Summer is finally here, so there is no longer an excuse to stay indoors! And since Tasmania is famous for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, why not combine the two these summer holidays and take a self-drive tour of the state?

Start your tour in Hobart, where you can visit the top of Mount Wellington for an invigorating breath of fresh air. The view from the top encompasses all of Hobart, the Derwent River Estuary and surrounds. Park the car and go for a hike, or if your preference is for level ground, stop at Old Hobart Town, a miniature model replica of Hobart as it was in the 1800s. Here, visitors can learn about Tasmania’s convict history while being amazed by the craftsmanship that went into each pint-sized character!

On your way to Port Arthur, spare some time to stop at Sorell, and make the most of the outdoors with some fruit picking, or by roaming through the enchanting vineyard, where you can welcome summer with a toast!

Next, the world-famous Port Arthur Historic Site is a living history lesson not to be missed. Take a guided walking tour around the site or a boat ride to the Isle of the Dead for one of the most unforgettable history lessons of your life. Here, you can get an authentic insight into the harsh living conditions and unbelievable stories of Australia’s convict past.

Just a 10-minute drive away is the Remarkable Cave, which definitely lives up to its name. Explore inside for a glimpse into an underground world of secrecy and surprise. Not far away at the Eaglehawk Neck Historic Site, visitors can get above ground again and take in spectacular views of the ocean. It’s a scenic paradise for nature photographers, and is another essential stop to learn more about Tasmania’s haunting convict history. Here, the infamous dog line was one of multiple lines of defence against escaping prisoners.

Next, shake off the sand and get back in the car for your next stretch of the road, which includes the famous Spiky Bridge in Swansea. Mystery surrounds the vertical rocks that have stood there since the bridge’s creation by convict labourers in the 1840s. Commentators have so far not agreed on an answer to the riddle of why the bridge was built this way, but theories still abound.

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