the Travel Enthusiast
- 08 Apr
The backpacker’s guide to Tasmania
Hobart the Capital of Tasmania
Australia has lots of seemingly wild and unexplored places, but probably the most mysterious of these is its only island state, Tasmania. With scary connections such as the Tasmanian devil, Tasmania might not seem like the best place to explored on your own, especially if you are backpacking, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Tasmania’s creatures don’t bite (much), the scenery is breath-taking, there are few people and it’s small enough to explore in one go. So here’s the backpacker’s guide to Tasmania.
To start off, you should know that Tasmania is a destination for nature lovers. With a population of roughly 500,000 inhabitants and with over 40% of it organized into national parks, there is not much space for urban jungles on this island. That said, a hiker will be in paradise in Tasmania, or the Island of Inspiration, as it is marketed for tourists.
Accommodation
Tasmania is well prepared to receive tourists, so you can find a wide variety of accommodation options here, from classy five star hotels (which you won’t be interested in, if you’re backpacking) to hostels and beautiful camping sites.If you want to experience as much as possible of the Tasmanian way of life, you should stay at a bed and breakfast, which come in many shapes and sizes. Some of them are heritage sites, and you will most likely get all sorts of tours and activities included in the price.
Hostels are, of course, the cheapest option, but sometimes the most pleasant too, thanks to Tasmania’s lively backpacker culture. If you are planning to work during your stay, you might not easily find seasonal employment.
Destinations and activities
The capital of Tasmania is a must-see, especially since it is a completely different experience from Australia’s huge cities. Almost half the population lives in Hobart, but the atmosphere of the city is still intimate and friendly.Hobart is the second oldest city in Australia, so there are plenty of historical attractions to see, plus it is a good base for the exploration of the surrounding region (there are quite a few wineries in Hobart, so check them out if you’re interested in great wines!).
One of the best things to do in Tasmania is bushwalking, but the trails are wild and you need a really good map and some advice from the locals if you want to set out on your own (mobile coverage is very limited, so if you get lost you might get stuck for a while!). Some great destinations: Bay of Fires, Port Arthur, Cataract Gorge Reserve, the Overland Track.
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If you are walking or trekking, be sure to pack warm clothes, because the main danger you’ll face is hypothermia (not the Tasmanian devils, which are no threat at all, in addition to being very scarce). If you are driving, be prepared to avoid a lot of wildlife on the road – wallabies and wombats are known to try and cross roads even if there are cars coming.
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