Itineraries — Tasmania

Tasmania is the ideal nature, art and gastronomy extension of an Australian trip for travellers with 4-6 weeks on site. This island south of the continent (68,401 km², 570,000 inhabitants) is radically different from the rest of Australia — temperate climate similar to Scotland, spectacular alpine landscapes, 40% UNESCO nature reserves, unique endemic wildlife (Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas), and one of the world's most audacious contemporary art scenes thanks to MONA in Hobart.

For a short Tasmania stay (5-7 nights), the essential itinerary combines: 2 nights in Hobart (MONA, Salamanca Market Saturday, Battery Point, Mount Wellington), 2 nights at Cradle Mountain (Dove Lake Circuit, endemic wildlife at twilight, possible Cradle Mountain Summit for hikers), 2 nights at Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay at sunrise, Hazards Beach), 1 night return at Launceston before return flight (Cataract Gorge, Tamar Valley wineries accessible by half-day trip).

Over 10-14 days, extend with: Bruny Island (1-2 nights — oysters shucked on rocks, Bruny Island Cheese Company, fairy penguins at sunset), Tamar Valley (1 night, wineries with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and champagne method — Jansz, Pipers Brook), Bay of Fires (1-2 nights on north-east coast, orange granite and white sand beaches, iconic route), Tarkine (temperate rainforest in north-west, 1-2 nights for adventurous hikers).

The Overland Track (65 km, 6 days, Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair) is Tasmania's legendary hike — mandatory booking October to May (AUD 245/person), permit limited to 60 hikers per day. Free huts along the route. Book months ahead for the best dates.