Tasmania is unlike anywhere else in Australia. The rugged mountain ranges, ancient rainforests, and dramatic coastline feel surprisingly familiar to many Nepalis — there is something about the cold air and green peaks that quietly reminds you of home. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer holiday, Tasmania rewards every kind of traveller. Here is a guide built specifically for the Nepali community — the best sights, where to eat, and where to find Nepali groceries.
Why Tasmania appeals to Nepalis
Tasmania has one of the fastest-growing Nepali communities in Australia. Nepali is the second most spoken language in the state after English — a remarkable fact for a community that arrived largely in the last decade. Many Nepalis live in Hobart and Launceston, and the community has built real roots here: restaurants, grocery stores, temples, and cultural events. If you are visiting, you will find a warm, welcoming community wherever you go.
Top places to visit in Tasmania
- →Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park: Tasmania's most iconic landscape. Jagged dolerite peaks, ancient rainforest, and glacial lakes — this is the kind of scenery that will make any Nepali feel at home. The Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 2.5 hours) is the classic walk. Go early morning for the best light on the mountain.
- →MONA – Museum of Old and New Art, Hobart: One of the most extraordinary museums in the world, built into sandstone cliffs along the Derwent River. Thought-provoking, sometimes confronting, always fascinating. Take the MONA ROMA ferry from Hobart CBD — the ferry ride itself is an experience.
- →Salamanca Market, Hobart (every Saturday): Hobart's famous open-air market along the historic sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place. Over 300 stalls selling local food, art, crafts and produce. Go hungry — the food stalls are outstanding. Free entry.
- →Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay: One of Australia's most photographed beaches. The walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout takes about 45 minutes from the car park and delivers a breathtaking view. The full Wineglass Bay Circuit (11km) is worth the effort if you have the time.
- →Port Arthur Historic Site: Tasmania's most visited tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of Australia's largest convict settlement tell a powerful and often sobering story. Allow at least 3–4 hours. A guided tour is highly recommended.
- →Bay of Fires: Orange granite boulders, powder-white sand and water so blue it doesn't look real. Located on Tasmania's northeast coast, it is one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia. Best visited as a day trip from Launceston or as part of an east coast road trip.
- →kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart: The mountain that watches over Hobart. Drive to the summit (1,270m) for panoramic views of the city, the Derwent River, and on a clear day, the Southern Ocean. Snow falls in winter. Bring a warm layer even in summer.
- →Launceston Cataract Gorge: A stunning natural gorge just 15 minutes' walk from Launceston's CBD. Take the chairlift across the gorge, walk the trails, or relax by the pool. Peacocks roam freely. Free to enter, small fee for the chairlift.
- →Richmond Village: A perfectly preserved Georgian village 25 minutes from Hobart. Australia's oldest intact bridge (built 1823), a colonial gaol, bakeries, and antique shops. A peaceful half-day trip from the city.
Best time to visit: October–April (spring to autumn). Summer (December–February) has the longest days. Winter is cold and wet but Cradle Mountain covered in snow is spectacular. Always pack layers — Tasmanian weather changes fast.
Where to eat Nepali food in Hobart
Hobart has a growing number of Nepali restaurants, particularly along Collins Street in the CBD. Here are the best options:
- →Danphe Nepalese and Indian Food – Collins St, Hobart CBD: One of Hobart's most popular Nepali restaurants. Known for its momo platter (steam, fried, kothey and C-momo), jhol momo, taas (slow-cooked goat), khaja thali, and thukpa. Open 7 days from 11am. (138 Collins St)
- →Mirmire Nepali Taste – Collins St, Hobart CBD: Authentic Nepali flavours and traditional thali sets. Another well-regarded Hobart favourite on the same strip. (186 Collins St)
- →Everest Nepalese Restaurant – Harrington St, Hobart CBD: Specialises in Tasmanian goat curry and Nepali dishes. Good for a sit-down meal near the waterfront. (84 Harrington St)
Where to eat Nepali food in Launceston
- →Tasmandu — A Taste of Nepal – Elphin Rd, Newstead: One of Launceston's most loved Nepali restaurants. Famous for jhol momo, lamb curry and kulfi. Closed Monday. Book ahead on weekends. (158 Elphin Rd)
- →Sherpa Nepalese Restaurant – George St, Launceston CBD: Authentic Nepali food with standout snacks like chatpate, wai wai sadeko, pani puri and bhatmas sadeko — dishes you don't often see on Australian menus. Closed Monday. (79A George St)
Where to buy Nepali groceries in Tasmania
If you are staying self-catered or want to cook at home, Tasmania has options for Nepali and South Asian groceries:
- →Moonlight Nepalese & Indian Groceries – Glenorchy, Hobart: The go-to Nepali grocery store in Hobart. Stocks Wai Wai, dal, rice, spices, Nepali snacks and more. Located in Glenorchy, about 10 minutes north of Hobart CBD.
- →Indian grocery stores in Hobart and Launceston also stock many Nepali pantry staples — ghee, mustard oil, basmati rice, lentils, and incense. Ask the staff — most will know exactly what you need.
Tip: If you are driving from Hobart to Launceston (about 2.5 hours on the Midland Highway), stop at Ross for a coffee and the famous Ross Bakery — one of Australia's oldest bakeries. The drive through the midlands is beautiful in golden hour.
Practical tips for visiting Tasmania
- →Getting there: Flights operate from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Hobart (HBA) and Launceston (LST). Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin all fly to Tasmania. Return flights from Perth can be found from $200–$350.
- →Getting around: A rental car is almost essential outside the cities. Tasmania's best sights are spread across the island and public transport is very limited outside Hobart.
- →Accommodation: Hobart has hostels, Airbnb apartments, and mid-range hotels. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead is recommended for peak season (December–February) and during Dark MOFO (June).
- →Weather: Pack warm layers even in summer — evenings can be cold. Cradle Mountain gets snow year-round. A waterproof jacket is essential.
- →National Parks Pass: A 2-month National Parks Pass ($60 per vehicle) covers entry to Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, and all other Tasmanian national parks. Worth it if you plan to visit more than one park.
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