When travelers think of Australia, images of the Great Barrier Reefs, kangaroos, and beautiful beaches are often the first that come to mind. There are also thoughts of massive Salt Water Crocodiles and Great White Sharks, but that's a different conversation.
What doesn't come up as often is Tasmania, the island state 240 kilometers off the southeast corner of the country. It is rich in culture and biodiversity, a place that not enough travelers experience. It is in some ways the land down under of the land down under.
Hanging out in Hobart
Located on the southeast coast of Tasmania is the state capital of Hobart. It's the biggest city on the island by far but has less than 300,000 people in its greater metropolitan area. You'll find a thriving arts and culture scene as well as incredible food scene that's largely based on seafood fresh caught from the ocean that day.
Wandering the islands
Tasmania is an island state that's part of Australia but it's not a solo island. There are an additional 334 islands that make up Tasmania, three of which are inhabited. Many of the islands are worth visiting and are accessible by seaplane or by boat. Island hopping is a big draw among visitors as it gets you even further away from modern life and allows you explore unspoiled wilderness.
Wildlife spotting
A big part of going to Tasmania is experiencing nature. A significant portion of the main island is covered by a series of conservation areas and national parks. There are the traditional Australian mammals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats hanging around as well as more than a few indigenous species that you can only find there, such as the Tasmanian Devil..
Quiet, laid back vibe
While Hobart is a fantastic city, roughly 40% of Tasmania's population lives there. That means 60% of the state's residents are spread across the rural and small town areas of both the main island and the smaller inhabited islands nearby. Tasmania has a similar vibe to the Maritimes in Canada, one that is laid back and peaceful yet is still cultured.
Wine country, beer county, and whisky country
One of the best surprises when traveling to Tasmania is the thriving brewery and distillery culture. There are craft breweries, whisky distilleries, vineyards, gin distilleries, and more which can be found across the island. You can enjoy these homegrown beverages in various restaurants and bars across Tasmania or on one of many tours.