Travel

Free things over-60 travellers can see and do in Tasmania

Jun 05, 2017

Tasmania is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, particularly for travellers over 60. There’s so much to see and do from magnificent rainforests to the history of Port Arthur and the beauty of Cradle Mountain. But getting there, especially from the mainland, can be costly, which is why the last thing you want to do is spend a fortune when you get to Tasmania. Luckily, there are plenty of fun adventures and activities you can do free. Here are just a handful of the free things travellers over 60 can see and do in Tasmania.

1. Tasmanian Art Gallery and Museum

The only #tasmaniandevil im likely to see!

A photo posted by Samantha Vassella (@samantha_vassella) on Oct 2, 2015 at 10:07pm PDT

If you’re in Hobart and you want to get a taste of Tasmania’s rich history, then why not visit the Tasmanian Art Gallery and Museum? Not only is entry free, the museum is open seven days a week and has a large collection of historical items and artefacts. If you want to know more about the infamous Tasmanian Tiger or see the latest works from some of Tasmania’s best artists, then a day at the Tasmanian Art Gallery and Museum is perfect for you – and it won’t break the bank!

2. Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens

There’s nothing quite like a nature’s colour palate on a sunny Autumn afternoon in Tasmania. @tassiegrammer snapped this stunner on an afternoon stroll along the vibrant pathways of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Established in 1818 on the western banks of the River Derwent, the Botanical Gardens cover 13.5 hectares and showcase more than 6,500 varieties of plants, including over 400 Tassie species. They are the second oldest Botanical Gardens in Australia and are home a wide variety of fascinating exhibits, including the largest public conifer collection in the southern hemisphere, a peaceful Japanese garden and a stunning Conservatory. And with views like this, why would you want to spend an Autumn afternoon anywhere else? Thanks for tagging #discovertasmania, Jason! #RoyalTasmanianBotanicalGardens #Hobartandbeyond #tasmania #seeaustralia

A photo posted by Discover Tasmania (@tasmania) on Apr 26, 2016 at 12:56am PDT

While you’re in Hobart, check out the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens. If you love gardening or look at plants and flowers, there’s plenty to see and do at the botanic gardens. The botanic gardens in Hobart are the second oldest in the country, featuring unusual collections of plants and a Subantarctic Plant House. Why not take a stroll through the gardens and sit down for a picnic? The best part is it’ll cost you nothing!

3.Visit the Salamanca Market

The boot will be near to bursting with delectable goodies in no time at Salamanca Market, with 300 stallholders from woodwork to jewellery, fashion, ceramics and fresh fruit and organic vegetables. #Salamancamarket #discovertasmania Credit: @tasmania

A photo posted by @spiritoftas on Sep 26, 2016 at 12:16am PDT

Each Saturday, Salamanca Place in Hobart comes to life with the vibrant Salamanca Market. From 8.30am to 3pm you can enjoy free live entertainment by buskers, browse a range of stalls and buy fresh fruit and veggies.

4. Enjoy Hobart’s beaches

Great to be back in Tassie and being able to go for a morning beach run along this beauty 🌞🏝 #bellerivebeach #tassie #hobart #tasmania

A photo posted by Dave (@diker45) on Oct 16, 2016 at 6:25pm PDT

If the weather is warm and you’re looking to soak up some sun, a day at one of Hobart’s beaches will cost you nothing. While Tasmania isn’t renowned for its beach culture, if the sun’s shining and it’s warm enough, why not pay the beach a visit? Some of Hobart’s best beaches include Clifton Beach, Long Beach, Short Beach and Seven Mile Beach. There’s also the Bellerive Beach Park, where you can stop and have a barbecue or take a walk along the Clarence Foreshore Trail.

5. Go for a hike at Mount Wellington

Last day in Tassie #mountwellingtontasmania #hobart #tasmania #australia #scenery #sunset #thepinnacle #travel #travelgram #instatravel #travelingram

A photo posted by whsien (@whsien) on Oct 25, 2016 at 1:50am PDT

So you’ve hired a car and you’re not sure where to go? Well, if you’re in Hobart, why not go for a short 20 minute drive to Mount Wellington? It won’t cost you a thing to take a hike around the bush or walk up to the summit to take a great photo of Hobart from a distance.

6. Talk a walk on the Cataract Gorge Walking Trails

Cataract Gorge ✅ #launceston #cataractgorge #travel #tasmania

A photo posted by Achini Lathpandura (@achini87) on Oct 27, 2016 at 3:28am PDT

If you’re looking for something free to do while you’re in Launceston, then take a hike along the Cataract Gorge Walking Trails. A two or three hour walk will take you from King’s Park to the Zig Zag Reserve.

7. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

Spent many hours in the museums of Launceston over the last week 😁 it’s great that they are free and I always left feeling i learnt a heap 🤓 love being a nerd #Launceston #Tasmania #qvmag #launcestonmuseum

A photo posted by Jackson Turner (@jackson_beach) on Feb 15, 2016 at 9:57pm PST

Another great free activity in Launceston is the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Complete with a planetarium inside, Launceston’s museum and gallery has a large collection of art and historical items that tell the story of Tasmania’s rich history.

8. Cradle Mountain

Silent reflection can be the perfect tonic in today’s busy, modern lives. However, we reckon it’s even more therapeutic if you can do your reflecting in a stunning location – like atop Glacier Rock at twilight, with Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake as your backdrop. @lovethywalrus has got the right idea, don’t you think? Glacier Rock is just one feature of the two-hour Dove Lake Circuit walk at Cradle. One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, this family-friendly walk departs from and returns to the Dove Lake carpark and takes you right around Dove Lake and beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your mind wander… Thanks for tagging #discovertasmania, Paul.

A photo posted by Discover Tasmania (@tasmania) on Oct 26, 2016 at 11:08pm PDT

Lovers of the great outdoors will be in their element at Cradle Mountain. Like any other national park, Cradle Mountain is free for you to enjoy. The wild and untamed landscape of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park make it one of the most popular natural features for you to visit in Tasmania.