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.
Voted Best Island in the South Pacific by Travel + Leisure magazine 2009
Tasmania has once again staked its claim as the top island getaway in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific by vote the United States Travel + Leisure magazine readers. Tasmania also won this category in 2006 and 2008.
To judge its 2009 World’s Best awards, Travel + Leisure invited readers to participate in an online poll, asking about their travel experiences, opinions of hotels, spas, cities, islands, airlines, cruise lines, rental car companies and tour operators. The results placed Tasmania at the top of the list of the 10 best islands in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific category, above those in the Great Barrier Reef and Tahiti.
Off the southern coast of mainland Australia, the temperate island of Tasmania boasts dramatic coastlines, inspiring arts, fabulous fresh produce and crisp wines, as well as some of the world’s best outdoor adventure opportunities.
Further Afield - Recommendations
Port Arthur Across the Tasman Peninsula, 90 minutes southeast of Hobart, lie the sandstone ruins of Port Arthur. The historic site tells the story of Australia’s most notorious penal settlement and Australia’s brutal early beginnings.
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National Parks
National Parks account for approximately one third of the Tasmanian landmass offering pristine wilderness and plenty of spectacular locations to explore. A guided hike or a lodge stay at the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast offers breathtaking coastal scenery, rocky headlands and sweeping beaches. Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park is the highlight of Tasmania’s world heritage listed areas with dramatic scenery mirrored in pristine lakes. Native wildlife of wombats, wallabies, echidnas and the elusive Tasmanian Devil abounds.
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Launceston
Tasmania’s main northern gateway is Launceston, a city of parks, gardens and elegant Victorian streetscapes. Try rock climbing on the cliffs of the Cataract Gorge Reserve or white water rafting in the Gorge.
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