Mere miles from the coast of Australia,

Tasmania is often considered the continent’s less prominent sibling, but not for the lack of beauty or wonders to visit. On the contrary, Tasmania is an untamed slice of rugged paradise brimming with natural reserves ideal for solo as well as family visits, and the foodie scene alone is enough to have the modern metropolis-lover pack in an instant and look for the first flight out.

If this is your first time in the state of Tasmania, there are several spots you need to add to your Tasmania travel itinerary that will be absolutely worth every moment of your effort to get there.

Seek Out Aurora Australis

The Aurora Australis

Staying in the city of Hobart has numerous perks, not just related to its own stunning architecture and landscape, but due to its vicinity to the best possible place to spot the spectacle of lights called the Aurora Australis.

The nearby Mount Wellington offers the ultimate Aurora experience, especially if you decide to visit during peak times when the phenomenon is most frequently visible, during September and March.

Make an effort to head as high as possible towards the peak of the mountain, where the view is not obstructed by light pollution, and the skies are often clear. You can also follow certain Facebook pages and receive alerts from local forecasters when the best chances are to catch the show!

 Head to the Tulip Fields

For those who are staying in Hobart, getting to the Table Cape Tulip Farm may take a few hours on the road, so you can rent a vehicle from an agency such as Avis Car Hire and enjoy the scenic views you’ll pass by on the way to the tulip farm. It can take approximately four hours without making any stops, such as visiting Launceston famous for its Cataract Gorge or stopping in Devonport.

The farm is perched upon an extinct volcano, and you’ll see a rainbow of breathtaking tulips span across three hectares of land.

The best time to visit is definitely at the very beginning of spring, which is the end of September towards the beginning of October when you’ll also have a chance to see the Bloomin’ Tulip Festival!

 Visit the Famous MONA

Tasmania’s famous MONA,

If you’re a fan of classical art and all things decent, you should definitely steer clear of this particular location. On the other hand, if you’d like to see some seriously daring artwork Australians are so proud of, then head straight to MONA, where you might encounter David Walsh, the man responsible for all of that brilliant artistic bravery exhibited on a regular basis.

It would be the understatement of the century to say that their collections are controversial, hence the need for you to go there and decide for yourself. What you will definitely not be is indifferent, so expect a surge of all sorts of emotions to overwhelm you as soon as you start perusing through the museum!

Pick a National Park

The dramatic coastline, monumental mountains, and vivid greenery all make the perfect ingredients to protect almost the entire territory of Tasmania by turning it into a variety of national parks. Plus, wherever you’re staying, you’re close to at least one of them, and you won’t make a mistake by heading there as soon as humanly possible.

Freycinet National Park is a perfectly mixed batch of stunning beaches and rugged cliffs, Lake St Clair National Park is the perfect place to get to know the local wombats, while Tasman National Park is a hiker’s dream-come-true. Surreal bedrocks, enchanting waterfalls, hidden alcoves, and sandy beaches perfect for a spontaneous surfing session are all within reach while you’re in Tasmania’s wilderness.

Bask in Wineglass Bay

Tasmania’s Wine Glass Bay, in Freycinet National Park

Of course, this heavenly little nook is located in the Freycinet National Park, and it has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The entire region is postcard-worthy material, but for those eager to kick back and forget about the passing of time, Wineglass Bay boasts crystal clear sand and azure waves dreams are made of.

If it’s possible, you should stay a few nights in Coles Bay for the most serene vacation you will ever have, and then take your time to hike in the area towards Wineglass Bay. The vistas will not disappoint, and you’ll find a new appreciation for this corner of the world!