12 May 2022

IN PHOTOS: 15 REASONS TO HEAD TO TASMANIA RIGHT NOW

Tasmania may be small, but this idyllic corner of the world makes up for it in a big way. From stunning beaches and rocky coastlines to cool, lush rainforest, picturesque mountains, and adorable wildlife, Australia’s southernmost state has it all. Almost 60% of this island’s wild places are protected within national parks and reserves, making it the perfect destination for those wanting to walk on the wild side and soak up some serious scenery. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here are 15 photos that sum up the incredible experience that is Tasmania. From one icon...

The rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
The rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park © Michael Poland / WWF-Aus

(Here's a view from the tippy top!)

The summit of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
The summit of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. © Natalie Long

... to another.

Two Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) tussling at Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary.
Two Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) tussling at Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary. © Natalie Long

Tasmania sure boasts some spectacular walking trails. We’re daydreaming about strolling along this boardwalk…

A hiker in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania.
A hiker in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania. © Sally Coggiola / WWF-Aus

… and this one.

A section of the Overland Track Tasmania
A section of the Overland Track Tasmania © Miranda Leckey

It’s easy to walk until dusk when your view looks like this.

After all that walking, we need a swim! Luckily, there’s no shortage of picturesque places for a dip.

Pristine white sand at Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania.
Pristine white sand at Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania. © Nicole Kwiatkowski
Karkalla or pig face (Carpobrotus rossii) in Maria Island, Tasmania.
Karkalla or pig face (Carpobrotus rossii) in Maria Island, Tasmania. © Cameron Wheatley / WWF-Aus
Giant granite rock boulders covered in orange and red lichen at Bay of Fires, Tasmania.
Giant granite rock boulders covered in orange and red lichen at Bay of Fires, Tasmania. © Andrew Atkinson
Bay of Fires Walk
© Tasmanian Walking Company
Liffey Falls lower cascade in Tasmania.
Liffey Falls lower cascade in Tasmania. © Michael Evans

You can even splash around with the locals.

A duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) swims in a river in northeast Tasmania
A platypus in river habitat Tasmania (1000px) © Kevin - stock.adobe.com

After some magically lush forests straight out of a fairytale? Tassie has you covered.

Balfour Packhorse Track, Tarkine Drive, Tasmania.
Balfour Packhorse Track, Tarkine Drive, Tasmania. © Janelle - stock.adobe.com

I mean, are you kidding us right now? STUNNING. And you can top all of that magic off with some adorable native residents.

A short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) foraging on Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
A short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) foraging on Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. © Natalie Long
A female common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) with her joey, Maria Island, Tasmania.
A female common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) with her joey, Maria Island, Tasmania. © Natalie Long

So, want to take in this gorgeous scenery and help regenerate Australia at the same time? The Tasmanian Walking Company is proudly donating 100% from every sale of their Walk for Wild trips to our vital restoration and conservation programs, including their Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk and iconic Three Capes Walk. Find out more here. We’ll see you there!

A Forester kangaroo (Macropus giganteus tasmaniensis) and her joey, Maria Island, Tasmania.
A Forester kangaroo (Macropus giganteus tasmaniensis) and her joey, Maria Island, Tasmania. © Natalie Long