Separated from Mainland Australian by the 240 kilometre stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart - a place of wild and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; a pleasant, temperate climate; wonderful wine and food; a rich history; and a relaxed island lifestyle. Next stop is Antarctica, 2000 kilometres away.

Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals, including survivors of the ancient southern super continent, Gondwana.

Hobart - Tasmania's capital city is an intriguing blend of heritage and life style, scenery and vibrant culture. The busy arts scene takes in art, craft, music and theatre. In galleries and studios, our artists and craftspeople make bold and beautiful statements in pigments, glass, pottery and fabrics. It's a city of fine restaurants, bustling markets, fun, festivals and entertainment and a city of history, where sandstone cottages and warehouses echo Georgian days.

Launceston - and its river valley blend history, scenery, creativity, adventure, entertainment and the superb flavours of fine food and wine. Launceston is a city of contrasts - a short walk from the graceful Victorian-era facades is the scenic Cataract Gorge Reserve, with its tree rhododendrons and peacocks, fern glades and spacious lawns. Try rock climbing and abseiling in Cataract Gorge.

At Tamar Island, 8 kilometres from Launceston, boardwalks let you stroll over the wetlands and see the birds in their own habitat.

Notley Gorge has deep fern glades, dense rainforest and waterfalls.

Further north at Low Head, fairy penguins nest in the coastal scrub and Australian fur seals breed on Tenth Island.