Tasmania is a place where untouched wilderness, rich heritage and world-class food experiences come together on one remarkable island. Just a short flight from mainland Australia, or a scenic journey by sea, Tasmania invites travellers to slow down, unplug and reconnect with what truly matters. With 40% of the island protected as national parks and World Heritage areas, it offers some of the most accessible wilderness experiences in the world, from alpine peaks and ancient rainforests to pristine beaches and dramatic coastlines.
Launceston & Northern Tasmania
Launceston is a gateway city that still feels intimately Tasmanian, with historic facades, creative food culture, and hidden pockets of wilderness just minutes from the CBD. Beyond the city, fertile farmland and winding river valleys lead to cellar doors, lavender fields, waterfalls, and some of the best mountain-bike parks in the world.
Whether your client wants a quick weekend getaway or an extended journey, the North offers a surprising amount of variety without long drives.
Highlights of the North:
- Launceston, recently named UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
- Tamar Valley Wine Trail, in Tasmania's oldest wine growing area and home to some of Australia's most celebrated cool-climate vineyards.
- Derby, famed for its Blue Derby Mountain Trails which carve their way through forests and valleys.
- Cataract Gorge, a 5km stretch of forest close to Launceston city centre, with the Gorge Scenic Chairlift offering visitors the chance to see the views from above!
Perfect for:
- Food lovers and wine aficionados: cellar door hopping, local produce tours and farmers' markets.
- Nature and adventure seekers: easy to access natural beauty from the city, with river walks, rolling hills and unspoilt landscapes.
- Slow, culturally-led travellers: explore heritage towns at a relaxed pace.
Eastern Tasmania
The East Coast is Tasmania's signature coastal region, with vistas to wow even the most well-travelled clients.
On the northern edge of the coast, the magnificent Bay of Fires offers views of striking, orange lichen-coated rocks and white sand beaches, with the opportunity to undertake a luxury, guided hike over 5 days for complete immersion in the landscape.
Further south lies the most photographed beach in Tasmania: Wineglass Bay. Backed by pink granite cliffs known as the Hazards, it's not hard to see why the Freycinet Peninsula is Tasmania's best-kept secret.
Highlights of the East:
- The Great Eastern Drive: a 342km drive from Hobart to the Bay of Fires. An easy route with the opportunity to stop along the way at Bicheno, Coles Bay and St Helens.
- 5 Day Bay of Fires Walk: luxury lodges, gourmet food and stunning scenery combined.
- Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania's luxury all-inclusive resort with uninterrupted views of the Freycinet Penninsula.
Perfect for:
- Beach lovers, who want stunning coastal scenery without the crowds.
- Active travellers, who want to experience incredible the scenery on foot.
- Premium experience seekers, who want an extra special occasion stay at one of the best lodges in Australia.
Hobart & South Tasmania
Hobart is home to almost half the population of Tasmania, and is filled with cosy bars, world-class art galleries and historical convict-built houses. Hobart also exhibits an epic food and wine scene, with the farm to table philosophy showcasing the best local produce.
Located just off the coast of Hobart lies Bruny Island, home to dramatic landscapes and unique birdlife and is home to all 12 species of Tasmania's endemic birds.
Only a 1.5 hour east from Tasmania's capital is the Tasman Peninsula, with jaw-dropping scenery, empty beaches and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, where clients can learn more about this cheeky creature and play a part in its vital conservation.
Highlights of the South:
- Musuem of New and Modern Art, with over 1,900 pieces.
- Climb Mount Wellington for panoramic city views.
- Take a boat trip off Bruny Island to marvel at the wildlife, and then enjoy freshly shucked oysters and premium wine once back on terra firma.
- Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia's earliest convict settlements.
- Stand atop Australia's highest cliffs, over 300m tall.
Perfect for:
- Cultural connoisseurs: Hobart's creative scene, the Salamanca Saturaday market and the world famous MONA.
- Nature lovers: they can visit Tasmania's most photgraphed waterfall and grab their binoculars to spot wild and birdlife.
Western Tasmania
You won't get much wilder than western Tasmania, with rugged wilderness, world-class mountain biking trails and serene river cruises which take clients right into the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. With rainforest, alpine plains, mountains, lakes, winsdswept coastline and glacial valleys - it really is a region that has it all.
Highlights of Western Tasmania:
- Explore the mirrored waterways on the Gordon River, stopping for a historic tour of Sarah Island, a former penal settlement.
- Descend through the 99 Bends road through an otherworldly landscape into Queenstown.
- The remote, challenging Walls of Jerusalem National Park - only suitable for experienced hikers and accessible solely by foot, expect majestic mountains, tarns and forests for a true taste of solitude.
- The 1000 year old Huon pines, the oldest living in Australia.
Perfect for:
- Wilderness and adventure seekers who want a raw and rugged hiking experience.
- Nature lovers who immerse themselves in the variety of landscapes on offer.
- Photography buffs who want a glimpse of untouched Australia.
Practical Information for Agents
Driving Tips
Most roads in Tasmania are single lane, so no motorways here! The roads can be narrow and windy, so its important to stress to clients that the driving is beautiful, but requires concentration. It is also advised not to drive after dusk, as this is when then wonderful Tasmanian wildlife is more active. Seatbelts are required at all times, and via our in-country app, we would keep clients updated of any road closures.
Hobart Aiport → Hobart: 20 minutes
Hobart → Launceston: 2 hours 30 minutes
Freycinet Peninsula → Bay of Fires: 2 hours 30 minutes
Strahan → Hobart: 4 hours 30 minutes
Hobart → Bay of Fires (via the coast): 3 hours 30 minutes
Queenstown → Launceston: 3 hours 35 minutes
National Parks
There are 19 National Parks in Tasmania, and all of them require a pass to enter, which can be bought online, at national park visitors' centres, onboard the Sprit of Tasmania (the vessel that crosses from the Mainland), and accredited Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres.
Cradle Mountain National Park also requires a shuttle bus ticket as self-driving isn't permitted during peak hours.
When To Travel
Peak Season
December to February (12-24°C)
This is summer, when it is warm, dry, and ideal for outdoor activities. This is also peak time for festivals, wildlife breeding, and blooming cool-climate gardens.
Shoulder
March to May & September to November (8-20°C)
These are spring and autumn, when the weather is milder, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy stunning natural scenery. This is also the harvest and wine season in many regions, and a great time for hiking.
Off-peak
June to August (2-12°C)
This is the winter season, which is cooler but offers a unique experience with fewer tourists. It's a great time for cozy experiences like fireside picnics, hot tubs, and visiting places like the Dark Mofo festival.
Unique Selling Points
Flora and Fauna: catch sight of the unique Tasmanian Devils and the endemic Tasmanian pademelons. Marvel at Australia's biggest tulip field at the Wynyard Tulip Festival in October.
Rich heritage: dive into the stories and culture of the Aboriginal people, and explore the well-preserved convict settlements.
Quality food and drink: the freshest produce you can taste straight from source, as well as a tipple from the 80 whisky distilleries. Don't miss out on the Taste of Summer food festival in Hobart, which showcases the best of the state's product, or the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, full of winter feasting and storytelling.
Tasmania is perfect for clients who may have already explored Australia and want a taste of something a little different. Or those who are fans of New Zealand, and want to experience aspects of both the North and South Island in one beautiful isle.
Top Tassie Tour Combinations
At only 2 hours flight from Adelaide, Tasmania is easily combined with South Australia itineraries.
For food and wine aficionados, add in a wine tour in the famed Barossa Valley, or at D'Arenberg Vineyard in McLaren Vale, only 45 minutes from Adelaide.
For outdoor enthusiasts, take your clients to the Flinders Ranges. Filled with opportunities for biking, walking and wildlife viewing, as well as getting under the skin of its ancient geological history.
Submit an enquiry and one of our experienced agents will put together a 100% personalised tour of South Australia + Tasmania for your clients.
Why work with ozsidekick?
Fast, Seamless Booking
Our platform delivers instant quotes and simple online booking for New Zealand, Australia or combination itineraries. With 500+ ready made options and custom builds, you’ll find the perfect fit in minutes.
We’re a dual-market Destination Management Company / Inbound Tour Operator with teams in New Zealand and Australia. That means you’ll get insider knowledge, on the ground support and authentic experiences across both destinations.
Manage New Zealand and Australia in a single platform so you don’t need to juggle multiple suppliers. We’re your sidekick for quoting, booking and after sales support, freeing you up to focus on selling.
We would love to hear from you!
If you're a travel agent looking for the best Australian experience for your clients, you're in the right place! We at ozsidekick cater to travel agents from all over the world and make sure your customers get the best possible experience.
Joining us means you'll get access to a wide range of touring products and a support team of Australia-based sidekicks. Moreover, our system is designed to make it easy for travel agents to sell touring holidays. On ozsidekick, you can search, quote, and book from our huge range of itineraries or request a bespoke tour. We're confident your clients will love them, and we're here to make you look awesome!
Email us: agents@ozsidekick.com
Call us from anywhere on: +61 7 3778 4320
From NZ call us FREE on 0800 57 6970
From Australia call us FREE on 1800 934 268
From the UK call us FREE on 0800 014 8993
From USA call us FREE on 1833 208 8965
From Canada call us FREE on 1833 209 0945
Visit us: Level 1, 15A/14 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558
At ozsidekick, we proudly belong to the Australian Tourism Export Council, showcasing our dedication to excellence in the tourism industry. Our team members are certified through the Aussie Specialist Program, providing them with expert insights into Australia’s diverse destinations and unique experiences
Browse our website Inside Australia Travel for self drive and coach touring itineraries!