Tasmania

Tasmania is Australia’s southeastern island-state with a culture and atmosphere all its own. It is one of the world's most mountainous islands and while its peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their serrated profile. In the city of Hobart, colorful penal colonies have given way to colorful markets – such as the famous Salamanca Market – as well as charming colonial cottages that line narrow streets, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the 4,000 ft. high Mount Wellington. Also not to be missed, is the historic penal colony of Port Arthur, featuring grand architecture amongst its convict-built walls, and where one also finds enchanting gardens and a chilling history to explore.

Situated on the east coast of Tasmania is the scenic Freycinet Peninsula, featuring spectacular pink granite cliffs and the breathtaking Wineglass Bay within the Freycinet National Park. Venturing on to the northern edge of Tasmania, one discovers the fascinating and quaint city of Launceston, filled with Victorian and Edwardian architecture and surrounded by beautiful countryside. Considered the jewel of Tasmania’s wilderness, Cradle Mountain is a veritable mecca for bushwalkers who discover deep gorges and pristine lakes carved out by glaciers some 20,000 years ago. And for a glimpse into a lifestyle reminiscent of frontier years gone by, the 750 residents of Strahan will welcome you with open arms to their charming fishing village on Tasmania’s west coast.