Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Situated in southern Tasmania, Australia, Port Arthur is a village on the scenic Tasman Peninsula. This village is home to one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites and favourite tourist destinations, the UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, a former 19th-century penal settlement which is now an open-air museum. Visitors can enjoy a fascinating walking tour around the site among 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes set on 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. Other highlights include a thrilling ghost tour, dolphin and whale spotting on a Tasman Island Cruise, and the Stewarts Bay State Reserve. Visit the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park or discover the Coal Mines Historic site. Don’t miss a visit to the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer Boys Prison, the first reformatory in the British Empire built exclusively for juvenile male convicts.
Set against the backdrop of the Tasmanian coast, Scamander unfolds as a serene coastal town between St. Helens and St. Marys. Its wide, white sand beaches and sweeping ocean vistas draw global visitors. Scamander Beach invites outdoor enthusiasts for swimming and surfing, while the Scamander River, rich with Sea Bream, is a prime fishing spot. Explore the Scamander Forest Reserve and Henderson Lagoon with well-marked trails and diverse bird species. The Surf Coast, stretching to Bicheno, offers reliable surf and long, soft-sand beaches. For golf enthusiasts, the Scamander River Golf Club at the Scamander Sports Complex features a well-maintained par 72, nine-hole course with stunning views of the river and surrounding bush areas, creating a picturesque setting for a round of golf.
Stretching for 65km along the banks of the Tamar River in northern Tasmania is the well-known wine-producing region of Tamar Valley. Wine lovers can explore the more than 30 vineyards along the Tamar Valley Wine Route, resting overnight at one of the quaint boutique hotels or B&Bs. En route, visit the dairy farms to sample delicious cheeses, cream and strawberries, or Hillwood Berry Farm for quince jam and liqueur. For lovers of maritime history, heading a little further north will bring you to Low Head – the home of Australia’s oldest continuously operated pilot station - a naval museum, the Low Head Lighthouse and Low Head Foghorn – still sounded every Sunday.
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.
