So, you’ve decided to take the leap and move country, but the thought of leaving your beloved pets behind is almost enough to make you drop your plans altogether. Luckily for you and your four-legged companions, no one needs to get left behind. Relocating pets internationally is easier than ever before. Although it can be a complicated, costly and lengthy process, it’ll be worth it to make sure your pets can accompany you on your next big adventure! Besides, you don’t have to go through the challenges of international pet relocation by yourself. The right relocation agency will help you work through all the travel requirements so that you can focus your attention on checking out the best new local walks for your jet-setting pets.
Can I relocate my pets internationally?
Yes! With the help of professional pet relocation agencies, the moving process doesn’t have to give you any grey hair. At this time, only cats and dogs are permitted to travel into and out of Australia. Some exceptions may apply, which you can further discuss with your relocation agent. The travel requirements for bringing a pet into Australia depend on which group of countries you are travelling from. Australia considers three groups of countries, outlined as follows:
Group 1: New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Cocos Island.
Group 2: American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis, and Futuna.
Group 3: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary and Balearic Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Netherlands-Antilles, Aruba, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, South Africa, Reunion, Saipan, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay.
What are the requirements for relocating pets to Australia?
Pets travelling to Australia must adhere to a number of medical requirements. The most important travel requirements to keep in mind when preparing to relocate your pets to Australia are the following:
All pets entering Australia must be microchipped and have an official certificate to prove it.
To be eligible to enter Australia, your pets must be up to date with all of their vaccinations within the required timeframe. Australia requires multiple vaccinations which may result in up to five trips to the vet.
Blood tests. All animals travelling to Australia must be vaccinated against rabies and pass a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titration Test (RNATT).
Import documentation. The permit to bring a pet into Australia can take a couple of months to process, so it is generally advised to start this process at least six months in advance. The earlier, the better.
All of the vaccinations and tests mentioned above must be administered within a prescribed window prior to departure. While there is a lot to keep track of during the preparation stage, your pet relocation agent will help you manage all the requirements on time.
If you have to relocate quickly and its too late to start the pet relocation process, it is possible to fly out ahead of your pets as long as they have a safe place to stay at while you wait for their permits to be approved.
What is the process of relocating pets internationally?
First things first, you need to make sure that your pets are eligible to travel to Australia. A quick check on the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s website will let you know whether your pets are allowed to enter Australia as well as what the specific travel requirements are for the country you are travelling from.
Next up, visit your local vet and find out which vaccinations your pets need to travel to Australia. Your vet will also be able to give you more information about the precise timelines required for each vaccination. Make sure your pet’s health certificate is up to date with all of their vaccinations and blood work as this information is crucial for obtaining an import permit.
Will my pets be well taken care of during the relocation journey?
Since Australia is an animal-loving nation, there are strict rules in place to ensure that pets in transit are well taken care of. During the flight, pets are secured in travel crates in a temperature-controlled environment. The animals are thoroughly checked before the flight and are the last to be loaded on the plane and the first to be loaded off upon arrival. As soon as the plane lands, the animals are moved to a safe, temperature-controlled indoor area away from noisy vehicles and machinery. Depending on the quarantine requirements, the pets will be collected either by their owners (for domestic flights) or by quarantine staff (for international flights).
Further to this, there are plenty of measures in place to ensure that animals don’t get lost or misplaced during the flight. Each animal gets a unique airway bill that is logged into a system on both sides to make sure they safely arrive at their new homes.
Which services can a pet relocation agent provide?
A professional pet relocation agency can help you move your pets safely and stress-free. The relocation agent will take care of all the logistical arrangements and ensure you follow the right timeline to get everything done on time. A pet relocation agent will assist you with arranging vaccinations, blood tests, health certificates, travel permits, transportation, and even getting the right IATA approved pet carrier for your cat or dog to fly in.
Working with a reputable pet relocation agency will help you manage any possible obstacles along the way. The process of bringing pets into a foreign country can be daunting. The smallest mishap or overlooked detail on your end will not only cost you a lot of time and money but can even result in your pets being barred from entering the country. When it comes to relocating your pets, don’t take any shortcuts. Rather play it safe to make sure your animal companions are in safe hands from the start of the relocation journey until they are settled into their new home!
Australia is an attractive location for business owners across many industries. With a strong economy and ample opportunity for business growth, Australia is an excellent country to set up shop when expanding or relocating your business. The excitement of starting a business in Australia is of course accompanied by various risk factors and challenges along the way, but once you have it figured out, the reward will be well worth the hard work!
Keep reading for a breakdown of everything you should know about relocating your business to Australia — from taxation and visa applications to employing workers and harnessing opportunities for business development.
Australia’s business environment
As a major financial centre in the Asia Pacific region with strong economic ties to Europe and America, Australia occupies a unique position for business owners and entrepreneurs. The country presents plenty of room for development in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, finance, health services, transport, agriculture, and more. Further to this, Australia has a strong local currency with an open and developed economy.
While the average cost of living is relatively high compared to other countries, Australia has an overall high quality of life. Thanks to the country’s top-rated educational system along with attractive opportunities for international students and workers from abroad, the Australian workforce is diverse, multilingual and highly skilled. In addition to the potential for quality dynamic workforces, Australia offers a low-cost business environment that is empowered by world-class infrastructure, telecommunication and transport systems.
Factors to consider when moving your business to Australia
There is a myriad of things to think about when planning to relocate your business and while executing the move. The cost of relocating a business to Australia will vary greatly depending on the nature of the business, the number of employees, and the amount of assets that need to be relocated or newly purchased. The cost of operating a business in Australia will also depend on factors such as the location and the city’s local cost of living.
One of the first things you will need to do is establish a business presence in Australia, either by setting up a branch or a subsidiary. To decide on the most suitable structure for your business, you need to take into account the costs of establishing a business along with the relevant tax and legal requirements.
When establishing a branch of an existing business, the new Australian branch will function as an extension of the original company’s business operations. While the new branch will not be considered a separate legal entity from the mother company, it will be subject to Australian income taxes. A subsidiary, on the other hand, functions as a separate legal entity from the original company. The process of establishing a subsidiary is often simpler than setting up a new branch, while tax rates are also likely to be lower.
On that note, let’s talk about taxes. Foreign residents in Australia are taxed on their Australian-sourced income, although there are several exceptions to this rule, such as exemptions from paying taxes on interests and dividends. Businesses in Australia are liable to pay income tax on all global taxable income. Corporate income tax in Australia is currently calculated at 30%. Businesses may apply for applicable treaty relief.
When employing workers in Australia, the employer has certain tax obligations for their employees. Contributing to superannuation, taking responsibility for PAYG, and ensuring that all employees are legally allowed to work in Australia are some of the most important factors to consider when hiring, managing and paying workers in Australia. You will also need to keep detailed records of all business operations in line with the Australian Standard Business Reporting (SBR). When it comes to your business’s taxes in a foreign country, play it safe and enlist professional help to make sure you don’t run into any legal and compliance issues.
Applying for business visas in Australia
Visa application processes can be intimidating, but it’s crucial that you get this right! If you are a non-resident of Australia, you need to apply for the correct visa and ensure that you meet the relevant requirements. Multiple visas are available for business purposes. Here is a quick look at the different options for business visas in Australia:
The Business Innovation visa (subclass 188a): This visa is suitable for applicants up to the age of 55 who are experienced in managing a business. The application requirements include ownership of an established business with a set minimum annual turnover along with a set minimum asset value that can be used to establish a business in Australia.
The Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132): This visa is suitable for business owners and investors. Experienced business owners can either apply for the visa’s Significant Business History stream or the Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream.
The overseas business sponsorship visa: This visa allows a foreign parent company to apply to be an overseas business sponsor and nominate a position for sponsorship in the Australian branch of the business. Once approved, the applicant can apply for a Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) to be able to relocate to Australia.
The benefits of relocating your business to Australia
Australia offers favourable conditions for business owners to start a new entrepreneurial venture or relocate an existing business from abroad. Australia has an impressive corporate registration system with the added convenience of online registration options. The application process to register a corporate entity in Australia is quick, uncomplicated, and highly efficient. You can complete the online registration for a legal entity in Australia in as little as ten minutes and have your new business successfully registered in under a week. Further to this, the process of navigating corporate entity registration and incorporating a business into Australia is transparent and free of the red tape that often characterises these activities in other countries.
As indicated above, the Australian government offers a variety of visa options for individuals who want to relocate their businesses to Australia. Since the country is supportive of new business ventures that will advance the Australian economy and create job opportunities, there are several additional advantages for business owners such as taxation benefits, venture capital opportunities, government grants for specified industries, and ease of engaging qualified workers.
The Australian Outback is a fascinating, mysterious and beautiful part of the country. Although the Outback region encompasses massive parts of the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and the north-western corner of New South Wales, this area is home to less than 5% of Australia’s entire population. Even though the Outback is sparsely populated, tourism is a major industry in this region. Adventure travel and nature-based experiences are particularly popular in the Outback thanks to the incredible wildlife and natural sceneries that can be enjoyed in peace and quiet.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the Australian Outback? This guide is for you!
Where is the Australian Outback?
The Australian Outback is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions of Australia. Spanning over five million square kilometres, the Outback covers more than 70% of the Australian landmass. There are several different definitions of which areas are precisely included in the Outback, although it typically refers to the arid regions surrounding Central Australia. For many people, mention of the Outback conjures up images of desert landscapes reaching as far as the eye can see. The Outback however includes a variety of climatic zones, including the tropical and monsoonal parts in the north and the semi-arid and temperate climates in the south.
The Outback has a significant Indigenous heritage history and remains an important site for Aboriginal communities. The Outback is also home to a diverse ecosystem of Australian plant and animal species. Indigenous wildlife such as red kangaroos and dingoes along with a wide variety of birds and insects reside in the Outback, having adapted to the extreme climates throughout the year.
Why do so few people live in the Australian Outback?
The total population of the Australian Outback is estimated to be under one million. The majority of Australia’s population resides in the coastal areas surrounding Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The proximity to beaches, shops, universities, working opportunities and international airports adds to the appeal of living in these parts of the country. In short, the Outback makes for an isolated and remote place to live, removed from all the action and convenience associated with Australia’s coastal capital cities. Of course, some people may argue that the isolated nature of the Outback is the biggest advantage of living here!
The pros of living in the Australian Outback
Beautiful sceneries. The Outback is known for its picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets illuminating the deserts and woodlands. The Outback is home to the world’s largest remaining areas in natural condition for three global biomes, including tropical and subtropical grasslands, scrublands and savannas, deserts and xeric shrublands, and Mediterranean-type forests and woodlands.
Incredible natural sites to explore. Adventurous travellers will have an amazing time exploring the Outback. From the stunning water sceneries at Mitchell Falls to the breathtaking rock formations in the Flinders Range, you are guaranteed to experience nature like nowhere else in the world!
● Indigenous history and culture. With nearly 20% of the Outback’s population being Indigenous, this is one of the most important heritage and cultural sites for Aboriginal communities in Australia. Further to this, more than 150 Indigenous languages are spoken in the Outback.
Diverse animal life. The low population rates in the Outback are highly advantageous for the wellbeing of plant and animal life. Wildlife thrives in the Outback and is respected by residents to go about their lives in peace.
One-of-a-kind tourist attractions. From underground hotels to ghost towns and dystopian movie sets to explore, the Outback offers travel and holiday experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Ultimate peace and quiet. While the region’s remoteness may be on the con list for some, others will love the silence that is found in the Outback. If you want to unplug and recharge without any noisy distractions, a trip to the Outback is just what you need.
Endless road trip adventures. If you’re craving a long road trip and camping mission, the Outback offers plenty of 4WD adventures winding through kilometres of quiet roads and beautiful sceneries. Many visitors even opt to embark on a van life trip for a couple of weeks to make the most out of the Outback’s remote natural beauty.
The cons of living in the Australian Outback
Extreme climate The Outback is notorious for its extreme temperatures with summers getting as hot as 40 degrees and winter nights dropping far below zero. The Outback gets some rain throughout the year, although the climate can be a massive shock for those who aren’t used to these scorching weather conditions.
Isolated from the rest of Australia. As mentioned earlier, the Outback is a remote region with little connection to the country’s coastal capitals. This means that shops, schools, doctors and other necessities are often hours away.
As you can see, the cons list is much shorter than the pros list! The Outback isn’t for everyone, but it is well worth exploring. If you’re feeling up for the heat and limited human interaction, make sure the Outback is on your list of places to travel to in 2022.
Deciding to pack up your life and move to a different state or country is no easy task, but in today’s age, it is easier and more accessible than ever to embark on such a mission. With technology, modern working opportunities, and well-connected international travel networks, it is possible to make the big move and explore the world like you have always dreamt of doing!
From making new friends to learning a foreign language, there is so much to gain by opening yourself up to new experiences. Here is why you should consider moving to a new city in 2022.
You can get a fresh start
Moving to a new place will give you a rare opportunity to start fresh, both in your personal and professional life. If you feel stuck in your routines, having a clean slate in a place where no one knows you could be just what you need to push you in an exciting new direction. Perhaps you are looking for a career change or maybe you want to challenge yourself to be more self-reliant. Whatever the reason, moving to a different city or country will renew your perspective and help you create the life you have always envisioned.
You can make new friends
Making friends in a new environment may seem daunting but it will help you settle down and feel at home in your new city much quicker. You may even find that it is easier to meet people after moving to a new city since you might be more open to broadening your horizons and challenging the limits of your comfort zone. Meeting people from different walks of life will introduce you to new experiences and make sure that you have someone to support you through both the good and the difficult times of this new chapter in your life.
You will get to know yourself better
If you are relocating to a new city or country with your partner, your family, or your friends, you will already have a support system in place. Making a big move on your own, however, is a whole different game. Embarking on such a life altering adventure will teach you things about yourself that you have never known before. You will discover your resilience, learn to be content with your own company, become more independent, and fall in love with doing things by yourself.
You can learn a new language
There is no better reason for learning a new language than moving to a foreign country. Language is an important part of culture and community. Committing to learning a local language in your new country of residence will help you immerse yourself in your new environment, make friends quicker, and have an easier time navigating daily tasks such as taking public transport or shopping for groceries. Once you start learning the local language, you will also feel a greater sense of belonging. As a bonus, your language acquisition will progress much quicker if you hear people speak it around you all day long!
You can grow in your career
New places mean more job opportunities. Depending on your qualifications and skills, your job may be in higher demand in different locations, which gives you a greater chance of advancing your career and even earning a higher income. Learning new skills and acquiring a foreign language will also enhance your resume and open doors for better job offers in the future. Furthermore, meeting new people is a great networking opportunity that may just guide you to your next job!
You can save money
With more and more people working remotely and online, many working professionals are seeking lower living costs in smaller cities and towns while still working on their careers. As a result, there is a growing trend of exchanging the high-cost city lifestyle for a quieter and slower-paced life in alternative locations to save money while continuing to build a profitable career. If your job and desired lifestyle allow for it, you could cut back on your living expenses by relocating interstate or internationally to a town where you can enjoy your dream life without compromising your professional aspirations.
And finally, you will move out of your comfort zone
There are countless places to see, sights to marvel at, and experiences to enrich yourself with. Moving somewhere new will allow you to see the world and discover things you didn’t even know existed. Once you step out of your comfort zone, your life experiences will be completely altered. Your ways of thinking will change, you will be exposed to languages and cultures that you have never encountered before, and the things that seemed impossible before will now just be another adventure.
The thought of moving across the country or venturing into a foreign country is scary, but the risk will pay off instantly. You will quickly realise how big the world is and how much there is to experience and learn from. You never know — you may find your dream job, discover your new favourite food, and meet the people who will stick around for the rest of your life!
Brisbane is increasingly growing in popularity as a destination for interstate relocation in Australia. With its easy-going way of life, warm local culture and 280 days of sunshine per year, Brisbane is a great place to live and work! Many people have made the choice to move from Sydney to Brisbane in pursuit of a higher quality of life at a lower cost. If you want to learn more about how to make this change, here is everything you need to know about relocating interstate from Sydney to Brisbane.
Why people are moving from Sydney to Brisbane
Combining the benefits and excitement of residing in the city with the appeal of affordable housing and an overall lower cost of living, Brisbane presents highly desirable living conditions. This multicultural city has a large community of expats and international students. Brisbane has a lively culinary and entertainment scene along with an energetic culture of arts and music. Thanks to the enviable subtropical temperatures throughout the year, Brisbane’s residents are big on outdoor living and exploring the gorgeous natural sceneries surrounding the city.
Brisbane has world-class educational facilities and a thriving job market that attracts people from all over Australia and beyond. The city’s ideal location on the coastline adds to the charm of living in Brisbane while the local transport system ensures seamless connection to other state capitals as well as international destinations. A major benefit to living in Brisbane is the affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane presents an attractive opportunity for cutting back on housing and transport expenses, allowing its residents to enjoy a higher quality of life at a lower cost.
Comparing the cost of living in Brisbane and Sydney
The average cost of living in Brisbane is around 20% lower than in Sydney with the property market offering a cost-saving benefit of up to 60%. Moving from Sydney to Brisbane could have substantial financial advantages. An individual or family renting a house or apartment in Sydney may be able to afford to purchase their dream home in Brisbane while existing homeowners in Sydney could upgrade to a bigger living space for the same (or even lower) price in Brisbane. For this reason, this sunny city is a good relocation pick among young professionals and new families looking for affordable property investments, as well as people retiring from their lives in Sydney in exchange for a more affordable and laidback lifestyle in Brisbane.
Here is a quick breakdown of the cost of living in Brisbane compared to Sydney:
Housing. The median house price in Brisbane is around AUD500,000 compared to the median house price in Sydney of nearly AUD1,000,000. On average, rental properties in Brisbane are more than 50% cheaper than in Sydney. To buy property, the price per square metre in Brisbane is also significantly lower than in Sydney — as much as 120% in the city centre and up to 75% outside the CBD.
Utilities. Basic utilities such as electricity, water, garbage removal, heating and cooling are around 5-6% cheaper in Brisbane than in Sydney. Mobile phone tariffs are also more affordable in Brisbane. The only place where Sydney takes the lead in this regard is the cost of internet data, which is about 10% cheaper than in Brisbane.
Food. While restaurant prices are roughly the same in these two cities, groceries are slightly more affordable in Brisbane. When rent is taken out of the equation, consumer prices in Brisbane are around 5-6% lower than in Sydney. Retail prices on clothing, shoes, furniture etc. also tend to be lower in Brisbane.
Transportation. Along with housing, Brisbane’s transportation offers the biggest cost-saving benefit in comparison with Sydney. Not only is it cheaper to buy a car in Brisbane but the cost of public transport is also more affordable due to the lower demand.
Childcare and education. Brisbane’s average childcare rates and school fees are significantly lower than Sydney. Preschool fees are around 15% lower while primary school fees are almost 50% more affordable in Brisbane.
Leisure and entertainment. The average cost of joining a gym or fitness club in Brisbane is up to 20% cheaper than in Sydney, while other entertainment options are often as much as 40% lower priced.
Comparing the quality of life in Brisbane and Sydney
Brisbane has an overall high quality of life, scoring 190 on the quality of life index. This rating considers markers such as purchasing power, safety, health care, climate, traffic and pollution. Noteworthy here is Brisbane’s favourable property price to income ratio, which contributes to the city’s affordable housing market. Sydney also has an impressive quality of life index score of 180, although the property price to income ratio is notably higher than that of Brisbane.
While the cost of living in Sydney is much higher than in Brisbane, the average income rate in Sydney is also higher to justify the increased living expenses. The average monthly net salary after taxes in Brisbane is around 20% lower than in Sydney. Despite this difference, however, the advantages of Brisbane’s lower cost of living outweighs the possible decrease in income.
How to move from Sydney to Brisbane
Before moving to Brisbane, do your research and get to know the city. Learning more about important factors such as the local culture, the different neighbourhoods and the job market will give you a thorough idea of what you can expect from living in Brisbane to prepare you for the big move. If you are completely unacquainted with Brisbane and are unable to test the waters first, be sure to enlist professional assistance to make the best choices for your needs and budget. This goes for both personal relocation and corporate relocation in Australia.
Interstate relocation can be a stressful and costly business, but it doesn’t have to be! Working with a professional relocation expert can iron out all the wrinkles in the moving process, from selling your house and packing up your life in Sydney to finding the perfect home in Brisbane and settling into your new city. A relocation specialist can also help you save money by engaging their reliable partners such as removal companies and property agents at reduced rates.
If Tasmania isn’t at the top of your travel bucket list yet, this article will quickly change your mind! Separated from the Australian mainland, the island state of Tasmania has a life and culture of its own. With smaller cities, fewer residents and untouched natural environments, Tasmania offers a much-needed retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life. But don’t be mistaken — despite its size, Tasmania’s vibrant arts and culture scene leaves more than enough to do while countless outdoor adventures await among the jaw-dropping coastal, mountainous and forested landscapes.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Tasmania!
Dine at the MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart is one of the city’s most prized cultural locations. The museum houses one of the largest private art collections in the world and features a range of additional features including a restaurant, library, cinema, multiple entertainment venues, wine and beer tasting rooms, and contemporary accommodation options. The restaurant is a must-visit for adventurous foodies while the exhibition museum guarantees hours of entertainment and wonder for people of all ages. MONA can be accessed via a 30-minute high-speed ferry ride departing from Hobart’s waterfront. If you plan your trip right, you might even catch the much-anticipated Dark MOFO winter festival hosted by MONA every year.
Explore the Bay of Fires
Tasmania is known and celebrated for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes. When you see the Bay of Fires, you’ll understand why. The bay stretches 50 kilometres along the northeastern coast of Tasmania from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. This has long been acknowledged by locals as one of the most beautiful places in Tasmania, although the rest of the world only caught up in recent years. Now one of the most popular places to visit in all of Australia, the Bay of Fires with its white-sand beaches, clear waters, stunning coastline and strikingly orange boulders will leave you lost for words.
Catch the view from the top of Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington watches over the city of Hobart, standing tall at more than 1,200 metres above the ground. Also known by its Aboriginal name, “kunanyi”, the mountain is an iconic natural landmark in Tasmania. A 21-kilometre road leads to the top of Mount Wellington, accessible by vehicles and also popular among mountain bikers. Guided tours of around two hours each depart daily from Hobart. The narrow road may not be for the faint of heart, but the lush forested surroundings along the way followed by the rewarding view from the top will make it well worth your while! At the summit, you will be blessed with a view like no other, stretching over the city, the sea and the Tasmanian wilderness down below.
Hike in the Freycinet National Park
The Freycinet National Park plays an important role in Tasmania’s biodiversity conservation. Occupying a large part of the Freycinet Peninsula about 125 kilometres northeast of Hobart, the Freycinet National Park is home to a host of Tasmanian wildlife, from wallabies and whales to cockatoos and wattlebirds. Along with Mount Field National Park, this is the oldest park in the state. With a variety of bushwalking trails, there are plenty of opportunities for hikers and nature lovers to explore the park. The hikes range from two hours to three days, so there is something for everyone! The park also includes a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk with amazing coastal views.
Go into the Tasmanian wilderness
Another outdoor adventure that can’t be missed out on is a trip to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. This 1600+ square kilometre national park is part of the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness and includes spectacular mountainous landscapes. The northern part of the park is centred around the prominent Cradle Mountain, while the southern part features the natural freshwater Lake St Clair. Ambitious hikers can brave the 65-kilometre trek between the two sections, although the park also offers a myriad of shorter trails to explore the ancient rainforests and alpine mountain ranges.
Visit the Salamanca Markets
Spending a Saturday morning at the Salamanca Markets at the historic Salamanca Place in Hobart is one of the best things to do in Tasmania. The Salamanca Markets have been taking place every week since 1972! Hosting more than 300 vendors selling everything under the sun, from fresh produce and homemade baking goods to jewellery and furniture, this open-air market is a cultural institution in Hobart. The area surrounding the market is just as charming, with a wealth of cafes, antique shops and art galleries bringing life to the heritage buildings of Salamanca Place. As a bonus, a free shuttle travels between the city centre and the market every 10 minutes on market days.
Catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis
The Aurora Australis is a must-see natural phenomenon. The Southern Hemisphere’s aurora can be seen from a handful of locations, with Tasmania offering some of the most desirable viewing spots in the country. Although the aurora can be seen year-round, it is most commonly observed during the winter from May to August and during the spring equinox in September. Bruny Island, Satellite Island, Bathurst Harbour, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Central Highlands are known as some of the best spots to view the Aurora Australis in Tasmania. Have your camera at the ready because these lights will be unlike anything you have ever witnessed!
Admire the tulip fields
Every September to October, Tasmania lights up in vibrant colours and floral fragrances with the annual Bloomin’ Tulip Festival. With the tulip blooming season in full swing, the small town of Wynyard on the northwest coast of Tasmania transforms into a joyous celebration of the arrival of spring. At the heart of the festival is the Table Cape Tulip Farm, which is home to the largest tulip fields in the Southern Hemisphere that visitors can stroll through. Alongside the picture-perfect tulip fields, the town buzzes with food, music and cultural activities that will keep the whole family entertained.
Walk among giants
Some of the biggest and oldest rainforests in Australia are located in Tasmania. From the world’s tallest white gum trees found in the Evercreech Forest Reserve (reaching heights of more than 90 metres at ages of over 300 years!) to the immersive airwalk above the forest canopy of the Tahune Forest, tree lovers will have more than enough to keep themselves busy in Tasmania. The Tarkine Forest is another sight to behold. This forest represents the greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world.
Venture to Bruny Island
For a quick island escape, pack your swimsuit and sunscreen and hop on a ferry to Bruny Island. A 40-minute drive from Hobart followed by a 20-minute ferry ride from Kettering will deliver you to the doorstep of Tasmania’s best island destination. Not only a great place to swim, snorkel and surf but also a culinary paradise with mouthwatering artisan dishes and fresh seafood! Bruny Island has several hiking trails to explore the tropical wilderness and rocky coastline. Visitors can also opt for a leisurely cruise around the island — if you’re lucky you might even see a couple of dolphins and fur seals.
