Pristine beaches, lush valleys, fertile farmland, and world-class food, culture and art, make Tasmania embody the earth’s natural harmonies. 

Off the coast of Australia, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, sits the island state of Tasmania, also known as Lutruwita, named by the Indigenous Palawa people of the region. Colonized by the British in the 1800s and once a penal colony, over the last decades, the island state has forged a path to harmony. With over 40 percent of the island’s land protected as national parks, reserves and UNESCO World Heritage areas, alongside vibrant farming communities, awe-inspiring geography, and the capital city of Hobart with art and cuisine that rival any world capital, this unique destination is otherworldly.

1. NINE MILE BEACH 

Stretching along Tasmania’s east coast near the town of Swansea, Nine Mile Beach is a quiet, sweeping shoreline overlooking the calm waters of Great Oyster Bay. Known for its long arc of pale sand and views toward the rugged peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula, the beach offers a peaceful setting for walking, swimming and soaking in the coastal scenery. Less crowded than many of Tasmania’s better-known beaches, Nine Mile Beach is prized for its sense of space and natural beauty, where dunes, seabirds and gentle waves define the landscape. Stop at Melshell Oyster Shack, a laid-back seaside stop where fresh seafood takes centre stage. Known for its just-shucked local oysters, the small shack serves the island’s renowned shellfish and relaxed rhythm, straight from nearby waters.

2. HUON VALLEY 

Just south of Hobart, the Huon Valley is one of Tasmania’s most picturesque regions, known for its fertile farmland, orchards and quiet riverside towns. The valley follows the Huon River as it winds through rolling countryside dotted with apple orchards, vineyards and small farms that supply much of Tasmania’s renowned produce. Historic towns such as Franklin and Cygnet offer artisan markets, wooden boatbuilding traditions and a relaxed rural charm, making the Huon Valley a popular escape for visitors looking to experience Tasmania’s food culture, natural beauty and slower pace of life. Farm stays abound and secluded, luxury getaways such as Hunter Huon Valley offer breathtaking views of the unfurling abundant valley.

3. SALAMANCA MARKET 

Held every Saturday along historic Salamanca Place, the market is one of Hobart’s most vibrant and beloved attractions. Set against a backdrop of 19th-century sandstone warehouses, the open-air market features more than 300 stalls showcasing Tasmanian produce, handmade crafts, artisan foods and local art. Visitors can sample everything from fresh pastries and seafood to locally made cheeses, honey and cider while browsing jewellery, textiles and woodwork created by Tasmanian makers. Lively, colourful and distinctly local, the market offers a snapshot of the city’s creative culture and strong connection to regional food and craft traditions. 

4. MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART 

Hop a fantastical ferry from Hobart to the MONA and be transported to a whimsical paradise. Founded by mathematician and professional gambler David Walsh and opened in 2011, the privately funded museum houses an eclectic collection that spans antiquities, modern works and provocative contemporary art. Built largely underground on the Berriedale peninsula, MONA is designed to be immersive and deliberately challenging, with exhibitions that explore themes such as life, death and human nature. Often described as a “subversive adult Disneyland,” the museum has become a major cultural attraction and helped transform Hobart into a global arts destination.

This article originally appeared in Insight The Art of Living: The Harmony Issue, written by Tara Franco