Tasmania, a devilishly luxurious destination

When we talk about luxury Australian holiday experiences we naturally think of romantic sailing adventures around the Whitsunday Islands; a city escape to Sydney or Melbourne or perhaps a honeymoon hideaway in the rainforests of the Queensland Peninsula. There is however one destination, a little island off the south coast of Victoria, (which is actually over twice the size of the Netherlands) that can often be obscured by the bright lights of its mainland counterparts. Tasmania has an awful lot to offer; often referred to as the Natural State, it promises some of the most unspoilt and beautiful scenery in Australia.

The so-called capital of this territory, Hobart, is a fantastic city which somehow seems to marry the sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis with the quaint relaxation and charm of a small harbour town. Major attractions of this area include the spectacular Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge which connects two parts of Hobart and the famous Salamanca Market, held every Saturaday. Overlooking the city is the impressive Mt Wellington standing at almost 1300m. A road constructed in the 1930s offers the opportunity to drive so far up to the peak although a more rewarding method maybe by foot, halfway up the road is a picnic area known affectionately as ‘the springs’ which provides wonderful views over Hobart.  When in Hobart there is nowhere else to stay quite like the Islington, an institution in Tasmania its doors have been opened to exclusive clientele for decades having been originally constructed in the mid nineteenth-century.

From Hobart you could travel north east to the small community of Coles Bay which sits at the entrance to the Freycinet National Park. Perfect for enthusiastic walkers you can ascend up the trails to the eponymous look out point of Wineglass Bay which rolls out serenely below, enjoying white sands and crystal clear waters. For a different perspective why not take a Freycinet Sea Cruise or kayak along the picturesque coast or immerse yourself within the warm waters for a spot of swimming or snorkelling.

Launceston is considered by many to be Tasmania’s second city and apart from Hobart is the island state’s other most populous city. Particularly popular with tourists because of the large number of parks and gardens situated in the area, Launceston also offers access to the fantastic winelands of the Tamar Valley. Other features of the area include Narwantapu National Park and the historic villages of Evandale and Longford with their outstranding colonial and Victorian architecture. Half an hour drive away is also the Ben Lomond National Park which has become a haven for walkers, climbing enthusiasts and skiers; the slopes here are usually quite quiet and the spectacular views are breathtaking.

Also in the north-eastern reaches of the country, just on the fringe of the Mt William National Park is one of Tasmania’s most famous landmarks, the Bay of Fires. A sweeping horseshoe shaped bay, this area enjoys stunning white sands and turquoise waters; one of the best ways to experience it is with a dedicated three or four day walk, accompanied by an experienced guide through this wilderness paradise. Forester Beach Camp is an excellent accommodation to stay at whilst in the Mt William region, quiet and secluded this is a perfect retreat for couples and honeymooners.

Tasmania still conceals a certain air of mysticism and wilderness which other more commercial areas of Australia might today lack. A close community of proud people will welcome you with open arms to this beautiful island and make your stay and unforgettable one.