TASMANIA
Pristine wilderness | Haunting convict history | Fabulous food & wine World-Heritage listed areas | Picture-perfect Wineglass Bay | Unique wildlife
Wineglass Bay
The impossibly beautiful island state of Tasmania is a place to reconnect with nature , wildlife and your tastebuds .
Old meets new in Hobart , Tasmania ’ s capital , a city framed by Mount Wellington and the River Derwent . Brimming with history and bursting with creativity , dynamic Hobart surpasses expectations at every turn .
Within easy reach of Hobart , delve into history at Australia ’ s most notorious convict settlement in the idyllic coastal setting of Port Arthur . These spine-tingling stories are sure to stay with you forever . Also on the city ’ s doorstep are Bruny Island ’ s dramatic landscapes which provide a perfect retreat for wildlife . This area is also wellknown for its great produce , including oysters , cheese , honey , whisky and chocolate .
Launceston mixes city and country charms , with heritage streetscapes , a slice of urban wilderness and all the ingredients for a gourmet experience . Take a walk beneath the high walls of Cataract Gorge just a short stroll from the city centre , dine on the riverfront , or cruise the Tamar ’ s waters . No visit to Launceston is complete without a sampling of sparkling wine in the prestigious Tamar Valley region .
Around 40 % of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves , most of which are stunningly beautiful and within easy reach of Hobart and Launceston . Freycinet National Park , on the east coast , is one of the state ’ s favourite coastal playgrounds . Headlined by Wineglass Bay , the park ’ s other assets include the towering pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range and the lighthouse topped Cape Tourville . It ’ s also a region to delight in local seafood , particularly in Bichono , sip on cool climate wines , and indulge at fine luxury lodges .
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is also pretty special , with glacial lakes fringed by ancient pines and icy streams cascading down rugged mountains . The walking trails alongside glacially-carved Dove Lake give you breathtaking views at almost every step . The park also provides a rich habitat for wildlife including Tasmanian devils .
Feel the immensity of nature at the remote town of Strahan , your launchpad to World Heritage listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park . With its mountains , deep gorges and blanket of cool-temperate rainforest , it forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area .
The Bay of Fires , near St Helens , is your go to place for glorious beaches ; Smithton is the beginning of the Tarkine wilderness ; and the fishing village of Stanley is framed by a dramatic volcanic outcrop known as The Nut .
84 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900