Coles Bay and surrounds on the East Coast is a must.

Location

Tasmania is the southern most, and only island state of Australia.

Recommended Activities

The most popular way to see Tasmania is to buy a package which includes care hire, accomodation and return flights to the Australian mainland, normally Melbourne. The island can be circumnavigated in around 10 days, of course, the longer the better. As you traverse, these activities are recommended:

Coles Bay - Freycinet National Park and the famous Wineglass Bay is a must see.

Tasman Peninsula - This area is rich in history. Do the ghost tour of the ex-penal settlement of Port Author and enjoy the rugged coastline.

Salamanca Place Hobart - Great dining, colonial architecture and markets all set on the waterfront.

South West National Park - Much of this area is only accessible by foot or boat. Very highly regarded hiking opportunities exist in this World Heritage Listed region.

Gordon River Cruise - Provides absolutely superb scenery and views of the 2000 year old Huon Pines.

Lake St Clair/Cradle Mountain region - Once again excellent hiking opportunities and scenery are on offer. A popular 3 day hike between Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain is the best way to check out the scenery.

When

Tasmania can get very cold in winter, but regardless of when you go, be prepared for the cold. You are likely to encounter the best conditions in summer, around January and February. The couple of months either side of this time are still pleasant.

Accomodation

The all inclusive packages normally involve three star hotel or caravan style accomodation. Go out on your own for a night or two in a Bed and Breakfast.

Transport

If not hiring a car, there is plenty of public transport available. An alternative to flying to Tasmania is catching an overnight ferry service from Melbourne.

Adverse weather conditions for hikers

Anyone planning hiking with Tasmania should be aware of the unpredictable and ever changing weather. Unexpected cold snaps are common. Always alert local authorities when planning overnight hikes.