Visitors to Tasmania outnumber residents by more than two to one over a year. That is the plain arithmetic of travel in Tasmania: a population of 519,128 in June 2016, and 1.01 million interstate visitors alone in the year to September 2016.
This page is a starting point for the island. We cover what visitors come for, the kinds of guided tours we list, and what the numbers say about how big tourism is here. For official trip planning, Discover Tasmania is the state tourism site.
Why travel in Tasmania
Australia's southernmost state is known for rugged wilderness, national parks and World Heritage areas, which is why it is a popular family holiday destination. Adventure activities draw many people, and so do the wildlife, the food and the convict history.
Tourism is a large contributor to the state's economy. For the year ending September 2016, visitor nights rose 8 per cent to 10.58 million, and visitor expenditure rose 8 per cent to $2.07 billion. Interstate visitors increased 3 per cent to 1.01 million, up from 982,000.
One small judgement from us: the island rewards slowing down. A day trip is fine, but the two-day and five-day tours below show how much more there is once you stay.
National parks and wilderness
Mt. Field and the Derwent
Mt. Field is Tasmania's most visited wilderness area. The full-day Mt. Field and Derwent tour runs 8 to 9 hours, from $1040. It walks through cool temperate rainforest with ancient ferns and eucalypts to Russel Falls, then visits a wildlife sanctuary. Transport, morning tea and lunch are handled by your guide. Lunch can be packed, or at the on-site Agrarian Kitchen restaurant on weekends only.
Cradle Mountain
For a longer escape, the 2 day Cradle Mountain tour from Hobart starts from $445. It includes accommodation at a lakeside lodge, hikes through rainforest, past waterfalls and into alpine terrain, and groups are capped at 13.
The Tarkine
The most remote option is the five-day takayna / Tarkine hiking tour, from $3275. It is based from Launceston, uses basic bush camps, and is led by accredited local guides trained in wilderness first aid. The operator holds eco-tourism certification, and transport, meals and park fees are covered.
Hobart, Bruny Island and history
Hobart is the capital. The 2 day Tasmanian highlights tour, from $305, combines Salamanca Market (Saturdays), the view from Mt Wellington and the colonial village of Richmond with Bruny Island. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is where you can meet kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and koalas.
The convict past is told at Port Arthur Historic Site. The Port Arthur shore excursion from Macquarie Wharf takes 6 hours 30 minutes and costs from $239. It includes a 90 minute drive and up to two and a half hours on site. Weather and timing permitting, it stops at a lavender farm and a chocolate foundry before returning you to the ship by mid-afternoon.
Food, drink and gentler outings
Tasmania's fresh produce matters to the economy, with berries, vegetables, cherries and apples the main categories. Berries alone were worth $125.3 million in 2018 to 2019. Dairy is also strong.
- The LARK Distillery tour runs 45 minutes, from $69, and includes tasting three expressions.
- The Toffeemont alpaca farm tour near Orielton runs 90 minutes, from $55, with sessions at 10am, 1pm or 3pm daily.
- The evening dinner cruise on Spirit of the Wild, a hybrid-powered vessel on the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour, runs six hours from $155.
For more ideas, browse our pages on Tasmania food and Tasmania activities. Please check current prices and times with the operator before you book.
Getting around and planning
Many of the tours above collect from Hobart, and several include transport, so a guided day can solve the driving question. Hobart Airport is also being upgraded, with a $130 million runway project expected to support direct flights to Southeast Asia.
Hobart's rental vacancy rates were very low in early 2016, which shows how tight housing can be, so book accommodation early, especially for popular dates. The official tourism site is the place to start when choosing when to go. More browsing is on our Tasmania destinations page.
Tourism and the island's economy
Tasmania has the smallest economy in Australia by gross state product per capita, at $50,237 in 2015 to 2016. Major industries include aquaculture, forestry, mining and construction, and the state has a sizeable tourism sector. It is also the world's largest producer of legal opium narcotics. Most electricity comes from hydro power, with 50 major dams and 29 power stations. Full figures are on Wikipedia's Economy of Tasmania page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest tour listed here?
The Toffeemont alpaca farm tour, from $55 for 90 minutes. The LARK Distillery tour is next, from $69.
Can you see Tasmanian wildlife on a tour?
Yes. The Mt. Field tour visits a wildlife sanctuary, and the two-day highlights tour includes Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, with kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats and koalas.
Is there a tour for cruise ship passengers?
Yes. The Port Arthur shore excursion leaves from Macquarie Wharf in Hobart and returns you to your ship by mid-afternoon.