Things to Do in Tasmania

This chapel, nicknamed "The Trench", designated for male convicts in Hobart Town was a less than holy place. With poor ventilation, 36 solitary confinement rooms and separate punishment chambers hidden beneath the chapel floor, it was truly a spot for torture and despair. The dark cells, referred to as "dust holes" were deemed inhumane and closed in 1849, but visitors can still catch a glimpse of the horrid conditions on a Penitentiary tour, where guides remind guests about the terrible sounds that could be heard coming from convicts chained beneath the floors.

The grounds include a prison yard, barracks, punishment chambers and an execution yard, as well as the chapel, which was partially transformed into courtrooms in 1859. Visitors who opt for the ghost tour can wander the tunnels and gallows by lamplight while hearing stories of the more than 30 individuals who were executed here.

Sure you'll find camels and Tasmanian Devils when you visit the Zoodoo Wildlife Park, but there's so much more to this Hobart attraction than the dozens of species of animals. After hand feeding the zebra and ostrich aboard a thrilling safari bus tour, take the children to the indoor playland with the jumping castle and ball pit. When it's time to go and see some more animals, choose from strolling past kangaroos or feeding the emus and lions. For an added fee you can join in experiences that get you right next to the animals, from the cute, cuddly meerkat encounter, to a scary, slithery snake encounter to petting a furry koala. At the aviary, hear a cacophony of squawking bird song raining down from above, as you crane your neck to see numerous bird species all flitting around through the branches. There's an education center to help teach children about wildlife found in the park, and daily animal presentations when visitors really get "hands on" and interact with the wildlife. Although the Zoodoo Wildlife Park is just 30 minutes from Hobart, it feels like you've traveled to a faraway land where the Australian outback and African plains are literally brought to your fingertips.

Located in Tasmania, not far from Hobart, the Tinderbox Marine Nature Reserve is ideal for snorkelers and scuba divers. The site is home to more than 30 species of seaweeds, and its abundant plant life provides habitats for a large assortment of marine life.

Swimming and boating are allowed in the reserve, and along with numerous types of fish, visitors may catch sight of sea dragons, urchins and sea-stars. Octopus, squid, shrimp and crabs also call the Tinderbox Marine Reserve home, so visitors are asked to leave the wildlife as is and to use care to protect the environment.

This early 1800s pioneer farm was continuously occupied by the same family for more than 175 years; for six generations, from 1817 until 1994, Thomas Archer family's descendants called Woolmers Estate home.

Along with the family houses, a large array of historical buildings remain on the estate, including a blacksmith's shop, bakehouse and stables. There's also a former chapel, pump house and gardener's cottage. Wishing to share Woolmers Estate with the public, Thomas William Archer VI left the estate and its many contents to the Archer Historical Foundation Inc., now called the Woolmers Foundation Inc.

The Archer Family was known for holding onto their possessions, so along with the actual buildings, almost 200 years worth of collections remain. Visitors can see everything from art and furniture, to photographs and antique cars.

The National Rose Garden is also located at Woolmers Estate. Like a growing history lesson, it boasts more than 5,000 roses, including the earliest European and China roses, to roses from the 21st century.

Sullivan's Cove, a waterfront district on the western shore of the Derwent River, was the original settlement of the British in Tanzania. Boats from around the globe, including some traveling from as far as Antarctica, dock at this nautical site, which retains much of its original charm because of its historic architecture.

Visitors can explore the docks before heading to MONA"”the Museum of Old and New Art, or spend a Saturday afternoon leisurely strolling through the stalls of nearby Salamanca Market. Travelers can also cruise along the River Derwent or wander through the historic villages of nearby Richmond, Pontville and Kempton, or catch a show at the Theatre Royal.

A tour of the historic Cascades Female Factory and a couple of beers at Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest brewery, top the list of attractions in this southern suburb of Hobart. But visitors willing to wander the streets will enjoy views of some of the most beautiful homes in the city, including the famous Ashleigh and Milton residences, as well as quaint cottages and historic townhouses.

The heritage site, All Saints Anglican Church, is also worth a stop. Afterwards, rent a bicycle and ride the path along the Rivulet, or wander the foothills of Mount Wellington via the trails behind Cascade Brewery, the oldest brewery in Australia.