TASMANIA

Australia's smallest and only Island State is an adventurer's paradise. Dramatic mountains, sweeping coastal plains, dense forest and pristine beaches are never far from reach. More than 30 per cent of Tasmania is protected wilderness. Combine this with the food and wine, and colonial history for which the island is famous for, and you have very compact and diverse holiday experience.

What to See

Hobart typifies Tasmania's laid back island lifestyle and is steeped in history, close to wilderness and offering the indulgence of fine food and wine. Set on a beautiful river estuary, few places rival Australia's second oldest city, with white beaches on its outskirts and historic buildings at its heart.

Strahan, on Tasmania's rugged west coast, is the gateway to one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. In a world of majestic mountains, impenetrable rainforest and famous wild rivers, visitors can cruise the pristine Gordon River or take a scenic flight over the ancient rainforest canopy.

Cradle Mountain and its reflection in Dove Lake have become a symbol of Tasmania's natural beauty. A hiker's dream, Cradle Mountain with its glacial lakes and alpine moorland, offers experiences of natural beauty and wildlife at all levels.

You'll remember Freycinet National Park, an intensely beautiful coastal region sliced with deserted white sandy beaches, startlingly blue water and the striking pink granite mountains. Take the walk to its best-known beach, Wineglass Bay.

From the eerie ruins of the convict settlement at Port Arthur once the most feared of all convict stations, to remarkably intact colonial towns like Richmond, you will be impressed by Tasmania's rich colonial heritage.

Activities & Adventures

An Adventurer's Playground - You'll find it hard to sit still for more than a few moments in Tasmania, there's so much to do. Take a short or extended walk in one of 17 National Parks. Grab your rod and stalk wily trout. Raft the wild Franklin River, cycle the Tamar Valley Vineyards, go rock climbing, horse riding or sea kayaking. Then enjoy a close encounter with unique wildlife, night spotting for marsupials.

Eat And Be Merry - Tasmania prides itself on its clean, green image, and there are few places on earth where the locals take so much pleasure in growing and preparing the ingredients for your meals. Salmon, trout and oysters thrive in crystal streams and sparkling seas. Enjoy award-winning cheeses, succulent grass-fed beef and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Self-Drive Getaways - Tasmania is an ideal self-drive destination, compact enough for a leisurely exploration, yet offering surprisingly diverse scenery. Uncrowded roads make driving easy and there are plenty of interesting B&B's along the way.

Places To Stay - From alpine lodges to heritage hideaways built by convicts, you'll soon find that Tasmania's accommodation is unique - and very affordable.

Unique Experience

The Overland Track, a 53-mile trail from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is one of the best walks in the world. Do it solo or go with a guide. Take a Ghost Tour by lantern light at historic Port Arthur. Fly from Hobart into the remote south west World Heritage Area - home to the world's oldest living plant, the King's Holly, and the endangered orange-bellied parrot.

Time To Go

The best time to visit Tasmania is between mid-November to the end of March, when the weather is generally at its best. Summer means warm sunny days and a long twilight. In winter, roughly June to August, the days are crisp and bright and the mountains are dusted by snow. In spring, Tasmania comes alive with blossoms and bulbs. Average summer temperatures are a pleasant 21°C or 70°F and in winter, a crisp 12°C or 54°F.