Tasmania

Tasmania is a nature lovers’ paradise with some great beaches and national parks, but it also has a fascinating history, along with a vibrant food and arts scene.

If your cruise includes a call to Hobart, Salamanca Place is popular for its mix of galleries, restaurants, theaters, and craft shops. The city is well known for its Georgian and Victorian architecture, as well as the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals, and whales from its sea cliffs.

In Burnie, the Makers Workshop offers the opportunity to try artistic endeavors such as glass blowing and sculpting, and a historical replica of the town’s Federation Street at the Burnie Regional Museum. Burnie also boasts one of Tasmania’s most popular whiskey distilleries, and a 30-acre Rhododendron Garden at Emu Valley. If visiting between September to March, you can watch the migrating penguins at Burnie’s Little Penguin Observation Center.

Tasmania is also home to the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historical Site. This former convict penitentiary comprises 60 buildings and offers a sobering insight into the life of the 12,500 convicts imprisoned here in the 1800s. A docks and gardens is also available for guests to visit. 

A cruise on a Cunard Queen is the ideal way to visit Tasmania. Not only will you benefit from time ashore to explore independently in each port of call, but you’ll also have the benefit of inclusive dining, day-round entertainment, and accommodations on board as you sail between destinations.

Many cruises to Tasmania also offer roundtrip travel from Sydney or Melbourne, meaning you’ll start and end your vacation in the same port. For those not having to factor in an onward flight, this also allows you to bring as much luggage as you like on board too.

Depending on your fare type, you may also be given some additional spending money to use on board too. This could be put towards a relaxing treatment at the spa, a glass of champagne to enjoy with Afternoon Tea, or to ‘eat-out’ in style at one of your ship’s alternative dining restaurants.  

Tasmania is known for its changing weather, so the key thing to consider when packing for a cruise here is layers. It’s a good idea to bring a number of items of clothing that can be layered up, such as vests, t-shirts, and shirts as well as sweaters and cardigans. While Hobart is generally warm, other areas of Tasmania are known to see a lot of rain, so a thin, waterproof jacket is also advisable.

Tasmania offers a wealth of walking trails and opportunities to explore on foot, so if this sounds appealing be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes and maybe walking sticks if these are helpful to you. 

Compared to the big cities of Australia, Tasmania is generally slightly cheaper when it comes to food and drink. The following list gives you an idea of what to expect price wise (correct as of August 2022):

• A bottle of water (11oz) – AUD$2.20 (approx. $1.48)
• A pint of beer – AUD$6 (approx. $4.04)
• A three-course meal – AUD$50 (approx. $33.65)

With Cunard, you can sail to Tasmania from Australia on voyages varying from just 3 nights to more than 30 nights. Most voyages depart from Sydney; however, we also have options departing from Melbourne or Perth (Freemantle).

Browse our current Tasmania cruise itineraries to find your next adventure.

Like mainland Australia, Tasmania is considered to be a very safe destination for tourists. Tasmanian locals are friendly and welcoming, readily offering help and advice if its needed. There is a low crime rate in Tasmania, however you should always stay vigilant and be aware of petty crimes such as pick-pocketing.

Should you want to explore rural areas of Tasmania on foot, be aware of dangerous insects and snakes. It’s advisable to wear long pants and thick walking shoes/boots in these areas.

Tasmania is an island state of Australia and, like Australia, English is the official language. English is spoken by around 90% of the population.

The capital city of Tasmania is Hobart, located in the southeast of the island on the banks of the River Derwent. Hobart was founded by the British in 1804 as a penal colony, and remnants of its history continue to attract visitors today. Mount Wellington towers behind the city, and those who tackle the 4,167 ft mountain on its hiking and cycling trails are rewarded with stunning, sweeping views of Hobart below.