Travelling back in time in Tasmania

We continue our series of the top 20 destinations of readers.


Tasmania is one destination I would like to explore. To me it would be a relaxing holiday without all the rush of big cities. February and March seems to be the ideal time to go.

Hobart sounds fascinating. Be it cruising the Derwent River, visiting the Salamanca Markets, doing a walking tour around Hobart heritage buildings and a Taste Hobart tour, or visiting the brewery, distillery and chocolate factory.

A half-hour from Hobart follow the convict trail back to the past: Port Arthur, which we have heard so much about, the interpretation of the Dead Cruise and the evening Ghost Tour.

On to the East Coast in a rental car and drive around warm sand and turquoise sea. Sounds like heaven. Swim or surf at Spring Beach near Orford. Or ferry to Maria Island and enjoy walking the island tracks.

Drive on up to Fingal, stopping whenever you feel like it. Picnic under the world's tallest white gums in the Evercreech Forest Reserve near Mathinna, 25km north of Fingal.

Flinders Island sounds a "must do". Take a self-guided Drive Trail Tour and explore the island. Lots of local arts and crafts stores to visit. Surf and game fishing sounds great.

Head northwest, along the way driving through the rich farmland and relaxing in the beautiful scenery. Visit Burnie and view the coastal scenery in Rocky Cape National Park. On to Stanley and take the chairlift to the Nut. On to Smithton and explore.

This holiday would be so full of history, heritage and great scenery. So relaxing.

Getting there

Return flights and three nights' accommodation from $859 a person from Flight Centre. Package available until January 27 for travel between February 1 and June 30. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 24 35 44 to book. Conditions apply. Other packages available.

Getting around

Tasmania is well served by public transport, taxis, hire cars and cycles. A Tassielink Explorer Pass 7-day pass (valid for travel in 10 days) costs AU$160.

Things to see and do

Wander along Launceston's graceful Victorian streetscapes; sip a latte by the sun-warmed stone of a Salamanca warehouse and gaze over the Tamar Valley from Brady's bushranging lair.

Travel the Heritage Highway and feel echoes of the past in every bridge and cottage, their sandstone blocks chipped by convict chisels.

Raft through rapids on the Picton or Franklin. Launch yourself on a cable hang-glider above Trevallyn. Paddle a sea kayak from Kettering, Coles Bay, Strahan, Hobart or Port Arthur. Explore the high country on a Great Bushwalk. Rope up on Hobart's Mt Wellington or the Launceston Gorge. Abseil a coastal cliff at Freycinet.

Discover Tasmania