GTPP Episode 58 Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to Tasmania [lutruwita]: Tips + See, Do, Eat, Experience
In episode 58 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with travel writer Jennifer Johnston about all things Tasmanian. Jennifer shares why Tasmania is a must-visit destination, her connection to the island, and her top tips for first-time visitors.
Find out what makes Tasmania unique, key things to know before visiting, recommended experiences and places to include in an itinerary, how to get around the island, and advice on choosing where to base yourself.
The episode also covers local food and drink highlights, less-visited gems, common mistakes, and practical tips to enjoy Tasmania on a budget.
Click the blue button below to listen:
Episode 58 – Notes
What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to plan your Tasmanian route (don’t underestimate travel distances and road types!)
- 📅 Itinerary-building tips for all trip lengths—from 3 days to 3 weeks
- 🚄 Transport insights: ferry vs. flights, car hire, and what to expect from the roads
- 🛏️ Accommodation choices for every budget: from luxury lodges to cosy cabins and hostels
- Peppers Cradle Mountain
- The Keep (near Bay of Fires – luxury, couples only)
- Voyager (luxury cabin on the Esperance River, Huon Valley)
- Sapphire at Freycinet (luxury)
- Big 4 Tassie Getaway Parks (cabins, glamping tents, bunkhouses, caravan and camping sites)
- Alabama Hotel (budget, shared bathroom, bar/lounge, Hobart CBD)
- 🥢 Where to find Tasmania’s standout produce, wineries, gin distilleries, and cultural trails
- 😲 The magic of “honesty boxes,” seeing wombats in the wild, and stumbling on truly empty stretches of wilderness
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
Places
- Hobart: Tasmania’s capital city and a perfect base for day trips; vibrant markets, museums, and historical attractions.
- Launceston: The gateway to the north, known for its history and natural beauty.
- Devonport: Arrival point for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry; centre-north location for exploring by car.
- Bruny Island: Unique day trip or overnight spot from Hobart, famous for its tasting trail and breathtaking scenery.
- Maria Island: Known for amazing hikes, plentiful wombats, and historic penitentiary accommodation.
- Huon Valley: 20 minutes from Hobart; apple orchards, cider tastings, historic towns, and thermal springs.
- Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs: Fascinating cave tours and hot springs in the Huon Valley.
- Tahune Airwalk: Elevated walkway above the Huon River’s treetops.
- Port Arthur: Historic penal colony; deep dive into Australia’s convict past.
- Stanley & The Nut: Picturesque fishing town with a dramatic volcanic plug and fresh seafood.
- Tarkine/Tarkine Wilderness: Remote northwest region, renowned for its rugged forests and the filming location for “Alone Australia.”
- Corinna & Pieman River: Wilderness lodge, historic river cruises, and authentic off-the-grid experiences.
- Freycinet Peninsula/Bay of Fires/Cradle Mountain: Stunning coastlines, hiking, iconic landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
- Cockle Creek: Australia’s southernmost drivable point—a secluded village and nature walk with whale sculpture.
- Sheffield & Derby: Quintessential small towns with English namesakes and local charm.
Foods
- Raspberries & Cherries: Sought-after summer produce; road-side stalls and honesty boxes a must-stop.
- Cheese: Speciality tasting trails around the island, with Cradle Mountain and Bay of Fires highlights.
- Scallop Pie: An Iconic Tasmanian bakery treat, recommended for seafood lovers.
- Ice Cream (VDL/Van Diemen’s Land & Valhalla): Rich, creamy, and made from Tassie’s happiest cows—available at factory doors and floating kiosks.
- Apple Pie & Cider: Especially in the Huon Valley, home of Australia’s apple orchards.
- Local Wine & Gin: Bruny Island, Brim Creek Vineyard, Bream Creek Vineyard, Bangor Vineyard Shed, Frogmore Creek, and more offer tastings with a view.
- Lobster Roll (Bicheno): Must-try speciality at local seafood shacks.
Words/Concepts
- Spirit of Tasmania: Passenger-vehicle ferry service between mainland Australia and Tasmania.
- Lap of Tassie: Popular term for a road trip circumnavigating the island.
- Cradle Tasting Trail: Foodie route peppered with local producers, distilleries, and farm gates.
- Honesty Box: Unstaffed roadside stands for fresh produce, where you take what you want and leave cash in a box.
- Palawa People: Tasmania’s First Nations people; their history, language revival, and cultural sites are important to explore respectfully.
- National Parks Pass: Required for access to Tasmania’s many parks and wilderness areas—great value for hikers or nature lovers.
- Three Capes Track & Overland Track: Famous multi-day hikes, with options for both guided and independent travellers.
- Travel Bug Within Tasmania: Jennifer Johnston’s dedicated Instagram channel for Tasmania inspiration and tips.
- Wukalina Walk: Indigenous-guided walk along the Bay of Fires
Links
Podcasts
- Episode #18: Queensland Travel Tips: Beaches, Outback Adventures, and Hidden Gems
- Episode #20: An Introduction to Margaret River, WA with Kerry Heaney
- Episode #32: Brisbane Day Trips: Islands, Wildlife, and Hidden Gems
- Episode #46: Discovering Western Australia: Essential Insights and Travel Tips with Tess Moone
- Episode #53: Top 5 experiences in Perth, Western Australia with Tess Moone
Articles
Guest Bio – Jennifer Johnston
Jennifer Johnston is a freelance travel and lifestyle writer from Brisbane, Australia. She loves travelling to places where the outdoors and nature happily coexist. Jennifer’s writing interests are in responsible, cultural, and historical travel. She enjoys hiking and exploring the lesser-known regions of any destination. She is fascinated by people and their stories, weaving a human element whenever the opportunity presents itself.
She has fallen hard for Tasmania and is sharing her passion about Australia’s most southern state whenever she can.
