Tasmania is a gorgeous island. In many ways, it’s quite similar to France’s Corsica. It’s a gorgeous island which you wouldn’t want to leave once you get there. Tasmania offers a wide variety of landscapes and experiences for travellers. Tasmania is closer to the Antarctic Circle and as a result, it has snow covered mountains and a temperate climate in general. While Tasmania is not a small sized island by any means, mainland Australians who are so used to the massive expanse of the Australian outback, still like to call Tasmania tiny. If you are going to Tasmania, you should definitely visit Queenstown and then check out other places of interest in this fascinating island. Let’s get started.
Queenstown, Tasmania: Here’s What You Should See and Do
Queenstown
Queenstown is like an entirely different universe within Tasmania. It looks like a different planet from Star Wars. It looks like a barren moon, eroded, worn and emptied of all trees. Queenstown isn’t just a natural desert. It’s a result of more than hundred years of mining activities. The land is rich in copper and visitors can even go down the mines to see them. You can go down memory lane into Tasmania’s industrial past and absorb the fantastic natural environment of Queenstown. Just five kilometres from Queenstown is a spectacular 500 metre long boardwalk which leads to the cascading Horsetail Falls. You can also go to the point overlooking Iron Blow. Tourists can also take a beautiful train ride across the West Coast Wilderness Railway which offers sensational views into King River Gorge. During summers, Queenstown tourists can also enjoy flatwater and white water rafting.
Bicheno
A little further up the east coast, there is Bicheno, a charming little fishing village. People come here mainly to see the local star, the Penguins. Every evening there are outings accompanied by an expert guide. A great opportunity to observe these animals in a small group and learn more about their species. They are very cute.
On leaving the city, you can go to Nature World and discover other typical animals, such as the famous Tasmanian Devil.
Lavender Fields
Tasmania produces lavender. Yes, it doesn’t just grow in France. You should go there during the Tasmanian summer time of December and January. If you go during any other period, the lavender flowers might be harvested or recently planted, so you won’t be able to enjoy the gorgeous purple glow and the intoxicating smell.
Freycinet National Park
It is the “jaw on the floor” national park of the island, with its white sand beaches and turquoise water, every tourist that has gone there, has been bowled over.
Tourists would feel like going back just to do the Hazards Beach Circuit hike again. An incredible walk that offers you crazy landscapes for 5 hours (with good breaks).
You can also enjoy the beautiful solitude of WIneglass Bay and meet some wild wallabies,
Bay of Fires/Binalong Bay
A little further north, to the east, is an idyllic spot for lovers of clear water. Bay of Fire and Binalong Bay, it is a magnificent coast with red granite rocks, turquoise water and breathtaking views. If you happen to visit at the right time, the views will look like they have been plucked right out of a Bob Ross painting.
Columba Falls
When tourists leave the east coast and its beaches, towards Launceston, they cross fields of culture and pasture, it is the Tasmanian countryside, the one where the cows produce good milk.
It’s highly recommended to take a mini walk in a tropical forest to see the Columba Falls, a 90-meter high waterfall. The sound of water and birds give a mystical atmosphere to the place, really nice.
Table Cape
In the north west of the island, along the coast is a lighthouse with an exceptional view of the ocean on one side and the poppy fields on the other. And yes Tasmania is also a producer of opium, and its production even represents 50% of the legal world market. Thankfully, the terrain is not as harsh as the other major producer, Afghanistan.
Mount Field National Park
A true gem, this national park is quickly accessible from the city of Hamilton. The Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls are very nice, although the water flow might be a little low during the dry months, and it will obviously freeze during the winters.
Bruny Island
If you have the time, a minimum of 2 full days, do not miss the magnificent Bruny Island, south of Hobart. Easy to access, it will cost you around 20 dollars for the return ferry crossing with a car. Bruny is a compendium of the best of Tasmania. Here you will find excellent producers of cheeses, wines and oysters. It is an ideal island for lazing around. Go for the cruises on the yellow boats to see the coasts and cliffs of Bruny but also to marvel at the local fauna: albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and sea lions.
Cradle Mountain
The area’s natural attraction, Cradle Mountain is a hiker’s paradise and looks like it’s plucked straight out of the Lord of the Rings universe. With its alpine peaks and mountain lakes; it offers a very interesting playing field. There are also many possible marked trails here, whether you have an hour or several days, it is very convenient. For the more advanced hikers, this is where the Overland Track begins; one of the most beautiful places in Australia. If you have a lack of time, just take a nice walk around the stunning Lake Dove. It is a beautiful walk and you might even be able to see wombats if you are lucky.
So these were the best places to see in Queenstown and Tasmania. This island on the south eastern tip of Australia is a truly unique and beautiful place and if you are going for a trip down under, make sure you visit Tasmania as well.
