Soft adventure outdoor travel ideas in Tasmania, Australia

Forget adrenaline-fuelled adventures that leave you needing another holiday to recover. Tasmania is leaning into a gentler kind of outdoor travel, with kayaking, scenic train rides, wildlife encounters, glamping stays, and guided walks that let you get close to nature without completely wrecking your legs.

The shift comes as the trend of “soft adventure” continues to grow in popularity among travellers. Activities such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife encounters, and guided journeys are increasingly appealing to those looking for a balance between activity, accessibility, and wellbeing.

Tasmania is particularly suited to this style of travel, with almost half the island protected as national parks, reserves, and UNESCO World Heritage areas. From gliding across alpine lakes to soaking in thermal pools and sleeping in a dome surrounded by vineyards, here are some soft experiences to add to your Tasmania itinerary.

What is soft adventure travel?

Soft adventure travel refers to active but relatively accessible experiences such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife encounters, cycling and guided nature tours. Unlike more extreme adventure travel, the focus is on exploring nature and experiencing a destination without requiring high levels of fitness or technical skill.

1. Gordon River Cruises

Cruise through Tasmania’s ancient wilderness without lifting a paddle