There is evidence everywhere that the southernmost Australian state is Australia’s leading place of arts and culture.
The most recommended museums on the Island are:
The TMAG or Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart is a great way to start and explore local history, art and heritage. It is a combined space of an art gallery and herbarium, which safeguards the physical evidence of Tasmania’s natural and cultural heritage and the cultural identity of Tasmanians. This museum is an excellent place for all visitors to Tassie, including families with kids.
MONA or the Museum of Old and New Art in Berriedale, only 25 minutes north of Hobart, is must-see in Tassie. Created by David Walsh, it is perhaps the most controversial exhibition in Australia or even globally. You need to see it to believe.
The Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston is the primary destination for art, history and natural sciences in Northern Tasmania. The collection is constantly changing and offer a fantastic opportunity for everyone when in Launceston.
Step into the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in Launceston to learn more about Tasmania’s aboriginal people and their culture.
The James Boags Brewery offers a great insight into how the Island became a hotspot for beer- brewing for those with a bit of special interest. Or perhaps the National Automobil museum in Launceston might be of interest.
When we visit the UNESCO world heritage listed Cradle Mountain National Park, a visit to the Wilderness gallery is always included. It showcases the life, stories and art of Tasmania. It also features one of the largest Thylacine exhibitions in the state.
Tasmania has museums, but it is also very famous for its many festivals and cultural events.
Every June, many visitors from the Australian mainland and overseas travel down to the Island to attend the Dark Mofo festival. The festival is hosts many events after dark and celebrates the winter solstice with lights installations and a winter feast.
The MONA FOMA is the opposite and is the islands summer festival with arts and music held in Launceston and Hobart.
There are many festivals and activities year-round as Tasmania’s love to get together and celebrate the way life.
Besides the arts scene, there is also a great music and theatre scene present in the state. Find everything from an underground music club to a world-class orchestra when crossing the Bass strait and visit the former convict and heritage-drenched is Island.
But there is more than festivals, museums and events. There is a strong bond to the Aboriginal culture on the Island. It is believed that about 20’000 aboriginal descendants call Tasmania or lutruwita their home. There are many important sites all-round the state we visit on our tours. We may incorporate it all on a bespoke itinerary from Mount Wellington/kunanyi to Bruny Island to the Tarkine in the North-West. The last know aboriginal person was called Truganini. She was known as the last survival speaker of the Nuenonne language.
When the colonisation of the British started in the 19th Century, many penal stations had been set up. The most famous are Port Arthur in Southern Tasmania and Sarah Island on the west coast. Most of the indigenous people have been murdered during the black war between 1820 and 1832. On a one day or multi-day tour, your experienced tour guide loves to share the history and convict stories with our guests.
Today, Hobart is a vibrant waterfront city and a great place to get a range of cultural experiences. We recommend joining us on a full day heritage tour where we visit the Salamanca area, Battery Point, and learn about the locals and aboriginal people in Southern Tasmania.
One day tours in Hobart we currently offer are:
- Hobart’s Whisky Trail, where you learn everything about whisky-making.
- The Art & Fine Wine Tour including a visit to MONA’s Moorilla estate and entry to MONA.
- Our popular Wilderness and Wildlife tour to get close to a Tasmanian Devil and a trip to Mount Field National Park.
- A day of Historic Tasmania where we dive deep into our heritage and visit Port Arthur to learn all the facts of the convict history.
- Our day trip to Maria Island on the east coast, a true paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Premier Travels own Bruny Island Experience, where we follow a tasting trail and have lunch on an award-winning local winery.
- and many more.
Bespoken tours we offer could include:
- A visit to a local truffle farm, including a dog search tour.
- A day dedicated to the Aboriginal Culture Heritage.
- A visit to the Botanical Gardens and the Domain where the local Government has its residence.
The possibilities are endless. Just ask our team to create your day or multi-day itinerary.
We endeavour to refund all paid monies in full during the COVID-19 pandemic and should government-enforced border closures be in place.
