7 Reasons Why You Should Definitely Visit Tasmania This Summer
Once regarded as Australia’s “forgotten state”, Tasmania’s cauldron of cutting-edge culture, gourmet cuisine, untouched wilderness and swathe of festivals has made the compact island one of the county’s hottest destinations. With upcoming spring and summer months being the best time to visit, there’s never been a better time to book your Tassie escape. Here’s why.
#1 Avoid FOMO at MONA FOMA
MONA, the subversive art museum that put Tassie on the travel map, is now also known for throwing incredible festivals. The Dionysian MONA FOMA (aka MoFo) will return early next year, January 2019, but in the new location of Launceston. Helmed by Violent Femmes’ Brian Ritchie, the MoFo festival is legendary for dishing up a heady mix of exceptional and experimental music and art from across the globe, as well as gourmet dining experiences and wild, late-night blowouts.
[related_articles]5803,48432[/related_articles]#2 Australia’s best new walking track
Around 30 percent of Tasmania is protected wilderness and with over 2000km of hiking trails to choose from, you’d be mad not to try at least one. The Three Capes Track was declared ‘the world’s hottest new experience’ by Lonely Planet before it was even open to public.
The track is a four-day and three-night, 46km adventure that passes along Australia’s highest sea cliffs, through eucalypt forests and offers jaw-dropping ocean views. It’s raw, rugged and remote; like walking along the edge of the world because, well, you kind of are, with the next stop being Antarctica.
[related_articles]62290,58245[/related_articles]What really sets this track apart is the standard of public facilities available. Hikers stay in eco cabins that include comfy mattress, spacious living areas, communal spaces with gas cooktops and panoramic views. The luxury accommodation also means you won’t be weighed down carrying heavy tents and sleeping gear. Tasmania’s mild temperatures in spring and especially summer (around 25 degrees) are perfect for getting outdoors and exploring the state’s rugged wilderness without working up a sweat.
#3 A lazy coastal roadtrip
Two words: summer roadtrip. There is no better way to spend a few, sunny days than cruising down the wide open roads with good tunes and good company.
Tassie’s Great Eastern Drive has it all: 220 kilometres of lazy, seaside towns, beautiful beaches, forests, waterfalls, national parks, award-winning wineries and views that will leave you breathless. The east coast’s mild climate is perfect for growing some of the state’s best produce. From premium cheese factories to award-winning seafood producers, there’s plenty of places to stop off on those lingering, summer nights to grab a bite and take it all in.
#4 Taste Tasmania
Homer Simpson-style, eat and drink your way through Tasmania’s finest produce at the foodie-heaven festival that is the Taste of Tasmania, which runs from December 28 to January 3. We’re talking slow-cooked wallaby burritos with savoury chipotle and jalapeño sauce; Thai mussels poached in cider; salted caramel ice-cream sandwiches; and cannoli stuffed with cherries, coconut, chocolate and hazelnut ricotta. Is your mouth watering yet?
The week-long celebration takes place in the famous Salamanca precinct and on the city’s waterfront, where you can sit and watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race contestants sail in. Festival entry is free – except on New Year’s Eve when the festival hosts a ticketed party with entertainment and fireworks.
#5 An NYE festival in the best nature has to offer
Speaking of New Year’s Eve, what better way to ring in the new year than with a bunch of your best mates at a secluded festival that overlooks the stunning Marion Bay with some of the world’s hottest international acts playing just for you?
This year’s Tasmanian instalment of the Falls Music and Arts Festival takes place December 29 to 31, with Vance Joy, Chvrches, Hilltop Hoods, Toto, Flight Facilities, Amy Shark and Golden Features some of the big names on the bill.
#6 Raft punk
For the more adventurous, take a multi-day rafting trip down the mighty Franklin River, one of the world’s great wild rivers. Accompanied by an experienced professional, Franklin River Rafting takes you through surging rapids and white-water, passing deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and temperate rainforests. The Franklin was famously saved from development in the ‘70s and remains one of the most pristine ecosystems on the planet.
#7 Summer camping at The Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires has long been luring travellers to its shores, but since Lonely Planet declared it the world’s hottest travel destination in 2009 this wild, untouched haven is no longer one of the state’s best kept secret. Still, it has a laid-back charm and remote vibe that makes it perfect for a lazy, summer camping adventure.
Swim, kayak, boat or snorkel the impossibly-clear sea, exploring underwater caves, reefs and abundant sea life. Take-in spectacular sunrise views across the perfect-white sand and orange lichen-covered boulders for which the region is famous for, spotting the odd Forrester kangaroo. Best of all, there are plenty of free camping sites to choose from right along the beach.
Check out Qantas flights to Launceston, Devonport or Hobart to begin your next adventure in Tasmania.
(Lead image: Supplied)
