Major Tourist Attractions

Port Arthur Historic Site

One of the eleven World Heritage Listed Australian Convict Sites properties, the Port Arthur Historic Site is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites in the world.

One of Tasmania’s premier tourism experiences, the Site combines history and scenic beauty with innovative interpretation to tell the stories of the harsh discipline and determined industry of the settlement. There is a lot to see and do – over 30 historic buildings and ruins to explore and a range of guided tours and other activities, including the eerie lantern-lit Historic Ghost Tour and exploring the evocative interpretation of the Separate Prison.

Tourist Attractions

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises provides three hour eco-cruises along Bruny Island’s rugged coast, southern Tasmania. Operating since 1999, we have welcomed over 140,000 passengers on the 50km journey to view some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs and join in the search for the abundant sea and coastal wildlife.

Bruny Island Cruises provides considerable benefit to the Bruny Island, Huon/Channel and Hobart regions through publicity, visitation, local purchasing, employment, donations and fundraising support. They have brought considerable focus to the region through customer recommendations, marketing activity, national award wins and acting as a state icon in Tourism Tasmania’s campaigns.

Major Festivals & Events

Ten Days on the Island

Ten Days on the Island is Tasmania’s premier cultural event, a state-wide biennial celebration of arts and culture. In 2011, the 6th festival, 232 performances were presented at 111 venues across the state, attracting an audience of 155,000.

Ten Days encompasses a range of art-forms including performing and visual arts, film, literature and food events. Ten Days is committed to the presentation of a unique combination of international and Tasmanian artists, contributing to the promotion of Tasmania as one of the world’s culturally vibrant, innovative and interesting islands.

Festival & Events

Festival of Voices

Festival of Voices is Tasmania’s leading winter cultural event and Australia’s premier festival celebrating the vocalist and the power of song. For five days in the heart of winter Hobart comes to life with international guest artists, workshops and concerts engaging more than 10,000 singers and audience members.

In 2010, the Festival grew from a four-day to five-day event and attracted 2,500 visitors from interstate. From its beginnings in 2005, the Festival has grown from a pilot project with seed funding to a major event generating more than $2 million from interstate visitation and $3 million to the Tasmanian economy.

Ecotourism

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises provides three hour eco-cruises out of Adventure Bay, along Bruny Island’s rugged coast in Southern Tasmania. Passengers are taken on a 50km journey along the Bruny Island’s coastline below some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs to explore sea stacks and sea caves, and to join in the search for the abundant sea and coastal wildlife.

Underpinning the experience is a genuine connection with the precious coastal wilderness and the need to conserve it. The owner, Robert Pennicott, is committed to sustainable operation with minimal negative impact on the environment and the surrounding community.

Heritage & Cultural Tourism

Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre

The Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre provides a unique and authentic insight into the history of the Tamar Valley. It is inextricably linked to the story of gold and the mining heritage of Beaconsfield.

It represents a rich cultural resource with well over 10,000 artefacts that entice visitors to interact, explore and discover the social, industrial and mining history of the Tamar Valley and its people. Hands on displays entertain and inform with buttons to push, tunnel to crawl through and a brand new 3D Holographic experience.

Specialised Tourism Services

The Wilderness Gallery

The Wilderness Gallery is a world class photographic gallery situated at Cradle Mountain Chateau, on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This region is part of Tasmania’s wilderness World Heritage Area - one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia. We offer guests a multi sensory encounter that genuinely enhances the Cradle Mountain visitor experience.

The Wilderness Gallery is owned by Tasmania’s largest tourism operators, the family owned Federal Group, and is central to the company’s inspiring experiential tourism strategy, encompassed under their Pure Tasmania branding. The Wilderness Gallery is the largest privately owned photographic gallery in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visitor Information & Services

Launceston Travel and Information Centre

The Launceston Travel and Information Centre (LTIC) is one of Tasmania’s largest Visitor Centres. Owned and operated by Launceston City Council since 2003, we are located in the heart of Launceston’s central business district with a satellite Centre at the Launceston Airport in the Arrivals section.

Open 363 days per year we provide a full booking and information service for visitors to the Launceston region and Tasmania. The team at LTIC is comprised of fully trained and experienced travel consultants who take pride in providing visitors with local knowledge and in-depth information to ensure the best Tasmanian experience possible.

Meetings & Business Tourism

Country Club Tasmania

For conventions, incentives, seminars, meetings or trade shows, Country Club Tasmania in Launceston offers a range of dynamic spaces including 11 conference rooms, all equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities. Our conference team members are specialists in the field, with the professional skills and experience to help plan and present a successful and memorable Tasmanian event.

With outstanding accommodation, award winning restaurants and entertainment and a variety of recreational activities all available for delegates on-site, Country Club Tasmania is the perfect choice. In the past year Country Club has held on site hundreds of meetings & events where there has been a significant flow on for tourism in Northern Tasmania.

Major Tour & Transport Operators

Spirit of Tasmania

TT-Line Company Pty Ltd (TT-Line), operators of Spirit of Tasmania I and II, has been operating passenger and passenger vehicle ships between Tasmania and Victoria since 1985 - firstly within the Department of Transport Tasmania and then as a state owned company wholly owned by the Tasmanian Government.

The advocacy of the Tasmanian tourism industry was a driving force behind the decision to purchase the two Spirit of Tasmania ships in 2002 and it has proven a major success. TT-Line is committed to enhancing the Tasmanian economy. Research has shown that visitors who arrive by sea, stay in Tasmania longer, travel more broadly in regional areas and spend more in the state. The Company is a significant investor in destination marketing interstate and its promotions aimed at attracting Spirit passengers also promote Tasmania more generally, also helping to attract people who arrive by air.

Tour & Transport Operators

Gordon River Cruises

Gordon River Cruises offers a journey to a world lost in time, deep into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers World Heritage Area. Our luxury vessel, Lady Jane Franklin II, traverses the magnificent Macquarie Harbour to a river world renowned - the Gordon.

In 2001, Gordon River Cruises was purchased by Tasmania’s largest tourism operators, the Federal Group, as part of the company’s inspiring experiential tourism strategy, encompassed under their Pure Tasmania branding. Today, 100,000 visitors cruise the Gordon River every year. They come to hear the stories of the past and to experience the magic of 1.4 million hectares of land preserved for all time as World Heritage Area.

Adventure Tourism

The Maria Island Walk

There are few places on the planet that offer the tranquillity and unspoiled natural beauty of Tasmania’s Maria Island.

It is world heritage listed and a sanctuary for a Noah’s Ark of rare Tasmanian wildlife including 1000 kangaroos, 400 wombats, 200 Cape Barren Geese and two Park Rangers and the Maria Island Walk.

This gentle four day walk offers small groups of eight guests and two guides, a unique and unforgettable blend of rare wildlife, history, breathtaking scenery, candlelight dining and elegant accommodation. Is there a better place on the planet to spend four days? Probably not.

Tourism Marketing

Pure Tasmania

Pure Tasmania gathers the best tourism accommodation and experiences Tasmania has to offer, marketing them through advertising, public relations, social media, electronic and online communication and sponsorships. This high-end consumer brand is designed to provide visitors with a “one-stop shop” solution to researching, planning and booking their Tasmanian holiday, including dedicated call centre operators and a sophisticated online booking engine.

Representing accommodation and experiences in Strahan, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, as well as the gateways of Hobart and Launceston, Pure Tasmania is designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay, and to return to explore more of Tasmania’s delights.

Tourism Education & Training

The Skills Institute - Tourism Qualifications

Commencing operations in January 2009, The Skills Institute Tourism and Hospitality Unit have evolved from the traditional TAFE model to being an integrated partner with industry and identifying and providing training opportunities on quantifiable demand. Our ultimate goal is to raise the professional standards of the industry as a whole, thus creating a sustainable and economical industry.

We stay ahead of our competitors through our highly experienced and knowledgeable staff and our adaptable learning environment located state-wide: The operational Drysdale Campus, the new Green Star Campus in Launceston or our state-of-the-art E-Learning facility.

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

The Point Revolving Restaurant

The Point Revolving Restaurant is a French-inspired fine dining establishment in Sandy Bay, Hobart. Located at the top of the Wrest Point tower, diners can enjoy stunning 360 degree panoramic views across the River Derwent, Mount Wellington and Hobart city.

The restaurant is highly recognised for its innovative French-inspired seasonal menu, sourcing premium Tasmanian produce. Point Revolving is positioned as the ultimate 'special occasion' dining experience within greater Hobart and attracts the likes of tourists from across the globe during their visits to Tasmania. Operating since 1973, Point Revolving is one of Hobart's lasting and unique tourism legacies.

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Boutique Breweries

Leaning Church Vineyard

Leaning Church Vineyard guarantees a funky, fresh and fun approach to wine, whisky and food tastings! Located at Lalla, only 20 minutes from Launceston, this unique cellar-door and 22-year-old vineyard are set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre overlooking lily-covered lakes and endless rows of vines to towering Mt Arthur.

Passionate owners Sarah and Mark Hirst offer tastings of their internationally-recognised wines and Tasmanian whisky, as well as quirky wine descriptions, all-day dining, special eye-fillet steak BBQs every weekend, tours of their historic “leaning” church and stunning weddings in the garden and lakeside marquees. Perfect for a memorable and unique tastings experience.

Tourist & Caravan Parks

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park

BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is a 4.5 star, modern holiday park. Set in the picturesque east coast town of St Helens with easy access to the Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay and nearby beaches. We have a range of quality accommodation from luxury modern cabins to budget cabins and ensuite, powered and unpowered sites.

Our fun and modern facilities such as jumping pillow, camp kitchen and playground along with a many unique services and activities complete the holiday experience. The Best Tasmanian Park, in the Best State of Australia, in the Best Location in Tasmania. BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park.

Backpacker Accommodation

Arthouse Hostel

The Arthouse Hostel is located at 20 Lindsay Street, Launceston, Tasmania. It is a rare Victorian Italianate weather board building, built as a Trades Hotel in 1888, then a parsonage and bed and breakfast, until 2007 when it became the Arthouse Hostel.

A purpose built backpacker hostel in an existing heritage listed building with a mix of dormitory and private rooms, with original chimney, doors, skirting and floor boards, it has shared modern bathroom facilities, gas heated water and excellent communal areas.

Hosted Accommodation

Sheoaks on Freycinet

Be cosseted year round at Sheoaks on Freycinet, a Leigh Woolley designed, purpose built, waterfront B & B on Great Oyster Bay at Coles Bay. All rooms provide sea views, en-suites, superbly comfortable pillow topped beds and fluffy bath sheets.

Delicious breakfasts feature fresh Tasmanian produce. All other meals, including walker’s lunches, are available by arrangement. Sheoaks’ relaxing sitting room is a great place to chat with fellow guests over a cuppa and homemade biscuits. Watch the sunset from the deck whilst enjoying a glass of local wine and oysters fresh from the bay, or a tasty barbecue meal.

Unique Accommodation

Huon Bush Retreats

Located in an extensive private habitat reserve, Huon Bush Retreats is central to all the attractions on the Huon Trail and is just 50 minutes drive from Hobart. This award winning, green tourism accredited retreat, offers guests a choice of contemporary, self contained cabins, deluxe tippees and private campsites against an inspiring backdrop of Tasmanian native forest.

Experience solar electricity, pure rain water and private outdoor baths. Huon Bush Retreats offers a true retreat. End of valley privacy is protected by 4km winding gravel road. 5km of interpreted walking tracks wind through rainforest, to a hidden waterfall and mountaintop.

Standard Accommodation

Bruny Island Escapes

Bruny Island Escapes offers a range of self-contained quality accommodation at various locations across Bruny Island. With cosy log fires, spectacular water views and wildlife at your doorstep, Bruny Island Escapes offer the opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with nature in this ‘untouched’ paradise.

Choose your escape from a variety of fully self contained accommodation options with either beachfront, waterfront or water views. We offer a comfortable and welcoming environment from which to relax and explore the many natural wonders that this amazing island has to offer.

Deluxe Accommodation

The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Hobart’s multi-award winning Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel has built a reputation among business and leisure travellers as one of Australia's most welcoming and relaxing inner-city hotels. Renowned for spacious rooms and friendly hospitality, the property is centrally located – within a stone’s throw of the city centre and just a block from Hobart’s waterfront.

Accommodation consists of a unique choice of 242 fully serviced apartments and hotel rooms; the decor is contemporary, rooms are well appointed and immaculately presented. A comprehensive range of business, conference and hospitality services is on offer, complemented by Stockmans Restaurant and The Baaa Bar.

Luxury Accommodation

Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet is a luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast, designed to provide the ultimate indulgent Tasmanian tourism experience. A winner of multiple national and international tourism accolades in the past 12 months, Saffire is dedicated to providing quality, memorable service; unforgettable experiences; indulgent and self-selected dining options; and inspiring accommodation spaces.

With 20 accommodation suites, restaurant and bar, Spa Saffire, gym, library and a range of on and off-site activities that are included in the package rates, Saffire is designed to open up new tourism markets to Tasmania, building a new wealth for the state’s tourism industry.

New Tourism Development

MONA

MONA, the $80 million Museum of Old and New Art, opened in Hobart in January 2011 to international acclaim. It is a subversive artistic celebration and architectural triumph like no other. The southern hemisphere’s largest private museum, MONA’s $100 million opening exhibition is a private collection of the museum’s creator, Hobart businessman David Walsh.

Egyptian mummies and ancient coins are juxtaposed with some of the world’s most thought-provoking contemporary art, exhibited across 6,000 square meters of galleries. Cut into the banks of the Derwent River, the building’s breathtaking subterranean design and David Walsh’s unconventional curatorial approach make MONA a must-see for any visitor to Australia.

Sustainable Tourism

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys operates Bruny Island Cruises and Tasman Island Cruises, taking passengers into Tasmania’s spectacular southern coastal wilderness, home to abundant wildlife. The owner, Robert Pennicott, is committed to sustainable operation and supporting the local and international community through donations for conservation and philanthropic causes.

In 2007, he formed the Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund enabling him to contribute a portion of businesses profits towards Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife’s coastal management and protection. In 2011 Robert circumnavigated Australia in a dinghy sized boat to raise money for conservation and to help Rotary eradicate Polio from the world.

People's Choice

Tamar Visitor Centre

The Tamar Visitor Centre located in Exeter is a member of the Tasmanian Visitor Information Network (TVIN).

Our friendly staff and volunteers are available to assist with accommodation bookings, itinerary building, tour bookings, national parks passes and general travel information for the Tamar Valley and Tasmania.

We also stock an extensive range of locally made and branded merchandise.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

Greg Farrell

Mr Greg Farrell is the Managing Director of Federal Group Tasmania, the largest Tasmanian tourism business and the state’s largest private sector employer. Under Greg’s stewardship, the company has dramatically expanded its tourism assets in Tasmania through acquisitions and new developments, and has created the “Pure Tasmania” brand.

Greg’s vision has been to create an integrated tourism, hospitality, and entertainment business which provides unique experiences for Tasmanians, interstate visitors and international guests to the state.

Greg Farrell has an absolute commitment to the Tasmanian and Australian tourism industries, and is widely respected for his character, honesty and integrity.