The island of Tasmania is an Australia holiday destination unto itself, with something to please the tastes of every traveller.
Tasmania’s state capital, Hobart, is a vibrant mix of old and new. Australia’s second oldest state capital sits just upstream from the mouth of the River Derwent and features an attractive harbour, cobbled streets and colonial cottages, alongside quirky art galleries, tempting eateries and awarding-winning local whisky bars and distilleries.
Beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, museums and galleries await in Launceston, set slightly inland to the island’s north. Down on a south-eastern peninsula, Port Arthur is home to the ruins of Tasmania’s ‘inescapable prison’ and the place to be if you wish to immerse yourself in the fascinating and troubled convict history of the island.
Outstanding natural beauty abounds here. A short drive from Hobart you’ll find the charming town of Kettering. Take a ferry from the capital to discover the unspoilt beauty of Bruny Island, with its spectacular coastal walks and plenty of wildlife to spot. On the main island’s east coast, Freycinet National Park sits on a mountainous coastal peninsula and is the perfect place to be lost in nature. Cradle Mountain and its surrounding World Heritage-protected wilderness is another natural highlight. It is here you can hope to see iconic Australian wildlife such as platypus and the Tasmanian Devil.
Tasmania is Australia’s most southerly state and you’ll find the warmest temperatures and lowest rainfall here between December and February. With pleasant weather during Britain’s darkest winter months, this is the perfect destination for those wishing to escape the cold and embark on a varied and enriching travel experience ‘Down Under’.
