You simply haven’t done Australia until you’ve visited the country’s smallest and most southerly state.

Tasmania’s closest land to its west is Africa, and to its south is Antarctica. With cold Southern Ocean gales and cold Antarctic winds this place can seem harsh, wild and remote.

Tasmania’s wildlife and vegetation is very
diverse. From tall open eucalyptus forest, to Alpine Heathlands, to massive areas of cool temperate rainforests, jagged coastal cliffs and snow- tipped mountains.

With forty per cent of Tasmania is formally in reserves and world heritage zones, this is the place to go to spend time amidst mountains, forests and rivers, purest quartz sand and clear turquoise seas.

Understandably, as a capital, Hobart has so many things to see and do. However, there are a few musts.

You MUST visit the weekend markets at Salamanca Place, a row of old warehouses filled with galleries, shops, cafes and bars. Every weekend the Salamanca Markets fills the streets with tourists and locals admiring the produce, craft and other stalls. If you’re a beer-lover, the Cascade Brewery (the oldest operating brewery in the country) is a must- see. If you melt for chocolate, make sure you visit Cadbury’s factory based in Hobart.

Hobart may be the largest city, but the island is bursting with other great town centres and communities: Genorchy, Clarence, Burnie, Launceston, Strahan to name just a few.

Launceston has a collection of restored building converted into beautiful shops, restaurants and museums. Nearby, the stunning Cataract Gorge and the surrounding nature reserve makes a great location for a relaxed hike through the fern gorge.

Head west, passed the green vineyards and pastures of the Tamar Valley, and you reach the Liffey Valley Forest Reserve, preserving the rainforested valley at the foot of the Great Western Tiers.

Devonport is a pretty port town in the central north of the island. It’s a popular arrival point for mainlanders reaching the island by the Spirit of Tasmania ferries.

70 kilometres from Tasmania’s coast along the Tamar River, lies the second- largest town in Tasmania.

Macquarie Island, in the subantartic, is also formally part of Tasmania.

Apart from the places there are many special events hosted by Tasmania.

Perhaps the best- known one is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race that starts on Boxing Day. Others include the Royal Hobart Show and Royal Launceston show held annually in October. Taste of Tasmania is an annual food and wine festival centred around the Hobart beachfront on and during New Year.
Every winter solstice in June each year, Hobart holds the Antarctic Midwinter Festival to celebrate its special link with the Antarctic.

A new festival that has received wide acclaim is the 10 Days on the island arts festival. But there’s quite a wait until the next one, which won’t be held until 23 March – 1 April 2007.