9 Best Tasmania Towns For A Weekend Trip

You don't need a month off to feel like you've escaped the world, just a weekend in the right corner of Tasmania. This island state of Australia comes with its own kind of charm. One minute you're sipping a glass of crisp white wine with views over rolling hills, the next you're walking empty beaches or wandering through old convict towns that carry the weight of another time. Whether you're after incredible food, wide-open nature, or just a proper reset, these nine Tasmanian towns each bring their own rhythm, and they're all perfectly built for a weekend that feels like much more. Here are the nine best towns on Tasmania for a weekend trip

Coles Bay

Tucked beneath the pink-granite Hazards and overlooking Great Oyster Bay is the stunning Tasmanian town of Coles Bay. It's the ideal weekend spot for adventurers and nature lovers. Start with a sunrise kayak or cruise to Wineglass Bay Lookout, soaking in those legendary coastal curves. Hike Mount Amos or the Hazards Beach Circuit for wild panoramas and maybe spot wombats or echidnas on the trail. Back in town, sample fresh oysters and mussels at Freycinet Marine Farm or Melshell Oyster Tours. For those seeking extravagant accommodations to balance out full days of outdoor activities, book a coastal pavilion at Freycinet Lodge, or revel in eco-luxury at Saffire Freycinet.

Strahan

Strahan sits on Tasmania's west coast, nestled on Macquarie Harbour, a gateway to ancient rainforests and rugged seas. It's ideal for nature lovers, history fans, or anyone after a weekend with a purpose. Kick things off with a Gordon River Cruise, where you'll glide past towering trees, mirror-smooth waters, and the haunting ruins of Sarah Island prison. Then take the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Regatta Point into the rainforest and deep gorges aboard a heritage steam train. Stroll to Hogarth Falls in People's Park and keep an eye out for platypus. Cap it all with sunset at Ocean Beach and a relaxed dinner at View 42 or one of the town's cozy local spots.

Swansea

Halfway up Tasmania's east coast on Great Oyster Bay is Swansea. The tiny town has Australia's classic white-sand beaches framed by pink-granite peaks. It's perfect for foodies, history buffs, and beach lovers. Wander the colonial-charm streets on the Heritage Walk, peek into the East Coast Heritage Museum and The Bark Mill Tavern. Splash around at Nine Mile or Spiky Beach, drop a line for flathead, then sip cool-climate Pinot at Milton or Craigie Knowe Vineyard. At night, stargaze over Great Oyster Bay before settling into a seaside hotel or local B&B.

Richmond

Richmond is your perfect weekend destination if you're into a slower pace and a bit of history with your one. Stroll across Australia's oldest stone bridge (built between 1823 and 1825), watch ducks drift beneath its arches, then step into the eerie cells of Richmond Gaol, the nation's oldest intact jail. Admire the Gothic stained glass at St. John's Catholic Church, then wander the miniature Old Hobart Town model village for a bite-sized colonial adventure that might make you feel a bit like Godzilla; just don't crush any of the tiny homes. Wrap it all up with wine and chocolate at Every Man and His Dog Vineyard and the adjoining Federation Artisan Chocolate. You may want to visit it twice.

Port Arthur

Perched on Tasmania's Tasman Peninsula, 90 minutes from Hobart, the Port Arthur Historic Site fuses coastal drama with convict-era grit. It's a weekend getaway town for history hounds, ghost-chasers, and anyone who loves a good story. Walk through Penitentiary walls, Separate Prison cells, and the haunting roofless Convict Church. Catch the harbor ferry to the Isle of the Dead, where gravestones of convicts and officers lie side by side. After all of that, you may want a cold one at McHenry Distillery or feel the need to visit the visually stunning purple views of Port Arthur Lavender farm just north of town.

Queenstown

If you're a thrill seeker, an art lover, or someone ready to embrace raw landscapes, Queenstown is the place to be. Hike the short Horsetail Falls trail, then snap dramatic views at the surreal Iron Blow lookout, which was scarred by the town's mining history. Explore the historic downtown area where the Art Deco Paragon Theatre can be found. Here you can catch a film, enjoy live music, or grab a drink and tour the old projection room. Dig into hearty pub fare and local wines at the Empire Hotel or Moonscape Wine Bar & Cafe on Orr Street.

Evandale

Colonial facades, Sunday stalls, and Georgian grace await on the South Esk River's banks in the town of Evandale. It's a weekend draw for antique lovers, history buffs, and seekers of culture. High Street is the perfect place to wander to enjoy elegant late-Georgian buildings, including the two St. Andrews churches, Clarendon Arms Hotel, and the chess-rook water tower. Lose yourself at Evandale's buzzing Sunday Market, where over 200 stalls of produce, crafts, and pony-cart rides await. Venture south to Clarendon House, Tasmania's grandest colonial homestead. If you come in February, you can enjoy the National Penny Farthing Championships, an annual event that celebrates the history of the penny farthing bicycle.

Penguin

Seaside charm meets quirk in Penguin, a laid-back coastal town on Bass Strait. Bird lovers, culture buffs, and anyone craving fresh sea air will find a truly relaxing weekend here. Snap a selfie with the 3-meter-tall Big Penguin statue, the town's iconic mascot since 1975. Stroll the Penguin Heritage Trail, which features 26 heritage sites, including the Dutch windmill and heritage cemetery. Browse Tasmania's largest undercover Sunday Market, overflowing with local crafts, produce, and live music. Then stretch your legs on the Dial Range walking tracks or hit the Penguin Mountain Bike Park nearby. Time your weekend getaway for November and you'll see a nightly parade of little penguins returning to shore to nest just west of town.

Cygnet

Between the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon River, Cygnet pulses with art, history, and farm-fresh flavors. It's a small town, but one many visitors would find value in during a weekend trip. After exploring some of the town's galleries, you'll want to sip award-winning cider at Pagan Cider, where apples become liquid gold. Step inside the Cygnet Living History Museum, which was once a church, to glimpse the town's past. Food lovers must try the nearby Fat Pig Farm, which serves up sustainable, paddock-to-plate meals that celebrate Tasmania's bounty. In terms of places to stay, the town is large enough to have a wide variety, such as mid-range options, budget-friendly spots, and luxury stays. If your visit lines up with the Cygnet Folk Festival each January, expect the entire town to erupt with live music.

Tasmania's weekend towns each bring a unique vibe. Whether it's Richmond's timeless charm, Penguin's giant statue and bustling market, or Coles Bay's wild and rugged coast. They each offer a mix of mini-adventures perfect for a Saturday or Sunday escape. From fresh local flavors to stunning scenery, these spots invite you to step away from the daily grind and experience a different side of Australia's southernmost state. Pack your bag, pick your favorite, and dive right in.