Things to do — Tasmania

Activities in Tasmania cover an exceptional spectrum — nature, hiking, art, gastronomy, endemic wildlife.

In Hobart (2-3 nights): MONA — Museum of Old and New Art visit (AUD 30 entry, accessible by ferry AUD 35 return from Brooke Street Pier — one of the world's most audacious museums), Salamanca Market every Saturday (one of Australia's most beautiful markets since 1972, crafts, gastronomy, vibrant atmosphere), walk through Battery Point (historic neighbourhood 1830-1850, Georgian cottages), ascent of Mount Wellington (1,271 m, panoramic view over Hobart and the Derwent River, accessible by car in 30 min or by bus), Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (free, one of Australia's oldest 1818), Cascade Brewery (Australia's oldest, founded 1824, tour-tasting AUD 30), gourmet restaurants (Templo, Aloft, Frank).

At Cradle Mountain (2-3 nights, 4h30 drive from Hobart): Dove Lake Circuit (6 km, 2h, the iconic hike around the lake with Cradle Mountain in background — leave early to avoid crowds and have morning mirror reflection), Cradle Mountain Summit (12 km, 8h, difficult hike to the summit — reserved for experienced hikers, steep climb with rocky sections), Enchanted Walk (1 km, 30 min, easy magical trail with wombats frequently visible at twilight), Devils @ Cradle sanctuary (AUD 35, guaranteed observation of Tasmanian devils, After Dark visits at AUD 75 to see devils in nocturnal activity). Lodging: Cradle Mountain Lodge (AUD 300-700/night, the classic with individual cottages and excellent Highland restaurant), Peppers Cradle Mountain (AUD 200-450), Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (AUD 150-300, more economical).

The Overland Track (65 km, 6 days, Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair) is Australia's legendary hike. Mandatory booking October to May (AUD 245/person), permit limited to 60 departures per day. Free huts along the route (but often full, plan tent). Demanding alpine hike (capricious weather, elevation, heavy bags) but rewarded with some of Australia's most beautiful landscapes.

At Freycinet National Park (2 nights, 2h30 drive from Hobart): Wineglass Bay Lookout (1h round trip, panoramic view over the champagne glass beach — the iconic image), descent to Wineglass Bay beach itself (1h additional descent, painful return climb), Hazards Beach and Friendly Beaches (less frequented alternatives). Lodging: Saffire Freycinet (one of Australia's most exclusive resorts, AUD 1,500-3,000/night all-inclusive), Edge of the Bay Resort (AUD 250-400), camping in the park.

At Bruny Island (1-2 nights, 20 min ferry from Kettering south of Hobart): Bruny Island Cruises (3h eco-cruise on southern cliffs, dolphins, seals, marine birds — AUD 145/person), Get Shucked Oyster Farm (oysters shucked on rocks, tasting AUD 25-40), Bruny Island Cheese Company (artisan cheeses), Bruny Island Honey, House of Whisky, fairy penguins at sunset at Adventure Bay (free).

At Port Arthur (UNESCO 2010, 1h30 from Hobart): former 1830-1877 penitentiary where 12,500 British convicts were deported. Exceptionally preserved site (chapel ruins, separate prison, hospital, psychiatric asylum). AUD 47/person visit with audio-guide, 'ghost tour' night tours AUD 30. One of Australia's most moving historic sites.

At Launceston and Tamar Valley (2h drive north of Hobart, or LST airport with direct flight from Sydney/Melbourne): Cataract Gorge (spectacular gorge in city centre, chairlift, hiking — free), tastings in Tamar Valley wineries (Jansz for champagne methods, Pipers Brook, Holm Oak Vineyards).

Tasmanian whisky: Lark Distillery in Hobart (tour-tasting AUD 35, one of the pioneers of Australian single malt), Sullivans Cove at Cambridge (first Australian single malt to receive World Whisky Award in 2014 for French Oak), Hellyers Road at Burnie. Tasmanian whisky rivals the best Scottish and Japanese — essential tasting.