You are in 'Tassie'...a land apart. No wonder it feels different - it separated from mainland Australia more than 13000 years ago. And the past is still vivid in this green, mountainous sea-ringed world. Not just ancient rainforests and Tasmanian Devils have survived, but colonial history... 'The stones are time'. All around you - Tasmania's colonial heritage: former convict cottages, early homesteads, villages of mellow stone, meticulously preserved. These old buildings are not just museums, they are homes, whole suburbs, cosy pubs, hotels...they are alive and well!

Far further back in time! In the rainforests of Tasmania, there are giant trees, believed to be the oldest living things... Separation from mainland Australia has allowed unusual species of plants and animals to flourish. Rugged mountains have kept ecological treasures safe, and hidden their secrets in forests jewelled with moss. Many parts of the 'Tassie' wilderness are so inaccessible they have hardly been walked by man.

The city of Hobart is unique offering all the amenities of a thriving city only minutes from a wide variety of natural beauties. Situated on the west bank of the Derwent River the city in many ways retains the flavour of a small town with a leisurely pace and a population of 160 000. One of the most beautiful capitals in the world, Hobart is set under the towering peak of Mount Wellington and has a deep water port rivalling Sydney Harbour.

There are many fine examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture, including, Salamanca Place which has a terrace of warehouses dating back to the whaling days of the 1830's. Nearby Battery Point, the original seamen's quarters of the city and Macquarie and Davey Street offer more than 60 buildings classified by the National Trust.

It is a great country for touring. Serene, secure, unpolluted and full of variety. There is an easy circular route round Tasmania - no need to retrace steps. Everything is so close together. Drive a short distance and you will see pristine deserted beaches, fertile farmlands and historical villages. Drive a bit further, you are in the wilderness. Rivers are rushing, mountains are calling. You don't have to climb far, and now you are in snowfields or on wind bitten moors above the treeline. Tasmania is extremely popular venue for trekking and cycling tours, which usually include some white water rafting and other ways of penetrating the chasms through the wilderness. Then of course there is sailing. This is boating territory. The sea calls!

For further information please contact us or Tourism Tasmania www.tourismtasmania.com.au