Holiday in Tasmaina
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Tasmania, or Tassie as the locals affectionately call it, is a heart-shaped island oasis just south of the Australian mainland, a land full of natural wonder and beauty. Hanging off the bottom of the world it's diversity and relatively small size make it an outstanding holiday destination, particularly for those with a penchant for the great outdoors, gourmet produce, friendly locals or an intriguing history.
Geographically Tasmania offers so much to awe the nature-lover with approximately 21 % of it's area preserved as National Parks – huge, undeveloped areas that are empty, wild and beautiful. There are breathtaking waterfalls and looming mountain peaks, magical forests with the world's tallest and rarest trees as well as pristine beaches. There is so much to see and do here from bushwalking to white-water rafting, fishing, swimming and even skiing. Touring holidays are increasingly popular here for obvious reasons, whether it's families camping and cycling or more adventurous adults kayaking and white-water rafting. And with the cleanest air in the habitable world the great outdoors have never been more attractive.
The fauna here is unique with many rare animal species found here (not least of which the fearsome, little marsupial known as the Tasmanian devil). Indeed many species extinct or endangered elsewhere thrive happily in this idyll, protected as they are by the Tasmanian's fierce desire to protect it's plenty. So if it's fairy penguins or orange-bellied parrots or even the possums and kangaroos of the mainland that you are after, you will find them all here.
Historically Tasmania has a dark past to bear, what with it's harsh penal colonies and it's lamentable treatment of the indigenous aborigines. For the visiting history-buff this leaves a rich legacy to savour – with museums and convict-era buildings of great interest to be found. Hobart, the capital city and Australia's second oldest city, boasts a wealth of remarkably well-preserved old buildings, more so in fact than other Australian cities. And apart from the museums, galleries and architecture to see there are breweries to visit, a wonderful and busy harbour to stroll in and even a Cadbury's chocolate factory in which to drool.
The greatest produce on the island comes from the sea itself with it's seafood, in particular shellfish, being of particular note. And if fresh fish and fine food and wine is high on your list then this is definitely your place. Apart from the many fine restaurants in Hobart, gourmands should not miss the sights and smells of Salamanca market where you can try the local cheeses, condiments, and fine wines that typify Tasmanian produce.
So if it's something different, something wild and yet paradoxically also refined you are after then you'll find this natural paradise a wonder and a delight.