Getaway To The Beautiful And Overlooked Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state in Australia and one of the best places I’ve visited so far. Its beauty and wildness are a joy to behold.
Yet I’ve met a lot of travelers who have no interest in it, or don’t even consider going.
Even Australians tend to make bad jokes about it being a backwater…, when they really want to go there one day. I say one day, because most of them end up not going.
It’s a shame, because Tasmania is at the top of my list of places to visit. If you like hiking, swimming or simply seeing the wonders our Earth has to offer, I invite you to visit this island.
I’ll tell you all about my trip to the east coast. So buckle up and enjoy Tasmania’s gems!
1. Launceston and a Secret Beach
Arriving in Launceston, the starting point of our road trip with my friends and I, it was time to hit the road and find a campsite for the night.
Driving off into the sunset like in an American movie, we first stopped at a free camp listed on our map.
What a surprise when we realized that it was actually a private property, which we left in a hurry after seeing the unhappy owner.
We didn’t want to do a remake of Wolf Creek, if you know the movie.
But all kidding aside, we got back on the road and kept going until we got a bit lost and found another campsite. After making sure this one wasn’t a private property, we set up camp under the Milky Way.
As we arrived quite late, we couldn’t see our surroundings, but we could hear the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. And the next morning, we were actually so amazed by what we’d seen that we didn’t want to leave the place at all…..
But the journey had only just begun, and we still had so much to discover!
2. Bay of Fires
When you see photos of this place on the Internet, you can’t wait to admire this famous landmark.
But once you’re there, you’re kind of disappointed. Yes, it’s pretty and the rocks have that orange hue, but we almost wish we hadn’t gone.
I think there are better places than this in Tasmania. Of course, that’s just my opinion and I always say that I prefer to form my own judgement about things before forming an opinion.
But exploring the surroundings really made up for the disappointment.
3. Wineglass Bay
Grab your hiking boots, because we’ve finally arrived at Tasmania’s most famous attraction: Wineglass Bay. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.
I highly recommend going at sunset, when the mountains take on a pink hue and when the spectacle is incomparable.
It makes you forget about the steep hike to get there, and it’s definitely worth it.
But Freycinet is also home to some magnificent beaches and if you have the time as well as energy, you should visit them!
4. Remarkable Cave
Another of my road trip favorites. What does a girl need besides a cave and a cliff overlooking the ocean? Or is it just me?!?
This sandstone sea cave is located on the south coast, just outside Port Arthur.
When we were there, the large new staircase had not yet been built.
The cave was easily accessible, especially at low tide. That’s why the observation platform and metal staircase have been installed for added safety.
You can hear the waves hitting the coastal rock and see the ebb and flow of the tide.
The tunnel-like grotto was formed by the constant waves that caused the rocks to collapse. You can still see the rocky debris at the foot of the cliffs.
5. Hobart & Mount Wellington (Kunanyi)
Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, is home to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), one of the world’s finest museums. Explore its madness, where tradition, humor and originality mingle with art.
And if you still can’t get enough of hiking, Mount Wellington awaits.
If there were a contest for the best view of the city, Mount Wellington would win hands down.
Culminating at 1271 meters above the city, the view over Hobart and southern Tasmania is breathtaking.
Lined with numerous boardwalks and platforms, Mount Wellington offers an incredible panorama.
Even though it was a short road trip, I have nothing but good memories. I also became an expert at pitching tents, learned that grasshoppers love to jump in my face, and had a great time around campfires.
Tasmania was like a breath of fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and where I could enjoy a moment of total escape amidst incredible scenery.
Want to read about my Outback road trip? Read it here!
