Tasmania Changes Everything You Think You Know About Australia

Most people cruise to Sydney and Melbourne. They skip the island 150 miles south that locals call Tassie. This is a mistake.

Tasmania delivers everything mainland Australia promises but rarely delivers. You want unique wildlife? Tasmanian devils actually exist here. You want pristine wilderness? Nearly half the island sits in World Heritage areas. You want food and wine without tourist trap pricing? Tasmania grows some of the world’s best cool climate wines and serves them without the Sydney markup.

The Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart ranks among the world’s most provocative museums. It sits underground like a modernist cave. The owner built it specifically to disturb people. Mission accomplished.

Here are two things most visitors never learn. First, Tasmania produces some of the world’s best whiskey. Sullivan’s Cove won World’s Best Single Malt Whisky in 2014. The distillery sits in a converted power station. Second, the island moves one inch closer to mainland Australia every year due to tectonic drift. Your grandchildren might drive there.

Princess and Celebrity both include Hobart on their Australia and New Zealand itineraries. The island works perfectly as part of a longer Pacific cruise. If you want Australia without the crowds and tourist theater, Tasmania delivers. If you want help sorting this out, that is literally what we do.