TASMANIA Discover Australia s natural state

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1 TASMANIA Discover Australia s natural state WEBSITES Tourism Tasmania Events Parks and Wildlife YOUR TRAVEL AGENT IS AUSTRALIA

2 A warm island welcome Grand accommodation at Calstock near Deloraine Seclusion and serenity Bay of Fires Lodge, East Coast After your day s journey, you ll find the choice of accommodation is as varied as the scenery. There s a wide range of styles, all offering quality and value, whether you re checking into a fivestar luxury hotel, a B&B cottage or a wilderness lodge. There are international-standard hotels in all of Tasmania s major centres. Most have links to major national and international chains, so you can expect world-class facilities and service that will leave you with some five-star Tasmanian memories. Another option is to stay in a top-quality self-contained apartment or suite these make an excellent base for exploring our cities and beyond. Tasmania has many attractive and comfortable town and country B&Bs they range from charming, cosy self-contained cottages, where you can soak up the sun in your own garden or stretch your legs in front of a glowing log fire; to a comfortable room in a friendly home, where you can chat to your hosts over breakfast. Many homes and cottages have the ambience of colonial days, with antique furniture and traditional decor heritage accommodation is a good way to soak up Tasmania s unique historical flavour. On the coast or in the mountains, wilderness lodges close to our national parks and World Heritage Area offer comfortable accommodation ranging from self-contained cabins to luxurious spa suites. Pure indulgence at the Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart Nothing beats the cosy crackle of an open fire at Cradle Mountain Lodge

3 Tasmania Discover Australia s natural state Tasmania is a place where it s easy to engage with our rejuvenating island lifestyle. You can discover ancient wilderness and amazing wildlife savour superb seafood, fresh local produce and wonderful cool-climate wines and experience the changing seasons, each with its own colour, mood and appeal. Enjoy the arts and entertainment scene in our vibrant cities and ease into the relaxing pace of our friendly country towns. Be inspired by our fascinating history and rich heritage. Feel invigorated as you explore the landscape on a walking track, in a sea kayak or on a mountain bike. Everywhere you travel you ll find a warm Tasmanian welcome as you become part of the life of our island. Turn the page your inspiring Tasmanian experience is about to begin. Near Cradle Mountain the climb was worth the effort! 1

4 Nature, walks and wildlife Spectacular views of Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain A trio of Tasmanian devils Tasmania s spectacular landscapes, ancient forests, ocean beaches, ice-carved highlands and World Heritage wilderness will engage all your senses. In every region of the island there are natural discoveries and unique experiences waiting for you. In the south, you ll enjoy close encounters with rare and amazing animals and birds at Taranna s Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park; feel the wind in your hair on the exciting Mt Wellington bicycle descent; journey alongside Australia s highest sea cliffs and visit seals with Bruny Island Charters; walk high above the forest canopy on the awesome Tahune AirWalk; stroll up to a forest cascade in the Mt Field National Park and meet amazing Tasmanian animals at the nearby Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary. In the west, cruise across the vast Macquarie Harbour and enter the Gordon River to see 2000-year-old Huon pines; watch waves that have circled the globe crash on Ocean Beach. The far north-west has remarkable tracts of cool temperate rain forest. Be sure to visit the Dismal Swamp and lose yourself in the forest maze. In the north-west, learn the secrets of Tasmania s unique animals at Trowunna Wildlife Park, or stride out on the first section of the famous Overland Track as you climb through alpine gardens to the heights of Cradle Mountain. Inspiring Russell Falls, Mt Field National Park On the Overland Track

5 Experience our history and heritage Every step along Wineglass Bay is an exhilarating experience Poignant memories of dark days at Port Arthur Historic Site In the north, see a fast-flowing wild river rushing through the spectacular Cataract Gorge, just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Launceston, Tasmania s gracious northern city. Explore the beautiful Tamar Valley, where riverbank wetlands are a haven for abundant native birdlife and where grapes ripen beneath autumn sunshine in the valley s cool-climate vineyards. To the east, feel pure white sand between your toes on an uncrowded Bay of Fires beach; be refreshed by clean sea breezes on a walk along Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park; catch the ferry to Maria Island, with its wildlife and walking tracks. On an island so full of history, every day in Tasmania is a discovery. The island s Aboriginal heritage dates back more than 35,000 years but our colonial history began only a couple of centuries ago, so you ll feel the presence of the past everywhere you travel. To gain some insights into the Tasmanian Aboriginal community s view of life and land, visit the Tiagarra Centre on Devonport s Bluff or Jahadi Indigenous Experience in Deloraine. Learn more about Tasmanian Aboriginal people at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart. Bay of Fires, Mt William National Park Cliff Grounds Gardens in Launceston Delicate and beautiful Tasmanian Aboriginal shell necklaces

6 Cottages in Hobart s Battery Point Riding a steam train into history through the King River Gorge on the West Coast Wilderness Railway In Hobart, take a stroll through historic Battery Point, with its quaint old cottages; then wander along nearby Salamanca Place, home of Australia s best outdoor market, held each Saturday. The presence of our convict heritage is most visible on the Tasman Peninsula at Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, the nation s most significant historic site. Step back in time and discover the village of Richmond, with Australia s oldest bridge, its convict-built gaol and beautifullypreserved Georgian cottages; the Midlands town of Ross, with its Female Factory and cleverly-carved bridge; Maria Island in the east whose convict presence pre-dates Port Arthur. In the west, visit the poignant remains of the penal settlement on Sarah Island; and from the harbourside village of Strahan, take a train ride into history on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. See how the island s pioneer farmers lived when you visit the Van Diemen s Land Company home base at Highfield near Stanley, on the North West Coast; the historic farm Brickendon and nearby Woolmers, a fine Northern Midlands grazing property and home to six generations of the Archer family; the Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross; and the Huon Valley Apple and Heritage Museum near Huonville, in the south. Stories of Sarah Island s convict past The Ross Bridge the convict carver won his freedom for the job At Brickendon Highfield Historic House near Stanley

7 Fabulous food, wonderful wines, brilliant beers At Peppermint Bay, Woodbridge, near Hobart The winemaker explains the secrets of Tasmania s cool-climate vintages On this island of flavours, your palate will be refreshed as you savour wonderful wines, crisp ales and beers, superb seafood and fresh local produce from farms, gardens and orchards. When in season pick your own luscious summer berries and ripe, juicy stonefruit at Sorell Fruit Farm near Hobart, Kate s Berry Farm near Swansea and Hillwood Strawberry Farm in the Tamar Valley. Enjoy raspberries in the café at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Elizabeth Town. Enjoy full-flavoured cheeses, direct from the makers at King Island Dairy and Ashgrove Cheese in the north-west, Pyengana in the north-east and Grandvewe at Woodbridge in the south. Savour delicious oysters, scallops, abalone, crayfish and blue-eye, fresh from the Southern Ocean and prepared with flair by the chefs of our waterfront and riverside restaurants in Hobart and Launceston. Taste world-beating ales and beer and tour the historic breweries of J Boag & Son in Launceston, Cascade Brewery in Hobart and Tasmania s latest boutique brewers. Tour the wine regions of the Tamar Valley, Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley, East Coast and Huon Valley take a break in a vineyard restaurant and sip the island s award-winning, cool-climate wines. Take a scenic cruise on the Derwent River upstream to Moorilla Estate, with its riverbank winery and restaurant; or downstream to Peppermint Bay to savour local food and wine specialties. Tasmania s food and wine events celebrate the enticing variety of the island s produce visit for details. Tasmanian crayfish, straight off the boat in Hobart s dock Enjoying a slice of country cheddar Salt-sweet, succulent seafood

8 Sea stories The four seasons A Sydney-Hobart yacht powers down Tasmania s stunning coastline Ablaze with colour at Table Cape s tulip farm With its spectacular coastline washed by the Southern Ocean, Bass Strait and the Tasman Sea, our island has strong maritime links. In summer the Sydney-Hobart racing fleet joins the fun and colour of the Hobart Summer Festival. Along the mild East Coast, follow in sea kayaks the paths of French explorers of the past du Fresne, D Entrecasteaux and Baudin. Northern Tasmania s maritime heritage is reflected in the Old Launceston Seaport, where new bistros overlook the wharves where cargo ships once docked. In the north-west, from the fishing village of Stanley, take a cruise to a nearby seal colony. On the West Coast, breathe the cleanest air on Earth, blowing in across thousands of kilometres of ocean. Cruise across Macquarie Harbour from Strahan and hear stories of the first seafarers who sailed these wild waters. At any time of the year, Tasmania s landscapes will delight you. In summer, wildflowers bloom in the mountains, lavender farms paint a purple haze, warm breezes waft across beaches and there are bright summer festivals in cities and towns. In autumn, the days are calm, sunny and cool pickers harvest apples and grapes, and golden leaves are reflected in still waters. In winter, there s a dusting of pure white on highland peaks it s the time to relax in front of a crackling log fire and enjoy a glass of fine Tasmanian wine. Springtime is a froth of pink and white blossom in apple orchards, fresh greens in the vineyards, drifts of daffodils in cottage gardens, and fields of striped colour at Wynyard s Tulip Festival. Cruising to a seal colony Golden vineyards in autumn At Lake St Clair

9 Itinerary suggestions Day 3 Strahan to Cradle Mountain (151 km [94 miles] 2½ hours) Take a morning cruise across Macquarie Harbour along the Gordon River into the heart of Tasmania s wilderness. Then head north to Cradle Mountain on the way stop and explore spectacular Montezuma Falls near Rosebery. Overnight Cradle Mountain. Day 4 Cradle Mountain Icy streams cascading from rugged mountains, calm lake waters and a wealth of wildlife make Cradle Mountain one of Tasmania s most popular and breathtakingly beautiful areas. Spend the day discovering it at your leisure. Overnight Cradle Mountain. Hobart s famous Salamanca Market Green silence in the rainforest an experience to treasure West Coast Wilderness 5 Nights / 6 Days Day 1 Hobart Spend the day in Hobart discovering the harbour, galleries and gardens. Stroll around historic Battery Point on Saturdays don t miss Salamanca Market. Admire superb views over the harbour from Mt Wellington, visit the famous Cadbury Chocolate Factory or Cascade Brewery. Overnight Hobart. Day 2 Hobart to Strahan (300 km [186 miles] 4½ hours) Start early to tour through the Derwent Valley to New Norfolk. Take a break at Lake St Clair, Australia s deepest lake. Visit the historic mining town of Queenstown before driving to the harbourside village of Strahan. Overnight Strahan. A quiet paddle on Lake St Clair Cradle Mountain LAUNCESTON Day 5 Cradle Mountain to Launceston (181 km [112 miles] 2½ hours) Visit Sheffield, the town of murals, before a scenic drive to Launceston. Visit one of the city s many public gardens or museums; or experience the natural attraction of Cataract Gorge. Overnight Launceston. Strahan HOBART Day 6 Launceston Explore Launceston before your return flight

10 Day 4 Freycinet National Park Discover Freycinet National Park. Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout to admire one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse, photograph the pink granite rocks of The Hazards or explore the coast in a sea kayak. At nearby Bicheno see Little Penguins on an evening penguin tour. Overnight Freycinet. Pure white sand at Wineglass Bay Evening light on The Hazards, Freycinet National Park East Coast Explorer 5 Nights / 6 Days Day 1 Hobart and surrounds Arrive Hobart and explore its architectural heritage. Discover Salamanca Place and Battery Point, cruise the Derwent River or drive to Mt Wellington for superb views. Overnight Hobart. Day 2 Hobart and surrounds Tour the Tasman Peninsula. Visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and Port Arthur Historic Site. OR... explore the Huon Valley visit the Tahune AirWalk and sample local food and wine. OR... cross to Bruny Island for an eco-cruise. Overnight Hobart. Day 3 Hobart to Freycinet (194 km [120 miles] 3 hours) Tour to Richmond and the east coast. Take a 20-minute ferry ride from Triabunna to Maria Island National Park. On return, follow the coast to Swansea, sample local wines and fresh berries. Overnight Freycinet National Park. Day 5 Freycinet National Park to Launceston (173 km [107 miles] 4 hours) Tour north to Bicheno and St Helens. Travel through rainforests and see St Columba Falls. Visit the Forest EcoCentre at Scottsdale, the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm, and Pipers Brook Vineyard. Overnight Launceston. Day 6 Launceston Stroll along the riverbank boardwalk to Cataract Gorge Reserve, walk in the Cliff Grounds gardens and ride the Basin chairlift. Cruise the Tamar River on the Tamar Odyssey, visit the Inveresk Cultural Centre and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. The Painted Cliffs, Maria Island National Park Close encounter with a Little Penguin Cruising under Kings Bridge on the Tamar River LAUNCESTON St Helens Freycinet National Park HOBART Ta sman Peninsula

11 Day 3 Hobart to Launceston (198 km [123 miles] 2½ hours) Don t miss Saturday s Salamanca Market in Hobart. Drive north along The Heritage Highway towards Launceston, pausing at the historic villages along the way visit Oatlands; see the carvings on the convict-built Ross Bridge. Enjoy the evening relaxing in the Old Launceston Seaport precinct with its variety of restaurants and bistros. Overnight Launceston. High speed cruising on the Huon River Taste of Two Cities 3 Nights / 4 Days Day 1 Hobart and the Huon Valley (Hobart to Geeveston 180 km [112 miles] 3 hrs return) Travel south from Hobart to the Huon Valley. Visit the Tahune Forest AirWalk near Geeveston or take a jet boat ride at Huonville. Enjoy the region s fine produce fruit, wine, mushrooms and seafood. The Huon Valley is one of southern Tasmania s acclaimed wine regions taste superb cool-climate wines and luscious fruit liqueurs. Overnight Hobart. Day 2 Tasman Peninsula (190 km [118 miles] 3 hrs return) Tour the vineyards of the Coal River wine region and spend time in the historic colonial village of Richmond before touring along the Tasman Peninsula, with its spectacular coastal scenery and rock formations the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, Devil s Kitchen and Tasman Arch. Visit Port Arthur Historic Site take a guided tour; cruise to Tasman Island; stay late for the evening Ghost Tour. Overnight Hobart. Sunset and chardonnay along the Old Launceston Seaport Day 4 Around Launceston (100 km [62 miles] 2 hrs return) Spend a relaxing day exploring the Tamar Valley with its many fine cool-climate vineyards. Enjoy lunch at a vineyard restaurant such as Rosevears Estate or Daniel Alps at Strathlynn. See fields striped with colour at Lavender House at Rowella or the Bridestowe Estate lavender farm at Nabowla, before departing from Launceston Airport. Kayaking at Port Arthur Lunch at Rosevears Estate Rows of fragrant lavender in full bloom LAUNCESTON HOBART Tasman Peninsula

12 Day 6 Launceston to Cradle Mountain (181 km [112 miles] 2½ hours) Travel west to Cradle Mountain. On the way, get close to a Tasmanian devil at Trowunna Wildlife Park and tour the Marakoopa Caves to see the glow worms. Overnight Cradle Mountain. Day 7 Cradle Mountain Enjoy one of the many short walks in Cradle Valley circumnavigate Dove Lake or climb to the serene summit of Cradle Mountain. Indulge Wind in our faces on the Mt Wellington ride of our lives Tasmania s Adventure Island 9 Nights / 10 Days Day 1 Hobart Explore historic Battery Point and Salamanca Place. Experience the thrill of a downhill bike ride on Mt Wellington with Island Cycle Tours. Overnight Hobart. Day 2 Bruny Island eco-cruise Spend the day with Bruny Island Charters and enjoy an amazing cruise from Adventure Bay along the spectacular coastline of South Bruny. See sheer-faced sea cliffs, seals, dolphins and sea eagles. Overnight Hobart. Day 3 Tasman Peninsula (93 km [57 miles] 1½ hours) Explore the spectacular Tasman Peninsula and the convict history of Port Arthur. Take a cruise or an evening ghost tour. Overnight Port Arthur. in a luxurious spa experience. In the evening, take a wildlife-viewing tour. Overnight Cradle Mountain. Day 8 Cradle Mountain to Strahan (151 km [94 miles] 2 hrs) Drive to Strahan pause at Rosebery to walk to Montezuma Falls, the highest waterfall in the State. From Strahan, take an all-terrain vehicle tour to Henty Dunes or a scenic flight over the wilderness. In the evening enjoy the play The Ship That Never Was. Overnight Strahan. Day 9 Strahan Take an inspiring Gordon River cruise across Macquarie Harbour or ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway through the King River gorge and pristine wilderness to Queenstown. Overnight Strahan. Day 10 Strahan to Hobart (300 km [186 miles] 4 hrs) Start early to drive through Queenstown to Hobart. Stretch your legs at Lake St Clair. Detour to Mt Field National Park and get close to a platypus at the Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary. Complete your tour in Hobart. Day 4 East Coast (237 km [147 miles] 3 hrs) Drive north along the East Coast to Freycinet National Park. Walk to Wineglass Bay, try abseiling, sea A pod of dolphins joined our Bruny Island Charters cruise boat kayaking or a four-wheel motorbike tour. Overnight Freycinet. Day 5 East Coast to Launceston (173 km [107 miles] 2½ hours) Travel to Launceston. Take the chairlift ride across Cataract Gorge and discover the innovative Inveresk Cultural Precinct and Queen Victoria Museum and Art Strahan LAUNCESTON Cradle Mountain Freycinet National Park Gallery. Overnight Launceston. HOBART Tasman Peninsula Bruny Island

13 How to get here and how to explore By sea Experience all the fun, excitement and romance of sea travel on one of the Spirit of Tasmania ships, which sail nightly from Melbourne to Devonport. For full details on schedules and fares, please check By air Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Rex fly regular frequent services direct to Tasmania from mainland capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Flight time from Melbourne to Tasmania is about one hour; from Sydney, it s less than two hours. Touring by car and campervan Driving is a very convenient way to explore Tasmania. Self drive allows you to discover the range of welcoming accommodation around the island by campervan you take your accommodation with you. There are numerous local as well as international hire firms which have representation in Tasmania. Coach travel Major coach companies run Tasmanian tours, with itineraries varying from 7 to 15 days. There are coach links between major centres and coach tours operate from Tasmanian cities to various local sights and attractions. For more information on airlines, car companies and coach travel visit Touring on Tasmania s East Coast 20