Despite excellent links to the mainland by air and sea, Tassie is one of the country’s least explored states, with many Aussies having never set foot in the island once known as Van Diemen’s Land.
And that’s a total shame.
Blessed with ancient rainforest, natural wonders, and tasty wine, Tasmania should definitely be on your travel bucket-list.
Here are four reasons why you should get down to Tassie quick smart!
1. You can get away from it all
Credit: Ben Wilkinson – Tarkine In Motion
The Tarkine in the north-west of Tasmania remains one of the most isolated regions of the island. You’ll struggle to get a phone signal in most of the 447,000 hectare temperate rainforest here, and there certainly isn’t any Wi-Fi.
But perhaps a digital detox is exactly what you need!
Stay in Corinna – in the absolute heart of the Tarkine – for a wilderness experience unlike any other, where you can go hiking through vast forests of myrtle in the morning, kayak or cruise along the Pieman River in the afternoon, and then tuck into some amazing food at the pub in the evening before retiring for the night in a cozy cottage under a starry sky.
2. Natural wonders are in the city
Source: www.darylhaines.com
Even though Cataract Gorge is located pretty much in the heart of the compact city of Launceston, stroll along the King’s Bridge Cataract Walk – a pathway along the cliff face originally built in the 1890s – and you’ll feel like you’re miles away from civilisation.
Cataract Gorge is found at the lower section of the South Esk River before eventually spilling into the Tamar River, and the natural formation is a popular retreat for Launceston locals and tourists alike looking for a slice of the wilderness without having to leave the city.
For the most complete gorge experience, go on a 1-hour cruise of Tamar River which visits the gorge on the water.
3. A self-drive itinerary across the country is stunning
Source: www.greateasterndrive.com.au
Hire a car down in Tassie and embark upon your own Tasmanian adventure, exploring the island via one of the Tassie’s scenic self-drive itineraries, such as the Great Eastern Drive, Coast to Coast, Heritage Highway, and West Coast Wilderness – just to name a few!
Along the way, stop in gorgeous spots along the coast in heritage accomodation, such as @VDL Stanley, and refuel at charming cafes, such as the Blacksmith Gallery Cafe in Sheffield, which can be visited on the way to/from Cradle Mountain.
4. You can drink some of the best wine in the country here
Source: www.about-australia.com
The fertile land of Tamar Valley is a wine lover’s dream, with wineries and vineyards puncturing the rolling landscape of what is the oldest wine producing region in Tasmania.
The best way to explore the region is by hiring a car (see above) and driving along the Tamar Valley Wine Route, where more than 30 wineries within driving distance of each other beckon you over for a little wine-tasting along the way.
But if you’d prefer basing yourself in Launceston and visiting a winery just for the day, you can’t get any better than some wine tasting followed by lunch at Josef Chromy Wines, just a short drive from the city.
Note: Always drink responsibly.