Planning Your Trip: 8 Essential Items to Take with You to Tasmania

Tasmania is a breathtakingly beautiful vacation destination, and it’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Tasmania is an island state of Australia and it is located in the southeastern part of the country. It’s divided into seven main regions, each with its own attractions and adventures. Much of the tourism of Tasmania centers around outdoor activities, including zip lining, rock climbing, white water rafting, and hiking. Additionally, there are plenty of arts and culture experiences in the area as well, including top-notch art museums and a vibrant live music and theatre scene. If you are traveling to Tasmania, here are eight essential items that you will need to pack to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

1. Waterproof and windproof clothing

Tasmania has four distinct seasons but a relatively moderate climate overall. However, the weather patterns are notably unpredictable, and while one day might be beautiful and sunny, the next could bring high winds, cool temperatures, and rain. To prepare for this unpredictability, you will want to pack a windproof and weatherproof jacket. If you have the means (and space in your luggage), other weatherproof clothes, such as pants, boots, and hats, are also very helpful to have. It’s also always smart to pack a poncho or raincoat because Tasmania is known for its frequent and spontaneous rain showers.

2. Seasonal items

Again, the weather is not at all consistent in Tasmania, even within a single season. Travelers on Tasmania holidays will want to pack a variety of seasonal items, as space in their luggage permits. Sunscreen and sunglasses are important in warmer months. During cooler seasons, a warm hat and gloves and lip balm are necessities. In general, you should also always wear clothes that you are comfortable moving around in because most visitors spend a lot of time walking around the attractions in Tasmania.

3. Water bottle

Since so many of the popular attractions in Tasmania are outdoors, you should expect to walk around a great deal. It is imperative that you bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. There are not always water fountains on the hiking trails, and you want to be sure to stay safe at all times. The most useful water bottles come with a hook that can attach to a purse or backpack so that you can walk around hands free.

4. Camera

Because Tasmania is so far away for most travelers, many know it will be a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. As such, you don’t want to arrive without a camera. Of course, today most cell phones have built in cameras, but you’d be wise to bring along an additional one that is weather-resistant. You wouldn’t want your phone to get wet and be rendered useless while you are thousands of miles from home. Additionally, for those who love photography and art, you may consider bringing along a more high-tech camera as well. There are gorgeous natural backdrops in Tasmania, and with the right lens, your photos can be frame-worthy.

5. An extra suitcase

Since most travelers won’t be able to come back to Tasmania very often, it’s important to commemorate your trip. You’ll want to make the most of your trip by bringing back some souvenirs to remember the trip. If you are like most travelers, your suitcase will be packed to the gills leaving no space for new items you purchase in Tasmania. If you have sufficient self-control to leave some empty space in your luggage, that is ideal. If not, it’s a good idea to bring an additional, empty carry on bag when visiting Tasmania so you’ll be able to bring back items you buy on your trip. You will likely have to pay an additional bag fee to the airline, but it is worth it in order to be able to bring memories back home.

6. Sturdy backpack

Much of the exploring you’ll do on Tasmania involves being out in nature and walking long distances, so you’ll want a good backpack for your trip. Most sporting equipment stores have a wide variety of backpacks, so you’ll want to choose one that is lightweight and waterproof. If your water bottle has a hook, it’s easy to attach to your backpack. You can also put your camera and/or phone inside a ziplock bag in your backpack for safety. Be sure to throw in some snacks, plus a poncho, sunglasses, hat, and pair of gloves and you’ll be all set.

7. Travel guide

Unless you are very familiar with Tasmania, it’s a smart idea to bring a travel guide book with you. Whether you plan your trip in advance or you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants once you get there, having a guide book on hand will help you navigate the area–and not miss the most popular attractions. Guide books not only help direct you to the can’t-miss areas of Tasmania, but they can also help keep you safe by warning you about areas to avoid for safety reasons.

8. Travel journal

Writers and travel enthusiasts alike will want to pack a blank travel journal with them to fill as their adventures in Tasmania unfold. Once a vacation is over, it can be hard to remember many of the smaller details about the trip, so bringing a journal along and taking a few moments at each stop to write down your thoughts and experiences is a great way to retain your fantastic memories. You will want to bring a journal that is light and small enough to fit in a pocket of your backpack so as not to weigh you down on hikes and other outdoor excursions.

You won’t regret your decision to vacation in Tasmania. The art museums, hiking trails, wildlife, adventure sports, and scenic cruises are highlights of the Tasmanian experience. Of course, it is important to pack accordingly so that you are prepared and comfortable. This list of items is a great start as you plan for your vacation.