Tasmania

Tasmania is a small island state located about 250 km south of the mainland coast and is readily accessible by air or by ferry.  It is a land renowned for its rugged and unspoiled wilderness, particularly in the World Heritage areas of Cradle Mountain, Lake St Claire and the rivers of the Franklin and Lower Gordon. Popular activities in the Tasmanian outdoors include bushwalking, white water rafting, camping, fishing and rock climbing. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of the endangered Tasmanian Devil, a rare nocturnal marsupial that has been made extinct on mainland Australia and is now confined to the forests of Tasmania.  

British settlers, soldiers and convicts were sent to Tasmania as early as 1803 to build a new colony, leaving a distinct mark on the cultural history of the state.  Early colonial architecture is particularly evident in older villages such as Ross, Oatlands and Campbell Town. Famous convict sites such as the Port Arthur prison, Sarah Island and the Ross and Cascade female factories are great places to experience this harsh part of history on guided walks and tours.  

The capital city of Hobart and city of Launceston are renowned for their rich mix of historical and contemporary architecture. Hobart was once visited by Charles Darwin and Mark Twain, and their footsteps and favourite old haunts may still be explored by tourists today. A fabulous food culture also thrives in Tasmania, with the clean air, soil and water producing quality ingredients and first-class wines. The many restaurants, cafes and markets found across the state take pride in using local produce such as truffles, seafood, game and cheese, satisfying even the most fussy food critic.