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

Since its inception in 1999, Bruny Island Cruises has become one of Tasmania’s iconic attractions. Over 200,000 guests have joined the infectious, enthusiastic crew on the custom-built yellow boats for the 50km journey along Bruny Island’s spectacular coastline, with its towering sea cliffs, deep sea caves and abundant wildlife. The business invests considerable resources into publicity and this has brought significant benefit to Bruny Island and surrounding regions through increased visitation, employment, local purchasing and community support. Bruny Island Cruises supports a range of conservation and humanitarian projects and it has won many state and national awards.

Major Festivals & Events

The Taste Festival

Every year, over the height of the summer festivities, Hobart’s waterfront puts on a show to remember - the iconic Taste Festival. The 2011/12 event saw up to 280,000 people enjoy seven days and nights of eating, drinking and entertainment. The 23rd Taste Festival was a landmark occasion, with the event’s long-time home, Princes Wharf Shed No. 1, revealing its $15 million makeover. Almost 700 extra seats, a large new deck, and a host of other improvements saw the spotlight shine brighter than ever before on Tasmania’s seafood, cheeses, berries, wines, boutique beers, and inspired international dishes with local flavours.

Festival & Events

Festival of Voices

The Festival of Voices aspires to be Australia’s premier event celebrating the voice, the vocalist 
and the power of song. It shines a light on the diverse power of the instrument of voice, and develops new audiences of those who seek out this experience. 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. Making its home on Hobart’s cultural wharf precinct, the Festival of Voices characterises the unique spirit that is Tasmania - independence, generosity, diversity, and authenticity.

Ecotourism

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises provides three-hour coastal wilderness experiences along Bruny Island’s rugged coast in Southern Tasmania. Passengers are taken on a 50km journey below some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs to explore sea stacks, deep sea caves and join in the search for the abundant wildlife. Underpinning the experience is a genuine connection with the precious coastal wilderness and the need to conserve it. The business is committed to operating sustainably with an emphasis on maximising benefits to the local community through local purchasing and employment as well as the financial support of conservation and humanitarian projects.

Heritage & Cultural Tourism

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. It is a place to discover Australian history and connect directly with some of the origins of contemporary Australian culture. 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 new Paranormal Investigations tour and exploring the evocative interpretation of the Separate Prison.

Specialised Tourism Services

Austrips

Austrips is a fully licensed travel agency and tour wholesaler offing tour planning services. We specialise in developing Tasmanian coach tours for a numbers of Australia leading coach companies and group tour operators.

Visitor Information & Services

Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre - Hobart

The Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, proudly owned and operated by Hobart City Council, provides comprehensive travel services catering to the individual needs of visitors to Tasmania. Currently serving over 283,000 people per year, the centres operations are shared between the Hobart Waterfront and Hobart Airport locations. The TTIC provides world class tourist information and booking service. The centres physical operation is supported though continually updated online services and readily available telephone consultations. With an annual turnover of approximately $3.2 million the Centre provides great economic benefit to Hobart while also generating unquantifiable benefits to the State through information services.

Business Tourism

The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel

Hobart’s multi-award winning Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel has built a reputation among business travellers as one of Australia's most welcoming and relaxing inner-city hotel and conference venues. 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. A comprehensive range of business, conference and meeting services is on offer, suitable for 2 to 200 guests and complemented by Stockmans Restaurant and the Baaa Bar.

Major Tour & Transport Operators

Spirit of Tasmania

Spirit of Tasmania’s Melbourne-Devonport service offers flexibility and convenience when planning a holiday. The twin ships sail from Spirit of Tasmania’s terminals located on The Esplanade in East Devonport, Tasmania and Station Pier in Port Melbourne, Victoria. Passengers can choose from a variety of accommodation options suitable for all budgets.Passengers can take advantage of the facilities on board; browse the gift shop, watch a movie in the on board cinema, visit the travel information centre or enjoy live entertainment on selected day sailings. Plus, there is the option to relax with a local Tasmanian beer or wine at one of the bars, enjoy a selection of dishes from the buffet style eatery, or indulge in some of Tasmania’s finest produce in the contemporary restaurant - the choice is yours! Vehicles including those with trailers, caravans and motorhomes can be accommodated on board. Passengers can load their cars with plenty of luggage and gear including golf clubs, fishing rods, camping equipment and anything needed for a touring adventure. Experience the allure of sea travel. It’s fun, relaxing and stress-free. Simply drive on board for an adventure where half the fun is getting there. Embrace the ocean views, stroll the decks and breathe in the sea breeze - there’s nothing quite like it! Make your next holiday a trip to remember! Visit spiritoftasmania.com.au

Tour & Transport Operators

The Maria Island Walk

The Maria Island Walk is a beautiful four day guided walk on the world heritage Maria Island National Park off the east coast of Tasmania. Starting and finishing in Hobart, small groups of eight guests and two guides the length of the island exploring world heritage history and rare wildlife by day and enjoy candlelit dining in exclusive accommodation at night The Maria Island Walk is a Tasmanian family owned and operated tourism business that showcases our unique wilderness and wildlife, gourmet delights and wine and warm hospitality

Adventure Tourism

The Maria Island Walk

The Maria Island Walk is a beautiful four day experience on the world heritage Maria Island National Park off the east coast of Tasmania. Starting and finishing in Hobart, small groups of eight guests and two guides the length of the island exploring world heritage history and rare wildlife by day and enjoy candlelit dining in exclusive accommodation at night The Maria Island Walk is a Tasmanian family owned and operated tourism business that showcases our unique wilderness and wildlife, gourmet delights and wine and warm hospitality

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

Rosny College Vocational Education and Training (VET) Tourism Programme

The Vocational Education and Training (VET) Tourism Programme has been offered at Rosny College since 2001 and since that time has gained an outstanding reputation in the industry for producing tourism graduates who have the knowledge, skills and passion to embark on a long and rewarding career in the industry - mainly on a local level initially, but many graduates are now working in locations nationally and internationally.

Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services

Cable Station Restaurant

Cable Station’s tele-communication history and location 5 minutes from the fishing port of Stanley and it’s Nut on the North West (NW) coast of Tasmania together with the availability of quality producers’ across Tasmania allows us to create for Cable Station restaurant visitors and house guests a renowned slow food culinary experience all year that is combined with Tasmanian heritage and wildlife. Our passion for fresh, local and seasonal produce is one of the unique features of the restaurant that provides a smaller more intimate dining experience for visitors and a sense of connection to Tasmanian produce, people, heritage and nature.

Tourism Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries

Puddleduck Vineyard

Puddleduck Vineyard is a family run boutique winery and cellar door 25 minutes from Hobart in Southern Tasmania. Visitors can try premium cool climate wines in an intimate and friendly setting whilst watching the ducks puddling. Nestled beside our dam and vineyard, surrounded by a cottage garden, Puddleduck is home to ducks, dogs, and Tasmania’s first “Reverse BYO’. Visitors bring the food and we supply the beverages! Wines with names such as Bubbleduck and items such as Quacking Beans for sale, it’s not hard to see why we are firm favourites with locals, tourists and the young at heart! Bottoms-Up!

Tourist & Caravan Parks

BIG 4 St. Helen's Holiday Park

BIG4 St. Helens Holiday Park is a 4.5 star holiday, caravan and tourist park on Tasmania's East Coast. It has 175 sites, and various accommodation options including 24 beautifully appointed cabins and 6 ensuites - ie. caravan sites with their own private bathrooms, 61 powered sites, 41 unpowered sites and 49 annual tourist sites. Guests enjoy a large range of family-friendly services and activities including a state-of-the-art children's playground, and a well-equipped camp kitchen, which is a popular gathering place for all our visitors. The Park is set in a relaxed, natural environment and offers a complete holiday experience.

Hosted Accommodation

Sheoaks on Freycinet

Sheoaks on Freycinet is 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 home made biscuits and to 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

Rocky Hills Retreat

Rocky Hills Retreat, a completely private, elegant and intimate space for two, high on a hill overlooking Great Oyster Bay and Maria Island. The retreat provides a luscious platform on 300 acres of Tasmanian bush from which to engage with nature, to watch the weather roll in, the sun dancing on the sea, the amazing gentle light in the valley at dusk and the stars looking as though they have been lowered to greet you. Guests love the hand crafted Huon Pine bath on the evening deck and playing in the fully equipped art studio, just a short wander away.

Standard Accommodation

Sandpiper Ocean Cottages

Sandpiper Ocean Cottages is a beach oasis on Tasmania's East Coast. The property provides a range of self-contained 3.5 star accommodation nestled in private native gardens and boasting over 1 km of absolute pristine beachfront. Come experience a "Tassie Shack Holiday " in Bicheno and see why people keep coming back.

Deluxe Accommodation

Avalon Coastal Retreat

Avalon Coastal Retreat is a serene, deluxe retreat perched on a headland, overlooking Great Oyster Bay. The award-winning, architecturally-designed, modernist ‘glass house’ accommodates up to six people in lavish comfort. Avalon was created with love and passion to be a place of celebration, exploration and peace. Avalon provides experiences for our guests that are about ‘coming home’, which is why the most common comment we hear is ‘we don’t want to leave’. Avalon is part of our vision of creating extraordinary accommodation experiences in this glorious and diverse heaven, that is Tasmania.

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

Paranormal Investigation Experience

The inaugural Paranormal Investigation Experience occured in February 2012. This tour allows visitors to conduct their own paranormal investigations with the assistance of the latest ghost hunting equipment throughout various buildings at the Port Arthur Historic Site. Buildings visited include the Commandants Cottage, Separate Prison, Visiting Magistrates House, Parsonage (known as one of the most haunted buildings in Australia) and our Church.

Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys provides eco-cruise experiences showcasing the spectacular coastal wilderness of Southern Tasmania. Both its Bruny Island and Tasman Island Cruises feature the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere, deep sea caves and abundant sea and coastal wildlife. Sustainable business practices are core to the business’s success through careful planning and investment, environmental impact minimisation and maximisation of benefits to the local community. Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is Advanced Ecotourism Accredited, 100% carbon offset and Earthcheck Assessed, achieving Best Practice scores for all measurements. A significant portion of the business profits are donated towards important conservation and humanitarian projects.

Health and Wellbeing Tourism

Bay of Fires Lodge Walk

Located in north-east Tasmania, the magnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires provides a dramatic landscape, ecology and wildlife. Departing daily from October to May, the walk is a 4 day/3 night experience, led by well-informed guides, small groups of no more than 10 walkers can explore both the fascinating beach environment and the rich diversity of the nearby woodlands. The first night’s accommodation is spent at Forester Beach Camp, in a private haven nestled in a protected dune swale behind a stretch of superb white-sand beach. The second and third nights’ accommodation are at the award winning Bay of Fires Lodge.

Student of the Year

Emily Bremner

Emily is a third year Bachelor of Tourism student at the University of Tasmania. As the Tourism Student of the Year Emily will participate in the Skal International Hobart Club student exchange, travelling to Denmark in 2013 to experience the diversity of the international tourism industry.

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

John Hamilton

John Hamilton has been closely involved with the Tasmanian tourism industry for almost 35 years. When he opened the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park in 1978, it was the first time since the closure of the Beaumaris Zoo in the 1930s that Tasmanians, and visitors to Tasmania, could experience our unique native wildlife up close. John has pioneered the visitor interpretation of Tasmanian wildlife through experiences such as the "Kings of the Wind" free-flight presentation, and more recently adopting the ‘UnZOO’ principals of free-range animal captivity allowing visitors to come face-to-face with our wildlife in their natural setting. John has been a leader in developing Tasmania’s tourism industry over 30 years, especially on the Tasman Peninsula in leading the promotion and marketing of the Peninsula as a destination offering a range of experiences alongside Port Arthur.

People’s Choice

Sandpiper Ocean Cottages

Sandpiper Ocean Cottages is a beach oasis on Tasmania's East Coast. The property provides a range of self-contained 3.5 star accommodation nestled in private native gardens and boasting over 1 km of absolute pristine beachfront. Come experience a "Tassie Shack Holiday " in Bicheno and see why people keep coming back.