10 Days Tasmania's Wonders (FHLH)

First settled in the early 1900s, Tasmania’s capital city has seen a healthy boom in tourism in recent years. Today Hobart combines the charm of old with a trendy, modern edge, and attractions like Salamanca Place – an old waterfront warehouse district that now hosts swanky restaurants, galleries and cafes – define its contemporary status. Art, culture and fine dining are plentiful in town, while nature and wildlife abound in the outlying areas. Venture out to nearby Mount Wellington for hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views.

Resting on the shores of Macquarie Harbour on the western coast of Tasmania, the small town of Strahan serves as an excellent base from which to explore the exquisite surrounding region. The town is set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Boats, helicopters, and planes use Strahan as a jumping off point to explore the magnificent southwestern wilderness. In the west, giant dunes provide wonderful opportunities for sandboarding and tobogganing. The town is steeped in stories from convicts and pioneers, owing to the Macquarie Harbour is Sarah Island’s history as a convict prison. Don’t miss the chance to experience a steam train journey from Queenstown to Strahan, which includes stops for rainforest walks, panning for gold, and wild honey tastings.

Set in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, at the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the iconic Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty. Lake St Clair is one of the largest lakes in Tasmania and offers great views of Cradle Mountain’s recognizable ridges. Rugged snow-topped mountains are surrounded by waterfalls, moss-covered trees, grass meadows, and rock pools as far as the eye can see. Cradle Valley is also home to several fascinating historical Aboriginal sites that can be explored via numerous hiking tracks. The mountains are inhabited by numerous wildlife species, including platypus, echidna, Tasmanian devils, and quolls.

The North West region of Tasmania is home to some of the island's best national parks, heritage sites and a host of culinary delights. The coastal towns of North West Tasmania all have something unique to offer. Devonport is a busy coastal city, Burnie has a collection of Art Deco buildings, and Smithton is a sought-after destination for those who prefer deserted beaches, forests and wildlife. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania's prime tourist destinations, incorporating an array of striking natural features, including lush vegetation, rocky peaks and vast expanses of untouched wilderness. At the park's south end lies Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia.

Launceston lies in northeast Tasmania, just a two-hour drive from the city of Hobart. “Lonnie”, as it is called by locals, is well known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings and more modern architectural attractions. City Park on the eastern edge of the town is a popular picnic spot, whilethe Queen Victoria Museum reveals the city’s interesting history. Cataract Gorge is a short walk from the centre of town and popular with visitors for its beautiful hiking trails and views from Kings Bridge. The town is also the gateway to the winelands of Tamar Valley and a perfect base from where to explore the rest of Tasmania.

Set roughly 185 kilometres northeast of Hobart, this seaside town is a perfect family destination, often referred to as the jewel of Tasmania’s east coast. There’s a little bit of everything for just about everyone here. For foodies, there’s a bounty of fresh seafood – from crayfish and abalone to Australian salmon - while wine lovers can join the Grape Escape Wine Tour to sample the local vintages. Families with young children will enjoy the tours to view fairy penguins and excursions in the wildlife park to see the Tasmanian devil up close. Deep-sea fishing and diving among kelp-covered reefs and spectacular sponge gardens can be arranged; as well as tours on glass-bottomed boats.

As previously described