How to Spend a Weekend in Tasmania

The island state of Tasmania is one of Australia’s most rugged areas and is a fascinating destination for a holiday. Even if you only have a weekend in Tasmania, you’ll be able to see the best attractions. Here are some itinerary ideas for spending 2 or 3 days in Tasmania and how to ensure you experience all it has to offer.

Friday Evening

Friday evening is the start of your 72 hours in Tasmania. A great way to immerse yourself in the local culture is by dining at Templo, a restaurant with a communal dining experience. You’ll sit with 20 strangers while you enjoy European cuisine with farm-to-table ingredients.

After dinner, visit Willing Bros. to sample some local wine. The neighbourhood wine bar features European and local wine offerings, as well as a select menu of French dishes. You should also spend some time at the beach, which at night lights up a deep blue from bioluminescent plankton. Some of the best places for illuminated beaches are Hope Beach and Kingston Beach.

If you enjoy shopping, you can visit the Hobart Twilight Market to peruse crafts, street foods and artisanal products at this night event. The night market only happens on Friday, so be sure not to miss out on the one-of-a-kind finds.

Saturday Morning

On Saturday morning, you’ll have 48 hours in Tasmania. Stop for breakfast at Small-fry, a charming restaurant with a small menu of local breakfast dishes that range from savoury to sweet. You’ll also like Queens Pastry, an eatery serving specialty coffee and fresh bakes and treats that are available all day long.

After breakfast, you can work off your meal with hiking and sightseeing in Freycinet National Park, where you’ll find numerous trails that travel up dramatic peaks and along stunning waterfalls throughout the landscape. You’ll also like Mount Field National Park, a vast parkland with a diverse landscape and an abundance of wildlife.

For lunch, try The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, a unique restaurant within an old psychiatric hospital. The restaurant specializes in using local ingredients from a community of farmers, growers and fishermen for delicious dishes and specialty cocktails. You can even pick up some homemade syrup to take home.

Saturday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can relax along the Bay of Fires, a serene bay known for its calm waters and beautiful orange rocks. You’ll also like MONA, a subterranean art museum featuring unique works in a mysterious setting.

Saturday night in Tasmania is when things really get exciting. Start with dinner at The Source, a delightful restaurant with shared plates and a massive selection of local wine. There’s also Standard, a laid-back restaurant with a rotating menu of beef, chicken, burgers and accompaniments.

If you want to get in touch with nature in Tasmania’s wilds, a stargazing experience is a must. You can visit the Cradle Mountain region to see the Southern Cross constellation or the southern lights, which paint the sky with vibrant shades of blue, purple and green. Bruny Island is free of city lights, so you can have a clear, unforgettable view of the Milky Way. Don’t forget your camera for some extraordinary photo opportunities!

Sunday Morning

On Sunday morning in Tasmania, you’ll have 24 hours left to explore the area. Start with breakfast at Pigeon Whole Bakers, an artisanal bakery that uses stone-ground flour, traditional baking methods and local ingredients, as well as offering gourmet coffee. For a more unique experience, try Room For a Pony, a brunch restaurant with dishes like kimchi and fried egg and black rice pudding.

After lunch, head to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens for a relaxing stroll among vibrant and colourful plants. The garden is home to many historic plant collections, and there are ornate bridges and pathways for great photo opportunities. You’ll also like the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife facility with rescued and endangered native species and educational tours.

For lunch, splurge on a great meal at Fico, an Italian restaurant with a Japanese twist. If you want to experience some of Australia’s signature bounty, try Landscape Restaurant & Grill, a gorgeous venue that serves local favourites like Tasmanian lamb, fresh-caught seafood and home-raised wagyu.

Sunday Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, you can spend some time exploring the wonders of the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery. The museum boasts a massive collection of exhibits on science, natural history, local history and art.

On Sunday night in Tasmania, you’ll have plenty of options for how to spend your time. For dinner, visit Dier Makr for an immersive dinner experience and a short menu of delectable local fare such as prawn and cracker beetroot crisp with venison paste and barramundi with mustard greens.

Before you leave, you must experience a ghost tour of Tasmania’s most-haunted attractions. You can take a tour of places like Port Arthur, a historic former convict settlement with harrowing prison tales.

Night is the best time to experience Tasmania’s wildlife. The beach town of Bicheno is home to an adorable colony of native little penguins, and you can take a penguin tour to see them come home after swimming and fishing.

Ready for the perfect weekend getaway?

From expansive, rugged wilderness with intriguing wildlife to historic sites, high-end galleries and delicious dining, the island of Tasmania has something for every type of traveller. If you’re planning your next excursion, visit Expedia to find great rates on Tasmania holidays to make the most of your trip.