The last stop south before Antarctica is a land of pristine wilderness areas, historic townships and outdoor adventures. Often looked upon as the little cousin in the Australian family, Tassie will win you over with it's unique people and experiences. You can climb imposing and remote peaks, spin out on ancient forests of giant trees, wrassle with a devil (of the Tasmanian kind), kayak the great southern ocean or just recline with a fine locally brewed beverage. Rev it up or unwind? Tassie will get you psyched.

Hobart

Australia's smallest city has a big reputation for being a very relaxed place to visit. Set amongst a beautiful harbour, the Derwent River and the picturesque Mt Wellington, it is most famous for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which attracts salty old buggers from all over the world on an annual pilgrimage. Hobart is one of the prettiest cities in Tasmania and just the place to go down through the gears and soak up the chilled lifestyle. Check out the Saturday markets at Salamanca Place, sample a fine ale at the Cascade Brewery (Australia's oldest) or if you're into animals, get down to the Hippolyte seal colony or pay a visit to Tasmanian Devil Park.

Around Tasmania

Tasmania is divided up into four key areas Hobart and surrounds, East Coast, West Coast and Southern Tasmania Each has it own highlights with the big crowd pullers being Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, The Huon Valley, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay and Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The jump off for these adventures is focused around 3 main centres Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

East Coast

Launceston ("The Land Apart") sits on the Tamar River roughly 200kms north-east of Hobart. Australias 3rd oldest city is has a wonderful heritage feel to it with colonial cottages, stately Victorian mansions and an Irish Pub on almost every corner. Take a stroll along the heritage trail, visit the museum and the art gallery, take a cruise on an old steamboat and of course stop in for one at the famous Boags Brewery.

West and North-West

Devonport is the port where the Spirit of Tasmania arrives. It is the gateway to Cradle Mountain, one of the most spectacular and famous National Parks in Australia. Like Launceston and Hobart, Devonport is a charming place with historic buildings, surrounded by rolling green valleys and hills, untouched rugged coastline and excellent surf beaches only 10 minutes from the city. Whilst you are in Devonport take the old steam train to the Don Markets, or visit Deloraine home to Australia's largest working arts and craft fair. Surrounded by rich farmland, you'd swear you were somewhere in the south of England. Stop at the many road-side stalls to sample the fresh fruit and vegetables and drop a few coins in the honesty box. You gotta check out Forth and Turners Beach for the scenery and serenity and, for the truly hardcore, a surf.