29 profile tasmania Aus 17/10/08 12:30 Page 29
australia
Profile Tasmania
Tasmania is one of the world’s last but most accessible frontiers. In contrast to the
mainland, this island – the southernmost part of Australia – has unique wildlife,
temperate rainforest, snow-capped rugged mountain ranges and wild rivers
Top 5: Must Dos
■ Mount Wellington: This
peak towers over Hobart
at 1270m, providing one
of the finest 360 degree
views in Australia, and
the adventurous will love
the descent by bike
■ Head to the forest: Experience
Tasmania’s rainforest in the Mount
Field National Park, 40 minutes from
Hobart, where the tallest flowering
trees in the world grow
■ Little devils: Catch a
glimpse of the famous
Get back to nature in Tasmania
but notoriously shy
Tasmanian Devil in the
many wildlife parks
WHAT TO DO.
Tasmania’s genteel approach to life sits at ■ Prison break: The Port
Almost half of this fascinating island state is odds with its convict history, which is evident Arthur Historic Site is
protected and much of it remains unexplored in the state’s leading attraction, the Port Arthur only 90 minutes from Hobart
and uninhabitable. Rare wild animals, like the Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. ■ Wonderful walks: Wineglass Bay on
Tasmanian devil, found nowhere else on earth, Even more lurid tales of skulduggery and tor- the Freycinet Peninsula and Dove Lake
roam freely, largely unafraid of man. ture await in the west-coast town of Strahan, on Cradle Mountain are stunning and
Tasmania retains as much mystery and raw gateway to the world’s last tract of temperate can be reached by scenic flights over
beauty as it did millions of years ago and will rainforest and home to notorious Sarah Island, the wilderness
amaze first-time visitors. The rich and fertile a place where prisoners preferred death to
countryside means bountiful, flavoursome imprisonment.
produce and crisp award-winning wines, which
We Aussie Specialists
grace the tables of restaurants all over the state.
ESSENTIAL DETAILS.
The first 10 new agents to complete the
Tasmanian hospitality is legendary, whether it Getting around Tasmania is easiest by car.
Tasmanian Specialist Agents training
is proffered in one of the boutique country Roads are wide-open and empty even in the
module before December 1 will receive
house hotels, eco-lodges, or bush camps along summer and every twist and turn brings
a free cuddly Tasmanian devil!
www.specialist.australia.com
Tasmania’s famous walks. another photo opportunity. Visitors should
Bushwalking is supreme in Tasmania with allow 10 days for a full tour of the state. The
many hundreds of options, ranging from a few four seasons are clearly defined with warm, Get in touch
hours to multi-day treks. The four-day gentle balmy summers and cool winters. Each season Contact Tourism Tasmania:
guided walk on Maria Island (one of the most has its reasons to visit – for example, most Call us on: 020 8328 0641, Write to us
beautiful of Tasmania’s many off-shore islands) wilderness walks and tours run October-May.
at:
tasmania@eyes2market.co.uk
is perfect for soft adventure whilst the chal- Colours are spectacular throughout, and
Or visit:
www.discovertasmania.co.uk
lenging Overland Track (guided or unguided) wildlife is most abundant at dawn and dusk so
provides for the more hardcore walkers. This drivers beware! Tasmania’s off-season months
crosses the rugged Cradle Mountain-Lake St are as equally alluring as the summer, with log
Clair National Park – the backdrop to the fires and wood-burning stoves providing
Walking with Dinosaurs programme. warmth and romance.
Published in association with Tourism Australia
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