Tasmania is pristine and picturesque with an abundance of wild and stunning landscapes, and this year, the national parks of Mount Field and Freycinet are celebrating their centenary with lots of activities.

Wilderness Escapes

Fly into Launceston and drive northwest via Sheffield to admire the town’s murals and then to picturesque Cradle Mountain. With a population of 500,000 and 40% of the island protected as natural areas, there’s plenty of space for everyone. The popular Loop Track circling Dove Lake in Cradle Mountain National Park offers vivid lake reflections and access to amazing nature. Wilderness accommodation is superb and most trails are easy to walk. Return to Launceston along the coast via Burnie and Devonport and enjoy delicious produce of raspberries, leatherwood honey and cheese along the way. Enjoy photographing colourful poppy fields too. Launceston is great for exploring Tamar Valley’s wineries and then to drive to the East Coast via Nabowla’s lavender fields. The vibrant hues of violet and lilac attract tourists to Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm where manicured lavender bushes bloom best during summer.

Pristine East Coast Dotted with small fishing villages, seafood is fresh and abundant on the East Coast in places like Bicheno and Swansea. Buy seafood at places like Freycinet Marine Farm and juicy berries at Kate’s Berry Farm. Sample wines and enjoy the leisurely driving or take to the air for a scenic flight over Freycinet National Park. In the park, take a walk to the lookout at Cape Tourville or to Wineglass Bay, considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. An ocean cruise is the relaxing way to sea the bay while adventurers can kayak on Coles Bay or ride a quad bike along forest trails.

Central Highlands

Head inland to the historic towns of Campbell, Ross and Oatlands and then for a farmstay at Curringa Farm to experience life on a sheep station. Nearby, Mount Field National Park has some amazing scenery such as Russell and Horseshoe Falls.

Tasmania is home to 33 terrestrial animals and 41 marine mammals like platypus, eastern quoll, Tasmanian devil, echidna, wombat and wallabies. Sightings are guaranteed at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart.

Historic Hobart

Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city scenically located on the expansive Derwent River. Explore the capital on foot, shop at Saturday’s Salamanca Market and dine at seafront restaurants before flying home.