Category: Holiday Destination in Tasmania

Tasmania is home to one of Australia’s diverse and unspoiled habitats and ecosystems. With more than 40% of its land area reserved for its National Parks and Wilderness World Heritage Area, there are many areas to be explored in Tasmania. 

Visitors can go to the vast selection of National parks such as the Freycinet National Park, Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park, Tasman National Park, Cradle Mountain-At Clair National Park etc. 

Tasmania has a unique national park system that offers almost unlimited choice and opportunities to visit its many attractions. It has solitary beaches, spectacular landscapes, rainforest, pristine beaches, highlands carved by glaciers, hiking trails, wildflowers, and so much more. 

What do I need to purchase to enter Tasmania’s National Parks?

A park pass is required to enter all the national parks of Tasmania. The Parks and Wildlife Service has just implemented a new park pass system last September 1, 2020, for all national parks in Tasmania. This fee is to ensure the delivery of a high-quality experience to visitors through improved planning and infrastructure. 

Tasmania’s national parks have contributed significantly to the local economy. Based on records in 2018, around 537,100 visitors in Tasmania have said they went to a national park. The figures showed one of the main reasons people visit Tasmania is because of their national park. 

How much does a park pass cost?

There are different types of national park passes to choose from, depending on the guest’s need. The money earned from the park fees directly goes towards maintaining the various parks and reserves. It is also used to upgrade the walking tracks, visitors centres & facilities and other services. 

1. Daily Pass – is valid up to 24 hours and excludes the Cradle Mountain Park. It cost $40.00 per vehicle with up to 8 people and $20 per person; kids under five years have no charge. 
2. Icon Daily Pass – Cradle Moutain only and includes shuttle service. It cost $25.00 for adults 18 years & over, $10.00 for children from 5-17 years, and $60.00 for a family consisting of 2 adults and three children. Children below five years have no charge. 
3. Holiday Passe – is valid for up to 2 months, including Cradle Mountain. It cost $80.00 per vehicle with up to 8 people and $40 per person; kids under five years have no charge. 
4. Annual Park Pass – includes all parks and costs $90.00 for general. Seniors have a discounted rate of $36.00, and One park costs $46.00 excluding Cradle Mountain.  
5. Two Year Park Pass – includes all parks and costs $115.00 for general and $46.00 for seniors. 

Park Pass can be purchase online through the Parks Pass Portal, National Park visitor centres, service Tasmania shops, onboard Spirit of Tasmania vessels and accredited Tasmanian travel information centres. 

Tasmania’s Best National Parks 

Tasmania has 19 national parks and has the largest conservation area called the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. All the parks have designated areas with pergolas built by Decking Wollongong where you can sit down and have a snack or chat away. Here are some of these National Parks.

1. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – is a 1,614 sq km national park that forms the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is the best location to see local Australian wildlife such as quails, echidna, wombats and the famous Tasmanian devils. Cradle mountain the sixth highest peak of Tasmania. 
2. Tasman National Park – is a 107.5 sq km national park famous for its sea cliffs and outstanding biodiversity. The Tasman National Park contains one-third of Tasmania and abundant wildlife, including Tasmanian Devil, penguins and the endangered swift parrots. The park is gifted with magnificent coastal rock formations such as the Tasman Arch and the Blowhole. 
3. Mount Field National Park – is a 162.65 sg km wilderness park located 64 km from Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. The parks’ main attraction is the Russell falls, which is Tasmania’s favourite waterfall. Visitors may even see a platypus while swimming in the creek. 
4. Freycinet National Park – is one of the oldest parks in Tasmania. This 169 sq km park is famous for its picture-perfect coves and powdery white sand. It offers several walking tracks such as the Wineglass Bay Lookout track, the Mt Atmos walking track, the Hazard Beach and Wineglass Bay circuit. Visitors can also stroll along the white beach and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

Tasmania is a great place to visit since it has four seasons, more than any other Australian site. Tourists can have a different experience depending on what season or time of year they call. In other words, the best time will depend on what type of adventure or experience you want to engage in. Here are a few suggested activities for each of Tasmania’s seasons. 

Summer

The dry and warm period in Tasmania is from December to February, and many people suggest that this period is the best time to explore and experience Tasmania. Summer is also the peak of the tourist season, so expect many tourist and more expensive accommodations. 

There is are a lot of outdoor activities and cultural activities during the summer season. It is also the best time to do multiple trekking days through Tasmania’s various hiking locations such as Cradle Mountain, Three Capes Track and Wellington Park. However, expect the parks to be full of other hikers who want to enjoy the fantastic landscape as they hike the different trails. 

During this period, festivals like The Taste Of Tasmania, the most prominent and longest-running food and wine festival in Australia, are held with thousands of visitors attending the festivities. The festival also features performances & live music, and local gourmet amidst the waterfront’s stunning views. The guys at Bathroom Renovations Newcastle are proud supporters of this festivals.

Autumn

The Autumn season starts from March to May and is characterized by sunny days and a season for pacific oysters, yachting and wine. The autumns are known for their colourful landscape when the Tasmanian beech turns its leaves from gold to red in preparation for the impending return of the winter season. There are plenty of affordable accommodations available during the Autumn season. Visitors can also participate in several local activities such as Ten Days on the Island, Tasmania Garlic and Tomato Festival, Derwent Valley Autumn Festival and many others. 

Winter

Winter is also an excellent time to visit Tasmania with snow on higher elevations, a glimpse of Aurora Australis or Southern Lights, and an incredible array of scallops and truffles. Winter is also a great time to relax and enjoy the indoors over a hot cup of tea while sitting next to a warm fire. Celebrate the Antarctica Midwinter Festival and the Longest Film Festival with locals. There are also several ski resorts available for visitors and plenty of reasonable accommodations. Make sure to check the ski resorts’ schedules for more details since some are closed during the winter season. 

Spring

Spring would be an excellent opportunity for visitors to see the blooming of flowers such as tulips. The season is also characterized by fresh, cool and green countryside and the fragrance of fresh flowers. Visitors can join the Tulip festivals and witness the flowers blooming in historic houses and flower farms. Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden and see many plants in full bloom. Join the Devonport Food and Wine Festival, Blooming Tasmania Flower & Graden Festival and Blooming Tulips Festival. Spring is an excellent opportunity to visit Tasmania’s must-see sights while there are still fewer people around compared to the summer season. 

Tasmania, or Tassie, is located near Australia’s southern tip and has a total area of 68,401 square kilometres. Tasmania’s main island is the worlds’ 26th largest island, approximately 64,519 square km, separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait. 

Tasmania’s population as of June 2002 is around 540,000, with about 40% of the people residing within its capital Hobart City. Tasmania is unique since approximately 42% of its land area are protected areas, which means guests can enjoy many national parks and World Heritage Sites in the area. 

Is Tasmania a suitable holiday destination for families

Tasmania has fascinating outdoor scenery that families will enjoy. Its wide array of attractions such as national parks, ancient rainforest, beautiful beaches, wildlife refuge and enchanted views will surely make the stay in Tasmania worthwhile. 

Tasmania is a great place to visit with the whole family. It has attractions that will keep kids entertained without spending too much money. Here are some attractions for kids and the entire family. 

The Don River Railway

Tasmania is home to the Don River Railway train, which features a steam train or vintage railcar that runs parallel to the Don River banks. The railway is the last commercials passenger train system in Tasmania and offers a picturesque view of the Don river and Tasmanian countryside. 

Located in Davenport, Tasmania, the 3.5-kilometre train ride is run entirely by volunteers. The 30 minutes ride will pass through the scenic Coles beach and a beautiful nature reserve. Kids can also have friendly interactive conversations with the train drivers about how the train is operated and Northern Tasmania’s history. 

The Don River Railway is also home to Tasmania’s biggest historic train collection, a museum workshop and a signal station. Kids and their families can enjoy looking at the twenty vintage passenger trains that date back to 1871. The kids’ tour highlights the large coin-activated model trains that go around with its beautifully detailed small track. 

The train rides run hourly from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm every day and cost $38 per family. The price includes and the train ride and the entry to the other attractions. Don River Railway is located just a few minutes by taxi or bus from central Davenport. 

Seahorse World

The highlight of the tour to Seahorse World is the 45 minutes guided tour that offers a behind-the-scenes look at a seahorse farm and fish feeding. But seahorses are not the only animals in the park; there are also other sea creatures on display in their wonders of the Southern Ocean aquarium. 

The seahorse has always been a fascinating marine animal, and the Seahorse World will let visitors experience the delicate balance in conserving the beautiful nu fragile marine animals. The park is open every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm from September to April, and 10:00 am to 3:00 pm from May to August.

Penny Royal Adventure

For families looking for a fun adventure, Penny Royal Adventures is the best place to visit and have the kids play all day long. Upon entering the adventure park, visitors would experience being transported back to the 1800s with its heritage stone buildings, rugged cliff and a beautifully restored Brig Tamar that runs around the lagoon.

Kids will undoubtedly find something to do with the park’s rock climbing school, cliff climbing adventure, ziplining and other fun activities. Penny Royal Adventure has a unique combination of fun outdoor activities combined with a great history lesson. The park is one of the top destinations in Launceston, and families should stay for at least four hours so kids can try all the attractions. 

Penny Royal Adventures is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on Weekends. An all Adventure Pass where visitors can try everything in a single day cost A$69.00.