59 Awesome Tasmania Photography Spots

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Photographers who live in Tasmania are a lucky lot as Tasmanian has a lot of beautiful scenery to capture. From snowcapped mountains to the stunning coastline, here are the best Tasmania photography places to inspire your wanderlust. 

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13 Tasmania Photography Spots – Jason Stephens

Jason Stephens is a Tasmanian landscape photographer who lives in Launceston. Below are 13 places for photography in Tasmania he loves. 

1- Bridestowe Lavender Estate (Nabowla) photo 

Bridestowe Lavender
Tasmania images: Bridestowe Lavender. Photos by Jason Stephens.

I photographed the sunset at Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

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The estate is an amazing landscape to visit any time of the year but the best time for the stunning lavender in blossom is late December or early January.

2- Photo of Launceston in autumn  

Tasmania photography
Launceston Autumn is a great time of year to get fantastic Tasmania photography.

A storm had just passed Launceston shortly before sunset.

The sun was behind me, illuminating the tree and its autumn leaves and creating a small rainbow in the distance.

3- Binalong Bay photo

Tasmania pictures
Tasmania pictures of Binalong Bay

A very popular destination on Tasmania’s stunning East Coast, Binalong Bay is a stunning spot for sure.

The red lichen-covered rocks and white sand combined with pristine blue water is something any visitor should see.

4- Central Highlands photos

photography in Tasmania
Tasmania photography in the Highlands.

Tasmania’s Highlands is easy to get to by car from several directions.  

I love it in winter when the snow settles it can turn the scenery into a magical wonderland.

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Highland Lakes

Arthurs Lake in the Central Highlands is renowned for trout fishing but the area is equally attractive to keen photographers.

It’s such a peaceful calm sunrise this particular morning.

Tasmania photography
Ben Lomond is a mystical place to capture amazing Tasmania photography

While Tasmania doesn’t have many high mountains, Ben Lomond is a great subject to photograph.

Ben Lomond is 1200m high and has a central massif.

I snapped this scene just after sunset.

5- Cradle Mountain photography

Tasmania images
Tasmania images of Cradle Mountain, such as this one, are hard to resist.

When you first arrive at the Dove Lake carpark in the Cradle Mountain National Park, you are greeted with similar views as this Tasmania photo.

It’s no wonder people have this place on their bucket list.

photography tours tasmania
Most photography tours of Tasmania will take you to Cradle Mountain

A 60-minute walk from the Dove Lake Carpark via Marion’s Lookout gives you the higher view of the Famous Cradle Peaks.

It looks stunning at the very end of winter with the last remnants of snow.

photography tours tasmania
Photography tours Tasmania are a great way to build your portfolio.

My favourite image of Cradle Mountain was captured from Marion’s Lookout.

I love it so much as its such a natural image and taken at the time of day non-photographers can relate to.

Not often you get clear skies and light like it at Cradle.

6- East Coast Tasmania photography

photographing birds in Tasmania
Birds offer a chance to inject some character in your Tasmania pics.

One of my favourite things about Tasmania’s East Coast is the pelicans. There are so many in the area and each pelican seems to have their own personality….just like my mate Percival pictured!

Tasmania photo
Tasmania photography – St Marys

St Marys is a small township at the foot of an impressive rocky outcrop, St Patrick’s Head, located 30km north of Bicheno in Tasmania’s northeast.

There was a little bit of fog in the forest on my return from a sunrise shoot down the East Coast.

7- Horseshoe Falls photo

Tasmania gallery
Horseshoe Falls and Russell Falls are classic shots for any Tasmania gallery.

Situated in the Mt Field National Park (64km north west of Hobart), the walk to Horseshoe Falls is one of the best short walks I have experienced.

Russell and Horseshoe Falls (pictured) are the main highlights.

8- Aurora Australis photo

Tasmania aurora photo
Tasmania aurora photo

Mt Roland is situated between Sheffield and Cradle Mountain.

I call it the “forgotten rock”.

I tried my best to bring it to life under the Aurora Australis. We are so lucky to get amazing views of the Aurora in Tasmania.

9- Old Pier Beach, Bridport photo

Tasmania beach photography
Tasmania beach photography

Old Pier Beach is a stunning little beach in Tasmania. I will never forget the day this image was taken. The sight of the beach is imprinted in my mind.

10- Midlands photography

A moody photo of Tasmania's Midlands.
A moody photo of Tasmania’s Midlands.

The Midlands region, between Launceston and Hobart, is a vast open and a flat area with surrounding hills.

It’s my special place to explore before a storm.

11- Liffey Falls photos

tasmania photos
tasmania photo
Take a cool Tasmania photo of Liffey Falls

Liffey Falls is one of Tasmania’s prettiest waterfalls. It’s located in a cool rainforest among myrtle, sassafras and leatherwood.

Located near Mole Creek, the waterfall is stunning any time of the year.

Both images were captured in spring.

12- Bruny Island

Tasmania photography
Bruny Island is another great place to join a Tasmania photography tour.

This is the view of Courts Island from the South Bruny National Park on Bruny Island at sunset.

13- Sisters Beach, North West Coast

Beach photo Tasmania
Sisters Beach photo in Tasmania

I had one of the most remarkable afternoons ever behind a camera at Sisters Beach.

I shared this moment with two great friends and fellow landscape photographers Cam Wilson and Aaron Jones.

A Rich Collection of Tasmanian Images – Paul Fleming

Paul Fleming is a Tasmanian photographer who lives in Hobart and has published a photography book of some of the most wonderful landscapes of Tasmania. 

I’m fortunate to live on the island of Tasmania, which is so wonderfully photogenic all year round.

I’ve travelled to almost every corner of the state, and to some of Tasmania’s most beautiful islands, including Flinders, Maria, Clarke, Schouten and Bruny Islands.

However, I feel I have barely scratched the surface of what Tasmania truly has to offer, with its rich experiences and endless photographic opportunities.

I come from a family of conservationists, passionate about the island and its wonders.

While other kids were heading off to the ‘mainland’ for summer holidays, my childhood was spent exploring remote pockets of the state and delving deep into national parks and remote reserves.

I first climbed Cradle Mountain when I was just six years old, completed the Overland Track when I was nine and battled and conquered the rugged South Coast Track by age 11.

The beauty of Tasmania’s wild places was etched in my mind long before I learnt how to capture it on camera.

I’m most at home when in the mountainous heart of Tasmania, especially the Cradle Valley region.

I’ve lost count how many times I have been there, but part of the allure is that no moment there can ever be replicated – within minutes you can experience summertime sunshine then be catching snowflakes on your tongue.

Every moment captured there is unique, fleeting and your very own personal experience. Plus, the cutest wombats roam freely there, so you’re always surrounded by twitching noses and gentle wandering critters.

Tasmania is home.

Living in Tasmania is good for the soul.

It’s the place that makes my heart skips a beat when I gaze out an airplane window and see the azure waters of the northern coast breaking against the untouched, uncrowded and unspoilt beaches and rocky foreshore that rises from the watery border of the Bass Strait, which keeps us Tasmanians separated from the big island of Australia.

I’m from Legana, a small community on the western side of the picturesque Tamar River, about 15km north of Launceston.

The area is dominated by apple orchards and premier vineyard estates.

After living and working in Brisbane and the United States, I am now based in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, at the southern end of the island.

Being an island hugged by pristine beaches and spectacular rock formations with a heart of mountains and densely forested river valleys, we have an overwhelming choice when it comes to where to shoot sunrise or sunset.

It entirely depends on what you want to experience.

14- Hobart photography spots

hobart photography spots
The Hobart waterfront is a wonderful backdrop for photography in Hobart
my island home tasmania

Living in Hobart, a city of about 200,000 people, means it is small enough that you can escape to a quiet place fairly easily.

Within a 30 minute radius, you can lose yourself on a Tasmanian beach without another soul in sight, or head into the forests and be mesmerised by cascading curtains of waterfalls.

When in need of time out, we’ll often just jump in the car and see where the road takes us.

15- Mount Field National Park

mount field national park photo
Taking photos in Tasmania’s National Parks is something many photographers love to do.

Close to Hobart, we often head to Mount Field National Park and Lake Dobson.

There is a grove of ancient pandani there, an endemic species of plant to Tasmania that evokes the era of the dinosaurs and Gondwana.

Further afield, if it’s sunshine and beaches we crave, it will be the coastline surrounding Bicheno on the east coast.

It’s the less touristy option than Coles Bay, which is about 40 minutes’ drive to the south.

16- Mount Wellington winter photo

winter photography spot in Hobart
Winter photography in Hobart with snow on Mount Wellington

Winter is probably my favourite time of year for capturing Hobart and surrounds. There are also plenty of exciting things to do in Hobart in winter.

Mount Wellington is often capped in a dusting of snow (sometimes some suburbs too) which I find beautiful.

Playing in the snow, capturing icy scenes from atop a 1,200m mountain with an Australian capital city as the background is a fantastic experience that can’t be replicated in any other place in the country.

Be there for sunrise or sunset and you’ll wonder why you haven’t thought to visit the city in winter before.

Sunrise at Mount Wellington
Sunrise at Mount Wellington is one of the best Hobart photography opportunities

My favourite place to photograph sunrise is from on top of Mount Wellington, the 1,271m ever-present towering backdrop to Hobart.

A 22km drive from the CBD gets you to the summit and allows you to easily find a spot to perch and await one of Tasmania’s famous deeply coloured sunrises.

You can feel the first touches of warmth resting upon your face as the city down below you slowly awaken.

It’s a magical place to be – and very easily accessible to anyone.

17- Narawntapu National Park

wildlife photography in tasmania
Photographing wildlife in Tasmania is one of the joys.

For sunset, there are hundreds of kilometres of the untouched western coastline or many bays and coves all around the island that will feel the lingering Tassie light.

My most memorable sunsets are often from the north-coast Narawntapu National Park, often referred to as the ‘Serengeti of Tasmania’ due to the abundance of friendly wombats, wallabies, potoroos and one of the few areas in the State where you’ll find our single variety of kangaroo (the Forester/Eastern Grey).

Little hairy bodies with a tinge of golden glow through their fur is simply wonderful to witness.

18- Coles Bay

coles bay photo
A dramatic Coles Bay photo in Tasmania

Coles Bay, the gateway into Freycinet National Park, is my favourite place from this selection of images.

Many childhood memories were nurtured here, as my family often stayed in a shack right by the clear waters of the bay with a view across to the inspiring mountain range of The Hazards.

It is where my dad would take my brother and I out fishing in a dingy, and then we’d explore the granite boulder-strewn coastline and chasing after cute little wallabies.

Finding creatures we’d never seen before – from a light-emitting cephalopod to humpback and southern right whales frolicking in the bay – seemed like the creations of an over-active imagination for this curious kid.

19- Southwest Wilderness

Southwest Wilderness in Tasmania photo
Photo of the Southwest Wilderness in Tasmania

A journey into Tasmania’s wild and untamed World Heritage-listed South West wilderness is an experience that doesn’t just leave you breathless – it forces you to stop, listen and forget the troubles of the world.

You’re disconnected from what you thought was important, removed from your creature comforts. Yet, you feel inspired, uplifted and alive.

We struck a stunningly calm day, which surprisingly is not as unusual as you may think.

It can, however, get ferociously wild here, battered by the Roaring Forties winds from the west and incredible storms.

That’s part of the mystical attraction of places like this.

Bathurst Harbour covers an area of about 178km2 and is almost entirely landlocked except for a narrow channel opening to the Southern Ocean.

If the mountains and golden-hued hills with pockets of white quartzite shining through weren’t captivating enough, the water itself is a sight to see – it is permanently stained a dark red-brown colour, from tannin that filters through the roots of the expansive plains of button grass that extend around the area.

The tannin water sits as a separate layer on top of the salty sea water, blocking most light from getting through.

I have been here numerous times, including by foot – a walk of about a week from the nearest road.

However, you can experience this place as a day trip direct from Hobart via light aircraft with Par Avion Wilderness Tours or seaplane with Tasmanian Air Adventures.

Both include onshore short walks to get a closer look, feel and sense of this remote place and to learn about the aboriginal peoples and European intrusions into parts of the landscape.

A highlight is stepping ashore one of the Celery Top Islands, a tiny natural wonderland in the harbour, and where stunning vistas of Mt Rugby are captured.

20- Cradle Mountain

my island home 2

Freycinet and Cradle Mountain are Tasmania’s top two most popular National Parks – and it’s not hard to see why.

Capturing them in a unique way is certainly a challenge many photographers face when they arrive at either region – they’re recognised by iconic shaped skylines and are mostly captured from the most accessible and obvious places.

The key to a unique, yet still recognisable, shot of these places is to search out where most of the images are taken at Cradle it’s the path from the carpark to the boat shed, and at Freycinet around the Coles Bay jetty area.

I like to check out the surrounding area for an interesting foreground, change in height/angle or perhaps something that is temporarily there – like a distinct yacht moored in Coles Bay or at Cradle, some flowers blooming or ice on the lake.

That way, you still get an image that is recognisable from that place but is a unique perspective.

If you get there early for sunrise or sunset, you’re on your way to a winning capture.

21- The Central Highlands

my island home 1

The Central Highlands has generally been a place that visitors pass through on their journey to the west coast of Tasmania, or to take a scenic detour to traverse the island from north to south.

They used to rarely make many stops, or perhaps ‘see’ what they were passing through – the focus was on the coastal destination or to start a long bushwalk.

The Central Highlands is a large slice of the island – the Great Western Tiers rise steeply from the fertile farming plains of the north and Midlands region, and tapers away to eventually meet the mighty Southern Ocean to the west and south.

More recently, the stunning beauty of the alpine lakes and swirling patterns of the gum trees, backdropped by mountain peaks straight from storybooks, has been luring people to linger in the area.

The famous Overland Track, winding and climbing through 65km from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is found here, as well as the enchanting Nelson Falls a little further to the west.

Many of Tasmania’s most popular walking tracks are in this area.

The Lyell and Marlborough Highways and the Highland Lakes Road all intersect through the region and offer some of the islands most spectacular scenic drives.

22- Pumphouse Point

cradle mountain 12

Tasmania is powered entirely by hydro-electricity, and it’s here you will see and learn about the history of how that came about – from ghost towns that are remnants of the dam building boom decades ago to some fairly impressive infrastructure including massive water pipelines plunging steeply into gravity-fed power stations at the base of valleys and canals at that criss-cross the landscape to feed water between the extensive system.

One of the old pieces of Hydro infrastructure that has had a new breath of life recently is the 1940’s water pumping station on Lake St Clair at Pumphouse Point.

This abandoned four-story, art deco building sits 250m out on Australia’s deepest lake and has just opened as Tasmania’s newest boutique hotel experience – and a startlingly unique experience at that.

It’s an immersive wilderness retreat of only 18 rooms and one that photographers are already flocking toward to try and capture it in their own way, and to be one of the first.

23- Tasman Peninsula

things to do in tasmania 17

Those cheeky sea lions! They’re residents of the fauna-rich Tasman Peninsula, off the states South East coast.

Pennicott’s Wilderness Journeys runs award-winning eco-adventure cruises daily to this seal colony and out to the mind-blowingly rugged Tasman Island.

It’s a place that will have you cranking your neck back to look up at 300m high sea cliffs then swiftly back down to the pod of dolphins playfully chasing the powerful purpose-built boats.

My most memorable wildlife encounter – that’s a hard question to answer, as we’re blessed with a plethora of adorable wildlife in large numbers here, some unique to the island too.

I’ve seen Tasmanian Devils in the wild, and quolls, snakes, and the much-loved platypus, echidnas and wombats.

On the water, I’ve seen whales, dolphins, seals and penguins to name a few.

Every encounter with a wild animal is special to me.

If I had to pick one moment, it would probably be when I saw my first whale. I was a kid fascinated, perhaps obsessed, with them.

One day we were out on a boat on Great Oyster Bay (near Freycinet) and found ourselves right up close a pair of southern rights just lazily passing the day.

They didn’t ‘do’ anything, there was no fluke slapping or breaching – they were just huge, peaceful creatures that captured my imagination.

Growing up in a family that placed a lot of focus on holidaying in different places across the island, I’ve actually been fortunate to have already visited many of the places that I could name as ‘the’ places to see.

24- King Island

tasmania my beautiful home

There’s always more to discover though, and places that I want to experience – such as King Island and get a stronger feel for the Tarkine region.

If I had to narrow it down, there are two places that I consider bucket-list locations – Maastyker Island and Tasman Island.

They’re not easily accessible (anyone got a helicopter handy?) yet I feel a strong pull towards them for their remoteness, and also to (at least briefly) experience what the pioneering lighthouse keepers saw and experienced for decades as they kept the lights shining through starry or stormy nights.

I love to revisit places too; not to try and recreate existing memories but to see how they’ve changed and how my own growth into an adult has shifted how I feel and connect to a place.

Tasmanian Photography tips

  • The best tip I can give about photography in Tasmania is that we have a beautiful, lingering light that glows from low angles in the mornings and evenings the rest of Australia generally doesn’t get (due to us being further away from the Equator).
  • We also have a lengthy twilight – it’s not uncommon to still be capturing enchanting soft light anywhere up to 45 minutes to an hour beyond sunset.
  • The same applies before a sunrise – be prepared to be at your location at least 40 minutes before the sun is due to rise to have the best chance of capturing the light.
  • In summer, this means you’ll still be wandering around without a torch up until around 10 pm.
  • I still predominantly shoot with an iPhone (either a 5 or 5s). I do also use a Nikon D750 with an f4 24-120 lens depending on the location, subject or needs of a client.

Inspiring Photography in Tasmania – Francois Fourie

Born and raised in South Africa, Francois Fourie fulfilled his ambition to travel the world early on in life. Fresh from school, he backpacked for eight years before settling in Tasmania with his family. He is happiest with a camera in his hand and has an amazing collection of photographs shot around Tasmania posted on his Instagram account. 

25- Photos of Tasmanian family life

Living the dream

Having four kids (2×7 and 2×6) does make life interesting. Mornings can be crazy to get everyone ready and out the door.

I then go to work and tell people to turn their computer off and on again (I work in IT, where I provide training and technical support on a software application developed for medical specialists).

I might try and squeeze in a 20-minute gym session and then it’s back to school to pick up the brood and get everyone to friends and after-school activities.

It’s a real test of my time management and logistical skills.

On the weekends we like to get out of the house if the weather is nice and go to the beach, park or anything “fun” really.

I like to get out whenever I can to take photos, especially at night, but having a family means I cannot always go to exotic locations when the conditions are perfect.

I do however make sure I keep my camera with me at all times so that I don’t miss those magical photo opportunities when they present themselves.

Instagram is such a great platform.

It’s easy for me to bury my nose in my phone for a few minutes during the day to double tap here, comment there or upload a pic whenever I can (I keep a stash of pictures ready-to-go in a Dropbox folder called social media).

26- Bird photo 

Living the dream

I always say to myself, “do what you can while you can”(meaning now is probably the best time).

Whenever I feel a little bit lazy, I tell myself “good photos won’t take themselves” (in other words…get out of bed now, even if it is 3 am and freezing cold and you are tired).

Also, my motto is “photography is my therapy”.

It’s what makes me happy and ‘fixes’ me when I’m feeling down or in a bad mood.  

27- Russel Falla

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Russell Falls

My mum is not very mobile as she just had both her knees replaced.

I might just take her for a long drive along some scenic routes around our beautiful state (everywhere). There’s plenty to see.

I could stick her in a wheelchair and push her to Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park.

It’s a magnificent waterfall to experience, and it’s a wheelchair accessible walk through beautiful fern forests, with some of the world’s tallest trees.

We could drive to Tasmania’s East Coast and take a scenic flight over Wineglass Bay, or go on a Tasmania road trip to the West Coast, and take a cruise on the Gordon River through Macquarie Harbour and the World Heritage Wilderness.

Perhaps we could even step back in history and get on a restored steam train with West Coast Wilderness Railway, and explore the King River Gorge and old-growth rainforest.

I better start planning!

My mum will be reading this and have expectations.

28- South Cape Bay to for the Aurora Australis

Living the dream
Lion Rock

One of my favourite spots is Lion Rock, a big lump of rock near South Cape Bay, in the Southwest National Park, part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.

It’s a two-hour walk from Cockle Creek.

Did you know that Cockle Creek is the most southerly point you can drive to?

I better take my mum there too!

South Cape Bay is a two-hour walk from Cockle Creek.

This place is remote and beautiful, but not hard to get to.

It’s great to photography at any time of the year and a top spot to photograph the Tasmania Aurora.

29- Three Capes Walk

Tasmania photo at the end of the Three Capes Walk
At the end of the walk on the Three Capes Track, you will be rewarded with this view.

It’s not an easy walk, but the four to five-day journey will be one of the best experiences you have ever undertaken.

30- Rupert Point

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Rupert Point

The wild and rugged Tarkine on the West Coast of Tasmania – this area is called Rupert Point and as a seascapes photographer, there is no better place to be.

31- Cradle Mountain

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Cradle Mountain.

Iconic Cradle Mountain is easily accessible and there are plenty of short or long walks. It’s a must-do for every visitor to Tasmania.

32- Mount Wellington

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Mount Wellington

With a 25-minute drive from the CBD of Hobart, you can stand on top of Mount Wellington and get great views of the city below.

The observatory provides shelter from the cold and wind and offers some interesting information about the views you see.

Tasmania photography tips

  • Tasmania is a photographer’s paradise so bring lots of batteries and memory cards! And don’t forget your tripod.
  • Bring your walking boots, you will use them. Be prepared for all types of weather conditions at any time of the year.
  • Tasmania is much bigger than it looks so allow enough time to travel between destinations. You will be stopping frequently for pictures.
  • There are plenty of landscape photographers in Tasmania and we are all a friendly bunch. So jump onto the social media networks and ask questions before going to a new spot. I’m sure people will be happy to help out and share local knowledge.
  • If you’re out at night, look to the south. You might just see the Aurora Australis.

Best Places For Photography in Tasmania – Dietmar Kahles

When he moved to Sydney 20 years ago, Dietmar Kahles never would have guessed he’d end up living in Hobart in Tasmania. Dietmar grew up in the Tyrol region of Austria, fell in love in Perugia in Italy and followed his heart (and girlfriend) to Australia.

Now, living in Tassie reminds him of mountainous Austria and Tasmania is also the perfect place to fill his growing Instagram account @lake_of_tranquility with stunning photography. 

living the dream
May is a great time to photograph the Derwent River. This is one of my favourite city images. I shot this long exposure on a calm May evening. There was a wonderful orange glow on the horizon which reflected beautifully in the still waters of the Derwent River.

After mostly living and working in Sydney, I moved to Hobart early last year with my family.

It had always been our dream to live in Tasmania one day as whenever I visited I felt immediately at home.

There is something about this place that feels so familiar to me. I guess I’m a cold climate and mountain guy at heart.

I love the distinctive seasons of Tasmania, the fresh air, clear night skies and stunning scenery here in Tasmania.

33- Sandy Bay, Hobart, photo

living the dream
Yachts at Sandy Bay long exposure.

I have had my Instagram account since mid-2014, but only really started posting shots to the account about a year ago.

For the first few months, I only posted iPhone shots but after I purchased a full-frame DSLR (a Canon 6D) my photography really started to develop in leaps and bounds.

I am a self-taught photographer but have since done a few courses to develop my technical skills and I am always looking to improve and add to my skills.

34- Photo of Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain

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Dove Lake long exposure

I am passionate about capturing the incredible beauty of the landscape and wildlife here in Tasmania and sharing it with other Australians and the rest of the world.

I am so lucky that I am able to live in such an amazing place and with that privilege comes a responsibility to look after our precious environment and preserve it for future generations.

It gives me immense pleasure whenever people comment that they want to visit or return to Tasmania when looking at my images.

That for me is “mission accomplished”.

35- Maria Island night photo

maria island

That is a difficult question! I have had so many wonderful experiences.

If I had to pick one experience, I would have to say a recent three-day photography workshop on Maria Island has really opened my mind to the incredible wild beauty of Tasmania.

We were able to shoot a beautiful sunrise at the Fossil Cliffs, the Milky Way (and even an Aurora) and the amazing beauty of the Painted Cliffs and multi-coloured sandstone on Maria Island bathed in the golden afternoon light.

The abundant wildlife on the island was fantastic to observe and photograph.

36- Photo of Hobart in winter   

hobart tasmania
Winters day in Hobart

Hobart has everything I love, views from so many places, in particular from the summit of Mt Wellington, great restaurants, and a fantastic artistic community with the best modern art museum in Australia, if not the southern hemisphere.

Tasmania photography tips

  • Tasmania’s East Coast has one beautiful spot after another and it’s a great place to be in summer.
  • The beaches on Tasmania’s East Coast are stunning and the sunrises and sunsets at Freycinet (when the sun lights up the Hazards) are unbeatable.   
  • There is no danger of things getting too hectic here in Tasmania but a great spot to escape to is Hartz Mountains National Park. The views from Hartz Peak on a clear day is unbeatable.
  • Every season has its charms but my favourite season is autumn. The coloured leaves provide an extra layer of beauty to the already stunning scenery and the turning of the fagus (Australia’s only native deciduous shrub) at Mt Field National Park is a natural wonder not to be missed by any photographer.
  • I would strongly recommend joining the Aurora Australis Facebook community for some tips on where to go to experience this miracle of nature if you are lucky enough to be here at the right time.

Ocean Photography in Tasmania – Stuart Gibson

Hobart-based photographer Stuart Gibson specialises in ocean photography. As Stuart’s photography work takes him overseas and his assignments are mostly to do with the ocean, he gets to hang out in cool places like Fiji.

For a photographer and a surfer, this would have to be one of the best jobs in the world. And according to Stuart, most of the time, it doesn’t feel like work.

A typical day at work could mean shooting water photos or – when he’s home in Tasmania – he’s usually busy catching up on editing and drone photography jobs.

37- Jarryd Foster Stern

surf photography
Jarryd foster stern. Stuart Gibson

Photography kind of takes over your life so it’s not really a question of finding time to take photographs – rather it’s more like finding a time when I’m not shooting or planning a shoot. 

Instagram is just another platform to show my images.

I try not to get too caught up in it all. I just post a photo each day. It only takes a few minutes. 

I’ve been a photographer for over 15 years now and on Instagram for a few years.

38- Marty Paradisis Stern

best jobs
Marti paradisis stern

I don’t think about it too much, if it’s not fun for me to shoot, I find my images lack creativity.

So I try to shoot things that interest me and things I would do for fun.

I’ve been lucky enough to know a lot of fishermen so I’ve covered the majority of the Tassie coastline.

There are some inland hikes in Tassie I’d like to tick off but my list is getting pretty short.

Tassie is small but you can repeat so much because each place is always different from day to day.

39- Pedra Branca

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Pedra Branca

My most memorable trip was the Discovery Surf trip to Pedra Branca (an islet in the Southern Ocean off the southern coast of Tasmania) in 2009.

40- Shipstern Bluff

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Mick Hoult surfing Shipstern Bluff.

My favourite spot is Shipstern bluff and my favourite beach is South East Cape.

Dramatic Tasmania Photography – Dan Broun 

Tasmanian photographer Dan Broun captures the magic of Tasmania through his lens. Through his amazing photography, you’ll discover the magic of Tasmania

My name is Dan Broun. I’m a filmmaker, wilderness photographer, conservationist, bushwalker and passionate Tasmanian.

My work is a mashup of all of the above and allows me to work both in the stunning landscapes of Tasmania but also with people I admire greatly for their skill, passion and commitment.

My career has evolved to this place over the past 20 years and I’m truly in my happy place when working in these environments.

Stills photography has come later to me but is something I enjoy immensely and compliments my bushwalking.

The selection of images here comes from some of my travels throughout Tasmania over the past three years.

I hope you enjoy my images and they make you reflect upon the natural beauty available to us if you choose to step into the natural spaces that surround our cities.

41- Southwest National Park

photo esssay

A silence is so heavy, so complete, when there is no wind it’s as though the only sound is that of the earth moving through space.

Mt Counsel is so remote you feel a million miles from anywhere. In fact the next landmass you’d hit if you went due south would be Antarctica.

This place is only reached by walking through a trackless wilderness. I did this alone after an airlift into Melaleuca. How did I feel? Humble.

My hobby and obsession since migrating south have been bushwalking.

The hours I’ve spent in the bush has quite simply saved my life.

It has confirmed my suspicion that being surrounded by nature is indeed being in that happy place I think of as home.

Tasmania is such a place that all things natural can be experienced in just one day, from a sandy beach to a cheeky pinot at a vineyard, farm gate markets, artisan cheeses, and then a trip to the snow to watch the sunset over a thousand mountains.

Tasmania is my wild island, my home.

42- Eldon Range, Cradle Mountain

photo essay

The Eldon Range sits south-west of the world-famous Cradle Mountain.

It’s isolated and remote. It’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

My good pal Martin and I spent nine days in this pristine wilderness and found a landscape so varied that each minute of each hour provided some new wonder and amazing Tasmanian animals.

We saw rainforests that originated in the days of Gondwana, delicate alpine herb fields, wild rivers and serpentine streams.

Eagles soar above glacially formed lakes and button grass plateaus.

Another amazing sight was the crescent moon setting over a tarn.

Sunsets, sunrises, stillness, an all-pervasive silence, the stars innumerable.

Happiness.

A lifetime of gifts in just nine days.

43- Lake Promontory, Western Arthur Range, Southwest National Park

photo essay

After eight days traversing the mighty Western Arthur range in January with some great friends, we spent the last night here.

To our surprise just as darkness descended, curtains of shifting colours emerged above the lake, the aurora australis was paying a visit.

We sat mesmerised for hours until the display died off. Blessings were counted!

44- Bramble Cove, Port Davey, Southwest National Park

photo essay

I’m often drawn to strapping a pack to my back and wandering into the bush.

It’s a way of simplifying everything and getting back to what’s real.

Expedition kayaking is much the same, but you can take a few extra luxuries!

I think I may have found a new hobby thanks to the good folk at @roaring40skayaking and @tory.story they made arriving at this special place that much better.

45- Cathedral Mountain, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

things to do in hobart

In the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park the Cathedral Mountain plateau is vast, dotted with tarns and alpine forests, this night I slept at 1350 metres on a balmy evening.

So memorable.

46- Lake Myrtle and Mt Rogoona

Things to do in Tasmania

Nestled in the mountain, Lake Myrtle is a mecca for fly-fishermen and bushwalkers, and wombats! Vast swathes of marsupial lawns provide great campsites and a feast for furry the shuffling inhabitants.

It’s also really, really beautiful.

47- Swamp Harrier

Things to do in Tasmania

This pair of magnificent birds were found injured, shot by duck hunters.

However, with some TLC from the Raptor and Wildlife Refuge, they were rehabilitated and released back to the wild.

I’m so inspired by Craig Webb who runs the refuge. Knowing people like that exist gives me great strength.

48- Coronation Peak

things to do in hobart

Coronation Peak, Frankland Range is a seriously amazing and special place dotted with lakes and snaking serpentine streams and importantly protected for all time as part of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The twisted, contorted folds of quartzite rock that form the summit block blow the mind!

49- West Coast Range

things to do in hobart

There’s nothing better than quality time with good friends immersed in nature.

In the distance, you can see my mate Miranda jumping for joy with the mountains of Western Tasmania stretching into the distance.

Clean air, warm sun, good company, exercise and great views.

What a combination!

50- Square Lake

things to do in hobart

Square Lake and Mt Procyon look like something out of a Lord of the Rings film set but it’s real. And it’s a really big landscape to lose yourself in.

I got lost for a week in this place amongst the orcs and elves of the Western Arthur mountain range.

51- Tarkine 

things to do in hobart

The Tarkininer people of Tasmania’s west coast used these trees to make spears and shelters.

They made sure these tea tree forests were protected from fire and also ensured they had a resource up and down the coast.

Evidence of intricate landscape management is found throughout the Tarkine.

52 – Photographing Tasmania’s Beaches

Things to do in Tasmania

Under a full moon, the rocky shoreline at the northern end of the Friendly Beaches is a beguiling thing for a photographer.

I lost myself for hours amongst the sharp angles of quartzite and smooth rounded granite.

The push and pull of the wave action like the pulse beneath my skin.

All senses are alive and fresh.

53- The Tasmanian Photographer

things to do in hobart

Photography can be a solitary pursuit, lost in the world contained in an eyepiece, but sometimes I shoot with others and it’s really lovely to sit back and observe them, their creative process, watch them lose themselves inside their eyepiece.

My good friend Francois @ffourie was so focussed on the grand scale of Cape Pillar and Tasman Island, I lost myself in the frames emerging around him, and the joy of watching a friend in ‘flow’.

54- Three Capes Track 

things to do in hobart

This is a favourite day walk on the Tasman Peninsula I’ve done many times and often take new friends on, the vegetation along the way is varied and the coastal views sensational.

Invariably I get visited by a Sea Eagle on the end of the cape.

It’s a reward and a great way to enliven the senses.

54- Nine Pin Point, D’Entrecasteau Channel

magic of tasmania

Our galaxy dissolving into the day. Another wonderful day in Tasmania has begun.

55- Bruny Island 

magic of tasmania

Morning brings the promise of any number of possibilities when it starts like this. A short stroll across the road for my housemate and I, a special sunrise shared.

Looking across to Bruny Island from Middleton Beach is pretty good any time of day, some days are just a bit extra special.

Best Spots for Photography- Cameron Blake

As a Tasmanian, it makes me feel proud that Lonely Planet chose our island as number four on their list of “10 best regions to explore in 2015”.

To me, this is an amazing achievement for such a small island. Come and discover Tasmania through my lens.

Tasmania is small but geez she packs a huge travel punch. I grew up Melbourne and lived there for 32 years before deciding to follow my passion for landscape photography.

My wife and I moved to Tassie and now we live in Hobart.

Living in Tasmania has allowed me access to some of the world’s most amazing areas to photograph. 

To celebrate Tasmania’s inclusion on Lonely Planet’s list, I thought I would share a list of my own – the four places I love to visit and photograph in Tasmania.

So make yourself a cup of tea, sit back and let me guide you around my home state.

56- The Franklin River

discover tasmania

The Franklin River runs through some of the most untouched, pristine forests on the planet.

For 10 days you are swept down the river, which feel more like a time machine followed by a river trip.

Apart from rafting, there are only a couple of ways to access the Franklin River.

Firstly, there is a picnic area on the banks of the upper Franklin River. It’s a surreal spot as the river here is gentle and gives no indication of the wild waters below.

The second way would be to take a scenic flight over the Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park.

I have been on the river twice. The first time I was with some mates and we had little to no idea of what to expect. We survived but it had a lot to do with luck.

The second time was the river was with Franklin River Rafting Company.

They pretty much take care of everything for you. You need to have some fitness level but most people could do this trip without too many issues.

57- The Overland Track

discover tasmania

The Overland Track winds its way from the majestic Cradle Mountain through the World Heritage Area of Tasmania.

Running south for 65km, the track finishes at Australia deepest lake, Lake St Clair.

This track has also been rated in the top 10 walks in the world, once again proving how versatile Tasmania is and what a wide range of adventures there is to do.

discover tasmania

If you are ever in the need for an amazing walk through some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery then the Overland Track is the walk for you.

You can do a six-day guided walk along the track with the added bonus of professional photography tuition the entire walk.

I have done the Overland Track about six times and I run guided photography tours along the track.

discover tasmania

One of my favourite places along the track to photograph is at the start of the track, near Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff.

Another favourite spot is deep within the rainforests towards the southern end of the track. These two places offer amazing scenery for photographers to discover Tasmania.

discover tasmania

The biggest challenge is the weather. Having said that, the weather is what makes this place so unique. One minute it is sunny and warm, then next it’s snowing… anytime of the year.

My most memorable moment is when one of my tour clients turned to me on about day four and said, “thank you so much… I get it. It’s all about the light.”

This was a touching moment for me because I was so pleased that this client got it. Understood photography. They were really embracing the trip and this just topped it off for me.

58- Southwest Tasmania

discover tasmania
South West Tasmania Photos: Cameron Blake

There are a few ways you can experience the South West of Tasmania. You can drive south of Hobart to Southport or you can drive west towards the always controversial Lake Pedder.

Regardless of what way you travel, you will experience some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenery.

Lake Pedder is hydroelectricity created dam. Prior to the present Lake, the old Lake Pedder was considered a jewel in the southwest of Tasmania.

It was unique in many ways, but one major distinction of the lake was its pink quartz stone beach that was over two kilometres and 300m wide.

It was so unique that travellers flew in from Hobart in light aircraft to land on this beach and experience its beauty.

discover tasmania

Driving to the southwest can only lead you so far. Lake Pedder and the Scotts Peak Dam road are to the west and can get you pretty close to the coast, but it’s still about 40km away.

There is a road to the south that leads to Cockles Creek which allows you access to the southwest coast walk.

The roads are sealed most of the way. The Scotts Peak Dam road is dirt but still a good dirt road that a two-wheel drive can handle in good weather.

To really get a good look around the South West you would need a couple of days.

Driving from Hobart to Lake Pedder takes around 2.5hrs but there are plenty of sights along the way. And if you camp out you will see the most magnificent clear skies in Australia.

59- Cradle Mountain

discover tasmania
discover tasmania
South West Tasmania Photos: Cameron Blake

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s iconic tourist regions, for good reason.

There are not many places in Australia where in such a small area you can view so many amazing, breathtaking sights.

There are mountains, waterfalls and ancient rainforests. There is snow, running rivers and wildlife.

It’s a photographer’s delight.

At Cradle Mountain, you will see all types of Tasmanian animals.

Frequently you will see possums, wombats, wallabies, paddymelons, quolls and plenty of bird life.

discover tasmania

Cradle Mountain is – in my opinion – one of the trickiest mountains to capture.

The weather is forever changing and the clouds can block her out in minutes. The best times to capture the mountain would be at dawn or late afternoon.

Anytime of year, it is beautiful up there, just make sure you have warm clothes for the changing weather.

My best tip for photographing Cradle Mountain would be to get there at the right time. Early morning I feel is best as the skies can look simply magnificent.

You will need a tripod and it’s always good to have circular polarising filters.

Be patient, and stay warm. I also run three-day photography workshops at Cradle Mountain.

10 Amazing Tasmania Photography Spots

10 Amazing Tasmania Photography Spots

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