Tasmania's east coast is a coast of contrast - sunshine and sea life, wine and wildlife, crags and beaches, history, and adventure. It's a coast of national parks - Douglas-Apsley, with its quietly flowing rivers, eucalypts, and Oyster Bay pines; Freycinet, a bushwalkers' and sea kayakers' paradise; and Maria Island, with its history, walks and fauna. It's a coast of fine food and wine - as you journey on, you'll discover the flavours of the area's fresh, natural produce. Place names tell the region's heritage: Dutch navigator Abel Tasman mapped Schouten and Maria; Frenchman Nicolas Baudin charted Freycinet; nostalgic Welsh settlers named the town of Swansea, Triabunna and Wielangta remember thousands of years of Aboriginal presence. Islands float on the horizon - across Mercury Passage, Maria is an island rich in history, with beaches, cliffs and mountains to explore. You can reach it by ferry from Triabunna. Further north is the craggy outline of Schouten Island and the graceful profile of the Freycinet Peninsula, with its sea cliffs and forests, tracks, and beaches. The holiday town of Coles Bay nestles in a sheltered corner - from here it's a short walk across a saddle to the perfect half-moon of Wineglass Bay, ranked as one of the world's best beaches by US-based Outside magazine. Above Coles Bay's quiet beaches, The Hazards' pink and grey granite rocks, daubed with orange lichen, rise steeply. Climbers and abseilers test their skills, relishing the perfect friction, dramatic exposure and exciting height of crags that plummet to the water below.

Welcome to Flinders Island, a remote and untouched paradise located in the sparkling waters of the Bass Strait. This secluded gem, part of the Furneaux Group of Islands in Tasmania, offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature. As you step foot on Flinders Island, prepare to be captivated by its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. The island's untamed beauty invites you to explore its hidden treasures and embark on a journey of discovery. Start your adventure by venturing to the pristine beaches that dot the coastline. Sink your toes into the soft white sand of Trousers Point, where the azure waters of the ocean meet the dramatic granite cliffs. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply bask in the sun as you admire the breathtaking views. Marvel at the untouched beauty of Killiecrankie Beach, known for its unique granite boulders and crystal-clear rock pools teeming with marine life. Explore the secluded coves and hidden bays, and let the tranquility of the surroundings wash over you. For a glimpse into the island's rich history and culture, visit Wybalenna, a former Aboriginal settlement. Learn about the island's indigenous heritage and the impact of colonization as you wander through the historic site and immerse yourself in the stories of the past. Take a moment to reflect on the island's complex history and the resilience of its original inhabitants. Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise on Flinders Island. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure through the island's rugged interior. Traverse the trails of Strzelecki National Park, where ancient granite mountains rise majestically from the landscape. Witness panoramic views from the summit of Mount Strzelecki, the highest peak on the island, and let the awe-inspiring vistas take your breath away. Explore the diverse flora and fauna that call the park home, from unique bird species to endemic plant varieties. A trip to Flinders Island wouldn't be complete without immersing yourself in its rich marine life. Embark on a fishing expedition and try your hand at catching some of the island's famed seafood, including fresh crayfish and succulent oysters. Join a guided tour to spot playful seals basking on the rocky shores or venture out into the open waters for a chance to witness majestic whales on their migratory journey. After a day of exploration, indulge in the island's local culinary delights. Feast on freshly caught seafood at one of the local eateries or savor the flavors of farm-to-table dishes showcasing the island's abundant produce. Unwind with a glass of local wine or beer as you soak in the tranquil ambiance and reflect on the day's adventures. As night falls, gaze up at the star-filled sky and witness the magic of the Southern Hemisphere. Away from the city lights, Flinders Island offers a pristine canvas for stargazing, where constellations twinkle brightly and the Milky Way stretches across the horizon. Let the peace and serenity of the island envelop you as you marvel at the wonders of the universe. Flinders Island is a place where time slows down, and the natural wonders take center stage. It's a destination that beckons those seeking solace in nature, where untouched beauty and rugged landscapes create an unforgettable experience. So, pack your sense of adventure, embrace the island's raw charm, and let Flinders Island leave an indelible mark on your soul.

The West Coast is the gateway to Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. Tasmania's west is some of the world's most beautiful and unforgettable natural wonders. With its rugged mountains, ancient rain forests and heath, the Tasmanian wilderness is a place of spectacular beauty and breathtaking scenery. Yet, despite its remoteness, visitors can still enjoy the best of Tasmania's quality accommodation and fine dining. The largest coastal town is Strahan, situated on Macquarie Harbour and close to Sarah Island - once the harshest penal colony settlements in Australia. The inland population centres of Queenstown, the largest town in Tasmania's West, and the smaller towns of Zeehan, Tullah and Rosebery are rich in mining history and all within a short distance of magnificent lakes, rivers, rainforests, massive dunes and historic sites. Although much of Tasmania's wilderness is remote and inaccessible, visitors can still experience its wonders by driving 60 km along the Lyell Highway between Derwent Bridge and Lake Burbury. Bordering the highway along this stretch of road are several stunning short walks through rainforest including Donaghys Lookout, Franklin River Nature Trail and Nelson Falls Nature Trail. With world heritage wilderness rich in convict history, temperate rainforests, stunning national parks and historic mining towns, Tasmania's West is a journey of discovery.

The Bardi and Nyul Nyul people have cared for Dampier Peninsula for thousands of years and invite you to enjoy its pristine white sand, turquoise sea, striking pindan cliffs, amazing wildlife and rich culture. They call it ‘Ardi’ meaning ‘heading north’ and you can reach the peninsula by heading north from Broome on Cape Leveque Road (four wheel drive track). From Perth, you can fly to Broome in two and a half hours, and direct flights are also available from Sydney and Melbourne in summer. Make your first stop at Beagle Bay’s Sacred Heart Church to admire its unique pearl shell altar. Enter Mercedes Cove and discover a culture connected to this land and sea for more than 40000 years. Visit National Heritage listed Pender Bay and witness one of the world's largest populations of humpback whales making their annual migration in August. Experience remote community life at Mudnunn, Chile Creek, Lombadina, Goombaragin or La Djardarr Bay on a fishing, mud crabbing, kayaking or snorkelling tour. Let Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm show you how they cultivate the finest South Sea pearls. Or take a scenic flight or cruise to the untouched islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago and the world’s only horizontal waterfalls.

Looking at the art used to be boring. It still is, maybe, but at least here at Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, you can get drunk and/or rage against the machine. Located just up the river from Hobart, Mona's subterranean architecture showcases the highlights (and lowlights) of David Walsh’s $110m private collection of art and antiquities, as well as hosting a busy exhibitions program. Mona is also home to the Moorilla winery, Source Restaurant, bars, cafe, accommodation pavilions and more (plus Moo Brew, an off-site brewery). Mona also hosts two festivals. Each January, our summer festival, Mofo, which unleashes an eclectic mix of music and art. Come June, Dark Mofo winter festival delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals and celebrates the dark through art, music, food, film, light and noise. Mona is located at 655 Main Road, Berriedale, Tasmania, Australia; a 15-minute drive from Hobart's centre, or a 30-minute ride on our MR-1 fast ferries from Hobart's Brooke Street Pier. For more information, please visit the Mona website.

Strahan is a picturesque fishing village on beautiful Macquarie Harbour and sits on the doorstep of Tasmania's World Heritage Wilderness Area. Strahan has a unique pioneering heritage and a dark convict past that is at odds with the beauty of the surrounding forests and wilderness. The town has many stories to tell of the convicts and pioneers who tamed Tasmania's West. Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour was once the most cruel convict prison in Australia and is a reminder of the brutal treatment handed out to Tasmania's convicts. An ideal starting point for any visit to Strahan is the Strahan Visitor Centre with its excellent display recounting the story of Tasmania's West Coast. From Strahan, you can take a cruise along the Gordon River into the World Heritage Wilderness Area of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, passing through one of the last pristine temperate rainforest in the world. At the northern end of Strahan Harbour are the People's Park, a combination of natural forest and botanical gardens with picnic and camping facilities. From here, visitors can take a 60-min return walk to Hogarth Falls through the rainforest with the trees identified for those interested in botany. An essential experience in Strahan is a visit to Ocean Beach. Standing on this hard, flat beach with huge waves breaking on its shore, visitors are further south than the Cape of Good Hope and on the same latitude as the southern reaches of Patagonia. Ocean Beach, just out of town, is 40 km long and the dunes behind the beach are huge. On a fine day, the sunsets over the beach are particularly beautiful. Strahan is a 4.5-hr drive (300 km) from Hobart and a 3-hr drive (226 km) from Devonport.

Tasmania's North West has a strong agricultural tradition, not surprising given the rich red soil and perfect growing conditions found throughout the region. There are fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious cheeses, wine, whiskey, and chocolates - the ultimate paddock-to-plate experience. Follow the Cradle Coast Tasting Trail, talk to the makers and find out why they find the region so inspiring. For those interested in history there are museums, aboriginal heritage sites and historic buildings. Follow the coast westward, beside the Bass Strait past Wynyard with flowering tulips carpeting the fields in spring, to the historic village of Stanley nestled at the foot of the Nut. Stanley is a town of perfectly preserved colonial buildings and just out of town is the beautifully restored Highfield House (1832), once home to the chief agent of the Van Diemen's Land Company. Continue west to Smithton, the centre of the region's productive agricultural and thriving forestry operations while inland from the coast is Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania's most visited icons with its amazing natural experiences, great walks and stunning scenery. With no shortage of great food, beautiful scenery, wildlife and unexpected discoveries, Tasmania's North West has something for everyone.

Port Arthur is a quaint village, famous for the extensive, well-preserved penal colony buildings at the nearby Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia's most evocative convict site. The village of Port Arthur often missed because of the significance of the historic site, is a convenient place to stay for those interested in exploring the site and the nearby spectacular coastline of the Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Tasmania's World Heritage-listed convict sites and one of Australia's most significant heritage areas. The site has more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes, dating from the prison's establishment in 1830 until its closure in 1877. During this time, more than 12,500 convicts served sentences and for many, it was a living hell. Today, the site sits in 40 hectares of landscaped grounds, so allow plenty of time to experience all it has to offer. Port Arthur's dark history stands in stark contrast to the beauty of its surroundings and with so much more to experience in the area you may want to stay overnight, particularly as entry passes to the historic site are valid for two days. Surfing, sea kayaking and bushwalking are popular and the coastline has fascinating geological features and stunning views. Visitors will find many striking rock formations including Tasman Arch and The Blowhole, two of Tasmania's most visited attractions, as well as Waterfall Bay, Remarkable Cave and Tessellated Pavement. Just 20 km north-west is the World Heritage-listed Coal Mines Historic Site, where interpretive signs explain the harsh lives and working conditions of repeat offenders from Port Arthur who worked underground extracting coal. Port Arthur is just over a 1-hour drive (93 km) south-east of Hobart.

St Helens is a popular tourist destination, just a few kilometres from Binalong Bay and the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Fires, one of Lonely Planet's top 10 regions in the world. St Helens is the largest town on Tasmania's North East Coast and an ideal base from which to discover this varied, interesting and beautiful region. The town overlooks scenic Georges Bay and is sheltered by the long headland of St Helens Point, much of which is a public conservation area and popular with bushwalkers; the walk from St Helens Point Conservation Area to Beer Barrel Beach takes in the spectacular Peron Dunes. St Helens is the perfect place to laze away a few sunny seaside days with the beaches ideal for swimming and surfing. Its all-year-round sunny climate and warm seas, the result of a microclimate produced by the surrounding hills and warm ocean currents, makes St Helens a popular tourist destination. St Helen's is also the state's second-largest fishing port, renowned for its catches of deep-sea fish and lobster and a popular destination for recreational fishing. Known as the game fishing capital of Tasmania, the waters abound with gamefish such as Albacore Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna. It's also popular with divers for its extensive kelp forests and underwater caves. Inland from St Helens, you'll find rainforest, waterfalls, the lush Pyengana Valley and historic pubs dating back to the region's tin mining era, while further north is Mount William National Park. St Helen's vibrant town centre has a wide variety of accommodation, excellent restaurants with the freshest seafood imaginable, cafes and boutiques. St Helens is a 2-hr drive (163 km) from Launceston.

Free settlers established Launceston on the River Tamar in 1806. Today, the city has many fine Victorian buildings dating back to the 1870s and 1880s sitting comfortably alongside elegant contemporary architecture and a modern lifestyle. Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essences of the new Launceston experience and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region. Cataract Gorge is a unique natural wonder only a 15-min walk from the city centre and not far from the J Boag and Son historic brewery. Further afield, the River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. If you have an interest in fine wine and fresh produce then follow the Tamar Valley Wine route where you'll find dedicated makers inspired by the rich surrounding farmland ready to share their stories with you while you sample their wares. North-east of Launceston is Scottsdale and the popular port and seaside town of Bridport, famous for fishing and Barnbougle Dunes links golf course - Australia's No 1 public course. Nearby are the purple lavender fields at Nabowla. Beneath the Great Western Tiers west of Launceston is the pretty town of Deloraine. Every year the town hosts Australia's biggest working craft fair, while to the south down the Midland Highway are examples of Tasmania's living history. In Evandale, Longford, Campbell Town and Ross, you'll find World Heritage-listed estates, 19th-century grand country manors, early workers' cottages and peaceful town centres that are home to thriving country communities.

Bay of Fires is a truly special region north of St. Helens on Tasmania's north-east coast with clean white beaches, blue water and granite rocks splashed with orange lichen. It's not surprising that Lonely Planet named the Bay of Fires as one of the world's hottest travel destinations. Beach activities and bird-watching are popular in this beautiful reserve. You may even see a pod of dolphins as they cruise along parallel to the beach. The area is also known for its snorkelling and diving, with scenic reefs, corals, underwater caves and abundant sea life. The Bay of Fires Conservation Area offers beach-side camping and the elevated sites amongst the trees have amazing views of the coast and sea. There are camping grounds along a 13-kilometre section of road at the southern end of the conservation area, approached via St Helens. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 in response to the many Aboriginal fires he saw burning on its shore.

Nestled off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is a picturesque island that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, gourmet food, and history. The island's rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and tranquil forests make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind through lush forests, while stunning cliff-top views await those who venture to the island's southern tip. The nearby waters are teeming with marine life, and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking adventures. Bruny Island is also a food lover's paradise, with its fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, including oyster tastings, cheese making workshops, and farm-to-table dining experiences. The island is also home to a number of vineyards and cellar doors, where visitors can sample some of Tasmania's finest wines. In addition to its natural beauty and culinary delights, Bruny Island is steeped in history. The island's Indigenous history dates back thousands of years, and visitors can learn about the island's Aboriginal heritage through cultural tours and experiences. The island was also an important location during the early days of European settlement, and visitors can explore historic landmarks and buildings that date back to the 1800s. Despite its small size, Bruny Island has an abundance of accommodation options, from quaint cottages to luxury lodges. The best way to explore the island is to jump aboard a tour as they offer visitors a chance to discover hidden gems and learn about the island's history and culture from knowledgeable locals. A unique and unforgettable travel destination that should be on every traveller's bucket list, a visit to Bruny Island is a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature and the simple pleasures of life.

Freycinet National Park, with its stunning pink granite peaks, is located on Tasmania's east coast. The park is famous for Wineglass Bay, rated by Outside magazine as one of the ten best beaches in the world. The park offers climbing, abseiling and mountain walking and the coastal heathlands have wonderful day walks. For bird lovers, there's the chance to see a white-bellied sea-eagle gliding overhead or a large Australasian gannet diving for food in the ocean. Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, just outside the park on the Coles Bay Road, is a wetland of international importance. The town of Coles Bay on the edge of the park offers a range of accommodation and campsites are available just inside the park boundary. Because the area is so popular over the Christmas-New Year period there's a ballot system draw for campsites, so please check the Parks and Wildlife website before making plans. The park offers a variety of basic powered and unpowered campsites, some with cold showers. Bookings are not necessary outside the main summer-Easter period, though visitors must check at the visitor interpretation centre before setting up camp.

The historic fishing village of Stanley is thought by many to be the most picturesque town in Tasmania and was voted the No 6 Top Spot to see in Australia by Australian Traveller Magazine. Stanley is nestled at the foot of the Nut, an immense flat-topped, volcanic plug rising 150 metres and visible 30 km away. With sheer cliffs on three sides and connected to the mainland by a 7 km isthmus, the Nut is possibly Tasmania's most-photographed landmark. You can walk or take a chairlift to the top for spectacular views over Bass Strait. Stanley is a registered historic town, rich in cultural heritage, arts and crafts. A wealth of colonial buildings house visitor attractions including artists' galleries, craft workshops and accommodation. The grand facades of its larger buildings reflect Stanley's original status as the centre for regional government, while quaint cottage terraces line the split-level main street with sweeping views over the wharves, beach and the rest of the town. Nearby is the Highfield House Historic Site, the beautifully restored home of the Chief Agent of the Van Diemen's Land Company, with its outhouses, chapel and stables. Commercial fishing is a major part of the local economy and the range of fish, even from the local wharf, is extensive. In the local restaurants, the fish will be today's catch, whether served as classic fish and chips or as a modern degustation menu. Stanley is also close to the Tarkine Wilderness Area, some of Tasmania's best wilderness and the Tarkine Drive. Stanley is a 1-hr drive (75 km) west of Burnie.

King Island lies north-west of Tasmania in the path of the Roaring Forties, the ever-present westerlies that circle the world's southern latitudes. It's an island of long, empty beaches and clean, fresh air, of offshore reefs, rocky coasts, dairy farms, lighthouses and shipwrecks. It is renowned for award-winning creamy cheeses, succulent beef produced on lush pastures, and fresh seafood. King Islanders have a special relationship with the sea. The island's kelpies gather bull kelp tossed ashore by storms, while cray fishermen and abalone divers harvest rich catches from beneath the surface. On King Island's flat farmlands, beef and dairy cattle shelter behind thick ti-tree hedges - the lush grass is the secret to the succulent local beef, rich cream and wonderful hand-made cheeses. You can visit the King Island Dairies shop next to the cheese factory, taste the cheeses and select your favourites to take home. Wallabies and peacocks abound - be careful driving at dusk. Shearwater rookeries pepper tussocky coastal hillsides, and you may sight albatrosses and mighty sea eagles riding the updraughts. Australia's worst maritime disaster occurred here in 1845 when the Cataraqui grounded. Today, Cape Wickham lighthouse - the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere - guides mariners safely into Bass Strait but you can still explore the island's most important historic sites on the Shipwreck Trail. Reid Rocks, 12 kilometres offshore, is home to a major breeding colony of Australian fur seals. King Island's wildlife, both native and exotic, can sometimes surprise - yes, that was a pheasant you saw in the roadside hedge. And yes, it is a paddock of grazing turkeys. But the most pleasant surprise is the warm King Island welcome - in Currie's motel and friendly pub, in Grassy's local store and craft shop, in cottages and bed and breakfast and from everyone you pass on country roads.

Bicheno is a seaside holiday town known for its laid-back lifestyle and outdoor activities. Just north of Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's stunning East Coast, the town has lots to see and do, good accommodation, excellent fishing and is close to wildlife. Since its early days, fishing has been the lifeblood of the town with catches including crayfish, abalone, scallops and trevally and for fishing enthusiasts there is excellent surf, rock, sea and estuary fishing. Offshore, Governor Island Marine Reserve has some of the best dive spots in Australia with kelp-covered reefs and spectacular sponge gardens. You can also experience this water wonderland by kayak or glass-bottomed boat. For those interested in nature, a walk out from the main beach at low tide to Diamond Island Nature Reserve, a small low granite island, will reveal a colony of fairy penguins while at the local wildlife park there's a wide array of fauna including Tasmanian devils. Whalers Lookout, on the edge of town, offers good views and in October and November, you'll find beautiful rock orchids native to the East Coast. You'll also find the impressive Blowhole and Rocking Rock - a huge 80 tonne piece of granite naturally balanced that rocks with the movement of the tide. Nearby is Douglas-Apsley National Park with waterfalls, tranquil lakes and river ravines. Also within easy reach is Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay - perhaps the world's most photographed beach. Bicheno is a 2 hr 30 min-drive (182 km) north-east of Hobart.

Hobart, the capital city, is your introduction to Australia’s lush island state. The Derwent River and mighty Mt Wellington frame this small historic capital, offering the best of city living - good theatre, arts and crafts, excellent restaurants, shopping and services without the usual problems of crowding, traffic and alienation. Hobart has preserved the best of its history in the warm sandstone buildings, busy working harbour and dark green forested hills. The south is a region of vineyards, fertile valleys, winding waterways and historic sites and villages. From the top of Mt Wellington, you can see the myriad of bays, islands, sea cliffs and waterways that enthral sailors from around the world.

Cradle Mountain is Tasmania's most recognisable landmark and one of Tasmania's most visited attractions. Located at the northern end of the Cradle Mountain Lake-St Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain is part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area. The surrounding landscape of ancient rainforest and alpine lands with colourful beech makes for any number of beautiful walks. There's a visitor centre on the park boundary with an interpretive display, ranger station, park information, walker registration and up-to-date weather reports. There's no town at Cradle Mountain, however, there's a wide range of accommodation in the Cradle Valley area, from an excellent campground to a luxury wilderness lodge. There are many superb short walks from the visitor centre and the Dove Lake car park, 14 kilometres further on. A five-kilometre wooden boardwalk links the ranger station to Dove Lake, giving visitors an easy way to explore the park. A free shuttle bus takes visitors into the park and if you choose to walk part of the way the shuttle will pick you up at various points along the road.