We have listed our favorite places of interest

1. Hobart
2. Port Arthur
3. Launceston
4. Freycinet National Park
5. Cradle Mountian and Lake St Clair National Park
6. Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

1 .Hobart

The state’s capital, is scenically situated on a stunning harbor against a backdrop of mountains. The city boasts a busy arts scene, bustling markets and excellent restaurants. Visit the historic Salamanca Place where the Georgian sandstone warehouses have been converted to cafes, restaurants and galleries and hosts a market every Saturday. Stroll through historic Battery Point, Hobart’s oldest district and be sure to visit the signal station at Mount Nelson for breathtaking views of the city & surrounds.

2. Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a small town and former convict settlement on the Tasman Peninsula. Port Arthur is one of Australia's most significant heritage areas and officially Tasmania's top tourist attraction. Known for its harsh conditions, dark history and stark beauty. It is located approximately 60 km south east of the state capital, Hobart.

From 1833, until 1850s, it was a destination for the hardest of convicted British criminals, those who were secondary offenders having re-offended after their arrival in Australia. Rebellious personalities from other convict stations were also sent here, a quite undesirable punishment.

Port Arthur was secured naturally by shark-infested waters on three sides and the 30m wide isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck that connected it to the mainland was crossed by fences and guarded by prison guards and dogs. Contact between visiting seamen and prisoners was barred. Ships had to check in their sails and oars upon landing to prevent any unauthorised leavings.

After the closure of the penal colony in 1877 the site was renamed to "Carnavon". During the 1880s the land in and around the site was sold off to the public and a community was established. Devastating fires tore through the area in 1895 and 1897 gutting the old prison buildings, leading to the establishment of the new town, with post office and other facilities.

Tourism started up almost as soon as the last convicts had left, supplying the new residents with a source of income, part of its undoubtedly due to its unsavory past, and the ghost stories that accompany it. In 1927 tourism had grown to the point where the area's name was reverted back to Port Arthur. 1916 saw the establishment of the Scenery Preservation Board which took the management of Port Arthur out of the hands of the locals. By the 1970s the National Parks and Wildlife Service began managing the site.

3. Launceston

Launceston is a small city in the north of Tasmania, located at the juncture of the North Esk, South Esk, and Tamar rivers. It is the second largest city in Tasmania after Hobart and the eighteenth largest in Australia. Europeans originally settled at the mouth of the Tamar River at George Town in 1804 but moved to the present site of Launceston in 1805. As such, it is Australia's third oldest city (after Sydney and Hobart) and has many historical buildings and sights.

Launceston serves as the commercial hub for the north of the state and gas points of attraction such as the Cataract Gorge, a natural wonder of Tasmania and only five minutes walk from the city, the City Park, which includes an enclosure for Japanese Macaque monkeys, a gift from the sister-city of Ikeda, Japan, the Tamar River and tributaries and the Tamar Valley, which is home to some of Australia's best vineyards.

Most self drive itineraries start or finish in Launceston with regular flights back to Sydney and Melbourne.

4. Freycinet National Park

The park is famous for Wineglass Bay, just one of its white sandy beaches and the pure clear turquoise waters that are perfect for sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. The Hazard Range offers climbing, abseiling and mountain walking, and the coastal heathlands have wonderful day walks. Bird lovers may see a white-bellied sea eagle gliding overhead or large Australasian gannets diving for food. In the forested areas you will often see or hear small nectar-feeding birds such as eastern spinebills and yellow-throated or crescent honeyeaters and yellow-tailed black cockatoos, which often feed and fly in raucous groups. Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, just outside the park on the Coles Bay road, is a wetland of international importance

5. Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park

The jagged contours of Cradle Mountain epitomize the feel of a wild landscape, while ancient rainforest and alpine heathlands, buttongrass and stands of colorful deciduous beech provide a range of environments to explore. Icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and a wealth of wildlife ensure there is always something to captivate you. Cradle is the starting point for the world-famous Overland Track, a magnificent 6 day walk that will take you through the heart of some of the finest mountain terrain.

Carved out by ice during several glaciations over the last two million years, this is the deepest lake in Australia and the headwaters of the Derwent River, upon which the capital city of Tasmania is located. The area around Lake St Clair offers a wealth of walks, ranging from leisurely strolls to overnight bushwalks, as well as beautiful forests to explore. Lake St Clair is also the end point of the famous Overland Track.

6. Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

A region of dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful rainforest, deep river valleys and spectacular gorges. The park is famous for the wild and pristine rivers that twist their way through the wilderness. The Franklin River itself has become synonymous with Australia's largest conservation battle - the battle to save the Franklin from a proposed hydro-electric power scheme which would have flooded the river. The Lyell Highway winds for 56 kilometres through the heart of the Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Take your time to enjoy the drive through the park. Along the Lyell Highway there are several short walks and picnic stops along the way that will allow you to discover the grandeur and beauty of the Wild Rivers region.

The park can also be visited by cruise boats which operate out of the west coast village of Strahan.