TASMANIA

Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed island lifestyle, wonderful food and wine, and a haunting history evoked by world-famous convict ruins. It's also Australia's smallest state and the most geographically diverse with over 40 per cent reserved as national parks and world heritage wilderness. No matter where you go, whether you spend time in one place or drive around the island, we know you'll be delighted by what you'll find and surprised at how much bigger Tasmania is on the inside.

In Hobart, explore the converted colonial warehouses of Salamanca and on Saturdays there's Salamanca Market, Tasmania's most visited attraction. From here it's a short walk to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or a short ferry ride takes you to Mona, one of the world's largest private collections of art and antiquities. South of Hobart are the clear waters and stunning coastline of Bruny Island and the beauty of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. An alternative route passes through the Huon Valley alongside the tranquil Huon River and on to the rugged Hartz Mountains National Park.



To the east are the wineries of the Coal River Valley and further on is Tasman National Park, with its spectacular coastline and historic convict sites. Heading west, the road follows the beautiful River Derwent through the Derwent Valley and on to the grandeur of Lake St Clair in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. And if you're travelling north to Launceston, the Midland Highway, dubbed the Heritage Highway, offers many opportunities to learn of Tasmania's heritage past, with homesteads and country cottages revealing the state's early colonial history along the way.

Gateway to Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, its rugged mountains, ancient rain forests and heath make Tasmania's west one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. Yet, despite its remoteness, it's easy and safe to visit and travellers can still enjoy the best of Tasmania's quality accommodation and fine dining. Tasmania's west is often remembered for the conflict between forestry workers and environmentalists to save the flooding of Lake Pedder, and once you visit you'll get an idea of what the protest was all about. The largest coastal town is Strahan, situated on Macquarie Harbour and close to Sarah Island - one of the harshest penal colony settlements in Australia.



Tasmania's north-west is a great place for touring and offers spectacular views at every turn, from Mt Roland near Devonport, Table Cape near Wynyard and the famous Nut at Stanley. And some of Tasmania's prettiest cities and towns sit right on the water's edge on the scenic north-west coast, each with their own unique attractions and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The north-west is also home to the Tarkine, one of the world's last great wilderness experiences, Australia’s greatest expanse of cool temperate rainforest and the largest in the world.

There's an ongoing tradition of agriculture here that's evident in the rich red soils and patchwork fields found throughout the countryside. The ideal growing conditions have inspired growers and makers committed to producing the very best in fresh crisp vegetables, dairy products, wines, whiskey and sweet treats for the hungry traveller – the ultimate paddock to plate experience.


 


Tasmania's east coast, with its natural beauty, spectacular landscapes and long beautiful beaches, offers a completely different Australian coastal experience. Here you'll discover the beaches of the beautiful Bay of Fires, one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions in the world, along with historic townships, fresh seafood and friendly locals - all on one of the best scenic coastal drives in the country. Five national parks spread along the coast including the stunning Freycinet National Park with its pink granite mountains, white beaches and crystal clear sea.

The two largest towns on the east coast are Bicheno and St Helens - both busy fishing ports, so expect some of the freshest seafood around. There's also some of the best game fishing in Australia .Flinders Island is located off mainland Tasmania's north-east coast and offers the ultimate escape with peace and quiet, natural beauty and plenty of local attractions. Flinders is the largest of the Furneaux Group of 52 islands and offers a range of great experiences - from walking beautiful, long deserted beaches and lazy scenic drives to fishing, golfing, diving and even fossicking for 'Killiecrankie diamonds'.



The north of Tasmania is well known for its sweeping valleys, vast farmland and historic cities, and the city of Launceston is certainly no exception. It has a lively yet laid-back, traditional while contemporary feel, and finds itself temptingly close to the Tamar Valley Wine Trail and all the delicious Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs that come with it. Tasmania's north is a feast of historic streetscapes and heritage estates, rich farmland, premier cool-climate wines, fresh produce and a haven for designers and craft makers eager to talk about their work.

The largest city in the region - and second largest in the state - is Launceston, a vibrant hub for food and wine and culture. There's also a touch of wilderness with Cataract Gorge just a few minutes walk from the city centre. The city is located on the banks of the Tamar River and is the gateway to the Tamar Valley, a region where English conservatism sits happily alongside the unconventional and off beat. Out of Launceston, the surrounding green fields and country lanes are lined with 150 year old hawthorn, poplar and elm trees, while in the rich farmland of the Tamar Valley you'll find lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards.



This idyllic setting will satisfy other interests too, from those of history enthusiasts to nature lovers. King Island lies off the north-west coast of Tasmania, surrounded by a rugged coastline with fresh seafood, famously good produce and some of the cleanest air in the world. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn - from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks - to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife, including the elusive platypus and rare orange-bellied parrots.

There are also two stunning world-class golf courses on the island, Cape Wickham (24th best in the world according to Golf Digest) and Ocean Dunes, both seaside courses designed in the Scottish links tradition. Uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or take a guided or DIY trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.