- Tasmania is an island off the southern coast of Australia.
- The island is known for its pristine nature, rugged coastline and fascinating wildlife.
- American visitors may feel at home immediately upon arriving in Tasmania, but don't be fooled: the island's charm lies in its ability to surprise and inspire with breathtaking scenery.
The USA is full of beautiful landscapes, but there's nothing quite like experiencing the power of nature on the other side of the world.
Traveling to Tasmania, Australia, is like stepping into a world where the familiar meets the extraordinary. For first-time travelers looking to begin their bucket list journey, Tasmania offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, and a warm welcome. Located off the southern coast of the mainland, Tasmania boasts untouched wilderness, rugged coastlines and fascinating wildlife.
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With English as the primary language and a culture of warmth and hospitality, American visitors will feel right at home here, but don't be fooled: the island's charm lies in its breathtaking scenery.
From exploring ancient rainforests to savoring jaw-dropping cuisine, Tasmania promises an unforgettable vacation. I first visited the island in May, at the start of the Australian winter, and was amazed for most of the time. Here's what you need to know before planning your trip to Tasmania.
1. The flight lived up to expectations
There are no direct flights from the US to Tasmania. You have to fly via Sydney or Melbourne and then transfer to Launceston or Hobart. I went from Washington DC to San Francisco to Melbourne to Launceston and it was honestly awful. Next time I go I'll spend a day on the West Coast before catching the 14 hour flight from the US to Australia.
My recommendation is to take an overnight flight to Australia and use it to sleep and switch time zones.
Flights from the US to Melbourne and Sydney (with a connection to Tasmania) are plentiful, with several major airlines offering scheduled service. Travelers can choose from direct flights departing from major US cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, and even New York (with direct flights to Auckland). Airlines such as United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Qantas, and Air New Zealand offer direct flights.
(New nonstop flights from Dallas to Brisbane are scheduled to begin in October with American Airlines, and nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane with Delta Airlines in December.)
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2. Americans need a visa to enter the country
American travelers should be aware of visa requirements before going to Australia.
U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or eVisitor visa, which can be easily obtained online before departure.
The process is simple and usually requires basic personal information and a valid passport. Once your visa is approved, you'll be able to enter Australia multiple times for up to 90 days in any 12-month period. I downloaded the Australia ETA app (iOS and Android), filled out a simple application form, and received my visa in less than an hour.
3. Don't worry about time zones
There is a 14 hour time difference with the East Coast of the US. It sounds complicated, but embrace it.
The unique benefit of Tasmania's 14-hour time difference is the opportunity to completely disconnect and enjoy your holiday. The Australian time zone offers the perfect balance of relaxation and connection, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the serene scenery and vibrant culture during the day, while spending a few hours in the mornings and evenings connecting with loved ones back home. It's the ideal scenario for anyone looking to unwind without being completely disconnected.
4. Connect with nature
A wide range of experiences allow travellers to immerse themselves in Tasmania's breathtaking nature.
At Cradle Mountain in Lake St. Clair National Park, you can hike rugged trails, take in stunning mountain views and, if you're visiting at night, take a McDermott's Coach ride to spot adorable wildlife.
But if hiking isn't your thing, don't worry: for a unique adventure, truffle hunting at Deloraine's Truffle Farm is another way to experience the island's culinary traditions, while wine lovers can get a taste of Tasmania at Clover Hill Winery in Levrina, known for its exquisite sparkling wines and picturesque vineyards.
Whether you're trekking through pristine wilderness, foraging for gourmet food or sipping fine wine, Tasmania offers something for every nature lover.
5. Nothing is going to kill you
If you've seen videos on social media of Australians struggling with snakes and large spiders, rest assured.
Fear of wildlife is often a big issue for travellers, but Tasmania's lack of large predators makes it a nature lover's paradise, where you can explore lush forests and pristine coastlines without the fear of being eaten.
Tasmania's unique ecosystem is home to creatures such as Tasmanian devils (very rare to find, I didn't manage to spot one), puggles, platypuses, pademelons, wombats and wallabies, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all visitors.
According to Tourism Australia, Tasmania is home to three species of snakes, two of which are dangerous to humans but encounters are extremely rare.
6. There's something for everyone to enjoy
You won't go hungry in Tasmania. Not at all.
Tasmania's food culture is a vibrant tapestry of flavours that reflects the island's culinary influences. From fresh seafood caught from pristine waters to farm-to-table produce, there's something to please every palate. British, Mediterranean and Asian influences blend to create unique gastronomic experiences. You can sample everything from gourmet meals in Hobart's top restaurants to artisan cheeses and local wines in country eateries.
The coffee scene is remarkable: Melburnians claim theirs is the best in the world, and Tasmania is a close second.
Stop by Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew in Launceston for the perfect pint, delicious food and great ambiance.
7. Easy access to other parts of the world
Once in Australia, travellers can take advantage of affordable flights to explore the continent and beyond.
Low-cost airlines frequently operate budget flights to other Australian cities, opening up the opportunity for affordable travel to fascinating nearby destinations such as Bali, Japan, Fiji and New Zealand. These neighbouring countries are only a few hours away by plane, so you can extend your adventure without spending a fortune.
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore more of the Asia Pacific region with convenient, cost-effective travel options.
A reporter for this story was granted access to the event by Tourism Australia. USA TODAY retains editorial rights to content.
