The island state of Tasmania is blessed with an incredibly diverse range of stunning landscapes and natural wonders. A visit to Tasmania will give you a chance to marvel at the most spectacular scenery and jaw dropping natural formations that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world!
From pristine beaches to ancient rainforests and snow-capped peaks, there is truly no shortage of extraordinary natural landmarks in Tasmania! The best way to see most of these landmarks in one trip is by following our epic 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary.
I created this list of the 15 best natural landmarks in Tasmania to inspire you to visit this amazing state and add some of these spots to your Australian bucket list!
I’ve also included some useful information to help you plan your visit to each of these landmarks. In this post, you’ll find tips on how to get there, what to do when you’re there and highly-rated tours that will take you to these attractions.
Table of Contents
15 Must-See Natural Landmarks of Tasmania
Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park

Lovely views of Cradle Mountain from Dove Lake
Cradle Mountain is the most famous landmark in Tasmania, receiving the highest number of annual visitors in the state. There are many awesome things to do around Cradle Mountain but the biggest draw is the fantastic selection of hiking trails to choose from.
With stunning natural scenery and many opportunities to see native wildlife, you could easily spend a few days in Cradle Mountain. If you only have one day to spend here, there is still plenty to see and do within a day.
Depending on your physical abilities, there is a hiking trail to suit everyone in this national park. Whether you prefer a magical rainforest walk or lakes and mountains as your backdrop, each trail offers its own unique and beautiful views.
The most popular Cradle Mountain walking track is the Dove Lake Circuit. Following a boardwalk around the lake, this trail is easy and suitable for all ages. It can be completed within 3 hours and showcases the best of the national park with great views of Cradle Mountain throughout the hike.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, the Cradle Mountain Summit hike will reward you with breathtaking views from the top. Keep in mind this hike will take up most of your day and isn’t ideal for families with young children.
Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

View over Wine Glass Bay from Mt Amos
Located on Tasmania’s east coast, Wineglass Bay is an incredibly picturesque beach surrounded by mountains and pristine wilderness. This is perhaps one of the most iconic scenes in all of Tasmania. It’s even been listed as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful beaches!
There are several different ways to experience this remote paradise. Taking a 30-minute scenic flight is the most popular way to get a bird’s eye view over Wineglass Bay and surrounding national park without having to hike.
Another great option is to take a boat cruise which brings you right up close to Wineglass Bay. The cruise lasts for 4 hrs and includes a delicious lunch on board.
When we visited Wineglass Bay, we opted for more of a challenge. Hiking to the top of Mount Amos isn’t a walk in the park however, this is where you’ll find one of the best views of over the famous bay. The hike takes 3 hours return and includes some very steep and rough terrain.
If this doesn’t appeal to you, the Wineglass Bay Lookout hike also offers great views with an easier trail. With some steep areas, the hike is still classified as moderate but only takes 1.5hrs to complete.
The Nut, Stanley

The Nut seen from the Highfield Lookout
Stanley is a lovely small town located on Tasmania’s north-west coast. While the town may be quite small, there are plenty of great things to do in Stanley that make your visit worthwhile.
Stanley is known for The Nut which is the most recognisable feature of the town. This unique and striking formation certainly deserves its title as one of the most iconic natural landmarks of Tasmania.
To get the best view of The Nut, head up to the Highfield Lookout. This spectacular viewpoint is the perfect spot to admire The Nut, the town of Stanley, the beach and surrounding landscapes. While you’re up there, don’t forget to visit the historic homestead which is well-preserved piece of colonial history.
If you would like to get closer to The Nut, you’re in luck! Taking a chair lift to top of this massive rock formation is one of the most popular things to do while in Stanley.
For those who prefer to get their daily steps in, you could also hike to the top of The Nut. The trail is pretty steep but it doesn’t take longer than 20 minutes to reach the top. Once you have arrived, there is a walking trail that loops around to several great viewpoints.
Mount Wellington, Hobart

Beautiful view of Hobart from Mount Wellington
One of the things you cannot miss when visiting Hobart is taking a trip to the top of Mount Wellington. There are a few ways to reach the top of this famous mountain but driving is the easiest option. The only way to get there is by following Pinnacle Road to the summit.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the Explorer Bus which offers a 2 hour return trip from Hobart. This bus ticket includes 30 minutes to enjoy the views from the summit.
Mount Wellington towers over Hobart and provides a breathtaking view over the city and surrounding landscapes from several lookout points. Aside from admiring the epic views, there are some other activities to choose from at the summit of Mount Wellington.
Explore one of the walking trails, go mountain biking, or stop for a coffee at the Lost Freight Cafe which is located on the way up to the summit. On your way back down to Hobart, don’t forget to stop in for a tasting at the historic Cascade Brewery. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Wellington, this is Australia’s oldest brewery!
Keep in mind that during the winter months, Pinnacle Road is known to close due to snowy and icy conditions. Always check the updated conditions before attempting the drive.
Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay

The post-card perfect Bay of Fires, Suicide Beach
The combination of bright orange boulders against vibrant turquoise water is what gives this iconic spot its name. The appropriately named Bay of Fires is located on Tasmania’s east coast and can be reached by driving 2.5 hrs east of Launceston.
The Bay of Fires makes a great addition to your Tasmania road trip itinerary or as a weekend getaway on its own. There are plenty of free beachfront campgrounds to choose from in the area. Staying in the town of Binalong Bay is also the perfect base for exploring the region’s most popular beaches.
The Bay of Fires consists of many stunning beaches and bays stretching out over 50km from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. Some of the best spots include Cosy Corner, Binalong Bay, Jeanneret Beach and Suicide Beach.
Suicide Beach is where you’ll find sheltered rock pools and beautiful beaches offering the perfect place for a swim. It was also one of our favourite spots to photograph in the Bay of Fires.
The best place to catch a Bay of Fires sunset is Binalong Bay. Watching the sun light up the orange rocks as it begins to set is a magical sight and results in the perfect photography opportunity!
Cataract Gorge, Launceston

Exploring the Cataract Gorge in Launceston
Only 2 minutes from Launceston’s city centre will take you to an unexpected natural Tasmanian landmark, the Cataract Gorge. It’s not often that you find such a unique formation so close to a major city!
Exploring the Cataract Gorge is a must when you’re in Launceston. There are so many things to see and do there, it could easily take up an entire day’s worth of sightseeing.
The Cataract Gorge is home to a number of walking trails with great views. You’ll also find a swimming pool, a restaurant, cafe, suspension bridge and even a chairlift. This also happens to be the world’s longest single span chairlift!
Entrance to the gorge is free so you can spend as much time as you like taking in the scenery and exploring the area. I would recommend taking a walk across the suspension bridge and then following the Cataract Walk.
This is a short and easy walk that leads you past the restaurant and then along the South Esk River on the inside of the gorge. There are plenty of lookouts to stop and take in the spectacular views.
Trowutta Arch, Tarkine Drive

Trowutta Arch, Tarkine Drive
If you’re doing a road trip in Tasmania, The Tarkine Drive is something you must include on your itinerary. Driving through this pristine wilderness will take you off the beaten path in Tasmania’s north-west.
The Tarkine Drive stretches out over 205 km which can be completed in a single day or stretched out over several days. With plenty of nice camping spots along the drive, you could easily take your time here.
Beginning and ending in the town of Smithon, the route loops through a section of untouched rainforest and then takes you back along the rugged northwest coast. You’ll see waterfalls, rivers and endless natural beauty along this scenic drive.
One of the things that stood out the most from our journey along the Tarkine Drive was the Trowutta Arch. An easy 30 minute walk through the dense rainforest will lead you to this otherworldly formation.
The Trowutta Arch is the result of an ancient cave that has collapsed. The best part of this place is that it’s one of the lesser known landmarks of Tasmania. Due to its remote location, it’s never busy there.
This means you can take your time to marvel at this natural wonder and capture a unique photo!
Boat Harbour Beach

Exploring the beautiful seaside town of Boat Harbour Beach
One of the best parts of a Tasmania road trip is stumbling upon unexpected gems that you hadn’t even heard of before! That was Boat Harbour Beach for us.
This small seaside town is located on Tasmania’s north coast, 1 hour west of Devonport. Boat Harbour Beach is like a scene from a postcard with its rolling green hills leading to vibrant turquoise water.
The biggest draw to this little town is the gorgeous beach. It’s easy to spend a day swimming in the crystal clear water and relaxing on the soft white sand. Boat Harbour Beach was actually included in the list of Australia’s top 10 beaches in 2017!
Before seeing this place with my own eyes, I certainly didn’t expect to find such a perfect beach in Tasmania’s north west! We ended up spending a few nights there in a caravan park in town while on our lap around Tasmania.
If you’re planning a summer trip to Tasmania, I would highly recommend adding this gem to your itinerary.
Painted Cliffs, Maria Island

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island
Swirling orange patterns splashed on the side of these limestone cliffs creates a scene like no other. The Painted Cliffs on Maria Island may be one of the lesser known landmarks of Tasmania but they certainly don’t fail to impress!
The only way to see the Painted Cliffs is by taking a day trip to Maria Island from the east coast of mainland Tasmania. You won’t regret spending the day exploring this remote paradise.
Maria Island is full of stunning natural beauty and offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife encounters. Aside from the Painted Cliffs, the wombats who roam the island are the best part!
The easiest way to explore Maria Island is by hiring a bike when you get there. The Painted Cliffs will be your first stop of the day, located only a 10 minute ride away from the island’s main settlement.
The best time of day to see these cliffs is when the tide is low as this will make it easier to walk around and take photos. For more info about planning your visit to Maria Island, see our detailed blog post here.
Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck

Pretty sunset colours at the Tessellated Pavement
Tessellated Pavement is one of those rare natural wonders that has to be seen to be believed. It only exists in a small number of places in the world and the Tasman Peninsula happens to be one of them.
As you make your way across the isthmus toward Port Arthur, this impressive natural landmark is the first attraction you will see. It’s easy to access, only a 10 minute walk from the main road.
This large area of flat rock is broken up by straight lines that almost resemble man-made tiles. What makes this place so fascinating is that it’s an entirely natural phenomenon that occurs over millions of years.
If you can time your visit right, the best time of day to see the Tessellated Pavement is during sunrise or sunset. The colourful sky reflecting off the water creates an amazing photography opportunity. This scenic spot also offers great views of the surrounding coastline.
Cape Raoul, Tasman National Park

Cape Raoul Lookout
Located in the south eastern corner of Tasmania, the incredible Tasman National Park features giant sea cliffs, amazing rock formations and a spectacular coastline.
This area can easily be visited if you’re spending some time in Port Arthur. Taking a day trip from Hobart is also possible, but you could easily spend more than a few days exploring all that this region has to offer.
The best of this national park can be seen by doing the Cape Raoul Walk. This epic 14km return track takes you through the dense forest before opening up at a series of lookouts at the edge of a dramatic cliff drop. The trail continues along the clifftops until you reach the end of the Cape Raoul peninsula.
If you prefer to do a shorter walk, you can simply walk 2.2km to the Cape Raoul Lookout and then return to the carpark. This won’t take longer than an hour and you will still be able to experience the jaw-dropping scenery.
Another great way to see the Tasman Peninsula without hiking is by booking a 3-hour boat cruise. Departing from Port Arthur, this popular boat tour will take you to see the massive sea cliffs, amazing rock formations, sea caves and wildlife. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.
The Neck, Bruny Island

The popular viewpoint at ‘The Neck’
Bruny Island is a popular place to spend a day trip from Hobart. The island offers the best of Tasmania all packed into one small island only 30 minutes from Hobart. The perfect combination of stunning scenery, amazing food and abundant wildlife is what makes this place so special.
One of the most unique natural landmarks of Tasmania can be found on Bruny Island. “The Neck” is an isthmus that connects the north and south parts of the island and offers breathtaking panoramic views from the lookout.
The best way to reach Bruny Island is by taking your car over on the ferry. This is the best way to travel between sites once you’re there as there is no public transportation on the island.
If you don’t have a car, you can book an organised day trip from Hobart. The full day tour will take you to the island’s best attractions. This includes gourmet food tastings, a visit to The Neck, animal sightings and a tour of the historic lighthouse. Find more info about tour prices and availability here.
Gordon River, Strahan

A cruise down the stunning Gordon River is a must (Credit: viator.com)
Tasmania’s west coast is home to a vast untouched wilderness. One of the best ways to explore this remote area is by taking a scenic cruise along the iconic Gordon River.
Award winning river cruises depart daily from the coastal town of Strahan. Whether you plan to visit on a short holiday or include it on a longer Tasmania itinerary, this is one of the best things to do in Strahan that shouldn’t be missed during your stay.
The river cruise lasts for around 6 hours and includes a delicious lunch on board the boat. Some of the highlights of your day will be cruising past the most pristine sections of an ancient rainforest, a guided tour of Sarah Island, and a stroll through the forest at Heritage Landing.
During the summer months, these cruises tend to book out in advance. Make sure to secure your spot online before you arrive otherwise there’s a good chance you’ll miss the date/time that you want. See prices and availability for Gordon River Cruises online.
Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park
We couldn’t complete a list of Tasmania’s famous landmarks without including some waterfalls! Surrounded by rainforest within Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls is a magical sight. It’s not hard to see why it’s referred to as the prettiest waterfall in Tasmania.
Mount Field National Park is Tasmania’s oldest national park and is home to a number of beautiful waterfalls and scenic walking trails. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Hobart making it perfect for a day trip or as a weekend camping trip.
We really enjoyed spending a few nights in the Mount Field Campground. It’s well located surrounded by tall trees and plenty of wildlife to be seen. We woke up one morning with the cutest pademlons running around our van!
Russell Falls can be reached by following an easy 1.4km return trail through the forest. This trail was even listed as one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks! If you’re up for a longer walk, check out the Three Falls Circuit which is a 6km loop that includes two more picturesque waterfalls.
Nelson Falls, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

The enchanting Nelson Falls
Another equally pretty waterfall, Nelson Falls is not to be missed on your drive from Queenstown to Derwent Bridge. You’ll find these falls nestled within a moss covered forest just off of the Lyell Highway.
The trail to Nelson Falls is an easy and flat 1.4km return track that takes no longer than 20 minutes to complete. The walk itself is almost as magical the falls, winding along a cascading river. This was our favourite waterfall in Tasmania, the scenery here is simply outstanding.
Learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna by reading several interpretive signposts along the path. The history of this region is fascinating and takes you all the way back to the time when Tasmania was part of the supercontinent of Gondwana!
Discover More Tasmania Travel Inspiration
- 11 Amazing Day Trips from Hobart
- The Ultimate 10-Day Tasmania Itinerary
- The Perfect Maria Island Day Trip Guide
- Hobart to Cradle Mountain – An Awesome 4-Day Itinerary
- Hiking Cradle Mountain – The Ultimate Guide
- 9 Amazing Things to do in Strahan, Tasmania
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