Why Tasmania Should Be Your First Australia Stop
My best friends and I—all a little travel-weary from our busy 30-something lives—decided to shake things up after a Sydney visit. Ditching the usual tourist trails of Perth, Melbourne, and Brisbane, we were drawn to a wilder, more unique Australian gem: Tasmania.
Our ultimate goal? To witness the incredible Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights), Tasmania’s own magical answer to the Northern Lights. What started as an ambitious DIY aurora-chasing plan quickly taught us a few crucial lessons. If you're planning your first-ever trip to this stunning island state and dreaming of seeing the Southern Lights, this firsthand guide is for you!
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Must-Have Travel Essentials
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General Essentials (All Australia)
Getting Around Tasmania: Your Essential Klook Car Rental & Transport Tips
For any trip beyond Hobart city limits, especially one involving chasing a celestial light show, a car is a non-negotiable.
Photo Credit: Hannah
My Accommodation Regret: We initially rented a lovely house outside of Hobart, which offered a killer view, but was counterproductive as we spent most of our time in the city.
Pro tip: For a first-time, short-stay base, consider staying closer to central Hobart to maximize your time.
Seamless Travel with Klook Car Rental: We booked a private car rental on Klook, which was incredibly convenient. The car was ready for us right at the Hobart Airport on arrival, and the drop-off process was just as easy.
Pro Tip: Always read the full rental terms and conditions on the Klook page and opt for Klook Protect for peace of mind. As a 30-something traveler, the last thing you want is a travel mishap! If you're new to driving in Australia (we drive on the left!), check out our detailed guide on driving in Australia.
For those staying solely within Hobart, the city is very walkable, especially in the comfortable winter months. But for day trips like Port Arthur, a rental car or a pre-booked tour is essential.
Day 1: Hobart's Highest View & Australia’s Oldest Brewery
Stop 1: Kunanyi/Mount Wellington–Hobart’s Epic Viewpoint
Photo Credit: Teija
Our first stop was a drive up Kunanyi / Mount Wellington (locals just call it ‘the mountain’).
DIY Driver Warning: Fair warning, the road to the summit is narrow and winding, and some local drivers take it fast. If you're nervous about driving, I highly recommend booking a Mt. Wellington Day Tour on Klook instead of driving yourself.
Photo Credit: Teija
The summit is simply breathtaking, offering panoramic, out-of-this-world views of Hobart, the surrounding ocean, and a unique, ancient-looking forest. It’s a must-do for incredible photos!
Stop 2: Cascade Brewery–The Oldest Brewery in Australia
Photo Credit: Teija
On the descent from the mountain, you must stop at the historic Cascade Brewery. Established in 1824, it’s Australia's oldest continuously operating brewery, famous for beers made with Tasmanian barley and pure mountain water. They serve excellent food, too, making it the perfect spot for a post-mountain brunch before exploring the city centre.
Stop 3: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary–Meet the Tasmanian Devil (H2)
In the afternoon, we headed to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a fantastic social enterprise and sanctuary dedicated to native Tasmanian wildlife. Getting up close with the famous Tasmanian Devil was a true highlight!
We also loved the free-range kangaroo area, where you can feed these gentle creatures. If you’ve been scared by those online videos, rest assured—these kangaroos were surprisingly chill, far calmer than the aggressive ostriches I’ve encountered elsewhere!
Day 2: Art, Wine, and Cultural Immersion at Museum of Old and New Art
Photo Credit: Hannah
The second day was the absolute highlight: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Even if you think "art is boring," MONA will change your mind.
The experience starts with a fancy ferry ride from Hobart's pier, complete with trippy camouflage designs and a cafe for a light breakfast. MONA is the subterranean creation of David Walsh, showcasing a provocative, eclectic collection designed to challenge and entertain—sometimes, all at once! If this is your first time visiting an art museum, I highly recommend that you make this your first—it’s an unforgettable sensory experience!
Photo Credit: Hannah
Pro Tip: MONA is also home to the Moorilla Winery. Make sure to visit their cellar door! The bartender was kind enough to give us a free tasting, and the wine was so good we had to buy several bottles to bring home (the perfect Tasmanian souvenir!).
Day 3: Convict History and Coastal Wonders at Port Arthur
Photo Credit: Chino
Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula demand a full day. You have two main options:
- DIY Drive: Drive the 90 minutes from Hobart with your Klook rental car.
- Hassle-Free Tour: Book a comprehensive Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart on Klook
Option 1: The Tasman Peninsula Wilderness
Photo Credit: Dids
My friends opted for the incredible Bruny Island Cruise, a wildlife and wilderness adventure where they saw towering sea cliffs, the famous Breathing Rock, and were lucky enough to spot seals! This is the perfect choice for nature and adventure lovers.
Photo Credit: Hannah
Option 2: Port Arthur Historic Site
Photo Credit: Chino
I spent the day as a solo traveler at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed former convict settlement. The entry includes a guided walking tour and a cruise on Carnarvon Bay around the Isle of the Dead. Exploring the restored Penitentiary, Commandant's House, and the individual cells gives you a profound, moving insight into Australia's convict past.
The Roadside Delights: Tasmania’s Local Produce Stops (H3)
On our drive back to Hobart, we made sure to stop at a few essential local producers:
Port Arthur Lavender Cafe: Grab the delicious lavender honey! (Remember the 100ml liquid rule for carry-ons—put this in checked luggage since it’s 105ml!)
Photo Credit: Dids
Tasmanian Chocolate Factory: Must-try flavors include the leatherwood honeycomb, pepperberry sea salt, and mocha. They offer free tastings, so ask away!
Photo Credit: Teija
Tasman Honey: A family-owned roadside stall with a wide variety of honey, from popular Manuka to native Leatherwood Honey. It’s a matcha-lover's dream paired with their sweet local blends!
The Southern Lights Truth: DIY vs. Booking a Tour
The DIY Dream vs. Reality: We planned to DIY our Aurora Australis chase using Facebook groups for sightings and heading to known dark-sky spots. The reality? We didn’t spot it.
Key Aurora Australis Facts:
Best Time: The Southern Hemisphere's cooler months, from March to September, when nights are longer and darker.
Prime Viewing: Look for a clear, dark night away from city lights, ideally during a new moon, between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Best Locations: Southerly-facing, dark-sky spots like Mount Wellington, South Arm Peninsula, or Bruny Island.
The Stress-Free Option: If you want to save yourself the stress of chasing and missing, the easiest way is to book a dedicated experience. Klook offers packages like the Tasmania 3D2N: Hobart, Port Arthur, Bruny + Free Aurora Night Tour. This lets you enjoy your days while leveraging local expertise to maximize your chance of a sighting!
One Last Tip: The Unmissable Salamanca Market (H2)
Photo Credit: Dids
My biggest regret? We were in Tasmania from Sunday to Wednesday, completely missing the iconic Salamanca Market. It happens every Saturday in historic Salamanca Place and is a massive, bustling hub for food, arts, crafts, and local produce.
If your dates don't align, be sure to at least wander through the Salamanca Arts Centre like we did. It's filled with beautiful artisan shops for art, unique clothing, accessories, and local skincare.
