5 Things to Do You (Probably) Didn't Know Existed in Tasmania

Tasmania is more than just wildlife and nature. There are plenty of interesting events and things to do on this island south of mainland Australia - that you can plan into your trip. Here are 5 Things to Do You (Probably) Didn't Know Existed in Tasmania to start you off.

Psst! Check out this discount on Tasmania to make your trip even sweeter!

View Penguins Coming Back to Shore: Penguin Breeding Season (Sep-May)

When you think about seeing penguins in Australia, most people think of Phillip Island, which is famous for the Penguin Parade. Tasmania is another great place to see adorable Little Penguins in their natural habitat. Lilico Beach Conservation Area is an excellent spot and the best time to go is during their breeding season (Sep-May) and during the summer months (mid-Dec - mid-Feb), where there are friendly local volunteers and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife rangers on site. Other places to see the penguins are Bruny Island, Bicheno (Penguin Tour) and Low Head (Penguin Tour).

Note: For the sake of the penguins, please respect the rules stipulated by the guides and information boards at each area. Wear dark clothing, be quiet, still, do not use flash photography and stay away from the water’s edge as the penguins may be scared off as they make their way back to their burrows. Please take extra care not to damage their burrows in any way.

Run Along Fields of Tulips: Bloomin’ Tulips Festival (End Sep-Oct)

Up on the north west coast of Tasmania, an extinct volcanic vent, Table Cape, near Wynyard, bursts into colour every late September to mid October with tulips! The sight of over 80 varieties of tulips in the Table Cape Tulip Farm is so breathtaking that thousands flock to the annual Bloomin’ Tulips Festival. The three-week event includes flower field walks, carousel rides, film screenings and culminates in a fireworks display across the Inglis River on Festival Day.

Note: Please wear appropriate footwear for the walks on the farm.

Take in Food and Art at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

Mona, or the Museum of Old and New Art, is known for interesting and captivating installations. More than just admiring the unique art and architecture, visitors are encouraged to enhance their experience by dining at The Source Restaurant where art is incorporated in every dish—a delight for fans of art and food. You can get there by taking a 20-minute drive north of Hobart, or take the more popular option of riding the museum’s own camouflaged catamarans from Brooke Street Pier. The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes.

Opening Hours: Wed-Mon, 10AM-5PM, Tue (Closed)

Embark on an After Dark Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Journey into this UNESCO World Heritage Historic Site after dark on a lantern-lit tour. The Port Arthur Historic Site is rich in history and beautiful to explore in the day, but takes on a different level of intrigue and mystery once night falls. Follow an experienced guide on this 90-minute walk listening to stories of unexplained events over its 47-year history as a penal settlement that have bewildered convicts, settlers, soldiers and visitors.

Note: Please wear comfortable footwear and dress warmly. The tour is not suitable for young children.

Visit Tasmania’s Whisky Distilleries: Tasmanian Whisky Week (Aug)

If you’re one for whisky, you’re in for a treat! Get on behind-the-scenes tours to visit Tasmania’s most famous distilleries, try unreleased whiskies, and on top of that, meet the distillers themselves over delicious dining opportunities throughout the Tasmanian Whisky Week, held annually in August (12 - 18 August 2019). These seven days, you’ll get to learn more about and meet the people behind the Tasmanian whisky industry at events across distilleries, bars, barns, stables, restaurants and hotels.