Tasmania, or “Tassie” as the locals call it, was the final major destination of our Australian adventure. This island, located off the southeastern coast of the mainland, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and thriving agricultural scene.
There are two main cities to fly into: Hobart in the south and Launceston in the north. Since we were eager to explore Tasmania’s outdoor beauty, we opted to fly and stay in Launceston for our adventure. When we started planning our two major attractions to see were Cradle Mountain and the Bridestowe Lavendar Farm, then we discovered Freycinet National Park which rounded out our itinerary.
Two hour drive from Launceston we stopped at the iconic Cradle Mountain, a must-visit destination in Tasmania. Recommend stopping into the visitor center to purchase a park pass. Check the transportation rules, but we had to ride the bus throughout the park and Dove Lake was our first stop, however its actually at the end of the bus route. Just a short walk in you can get to the historic boat shed that sits on Dove Lake, perfectly framed by the breathtaking backdrop of Cradle Mountain.

As we were hiking the weather was starting to change from a nice sunny day to overcast. When we reached Marions lookout, we got hit with some mist and light rain as you can see in the photos. Here is the trail that we ended up taking to get to Marions lookout: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/tasmania/marions-lookout-loop-via-wombat-pool-lookout




When we arrived back at the visitor center, I found this billboard, and luckily we didn’t experience extreme weather, its important to be prepared for all weather when hiking!

This trail is pretty difficult. I hiked Angels Landing in Zion National Park and I would say this trail is more difficult. Luckily there is a portion of the trail that contains these chains that help you get up and down the steep sections.


On the way back to the trail head stopped to see the Wombat Pool, unfortunately we didn’t see any wombats there.

You can walk or take a bus to the next locations we stopped at, which is Ronny Creek. Here you have a good chance of seeing Wombat’s and Echidna’s.


That wraps up our trip to Cradle Mountain.

The next day, we headed southeast from Launceston, driving two hours to Freycinet National Park. The weather was cloudy, with intermittent rain throughout the day, but that didn’t stop us from visiting the Wineglass Bay overlook.
Even through the mist, I could tell the beach was absolutely stunning—though my rainy-day photos don’t quite capture its true beauty. If you haven’t seen it before, I highly recommend looking up pictures to appreciate just how breathtaking it really is!

We found a wallaby!

On the way out, we didn’t really get to see enough of the park, so we stopped at a small parking lot and visited Honeymoon Bay. The weather was starting to clear up and we were able enjoy the views.



On the final day of our Tasmanian adventure, we visited Bridestowe Lavender Estate, located about 45 minutes from Launceston. The lavender fields bloom in January and February, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking sea of purple.
As the largest lavender farm in the world, spanning 260 acres, it’s a popular spot for visitors looking to capture stunning photos—and it was certainly bustling during our visit. In addition to wandering through the fields, we explored the gift shop and café, which offered a variety of lavender-inspired treats and souvenirs, making for a perfect way to wrap up our trip.


That concludes our journey through Tasmania, but it’s easy to see why many travelers spend one to two weeks exploring the island—there’s just so much to experience.
During my research, I came across countless must-see destinations and activities that we didn’t have time for but would be well worth a visit. Some of the most popular highlights include:
- Exploring Tasmania’s renowned wineries and indulging in its fine dining scene
- Visiting Hobart, home to the world-famous MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
- Marveling at the Bay of Fires, known for its striking orange-hued boulders and pristine beaches
- Watching little penguins return to shore at dusk—a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience
- Hiking Mount Wellington, which offers panoramic views over Hobart and beyond
- Taking a trip to Bruny Island, famous for its rugged coastlines, fresh oysters, and breathtaking scenery
With its unspoiled natural beauty, rich history, and diverse attractions, Tasmania is truly a hidden gem that deserves more time to fully appreciate. If you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend soaking in as much of the island as possible!