Southern Tasmania

Hobart & Southern Tasmania

Overview

A laidback, seaside atmosphere, innovative culture and delicious culinary offerings make this city a must-see destination. Whether you are seeking an adventure holiday or a relaxing time with your family, Hobart offers a medley of attractions and activities certain to leave a lifetime of lasting memories.

Southern Tasmania

Southern Tasmania features exciting holiday destinations, unforgettable attractions and a wide range of unique accommodations. An excursion to Southern Tasmania is sure to uplift, enlighten and inspire. You can savour long days exploring secluded beaches or the lush countryside, view historic landmarks and indulge yourself in the eclectic flavours of the local cuisine.

Attractions

Bruny Island

About 90 minutes south of Hobart lies beautiful Bruny Island. Its pristine, windswept shores have been graced by the likes of Captain Cook and William Bligh. Today the island is home to an array of impressive wildlife including mutton birds, penguins and echidnas. Much of the island's population of around 600 continue to grow, raise and catch some of Tasmania's finest gourmet produce. You can either drive here yourself or embark on one of the daily tours that begin in Hobart.

Port Arthur Historic Site

World Heritage-listed Port Arthur, located on the Tasman Peninsula, is Australia’s most preserved convict site. Originally built to house prisoners, the area now contains over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes across 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. Step back in time and see what life was like in a penal colony, courtesy of a guided tour. Over the summer months, there is also a number of activities for the kids, including brick making and live theatre performances.

Tasman National Park

Situated on the rugged Tasman Peninsula, about a 90-minute drive from Hobart, this visual wonderland boasts enormous sea cliffs and striking rock formations. The area is teeming with wildlife—keep an eye out for brushtail possums, Australian fur seals, various bird species and even the occasional migrating whale. Many famous spots along the coastline are easily accessed by car, including Tasman Arch and The Blowhole, but there are plenty of delights to behold on foot as well.

Richmond

The historic town of Richmond is a 30-minute drive north-east of Hobart. Richmond lays claim to both the oldest bridge and oldest prison cell in all of Australia. Beneath the arches of the Heritage-listed bridge is the perfect spot to have a picnic and feed the ducks. That's not all there is to do here, though. The town is chock-full of world class cafés and art galleries. At night you can even take a lantern-lit ghost tour along the mysterious cobblestone streets.

Need to know

Accommodation

Southern Tasmania has accommodation to suit everyone’s tastes—from chic, ultra-modern apartments to historical homesteads.