Top Summer Destinations: Tasmania

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by Hertz AU - 20 December 2017

Take a road trip in a different setting this summer! Tasmania is world renowned for its stunning wilderness, food and wine, art, and the cleanest air measured on earth. While it looks small on the map compared to ‘the mainland’ (as the locals call the big island to their north), 'Tassie' never fails to capture the hearts of those who visit. Embark upon a drive through this Island State for a few days this summer season to experience Van Diemens land (its first name given by the Dutch) at its most stunning. To plan ahead, check out three Hobart based day trips and several hikes we recommend.


Day Trips

Hobart - Port Arthur
90 min drive (101km - via Arthur Hwy/A9)
Take a drive from Hobart to Port Arthur. The Port Arthur World Heritage listed Historic Site is one of the most evocative, remarkable and iconic destinations in Australia. From 1830 to 1877 this was hell on earth for nearly 13,000 convicts transported from England. Travellers can easily spend a full day here, or night for that matter (Ghost Tours run in the evenings). Our Top Traveller’s Tip is to take one of the many guided tours that run through the day to get the full experience and an insightful understanding of the rich and sometimes tragic history of this fascinating place.

Port Arthur – Richmond
60 min drive (60km)
Once you leave the Port Arthur site, a quick stop to see Pirates Bay, The Blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasman Arch are breathtaking examples of sheer granite structures that plunge vertically into the sea.

Arriving in Richmond you could be forgiven for thinking that you are in the British countryside. Nestled in the heart of the Coal River Valley, this little village is famous for its 50+ Georgian buildings, all superbly maintained and dating back as early as the 1820’s. Now it boasts various galleries, tea shops (complete with afternoon scones), craft boutiques, museums and neighbouring wineries. Richmond is also home to Australia’s oldest Catholic Church, oldest Goal, and oldest Bridge. Built by convict gangs, the picturesque bridge has many bricks with a single embedded convict thumbprint to indicate they were convict built and therefore government property.

Richmond – Hobart
30 min drive (30km)
The drive back to Hobart from Richmond is a relaxed highway drive. One thing to keep an eye out for is the 26-metre-high Mt Pleasant Radio telescope. It looks more than a little out of place in the vast rolling landscape that surrounds it, but this is the World’s Southernmost ‘Dish’ and played a critical role in the first ever Space Shuttle launch in 1981. A few key must-sees in Hobart include Salamanca Market, exploring Battery Point, checking out the newest exhibition at MONA, Elizabeth Street in North Hobart, and hopping over to Cascade Brewery. If you happen to be there just after Christmas, the Taste of Tasmania is a festival for all the senses and combines with the arrival of the world Famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race arrivals. 


Epic Hikes

1) Near Hobart
Organ Pipes, Mt Wellington
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and ascend the peak that rises 1,271 metres (4,170 ft) over Hobart to absorb the views over the city and catch a glimpse of the World Heritage South East National Park. About a 4-hour return hike and 9km in length, prepare for a moderate uphill journey. This trail will take you past the Organ Pipes rock formation, known for their unique structure of dolerite rocks that tower in columns. These were formed during the Jurassic period when Tasmania was in the process of separating from Antarctica. This trek promises panoramic views sporadically throughout your journey. This circuit is available by public transport from Fern Tree.

Truganini track
A short 15-minute drive south of Hobart will land you at the mouth of this short 2.1km trail. With a gradual uphill incline, the first half of the hike runs past the Cartwright Reserve. Weave your way through the forest, past the Truganini Memorial dedicated to Tasmanian Aboriginals and their descendants, to the final destination: Mt Nelson Signal Station. From here, enjoy views of Hobart to the north, Bruny and Betsy Islands to the south, and the Tasman Peninsula to the east. The journey should take less than 2 hours to complete.

2) Near Port Arthur
Cape Raoul Trail
This trail is 14km and 5 hours of beautiful scenery. With few steep areas and a well-worn walking trail, you can truly enjoy this hike for what it is –stunning forestry and coastal paradise. Be on the lookout for strong winds (some of the strongest in Australia), seal colonies along the base of the cape, and outlooks that kill the Instagram game. This walk is just a 35-minute drive from Port Arthur, beginning at the Raoul Bay Retreat. A car park is available.

Cape Hauy
After taking Port Arthur’s time machine back to the colonial period, stop by Cape Hauy for an array of short, medium, and long hikes for families and travellers alike. The Cape Hauy Track is 4.4km one way and about 4 hours round trip. Stick to the path or, for the more daring, venture off to the Dolerite pillar or Candlestick and the totem pole, both ideal places for rock climbing and abseiling.

Three Capes Track
For the committed travellers, Three Capes Track is a 4 day, 3-night paid adventure that takes you from Port Arthur to the tip of the Tasman National Park and back. Your journey starts with a boat ride from Port Arthur to Denman’s Cove, plus a two hour walk to get to the first night’s resting spot. Visitors will be pleased to find cabins to sleep in. Day 2 is 11km, full of eucalypt forests, Arthur’s Peak, Crescent Mountain, Ellarwey Valley, and Munro Bight – a full itinerary. After a well-earned sleep, launch into Day 3 (17km), an impressive trek to The Blade at Cape Pillar, the ultimate outlook. On the final day, wake up early to hike the last 14km to climb Mount Forescue, adventure out to Cape Hauy’s tip, and take a refreshing dip in Forescue Bay. Lastly, catch an organised bus back to Port Arthur’s Historic Site.

3) Near Richmond
Wineglass Bay Lookout
Take a 2.5 hour drive to Freycinet National Park on the East Coast (the drive is about 2-2.5 hours from Hobart or Richmond). To explore one of Tassie’s most beautiful and famous beaches, scale the steep summit in about 1-1.5 hours (about 3 hours round trip) from the Coles Bay starting point to Wineglass Bay Lookout. After conquering the steep 1.3km climb, indulge in the views of Great Oyster Bay. There are shorter scenic lookouts available, including walks from 5 minutes to 1 hour in length.
*If you’re feeling bold, double the length of the trip and continue to the other side to explore the sugar white sanded beach and crystal clear waters.


Wildlife

On your travels there are many furry, feathered and simply fascinating creatures you may encounter.

The Tasmanian Devil – a small, cute looking carnivore only found in Tasmania (in the wild at least). A nocturnal hunter, the ‘Tassie Devil’ may look cute, but do not attempt to pet it in the wild like many can do with quokkas.

Possums, possums and more possums - from the Brush Tail to the tiny little Pigmy Possum, Tasmanian possums, and most local marsupials for that matter including Kangaroos and Wallabies, are much darker (almost black furred) to absorb more heat in the colder climate. You’ll find it harder to not see one - than to see a lot.

The Platypus – a very shy creature, your best chance of spotting one is in small streams away from populated areas. Patience is required, but to see one in the wild is a very special experience.

The Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) – They are extinct, according to most. But others believe the Tasmanian Tiger still survives. If you see one and get a definitive photo, your retirement is likely paid for.