Tasmania, the island off the south coast of Australia, is an absolutely stunning and unique part of the country that every traveller should visit. The best advice I can give you is to take your car or hire one there – it's the only way to fully experience the beauty and wonder of the island. Should you choose to base yourself in Hobart, the capital city, here are 10 great things to do whilst you're there. We managed to fit all 10 into 4 days but it was a very busy long weekend!

1. Salamanca Markets

If you're lucky enough to be around on a Saturday morning be sure to visit the Salamanca market. Every Saturday from 8am-3pm over 300 stallholders sell fresh produce, street food and handmade crafts, largely made in Tasmania but some from overseas. Sample some local Tazzie food, cider or gin and purchase beautiful hand crafted homewares  whilst helping out local small businesses. Once you're done browsing, mooch around Salamanca Place down towards the sea front for some fab views and fresh sea air.

2. Battery Point

When you're done munching on local treats at the market it's only a short walk to Battery Point, a charming and quaint, preserved historical town that will make you feel like you've gone back in time to the 1800s. Take a stroll around the village and admire its charm and beauty, then stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes.

3. Mt Field

Take a drive to Mt Field National Park and admire the nature in the rain forest. Drive the windy roads right up to the top to see the famous Russell Falls. Drive back down and take a stroll through the enormous fern forests including the second tallest trees in the world. This is a beautiful place to admire the natural beauty of Tasmania, completely different to anywhere else in the world. Look out for wildlife but drive carefully to ensure you don't hit a wallaby!

4. Mount Wellington

Just a short drive from Hobart, and rated one of the best things to do in the whole of Tasmania, is the incredible Mount Wellington. Take care on the windy road up to the top (it's super high up!) then park up and take in the amazing views. On a clear day you can see for kilometres but even on a not so clear day it's breath taking.

5. Seafood by the sea

When all of the exploring starts to take a toll on your appetite, wander down to one of Hobart's piers for seafood by the sea. Hobart has many lovely restaurants on the waterfront giving gorgeous views whilst you enjoy delicious food. Seafood not your thing? There are also some lovely steakhouses, European restaurants, American restaurants and many more! Check out Ball and Chain Grill for top notch steak and wine to suit all budgets from backpackers to big spenders.

6. The Pickled Frog

Sleepy from all your adventures? Get a good nights sleep at The Pickled Frog, but only after enjoying the cosy sofas, pool table and super cheap drinks at the bar. This hostel is budget friendly for backpackers, offers free wifi throughout, has friendly and helpful staff, AND is home to two hostel dogs. What more could you want?!

7. Drive up the East Coast

Wake up bright and early for a long drive up the east coast, stopping to admire the beauty of the stunning bays whilst breathing in the fresh sea air. Be sure to stop off at Wineglass Bay – one of the top 10 beaches in the world! Drive up to the Wineglass Bay lookout point for amazing views – don't forget your camera! Stop for lunch in the seaside town of Swansea and enjoy stunning views of Oyster Bay whilst you sip local wine and munch on tasty pizza at Salt and Shaker Cafe and Restaurant. Your East Coast adventure wouldn't be complete without stopping at Coles Bay to take a short walk and a few photos!

8. Bruny Island

The next day we're up at the crack of dawn again and heading to Kettering to take the ferry over to Bruny Island. Head up 'The Neck' lookout point – it's A LOT of steps but trust me it's so worth it for the incredible views of the island – not to be missed. Look for adorable penguins when you reach the bottom, most likely to be seen at dusk or dawn. Drive on over to adventure bay and stop for a coffee and a snack at The Penguin Cafe. Keep driving through the rain forest and see if you can spot a rare albino wallaby, most likely to be observed in the afternoon.

9. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

If you're keen to see more of the local wildlife of Tasmania look no further than Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, only a short drive from Hobart. Arrive in time for the fascinating talk about Tasmanian devils and watch them feed. Enjoy talks about wombats and koalas (not native to Tazzie but so cute!), to learn all about these lovely Aussie animals and you even get to pet them. Learn about the work Bonorong does in rescuing and rehabilitating animals, and feel good that you contributed to that just by visiting. Feed the free range kangeroos who are so friendly and love to be stroked on the chest, and say hello to the exotic birds (some will even say hello back to you!).

10. 7 Mile Beach

Once you've had your fill of stroking koalas and taking selfies with kangeroos, it would be a crime not to visit 7 mile beach whilst you're so close by. This is a stunning, peaceful beach with soft white sand and turquoise water where you can enjoy beautiful long walks or just have a lie down! n the sand or a paddle in the sea. As mentioned earlier Tasmania is beautiful and I can't recommend it enough. We managed to fit a lot into 4 days but we would have loved to stay for longer. Many of the trips mentioned above are free, for example Mount Wellington and Russell Falls, and the others are affordable. If you don't manage to get your hands on a car for your stay then check out free trips and shuttle busses – The Pickled Frog does free trips to Mount Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Mona. Ask the locals for advice on what to do as they really do know best. Happy travelling!