Tasmania is a unique place, a jewel hiding in plain sight in the shadow of Australia. You can spend easily the same time here as in its larger neighbor without having to take a plane or drive large number of hours.

The well-known eastern coast drive from Hobart all the way to the north-eastern corner of the island is ridden with phenomenal national parks competing for time. Tasman National Park, the closest to Hobart has great hikes ending in spectacular viewpoints seemingly hanging from the sky and spellbinding formations shaped by the restless Tasman Sea. Nearby is also the infamous Port Arthur, once the gulag of the Brits. A bit to the north a foray into Maria Island offers a collection of native animals, from pademelons, wallabies, and kangaroos to the chill wombats. Again on the road another stop is Freycinet National Park where the crescent of fine white sand around Wineglass Bay invites for a meditative walk followed by a dive in the blue waters of the Hazards. And continuing the great eastern journey you end up in Bay of Fire with its red rocks spread on beaches exploding of color in sunrise.

Now is the time to start crossing towards the western coast of the island, through forest hiding waterfalls and lavender plantations. Launceston is the largest town in the island, a stop for a relaxed lunch and a place to stock of hiking needs. From there the next stop is Cradle Mountain, a majestic park with tall peaks looking like a comb made out rocks. Climbing that mountain is a challenge but the effort is worthwhile. But if you gave up on the peak there are lots of nice hikes around lakes at the base of the peak or a visit to the Tasmanian Devils Conservation Center where you can see the small dogs in action during the day. Now is the time to start circling back and the next stop is Mount Field National Park with its collection of waterfalls and tall trees and hikes on the alpine surrounded by tarns and the unique Tasmanian mountain bushes stemming from the Cretaceous era.

A last park before departing from Hobart and very close to the city is Bruny Island with its lighthouse overlooking its southern tip and the hikes to the Fluted Capes. And now ready to go find a half day for a stop in a suburb of Hobart to the fascinating and unconventional MONA, a whimsical museum whose both the architecture and the art would awe any visitor.