Tasmania is an Australian island and state 150 miles south of the continent. It is the 26th largest island in the world with a population of around 508,000 residents.

It has vast amounts of untarnished natural environment and 37% of Tasmania is made up of national parks, reserves and World Heritage Sites. The World Heritage area is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia and is also known as the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Tasmania is divided into five regions which include Hobart & Surrounds, The East Coast, Launceston Tamar and The North, The North-West Coast and The Western Wilderness. If you are looking for adventure, breathtaking scenery, the unblemished beauty of the landscape as well as indigenous flora and fauna, a Tasmania holidays may be a great contender for your next vacation destination.

There are so many aspects of Tasmania to explore, it is impossible to list and describe them all. However, here are a few of the tourist attractions in the region of Hobart & Surrounds, Australia’s most distinguished city. Salamanca Place is an iconic venue featuring the Tasmania culture through artisans, musicians and producers. There are many studios and galleries featuring woodwork, jewelry, ceramics and glassware. There are also a plethora of restaurants featuring great food and wine as well as entertainment. Other areas in this region that may be of interest are the Alpenrail Swiss Model Village & Railway, one of the top five model railways in the world, and the Anglesea Barracks, now the Military Museum of Tasmania.

The Western Wilderness is well-known for Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is the home of Lake St. Clair National Park. It is also known for Mt. Ossa, Tasmania’s highest mountain at 5,305 feet. It is not far from the Overland Track, the 40 mile long distance walking track. Gordon River is another attraction in this region. It is made up of two rivers, Collingwood and Franklin, which flow through the rain forest and merge to become the Gordon River, great for whitewater rafting. Another major tourist attraction that is very unique in the Western Wilderness region is the Antony Gormley Sculptures. A total of 51 black steel sculptures are situated on 10 square kilometers of the white salt plain of Lake Ballard.

The Launceston Tamar and The North region is home to the Tamar Valley Wine Route which includes over 20 different cellars for wine tastings. It is also well-known for Cataract Gorge which boasts the world’s longest single span chairlift, wildlife, gardens, suspension bridge, abseiling and stunning views. Launceston is also the site of many colonial settlements from 200 years earlier as well as National Trust properties. You may also wish to visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. It is considered to be one of the most significant heritage properties in Australia. Don’t forget the Woolmers Estate and the National Rose Garden which represents the finest compilation of historic roses in the southern hemisphere.

The East Coast of Tasmania allows tourist to walk to the Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park. Other choices of attractions include the Bicheno Penguin Tours, touring the famed St. John the Baptist Church in Buckland or visiting the Historical Maria Island. This island was an 18th century convict penal settlement and is now a national park. There is also fishing, boating, beach activities and whale watching, both Humpback and Southern Right whales, at the Freycinet National Park. The North-West Coast of Tasmania is one of the states most flourishing farming areas filled with volcanic soil conducive for agriculture. Some attractions include visiting the tulip farm at Table Cape, surfing at Boat Harbour Beach, exploring the King Solomon and Marakoopa Caves or visiting the Don River Railway & Museum, which has the largest collection of vintage steam engines and carriages in the state.

As with planning any holiday, accommodations in Tasmania are aplenty regardless of your budget. It’s your choice to backpack, camp, stay at a farm or reserve hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, and bed and breakfasts.

Bio: Matt Milstead can be contacted at mattmlstd@gmail.com.