Planning a trip to Tasmania: when to go, how to get there and what to prepare

For a Tasmania trip, most visitors fly from Melbourne to Hobart (HBA) or Launceston (LST) in about one hour. The alternative is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong in Victoria to Devonport, which takes roughly 9 to 11 hours. The most popular months are December to February.

Which month is best for Tasmania?

Tasmania is Australia's southernmost state and stays cooler than the mainland all year. According to Tourism Australia, summer is December–February, autumn March–May, winter June–August and spring September–November.

How do you get to Tasmania?

Discover Tasmania says you can reach the island by air or by sea. The main airports are Hobart (HBA) in the south and Launceston (LST) in the north, and flights from Melbourne take about one hour.

The Spirit of Tasmania sails between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport, taking about 9 to 11 hours. It runs overnight, with day sailings in some seasons, and suits people who want to take their own vehicle across.

What are the main highlights in Tasmania?

• Cradle Mountain: mountains and lakes in a national park, good for walking and wildlife.
• Freycinet and Wineglass Bay: a famous bay on the east coast.
• MONA in Hobart: a museum of modern and contemporary art.
• Port Arthur: a historic convict site in the south of the island.
• Bruny Island: a small island near Hobart, reached by ferry.

Do you need a parks pass in Tasmania?

Yes. Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania requires a parks pass for all Tasmanian national parks, such as the Holiday Pass valid for up to two months, available per vehicle or per person. It covers Cradle Mountain, but not the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus.

You can buy a pass online, at visitor centres, at Service Tasmania or on board the Spirit of Tasmania. Check the current price on the official site.

What can't you bring into Tasmania from the mainland?

Tasmania has its own biosecurity rules in addition to Australia's national ones. Biosecurity Tasmania does not allow fresh fruit and vegetables, including fresh herbs, garlic, ginger, onions and potatoes, to be brought in from the mainland.

• Declare items or use the bins at arrival points in airports and ports.
• Spirit of Tasmania passengers must bin food before leaving the terminal.
• If unsure, declare it.

How many days do you need, and where should you base yourself?

The island is smaller than many expect, but the roads are winding, so allow at least five to seven days if you want Hobart, the east coast and Cradle Mountain. With less time, choose Hobart with Port Arthur and Bruny Island first.

• Hobart: a good base, with restaurants, MONA and trips to Port Arthur.
• Launceston: a good starting point in the north before Cradle Mountain.
• East coast: stay one or two nights near Freycinet to walk to the bay.

Allow more driving time between towns than the map suggests, because of photo stops and hill roads, and avoid driving in the dark because of wildlife.

If you go in winter, June to August, check road conditions and walking-track closures before setting out, because snow and ice on mountain roads can force sudden changes of plan, so keep a spare day in your schedule.

If you plan to take a rental car across on the ferry, check with the rental company first, because some companies have their own rules about taking vehicles across Bass Strait.

What should you watch for when driving in Tasmania?

Australia drives on the left, as Thailand does, and speeds are in km/h. Tasmanian roads include bends and hills, and wildlife such as wallabies and wombats crosses roads, especially at dawn, dusk and night. Carry your physical Thai licence and consider an International Driving Permit, following state rules and your rental company's rules.

How does internet access matter in Tasmania?

Hobart and Launceston have good coverage, but national parks, remote coasts and parts of the road network often have none, whichever network you use. Download offline maps before leaving town.

• Keep flight, ferry and parks-pass confirmations on your phone before signal drops.
• Check that your phone supports VoLTE calls to 000, because an incompatible handset may be blocked whatever SIM or eSIM you use.
• For connection options, see “Internet for Australia: How to Choose an Australia eSIM”.

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