Best Budget-Friendly & Free Things to do in Tasmania for a Thrifty Trip

The best things in life are free (or very, very cheap) and the old cliché certainly applies to Australia’s most southern state.

Rich in natural beauty and fascinating history, a holiday to Tassie doesn’t have to break the bank. Nice to hear in these trying times, right? Not only is it just a domestic flight away, there’s loads of budget-friendly things to do in Tasmania once you’re actually here.

They key is getting out in nature – and Tassie has the great outdoors covered. And if you do want to stay inside, there’s plenty of history, art and culture to sink your teeth into at the many museums and convict sites around the state.

We’ve rounded up some of the best budget-friendly and free things to do in Tasmania that are big on adventure, not on dollar signs.

Dip your toes in at Tessellated Pavement 

Tessellated Pavement, located on Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula, is a geological wonder and one of the best free attractions in the state. This natural rock formation, resembling a tiled floor, offers a mesmerising view of nature’s artistry shaped by millions of years of erosion. Perfect for budget-friendly travellers, a visit at sunset reveals its beauty as the golden light reflects off the smooth, geometric patterns. If you’re lucky (or time it oh-so-well) and visit late into the evening, you may even catch the magical Aurora Australis dancing across the southern sky, adding a truly unforgettable experience to your adventure.

380 Pirates Bay Drive, Eaglehawk Neck 

Explore the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington

A must-do for anyone visiting Hobart, the city’s most imposing and iconic landmark is free to visit. Drive up to the summit, which rises 1271 metres above Hobart, or take the Mt Wellington Explorer Bus tour ($40 for adults and $25 for kids).

Once you’re there, enjoy the many summit walks, duck into the pinnacle observation centre, or wander down to one of the lookouts to take in sweeping views of the city, River Derwent and southern Tasmania. In winter, there’s a bonus: snow!

Cost: Free!

Wellington Park, Hobart

Check out City Park

Check out City Park for a free day out. Launceston’s quirky urban green space is loved by locals and visitors alike. With manicured lawns, huge shade-providing trees, resident ducks, a giant chess set, a large playground, BBQ facilities and live music in the summertime, City Park is one of the most popular spots in Launnie to spend an afternoon.

While it might sound like any other public park in Australia, we haven’t mentioned the monkeys yet! Yep, you read that right – City Park has its own “monkey island”, an enclosure of Japanese macaques. It would be rude not to pay them a visit when you’re in town – after all, “monkey see, monkey do”! This is one of the best free things to do in Tasmania.

Cost: Free!

Tamar Street, Launceston

Feast at a farmers’ market

Both Launceston and Hobart have weekly farmer’s markets, which are well-attended by hessian bag-toting locals. Launceston’s Harvest Market is on every Saturday, while Hobart’s Farm Gate Market is held each Sunday.

Both are jam-packed with stalls offering an abundance of local produce – fresh-picked fruit, homegrown vegetables, local gin, whisky and wines, delectable baked goods, organic meat and eggs, jam, honey (and the sourdough crumpets to slather them on!), oysters, milk, cheese, chutney…the list could take up this entire article.

The best bit about these markets is that many stallholders offer free samples, so you don’t have to spend up big to sample what Tasmania has to offer.

Cost: Free!

71 Cimitiere Street, Launceston

104 Bathurst Street, Hobart 

Pitch a tent

Camping is a favourite pastime in the Apple Isle, not to mention one of the most budget-friendly things to do in Tasmania. Hit the road in any given direction and you’ll see signs for public and private campsites all over the state.

Whether you’re toting a tent or hauling a caravan, camping is a cheap way to experience some of Tassie’s most beautiful spots, with campsites at famous locations like Freycinet National Park, Recherche Bay at the very southern edge of the state, the Tasman Peninsula (Fortescue Bay is popular in summer), the stunning Maria Island National Park and Bruny Island (Jetty Beach camping is perfect for families).

Most campsites tend to max out at $50 per night for a powered site, but if you’re camping with a tent it will be even cheaper. 

Sitchu Tip: If you really want to cut costs, have a look online for the free camping sites dotted around Tassie.

Cost: Under $50 per night

Various locations, Tasmania

Spend a day at Cataract Gorge

Another of Launceston’s most popular spots is Cataract Gorge Reserve, just a few minutes drive (or a 15 minute walk) out of the CBD. You can easily spend a day at this special place, which is like an oasis in the middle of the city, especially if the weather is cooperating!

Swim in the public pool, plunge into the icy waters of the Gorge itself, embark on one of the reserve’s many hikes through grassland, bush or wildlife-filled gullies, test your nerves on the wobbly suspension bridge, picnic on the spacious lawns, or go for a ride on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift ($20 return for adults, $12 return for children). Or, just find an old tree to sit under and laze the day away–you can do a lot or nothing at all on a visit to Cataract Gorge–which is why it’s one of our favourite free things to do in Tasmania. 

Cost: Free!

74-90 Basin Road, West Launceston

Brush up on history and culture

If the weather’s not so great, you’ll be looking to spend a few hours indoors – and what better way to do that than at an art gallery or museum? If you’re in Hobart, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is your best budget-friendly bet. With free entry, the entire family will find something to pique their interest here, whether they’re art aficionados or want to learn more about the Indigenous palawa people who first called this island home.

In Launceston, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is also free and boasts two separate locations (accessible by complimentary shuttle), one dedicated to art and the other, history and science. Make sure you check out the Launceston Planetarium (at the Museum site in Inveresk) and get lost among the stars.

Sitchu Tip: Tasmania is also packed with historic convict sites, from Port Arthur to Cascades Female Factory to the notorious Sarah Island off the west coast. While they’re not free to visit, entry fees are reasonably priced.

Cost: Free!

Dunn Place, Hobart

2 Invermay Road, Invermay (Museum)

2 Wellington Street, Launceston (Art Gallery)

Boot up for a farm visit

One of the most fun, wholesome and budget-friendly things to do in Tasmania is to pull on your boots (Blundstones, obviously) and head out for a farm visit. Properties all over the state throw open their gates to visitors for a range of activities, like meeting animals (try Little Things Farm in the north or Luna Lodge in the south), fruit picking (like Turners Beach Berry Patch in the north or Old Beach Berries in Hobart) or even just to chill out and enjoy the scenery, like a wander around the historic Woolmers Estate near Launceston or a visit to Port Arthur Lavender Farm or Bridestowe Estate when the flowers are in season. Farm tours are either free or incur a small cost.

Cost: Various

Multiple locations around Tasmania

Walk on the wild side at a National Park

We’ve saved the best for last, because visiting one of the state’s 19 National Parks is probably the best budget-friendly thing to do in Tasmania. In fact, if all you did in Tassie was hike its stunning National Parks, no one would blame you—it’s a perfectly justifiable way to spend your entire trip!

When choosing which Tasmanian National Park to explore, it’s all about what you want to tick off your travel bucket list. After iconic landscapes? Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair and Freycinet National Parks will fill your camera roll with stunning shots. For waterfall chasers, Mount Field National Park is your go-to. Need a challenging hike? Hartz Mountains National Park will give your legs a proper workout. Craving untamed wilderness? The rugged beauty of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers and Southwest National Parks awaits. And if you want a bit of everything—scenic walks, pristine beaches, and adorable wildlife—don’t miss a day trip to Maria Island or South Bruny National Park.

Sitchu Tip: A day pass for Tasmania’s National Parks will set you back $23.25 per person over 5 years of age (or $46.60 per car up to 8 people), so if you’re planning on hitting several destinations on your trip, save money by opting for the Holiday Pass instead. For $93.15, you can visit unlimited parks for up to two months. Head to the Parks & Wildlife Service for more info.

Cost: From $46.60 for a day pass

Multiple locations around Tasmania

Tasmania is brimming with budget-friendly adventures, from its wild natural wonders to quirky city finds. Whether you’re summiting mountains, strolling through parks, or hanging out with Launceston’s resident monkeys, there’s always something fun to do that won’t cost a fortune. So, pack your sense of adventure, and discover the best of Tassie without breaking the bank – after all, the best things in life really are free (or close enough!)

Find even more free things to do in Tasmania with our comprehensive guide to Launceston’s best picnic spots and breathtaking waterfall adventures scattered across the state.