Tasmania is the green state in every way shape and form. The verdant hue of the rural countryside, the depth and mystery of the ancient west coast rainforests and the dramatic alpine landscapes with glacial valleys are the essence of this island state.

Tasmania has a distinctly old world feel perfectly pictured in the rock walls dividing the farm paddocks in the Triabunna area north of Hobart. The Penal colony of Port Arthur was founded before the turn of the 19th century and since, Tasmania has grown into a thriving state with agriculture, fishing, ship building and tourism as its commercial mainstays.

Hobart, Tasmania's largest city and second oldest state capital in Australia, was established on the banks of the Derwent River and at the foot of the imposing Mt Wellington.

Since the 1804 founding, it has retained its Georgian charm and architecture with many of the buildings built by the early convicts. Salamanca Square on the city's waterfront is a thriving area with its cafes, boutiques, seafood restaurants and pubs.

The Saturday markets are worth fossicking. Locally made arts, crafts, buskers and funky clothing create a vibrant, colourful street scene.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a beautiful harbour with a tragic past on the Tasman Peninsular. A former penal colony, its brooding ruins reflect in the calm waters of the bay. Some locals believe it still haunted by previous inmates. A museum in the grounds gives a fascinating insight to the history of the prison colony.

Travel south into the primeval forests of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National park where running battles were fought between the loggers, dam builders and conservationists in an effort to maintain the pristine nature of the rivers, dramatic mountain peaks and deep gorges of the area.

Conservation and common sense prevailed. Visit the scenic Huon valley a fruit growing centre with rolling hills, meandering creeks and nearby fishing villages where the catch of the day can be bought fresh off the vessels alongside the wharf.

Devonport is the northernmost gateway to Tasmania, with passenger and vehicular ferries running regularly from Melbourne. The city is an ideal base camp for forays into the great northwest wilderness and Cradle Mountain. One of Tasmania's best known wilderness attractions, it offers bushwalks through ancient moss forests and grass plains with plenty of chances to encounter local marsupial wildlife. Farm stay and cosy pub accommodation compliment the wilderness experience perfectly.

For an Australian holiday in a temperate climate with spectacular scenery, fascinating history and the warmth of the locals, Tasmania has it all.

Accommodation in Tasmania

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Wotif.com offers great deals on Hobart hotels, Launceston hotels, Port Arthur accommodation, Freycinet accommodation and accommodation throughout Tasmania.

Other Destinations

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• Bay of Fires
• Bicheno
• Bruny Island
• Burnie
• Coles Bay
• Cradle Mountain
• Deloraine
• Derwent River
• Derwent Valley
• Devonport
• Dunalley
• Freycinet National Park
• Hobart
• Huon Valley
• Huonville
• Lake St Claire
• Latrobe
• Launceston
• Mt Field
• Mt Wellington
• New Norfolk
• Port Arthur
• Remarkable Caves
• Richmond
• Russell Falls
• Salamanca Market
• Sheffield
• St Helens
• Stanley
• Strahan
• Tahune Airwalk
• Tamar Valley
• The Tarkine
• Tullah
• Ulverstone
• Wineglass Bay