Things to do in Southport

Bruny Island

Bruny Island is located off the southeast coast of Tasmania, separated from the main island of Tasmania by the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, and is near Hobart. The island is a mix of pastures and eucalyptus forests, making it a favorite island getaway for locals. The island consists of North and South Bruny, connected by a narrow sandy isthmus known as The Neck. Climb the wooden boardwalk lookout here to take in the beaches on both sides and the open sea, and in the evening, you may have the chance to see little penguins returning to their nests in groups. The island's southeast coastline is part of South Bruny National Park. Adventure Bay and Cloudy Bay on the seaward side feature long, white sandy beaches, perfect for swimming, walking, and fishing. You may even have the chance to encounter rare white wallabies around Adventure Bay. The dolerite sea cliffs within the national park tower above the sea and are among the highest coastal cliffs in Australia. Take a boat cruise along the coastline to weave through cliffs and reefs, and observe wildlife like seals up close; the 19th-century Cape Bruny Lighthouse stands on the cliff top at the southern end of the island and is a classic spot for overlooking the Southern Ocean. In addition, the island is famous for local specialties such as oysters, cheese, honey, and wine. Many tourists visit specifically to taste these, incorporating both natural scenery and culinary experiences into their itinerary.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours

The lighthouse was built in 1838. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with endless mountain peaks and the vast sea.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is Australia's largest and most intact convict settlement, forming a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites. Discover iconic ruins, over 30 historic buildings, immersive house museums, compelling exhibitions, and guided tours complemented by a scenic harbour cruise and self-guided audio experience. Set within 146 hectares of spectacular landscape, heritage gardens, and walking trails, visitors can relax and enjoy breathtaking views, shop for locally-made products and savour local flavours in our cafés and at our acclaimed 1830 Restaurant & Bar. More than 300,000 people visit Port Arthur every year, but the now sunny port has a dark history. In 1930, Captain Governor George Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula in south-east Tasmania to hold prisoners who had reoffended during the colonial period. The peninsula and the mainland are only connected by a land less than 100 meters wide (that is, the Eagle Neck Gorge). From 1830 to 1877, 12,500 prisoners spent hard sentences in Port Arthur. The Tourist Services Center is located in the Port Arthur Historic Site building. Downstairs is a gallery with detailed explanations, where visitors can learn about the suffering of prisoners in exile in Tasmania. You can also take a cruise around the Island of the Dead (Island of the Dead) in the harbour, and if you are interested, you can visit the island. This is a hugely popular excursion in Port Arthur, a 90-minute ghost tour with a guided tour of many of the old buildings and stories of some of the creepy events that have happened here. If interested, be sure to book before 16:00 on the day.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Built in 1981, Bonorong Wildlife Park is one of Australia's most popular wildlife parks. It was established for the adoption of abandoned and injured wild animals, and its purpose is also to call on more people to protect wild animals and the natural environment. Maybe you would rather visit such a zoo than the kind that captures animals alive and puts them in A zoo with cages for people to watch. There is a unique animal in Tasmania - the little devil, which is as precious as our national treasure, the giant panda. This cute little animal that looks like a little black pig and a bit like a mouse is the famous Tasmanian devil. Its scientific name is the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilusharrisii). It is a marsupial carnivore that is only distributed in Australia today. In Tasmania, Tasmania, Tasmanian devils are relatively large carnivorous marsupials, and little devils are nocturnal animals with very few numbers, so they are generally difficult to meet in the wild.

No. 15 of Spring Outings in Australia

Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington, at an elevation of approx. 1,271 m, is a high mountain towering behind the city of Hobart. On clear days, it is almost always visible when looking west from the city. Hobart is nestled between the mountains and the water. Standing on the mountain, you can overlook the entire city, the River Derwent, and the surrounding bays, with views extending to the hills and wilderness of southern Tasmania. The road up the mountain features multiple lookouts at various altitudes where you can stop and take in the views. At the summit, there is an enclosed, windproof observation shelter, which is the primary spot for panoramic views of Hobart. Beyond sightseeing, this is also a popular destination for outdoor activities around Hobart. On the eastern hillside, there are columnar rock formations known as the "Organ Pipes," rising over 100 m. Multiple hiking trails wind around them, ranging from easy forest paths to long-distance loops that require some physical stamina, and mountain biking enthusiasts also frequently come here to challenge themselves.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Tasmania

Tasman Peninsula

The Tasman Peninsula is located in the southeast of Hobart. Port Arthur is the main attraction. The island's coastline, beaches and bushwalks bring beautiful natural scenery. Enter the peninsula from the north through the Arthur highway, first reach the Eagle's Neck Gorge, turn east to Pirates BayDr, and arrive at the lookout with a view of the coastline. There are also sea erosion landforms such as checkerboard sidewalks, blowholes, Tasman Arches, and waterfall bays around Eagle Neck Gorge. Continue south to Tasman National Park, which occupies a large area of the peninsula, and you can choose one of several bush walks to hike. If you want to see animals, you can go to the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park. If you want to see cultural attractions, you can go to the historical sites of coal mines, the prison sites of Eagle Neck Gorge, Cunha, Primedna, and Saltwater River. The terminus of Arthur Expressway is Port Arthur. From 1830 to 1877, a large number of prisoners who came to serve here made the gloomy atmosphere gather here, and the beautiful stone buildings, Gothic buildings and parks can hardly conceal the bitter history of the past. .

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Tasmania

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is located on Tasmania Island, Australia, serving as a nature reserve dedicated to protecting and showcasing the region's unique wildlife. As an eco-tourism attraction, it offers visitors close encounters with Tasmanian devils while actively working to conserve this endangered species and its natural habitat. The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo features multiple exhibition areas dedicated to showcasing Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife like quolls and kangaroos. Visitors can learn about the devils' behavior, ecological role, and conservation challenges through guided tours with professional guides. The Unzoo's staff is committed to raising public awareness about protecting these unique creatures through education and research programs. Beyond animal viewing, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo offers a variety of interactive experiences. Visitors can participate in feeding sessions to observe Tasmanian devils' eating behaviors, or join night tours to explore Tasmania's nocturnal ecosystem. The nature trails within Tasmanian Devil Unzoo allow visitors to enjoy Tasmania's natural beauty while discovering local flora and fauna.

Adventure Bay Beach

South Bruny National Park

South Bruny National Park is a well-known attraction south of Hobart. The park has towering cliffs, open flats, beaches and rainforests, kelp seaweed gardens and old whaling stations. The scenery is magnificent. Hiking here is a great option and there are many good hiking trails. It is also a popular spot for sheltered surfing.