Tasmania

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania is an unspoilt natural beauty that many travellers mistakenly fail to include in their itineraries. Promoted as an ‘Island of Inspiration’, half of the state is almost all reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites. Dense forests, high mountain regions and spotless highlands attract hikers and outdoor lovers from around the world, whilst surfers come for the big, ruthless, uncrowded surf and long white beaches. The state’s capital, Hobart, melds a historical past with appealing landscapes, lifestyle and cultural diversity.


Hobart

Located on the estuary of the Derwent River, Hobart’s mild climate and tranquil city make it a delightful place to rest and relax in between travelling around the rest of Tasmania. The city’s history jumps out at you wherever you go; settler’s cottages, colonial mansions and the infamous Port Arthur jail. Priding itself on its happening art and entertainment scene, Hobart is home to many events and festivals and is the perfect place to hunt for antiques and collectibles.


Points of Interest:

City Centre

Hobart city provides hassle free shopping with something for everyone wether it be top brand names and designer boutiques or antiques and collectibles. When it comes to dining, seafood is the local speciality and goes down well with a bottle of one of of Tasmania’s finest wines or Boags beer. To relax, walk around the waterfront at Sullivans Cove.


Mount Wellington

Only a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Mt Wellington rises 1270 metres above sea level providing picturesque panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. There are walking trails to suit all fitness levels as well as cycling tracks, abseiling and BBQ and picnic areas.


Salamanca Market

Held every Saturday between 8:30am-3pm, Salamanca Market backs onto sandstone Georgian warehouses and is popular with locals and tourists. Supporting the local artisans and farmers, you can buy a range of goods such as woodwork, handmade handbags, and homemade sweets, organic fruit and vegetables, antiques and collectibles, photography, pottery, fine food, coffee and second hand books.


Regional Tasmania

Points of Interest:

Launceston

Tasmania’s second largest city, Launceston fuses historical charm with vibrant modernisation and natural beauty. Located in the north, the city serves as the gateway to the vineyards in the Tamar Valley and national parks such as Narawntapu. Check out the city’s historical buildings such as Macquarie House, the Old Umbrella Shop on George St and Franklin House, drop into the Queen Victoria Museum and the Art Gallery. Dine at one of the waterfront eateries at Launceston Seaport.


Port Arthur

Rich with history, it is difficult to truly understand Tasmania’s past without a visit to Port Arthur. Include in your itinerary a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site, the Village of Port Arthur as well as taking time to explore the spectacular coastline popular for surfing, diving, sea kayaking and bush walking.


The Overland Track-Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair

A six-day, 65km walk beginning at Cradle Mountain and finishing at Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair, the internationally acclaimed Overland Track takes hikers through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Although challenging, the stunning landscapes make the walk well worth the effort.


Flinders Island

Situated 20km from the most north-eastern tip of Tasmania, Flinders Island is the largest island in the Furneaux Group and is easily accessible from the mainland. The island is a utopian paradise with unspoilt beaches, rugged mountain ranges and an abundance of flora and fauna. Activities include boating, walking, climbing, fishing and exploring historic sites.


Coles Bay

A stunning coastal destination thriving with natural beauty, Coles Bay is a holiday hot spot for locals and visitors alike. A bit over a two hour drive from Hobart, Coles Bay is located on the east coast of Tasmania is back dropped by granite peaks known as The Hazards. Set on the edge of the world-renowned Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, visitors can enjoy sea kayaking, 4WD tours, mountain biking, deep sea fishing, boating, snorkelling and diving, winery tours, abseiling and more.


More Information on TAS:

Tourism Tasmania, www.discovertasmania.com
Port Arthur, www.portarthur.org.au
The Overland Track, www.parks.tas.gov.au
Flinders Island, www.visitflindersisland.com.au
Coles Bay, www.colesbay.com.au