Discover Tasmania...

... where untamed wilderness and world class indulgence collide. Offering exceptional food, wine and world heritage wilderness, satisfying more criteria than any other site on earth, come and immerse yourself in the world class wonder that is Tasmania. It’s closer than you think…

TOP PICKS

• Bay of Fires – North East Coast - One of the Lonely Planet’s Top 10 regions in the world.
• Port Arthur – South East – Tasman Peninsula - Best Heritage Tourism destination in Australia.
• Cape Grim – Far North West Coast - The cleanest air in the world.
• Cradle Mountain National Park - Waldheim Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge ‘Australia’s Best Lodge Accommodation’ (2008 & 2009)
• Tamar Valley – Just north of Launceston - Home to some of the world’s best sparkling wines and the crisp bubbly from the Piper’s River region is even turning the head’s of Frenchmen.

WORLD-CLASS MUST DO’S

The world-famous Overland Track
Immerse yourself in the Tasmanian wild for 65 kilometres of alpine lakes, dolerite peaks, breathtaking waterfalls and ancient tracts of rainforest. Beginning near iconic Cradle Mountain, six or seven days later you will reach Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.

Taste your way through the Tamar Valley
Take a palatable journey through one of the world’s best sparkling wine regions, stopping at roadside stalls and feeling the pull of inviting cellar doors. The Tamar Valley bursts with the crisp fragrance of cool-climate wines and produce direct from paddock to plate.

Fresh Tasmanian Salmon
Make sure you indulge in the freshest Tasmanian salmon right from the source because the rest is destined for the plates of fellow diners in the best restaurants across the globe.

MUST SEES

Whimsical Wineglass Bay
You can’t come to Tasmania without standing aloft the Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet National Park. The view below is so enticing that you’ll have no choice but to walk down the track and feel the cool, pristine sand between your toes.

Beauty in the Bay of Fires
Named as international travel guide Lonely Planet’s hottest destination for 2009, the azure waters and hourglass fine sands of the Bay of Fires will have you mesmerised. Add a touch of vibrant orange lichen to the rocky outcrops and the postcard is complete!

Travel the Tasman Peninsula
Take a drive south from Hobart down the Tasman Peninsula and you’ll witness the highest sea cliffs in Australia, see rock formations such as Devil’s Kitchen, and be en route to the dark convict past at Port Arthur.

The Wild West Coast
Fall in love with the rugged beauty of Tasmania’s west. Lie on the sands of Great Ocean Beach at dusk and watch as mutton birds swoop in from the ocean to nest. You’ll feel a world away as the sun sinks down behind the watery horizon.

HISTORY

Taking its name from Abel Tasman who first charted the island in 1642, Tasmania was the second settlement in Australia after Sydney and the first settlers arrived in 1803 to what is now Hobart. It was primarily established as a penal settlement to house prisoners from the United Kingdom and much of this early penal history can be seen around the state.

GEOGRAPHY

The island state of Tasmania is located some 200 kilometres south of the mainland of Australia and is our smallest state, measuring only some 250 kilometres from north to south and east to west at its broadest points.

As Australia's most southern land mass, it is snow capped throughout much of the year, and the mountainous terrain and many lakes provide a tranquil and beautiful island which is a popular destination for holiday makers from all over the world.

For travellers, the island can be divided mainly into 4 sections. The north west - where the ferry from Melbourne disembarks at Devonport, the North East - with beautiful beaches and snow capped mountain peaks, the South West - renowned for the system of rivers and the beautiful rain forests which comprise a magnificent World Heritage Area, and the South East - which houses the ruins of the penal settlement of Port Arthur, this region also boasts a rugged and beautiful coastline interspersed with many rustic beaches.

TASSIE FACTS

• Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world and its rainwater is so pure that quantities have been shipped to Australian Olympic Athletes competing overseas.
• Hobart is the finish line for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, starting on Boxing Day in Sydney and usually arriving at Constitution Dock in Hobart around three to four days later, during the Taste of Tasmania, an annual food and wine festival.
• Famous Tasmanians included Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (Mary Donaldson) and actors Errol Flynn, Simon Baker and actress Rachael Taylor.

Tassie Firsts

• A progressive island, the first phone call in Australia was made between Launceston and Campbell Town in 1874 and the country’s first casino still attracts punters to Hobart.
• There is no doubt the locals placed considerable emphasis on their leisure time, constructing Australia’s oldest brewery, live theatre venue and golf course in the early years. Non-residents must envy this relaxed approach, as today’s Tasmania continues to attract more visitors per year than its entire population.

Tassie Truths

• Over one third of the island is protected as World Heritage Wilderness, ensuring there’s plenty of space to play in this adventure playground.
• Home to the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia’s best heritage tourism site.
• World-class trout fishing less than two hours from the harbour-side capital of Hobart.

For more info visit www.discovertasmania.com or talk to a Tassie specialist on 1300 827 743 (1300 TASSIE)