Summer is a sensational time to be out and about. This year hundreds and thousands of people will travel across Australia, leaving behind the stresses of work. They will escape to a new destination, carving out life long memories they will treasure. So, out of all the places in Australia that can be visited, why should Tasmania be high on your list? Here are 5 reasons we think you will love Tasmania!
1. Where else in Australia can you cruise the seas?
Tasmania Cruises.
Credit: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
And by cruise, we literally mean getting on a cruise ship! That’s right. The Spirit of Tasmania I and II sail from Devonport, Tasmania and Melbourne Victoria daily with an enjoyable 9 hour cruise the entire family can enjoy. And, you can even bring your car with you! Enjoy the stunning views from Port Phillip Bay looking back at the city of Melbourne, and enjoy the summer breeze of the sea air as you sail across Bass Strait!
2. Why suffer in blistering heat?
No where else in Australia are summers more pleasant than in Tasmania. With Tasmania being that little bit closer to Antarctica, it does not suffer the sweltering heatwaves that every other state in Australia struggles with. In fact, Tasmania’s summers tend to be so pleasant that hiking though it’s world class National Parks, and camping throughout Tasmania is more enjoyable and very much more comfortable.
3. The best hiking and camping experiences in Australia!
The Best camping experiences.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & James Bowden
We always secretly knew that Tasmania’s world famous Overland Track was Australia’s best hike. But in recent times National Geographic have declared Tasmania’s Overland Track one of the World’s Best 20 ‘Dream Trails’, and it is the only Australian featured hiking trail featured in their list. So why is the Overland Track so special? Quite simply, it’s a 6 day journey that commences at the magnificent Cradle Mountain, forcing you to walk up to the highlands of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. You will see stunning mountainous views on an open plateau filled with alpine lakes and tarns, grasslands and wildlife. You will then pass through exceptional rain forest, regions with magnificent waterfalls, as well as pass numerous peaks that you can climb! Climb to the top of Mt Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain, and continue your journey until you reach Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake.But if the Overland Track isn’t enough to entice you, the 3 Capes Track situated on the gorgeous Tasman Peninsula in the south should be on every hiker’s list. This 4 days / 3 nights hike commences at the historic Port Arthur on a boat that sails around the coastline surrounding, before disembarking on Tasman Peninsula, from where you hike around the coastline of some of Tasmania’s most breathtaking scenery. So whether it’s the mountain experience, or the rugged coastline experience you are after, Tasmania has your covered.
4. The best is all within driving distance.
Touring Coles Bay
Credit: Pete Harmsen
Tasmania isn’t a small place, but it isn’t huge either, and you can reach any town well within a day. Why is this significant? Because you can enjoy every town in every part of Tasmania with a car and caravan, or campervan, and enjoy a road holiday that does not limit you on choices to visit if you wish to change direction part way through your holiday! Tasmania caters for the motoring tourist brilliantly. if you prefer to enjoy your holidays travelling by vehicle, Tasmania is Australia’s best choice.
5. The Natural Beauty
Tasmanian Devils, uniquely Tasmanian!
Credit: Kathryn Leahy
Tasmania is uniquely different from every other region in Australia for a number of reasons. Over 50% of Tasmania is protected, much of which is World Heritage, and is regarded as a living ecological laboratory. Boasting unique wildlife such as the Tasmanian Devil, and showcasing alpine vegetation that has survived for thousands of years, Tasmania is one of the last places on earth you can experience earth’s natural and untouched beauty as it could have been seen thousands of years ago.