart has approximately 22,000 trees in its parks and streets. This does not include the trees within Council's bushland areas. The backdrop to Hobart is kunanyi / Mount Wellington, which is 1270m high. It is only about a 30 minute drive to the top of the mountain from the City centre.
Hobart is surrounded by water. The Derwent River provides for a host of beautiful beaches only minutes away.
Beaches in the Hobart municipal area include:
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the following weather conditions were experienced in Hobart during 2009:
A detailed summary of Hobart's weather for the previous year can be viewed at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Daylight savings in Tasmania commences on the first Sunday in October and finishes the last Sunday in March.
AMA Medical History Museum
Phone: 03 6223 2047
Tasmanian Herbarium
Website: http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/
University of Tasmania Fine Art Collection
Phone: (03) 6220 2233
John Elliot Classics Museum
Phone: 03 6220 2235
Southern Tasmanian Volunteer Artillery Society
Website: http://zone.hotkey.net.au/
Lady Franklin Gallery
Phone: (03) 6228 0076
Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts
Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/cultural/allport/allport.htm
Saint David's Anglican Cathedral
Phone: (03) 6234 4900
Penitentiary Chapel and Criminal Courts
Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/nattrust/index.htm
Battery Point Walks
Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/nattrust/index.htm
Runnymede House
Website: http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/nattrust/index.htm
The Mercury Print Museum
Website: http://www.themercury.com.au/nie/ingle/menu.html
W.L. Crowther Library
Website: http://www.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/Heritage/crowther.htm
Masonic Temple
Phone: 03 6223 5814
Salamanca Arts Centre Inc
Website: http://www.salarts.org.au/
Maritime Museum of Tasmania
Website: http://www.maritimetas.org/
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Website: http://www.tmag.tas.gov.au/
Archives Office of Tasmania
Website: http://www.archives.tas.gov.au/
Narryna Heritage Museum
Phone: (03) 6234 2791
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Website: http://www.rtbg.tas.gov.au/
State Library Hobart
Website: http://www.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/
Please use this translation service to assist you.
The Salamanca Market, located in Salamanca Place, Hobart, is open every Saturday from 8:30am till 3:00pm. Find out more here
Money can be exchanged at Travelex in Hobart and Launceston; at major Australia Post Offices and at most major banks. These offices are open Monday to Friday.
Travel Money Oz (84 Liverpool St) is also open on Saturdays for money exchange. Many hotels will also offer money exchange for their guests, please check with reception.
Wrest Point Hotel in Hobart is open 7 days per week and also offers money exchange.
Tasmania has a population of over 514,000 people. Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, has approximately 217,000 people, while Launceston, in the north of the state, has approximately 86,000.
The total area of Tasmania (including the smaller islands) is 68,401 sq. km.