Is Tasmania Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

On By saar.decosterIn Australia

Tasmania is one of those places that completely surprised me.

Before visiting, I knew Tasmania was supposed to be beautiful. I had seen photos of mountains, lakes, beaches and incredible landscapes, but I don’t think I was prepared for how special it would actually feel.

During my Working Holiday in Australia, I travelled around Tasmania with a friend, and honestly… it became one of the places where I felt the happiest.

I still remember arriving by ferry.

The moment we arrived, I genuinely felt this huge feeling of excitement and happiness. It sounds dramatic, but I could almost physically feel how happy I was to be there.

Tasmania felt different from the rest of Australia.

The landscapes were some of the most breathtaking I had seen, the nature felt incredibly wild, and because Tasmania is still less visited than places like Sydney, Melbourne or the East Coast, it felt much more authentic.

It wasn’t about ticking off famous attractions.

It was about waking up surrounded by nature, driving through empty roads, discovering beautiful places and enjoying the adventure itself.

So… is Tasmania worth visiting?

My answer: yes, absolutely.

Especially if you love nature, road trips, hiking, camping, wildlife and escaping the busiest tourist routes.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure to check out my complete Tasmania Travel Guide, where I share my favourite places, road trip stops, practical tips and everything you need to know before visiting Tasmania.

Is Tasmania Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer

The short answer: yes, Tasmania is 100% worth visiting.

Actually, Tasmania was one of my favourite places I visited during my time in Australia.

While many travellers focus on the East Coast, Tasmania offers something completely different.

It’s wild, peaceful and incredibly beautiful.

Think dramatic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, beaches, ancient forests, national parks, wildlife and endless scenic drives.

What I loved most was that Tasmania didn’t feel overly touristy. Of course, there are popular places and attractions, but compared to many destinations on mainland Australia, it still feels incredibly authentic.

It’s the kind of place where you can stop the car because you see a random viewpoint, walk through nature without huge crowds and spend an entire day simply enjoying the surroundings.

If you’re looking for nightlife, big cities or constant social activities, Tasmania probably isn’t the place for you.

But if you want a real Tasmania road trip, incredible scenery and a slower travel experience, you’ll probably love it.

Quick verdict

Is Tasmania worth visiting? Yes, especially for:

Anyone who wants to experience a wilder side of Australia

Nature lovers

Road trippers

Hikers

Backpackers

Campers

Wildlife lovers

Travellers looking for quieter destinations

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What I Loved About Tasmania

The Scenery Is Honestly Unreal

I swear, I have rarely seen landscapes as beautiful as Tasmania.

The island feels completely different from mainland Australia. Instead of endless beaches, big cities and busy tourist hubs, Tasmania feels much more wild and dramatic.

You’ll find:

  • Mountains
  • Lakes
  • Rainforests
  • Beaches
  • National parks
  • Coastal cliffs
  • Waterfalls
  • Scenic viewpoints
  • Wildlife

And the best part?

You don’t even have to search that hard for beautiful places.

Sometimes the drive itself is the experience.

You can spend hours on the road and constantly find yourself saying: “Wait… we need to stop here.”

If you’re planning a Tasmania road trip, this is honestly one of the biggest reasons I’d recommend visiting.

The famous painted cliffs and rock formations on Maria Island, Tasmania.

It Feels Like A Real Adventure

One of my favourite things about Tasmania was that it genuinely felt like an adventure.

A friend and I travelled around Tasmania together, sleeping in our car without proper camping equipment and figuring things out as we went.

We stayed at free campsites, cooked simple meals, had no reception for hours and even read books to each other because there was nothing else to do.

And honestly?

Those moments became some of my favourite memories.

It wasn’t always comfortable, but that was exactly what made it special.

It felt like we were disconnecting from everything and just enjoying the journey.

That’s also why I think Tasmania is such a great destination for backpackers and road trippers. You don’t necessarily need to have every single day planned.

Some of the best memories come from simply seeing where the road takes you.

Camping dinner beside the car during a Tasmania road trip

It’s Completely Different From Mainland Australia

Tasmania almost feels like another country compared to the rest of Australia.

The landscapes, slower pace and amount of untouched nature make it feel genuinely unique.

A lot of people say Tasmania reminds them of New Zealand, and after visiting, I completely understand why.

The dramatic mountains, green landscapes and peaceful atmosphere really give you that feeling.

I’m actually visiting New Zealand soon, and Tasmania made me even more excited to experience it.

If you’re trying to decide between different parts of Australia, you might also want to read my East Coast vs West Coast Australia comparison to see which side of the country suits your travel style.

Most Experiences Are Affordable Or Free

Another thing I loved about Tasmania?

Nature is the main attraction, and nature is mostly free.

Many of the best moments are simply:

  • Hiking through beautiful landscapes
  • Watching sunrise or sunset
  • Exploring national parks
  • Driving scenic routes
  • Finding hidden viewpoints
  • Exploring beaches
  • Looking for wildlife

Compared to expensive cities where activities can quickly add up, Tasmania can be a great destination for budget travellers.

Of course, you’ll still spend money on transport, accommodation, food and some national park fees, but many of the best experiences don’t cost anything.

If you’re travelling Australia on a budget, you can also check out my Australia Backpacking Budget: My 9-Month Working Holiday Costs for a realistic idea of what I spent during my Working Holiday.

Montezuma Falls surrounded by Tasmanian rainforest

Things I Didn’t Love About Tasmania

Tasmania wasn’t perfect, though.

While I absolutely loved my time there, there are a few things you should know before deciding whether Tasmania is worth visiting for you.

It’s Not The Best Place For Nightlife

This is probably obvious, but Tasmania is not where you go for parties.

You won’t find the same nightlife, bars and backpacker scene as Melbourne, Sydney or Byron Bay.

But honestly?

That’s also what makes it special.

Tasmania is about slowing down, connecting with nature and enjoying the adventure.

If nightlife and meeting loads of other backpackers are a major part of your trip, the East Coast Australia route might suit you better.

You Really Need Your Own Transport

One thing I would definitely recommend is having your own vehicle.

Tasmania is a road trip destination.

There are not as many hostels as you’ll find on the East Coast, and public transport won’t get you to many of the best natural places.

Having a car or campervan gives you the freedom to explore Tasmania at your own pace, stop at random viewpoints and reach places that aren’t easily accessible by public transport.

If you’re travelling solo, consider renting a car or connecting with other travellers in hostels who want to explore Tasmania too.

Who Should Visit Tasmania?

So, who is Tasmania actually for?

I think Tasmania is perfect for you if you love:

  • Nature and incredible landscapes
  • Road trips
  • Hiking
  • Camping and outdoor adventures
  • Wildlife
  • National parks
  • Quiet places away from crowds
  • Budget-friendly travel
  • Slow travel
  • Exploring at your own pace

I especially recommend Tasmania for backpackers who want something different from the typical Australia East Coast route.

It’s one of those places where the memories come from the small moments, not just the famous sights.

If you’re planning a Working Holiday in Australia, my Australia East Coast Working Holiday Route can also help you understand how Tasmania could fit into a longer Australia trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Tasmania?

I recommend spending at least 7–10 days in Tasmania.

This gives you enough time to explore different parts of the island without constantly rushing between destinations.

Some of the highlights you could include are:

  • Hobart
  • Freycinet National Park
  • Wineglass Bay
  • Cradle Mountain
  • Bay of Fires
  • Bruny Island
  • Tasman Peninsula
  • Maria Island
  • The West Coast

However, if you have more time, Tasmania is definitely a place where slowing down makes the experience better.

I personally spent more time exploring the island and loved that it never felt rushed.

For more ideas, you can also explore my guides to Things to Do in Tasman Peninsula, Things to Do in East Coast Tasmania and Things to Do in West Tasmania.

Planning a longer Australia adventure? I also included Tasmania in my Ultimate East Coast Australia Itinerary, where I explain how long I would personally spend in different destinations and how I would plan the route.

Final Thoughts: Is Tasmania Worth Visiting?

For me, Tasmania is one of the biggest highlights of my Australia adventure.

It wasn’t just beautiful.

It made me feel happy, free and completely disconnected from everyday life.

Arriving by ferry, exploring incredible landscapes, sleeping in the car, finding free campsites and having those random little moments with a friend made it feel like a real adventure.

Tasmania might not be the place for everyone.

If you’re looking for beaches, nightlife and a busy backpacker scene, there are other places in Australia that will suit you better.

But if you want some of the most beautiful nature Australia has to offer, Tasmania deserves a spot on your itinerary.

I honestly think it might become one of your favourite places too.

If you’re still deciding whether Tasmania should be part of your Australia trip, start with my complete Tasmania Travel Guide for a more detailed look at where to go, what to see and how to plan your trip.

Planning Your Australia Trip?

Planning a trip to Australia can feel overwhelming, with so many places to explore and things to organise.

That’s why I created my Australia Travel Guide, sharing my itineraries, tips, experiences and everything you need to plan your own adventure.

→ START HERE: Australia Travel Guide
→ GET MY MAP: Australia Google Map

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FAQ

Is Tasmania worth visiting?

Yes! Tasmania is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you love nature, road trips and outdoor adventures. It has some of the most beautiful landscapes in Australia and feels much less touristy than many mainland destinations.

How many days do you need in Tasmania?

I recommend spending at least 7–10 days in Tasmania. This allows you to explore the island properly without rushing between destinations.

Is Tasmania good for backpackers?

Yes, especially for backpackers who love adventure and nature. However, having your own car or campervan is highly recommended because many places are difficult to reach without transport.

Is Tasmania like New Zealand?

Many travellers compare Tasmania to New Zealand because of its dramatic mountains, green landscapes and untouched nature. While they are different, Tasmania definitely has a similar adventurous feeling.

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