Tasmanian Holiday

The Apple Isle

Tasmania is a historical and adventure holiday destination quite different to anything else in Australia.  It is detached from mainland Australia and an island state on its own capital city is Hobart in the south of the island.  There are two ways to get there - either by air or by sea, the sea version crosses Bass Strait at least once a day and is a car carrying ferry; so if you have a car you can take it with you.  The trip is worth doing even if you do not.

Hobart and Surrounds

Being the capital Hobart is Tasmania's largest city and is located in the south east corner of the state.  It sits on the stunning Derwent River and is home to some of Australia's best historical streetscapes and architecture.  It is also the destination for the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which departs Sydney Heads every Boxing Day.  In the background stands Mount Wellington providing a postcard backdrop to this charming city.  There are numerous attractions to see in and around Hobart.

South East Tasmania

The south east of  Tasmania is rich in historical sites and tourist attractions based around a major Tasmanian export: Apples.  In fact Tasmania is often referred to as the Apple Isle. 

The Jewel of the south east is The Tasman Peninsula which is home to the ruins of an infamous convict settlement at Port Arthur.  There are several towns with numerous friendly bed and breakfast style accommodations for that holiday where you want to put your feet up and chill out.

North East Tasmania

Traveling from Hobart to Launceston you can take one of two routes.  Either the coastal route which takes you through a succession of quaint seaside towns and national parks, or alternatively up the middle along the Heritage Highway which is full of historical sites along the way.  This drive is only about 160 kilometers so getting there is day trip stuff, but there are plenty of accommodations along the way if you want to do it at a more leisurely pace.

Northern Tasmania

Launceston, Devonport and Burnie are the main town in northern Tasmania which is characterized by rolling hills and farmland.  There are sites to see up here, but this portion of Tasmania is more for the relaxed holiday maker than the adventurer.

West Coast Tasmania

Adventurers will probably want to make their way toward West Coast Tasmania where the will find pristine rivers and dense rainforest, a large slab of which has been World Heritage listed so that it will remain unspoiled.  The terrain can be extremely dangerous and we recommend entry with one of the many guided tour options.

On an entirely different route we also strongly recommend Cradle Mountain, Lake Pedder and Strathgordon for even more adventure, but to get there you need to drive nearly all the way back to Hobart and out again, but this time more South West.  Don't be daunted though, remember Tasmania id a very compact state so travel times are not long.

King Island

Just off the north west coast of Tasmania is King Island, which is predominantly a dairy farming community, but is home to Australia's finest dairy produce.  Like to rest of Australia is also boasts fine beaches and quiet swimming places.  It is definitely for the relaxed traveller.

Flinders Island

There is a group of 52 islands of the north east coast known as the Furneaux Group, of which Flinders Island is by far the biggest. Again farming and fishing are this islands biggest industries.