Australia's smallest state packs the biggest punch for bush travellers. Wooded country, lofty peaks, freshwater lakes full of trout, picture-perfect coast, surprisingly temperate climate, offshore islands. Camping opportunities are everywhere; the small friendly communities offer alternative lodging when the weather turns.

Here are 10 standout Tasmanian destinations from the wild north-west to the sleepy southern islands.

Photo by RE Walsh on Unsplash

Where the Arthur River meets the wild Southern Ocean. Constant winds batter the broken coastline; old-growth Huon pine + other ancient trees offer respite inland.

• Activities: surfing, sea kayaking, fishing, bushwalks via the Western Explorer Road
• Camping: 2WD bush camps at Green Point + the hamlet of Arthur River
• 4WD options: beach drives + the demanding Balfour Track
• Best season: November-April (winter is brutal)

Beautiful beaches + heath-fringed lagoons north of St Helens. Lazy hamlets like Binalong Bay are the gateway to a series of secluded camps.

• Camping: basic facilities, priceless outlook. Very busy summer; quiet off-season
• 2WD friendly for most areas
• 4WD opens off-the-beaten-track options
• Don't miss: the iconic orange-lichen rocks against turquoise water — peak Insta moment

Tasmania's only major downhill ski destination. Lofty peaks for winter skiing + cross-country; year-round access to accommodation + pub meals at Ben Lomond village.

• Summer camping in the park (basic facilities) + walking tracks
• Alpine wildflowers frame views over Flinders Island + the rocky Ben Lomond massif
• Best season: summer for camping + walking; June-September for skiing

Photo: Athithan Vignakaran / Unsplash

Commercial camping only — but doesn't detract from the wonderful experience. Visitors flock for great views + challenging walks.

• Overland Track (6-day classic walk to Lake St Clair) — popular in summer; bookings required; demands fitness + experience
• Day visitors can hike to Marion's Lookout, Crater Lake, or shorter loops at Dove Lake
• Wildlife: wombats EVERYWHERE at dusk, Tasmanian devils nearby (sanctuary), wallabies, echidnas
• Best season: November-April; snow possible any month

Once a feared penal colony, now attracts visitors with Huon pine timber crafts + cruises on the Gordon River. Pristine rainforest + tannin-stained waters.

• Camping: caravan parks in town + bush camping at Macquarie Head
• 4WD options: Mount McCall (permit required) + Bird River track
• Henty Dunes — sand boarding (BYO board or hire)
• Don't miss: Gordon River cruise, Hells Gates, Sarah Island history tour

The Tasmanian Central Highlands are a fly-fisher's paradise. Wild brown trout in pristine alpine lakes. Other visitors enjoy alpine air + summer wildflower meadows.

• Bush camps dotted across the highlands
• Be prepared for cold weather any month — even summer can throw snow
• Other lakes worth fishing: Penstock Lagoon, Little Pine Lagoon, Western Lakes
• Best season: November-April

Photo: Athithan Vignakaran / Unsplash

White sand beaches + vivid lichen-coloured rocks contrasting clear blue Pacific waters. Includes the iconic Wineglass Bay.

• Activities: swimming, snorkelling, rock climbing, fishing for southern bluefin tuna in autumn
• Camping: idyllic coastal options, supplies at Coles Bay
• Walks: Wineglass Bay lookout (1hr), full bay return (4hr), peninsula traverse (multi-day)
• Best season: October-April; book ahead in summer

The Huon River cuts a picturesque path from Huonville to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Predominantly sealed touring roads. Fruit orchards, berry gardens, wineries, seafood — temptations everywhere.

• Activities: jet boat rides on the river, forestry drives for 4WDs, cellar door tasting
• Camping at formal sites along the valley
• Best season: spring-autumn (apple blossom in spring, harvest in autumn)

One of the first NPs declared in Tasmania, off the Gordon River Road. Abundant wildlife including quolls + friendly pademelons.

• Don't miss: Russell Falls, Lady Barron Falls, glacial topography
• Lake Dobson access (unsealed) — 2WD ok in summer; cross-country skiing in winter
• Camping on the Tyenna River, good shaded facilities

Twin island accessed via vehicular ferry from Kettering. Disturbing pioneering history; otherwise sleepy + scenic.

• Wildlife cruise is a must — fur seals, dolphins, often whales
• Bushwalking across the islands
• 4WD beach drives on the wild south island
• Conventional vehicles fine elsewhere
• Camping across the islands — commercial + bush options
• Don't miss: the cheese, the fudge, the oysters at Get Shucked, the Forty-spotted Pardalote (rare endemic bird)

Tasmania has some of Australia's most diverse camping — from coastal beach camps to alpine wilderness. Check our live Campsite Explorer for current TAS options.

Browse all TAS campsites →

• Parks Tasmania bookings: parks.tas.gov.au
• Tasmania NP pass (essential): passes.parks.tas.gov.au
• Cradle Mountain shuttle: parks.tas.gov.au/cradle-mountain
• Weather + marine: bom.gov.au/tas
• Fire bans (TFS): fire.tas.gov.au
• Spirit of Tasmania ferry: spiritoftasmania.com.au
• Leave No Trace Australia: lnt.org.au

Tasmania is the great mainland-Aussie discovery — easy to underestimate, impossible to fully explore in one trip. Pack warm clothes regardless of season, plan to drive less + stay longer (the island feels bigger than the map suggests), and lean into the local food + wine scene that's grown up around the small communities.

Pick a region per trip — east coast (Bay of Fires + Freycinet) is the easy intro; west coast (Strahan + Cradle) is the dramatic showpiece; south (Huon + Bruny) is the gentle finale. Each deserves a full week.