There’s so much to do in Tasmania. Start with some fauna spotting: wallabies, wombats, echidnas, brush tail possums and currawongs are just some of the local critters you may come across. Paddle the calm Gordon River or raft beneath overhanging cliffs along the wild Franklin River. Climb the Hazard Range or the summit of nearby Mount Freycinet for stunning views over Wineglass Bay then head to the white beach for a day of sea kayaking, swimming or scuba diving. Join a nocturnal wildlife walk and have a close encounter with a Tasmanian Devil at the devils @ cradle Interpretation and Viewing Centre or hike the Overland Track through the heart of Tasmania's stunning Wilderness World Heritage Area to Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake. Thrill to a scenic helicopter flight over Cradle Mountain National Park, bush walk to Hartz Peak for panoramic views, climb down into the caves of Hastings, relax on the magnificent beaches of Recherche Bay and stroll the cliff tops of Bruny Island. And don’t miss the cell bock's of historic Port Arthur – a chilling reminder of Australia’s convict past.

After a day of exploring the island’s breathtaking natural beauty or enjoying a choice of adventure activities, relax in comfort at a range of luxurious resorts while savouring some of the best of Tasmania's gourmet food and wine.

Highlights of central and western Tasmania

Cradle Mountain-Discover the wild natural beauty of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair World Heritage National Park – a region of breathtaking natural beauty full of jagged mountain peaks, rainforest, alpine heathlands, lakes and waterfalls. See stands of ancient pines mirrored in the still waters of glacial lakes and spot wallabies, wombats, brush tail possums and currawongs. Choose from a selection of mountain walks with spectacular views of Lake Dove and the Cradle Mountains, go horseback riding or glide across the calm surface of Lake Dove in a canoe, then relax in a luxurious resort and enjoy the best of Tassie’s gourmet food and wine.

Queenstown-The largest settlement on Tasmania's West Coast is best known for its copper mines, smelters and deforestation by 19th century mining practices. Take the chairlift ride to get a bird's-eye view of the damaged landscape, visit the Miners Siding and the Galley Museum or venture underground on a tour that reveals Queenstown's rich mining history and takes you to the working face of a mine. For a stark contrast, hike through nearby dense forest to disused tramlines and mine shafts, lookouts and spectacular waterfalls – don’t miss seeing Tasmania's highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls. You can also explore the regions natural beauty on the West Coast Wilderness Railway to the port of Strahan – one of Australia's great historic train journeys.

West Coast Wilderness Railway-Follow the former route of trains that once carried pure copper from the rich mines in Queenstown to the port at Strahan. Ride the original steam locomotives and coaches for a unique 34km journey over high trestle bridges and steep grades through a rainforested river gorge and past stunning natural scenery. The line has been faithfully reconstructed to echo the amazing engineering feats of the pioneers who built the railway more than 100 years ago, including the unique ABT rack-and-pinion section on the 1:16 inclines. Stop for refreshments and sightseeing at some of the original stations of the past – Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril, Rinadeena – where local guides can introduce you to the rich heritage of the railway. In the Premier Carriage, enjoy cabin service with fine cool-climate wines, fresh local pastries and Tasmanian cheeses.

Strahan-Located on the northern edge of the vast Macquarie Harbour, Strahan evokes the spirit of independence laid down by 19th century pioneers and miners, as well as 20th century protesters who stopped the damming of the wild Franklin River. From here explore the wild and beautiful World Heritage Area, an area of 1.38 million hectares – about 20 per cent of Tasmania. Cruise across the harbour and along the wide Gordon River, jet boat the King River, kayak the rivers, explore the forest in a four-wheel drive or board a seaplane to search for some of the remaining 1000-year-old Huon pine and myrtle trees. Browse local craft shops for elegant artifacts made from aromatic, buttery-yellow Huon timber.

Sarah Island-Cruise out to tiny Sarah Island, Tasmania's first penal station (1822 to 1833), located in the remote reaches of windswept Macquarie Harbour. Here, convicts laboured under the harshest conditions, felling Huon pines for boat building. Stroll around the convict ruins for a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life.

Rosebery-Discover one of Tasmania’s richest mining towns. Since 1905 the area has yielded copper, gold, lead, zinc and silver, with an estimated value of AUD8 billion. Venture underground for a tour of the mine or take the track to Tasmania's highest waterfall – Montezuma Falls, just 10 minutes drive from town.

Montezuma Falls-Begin the track to Tasmania’s highest waterfall at Williamsford, 2km south of Rosebery. Choose to travel in comfort on a four-wheel drive tour or take the easy three-hour return walk along a level track to the base of the 104m-high falls. Meander through pleasant park-like rainforest including leatherwood, myrtle, sassafras and giant tree ferns. Look out for native wildlife, including several species of birds.

Tullah-Overlooked by Mount Murchison and close to beautiful Lake Rosebery, this former mining town is excellent for exploring the natural beauty of the region. Hire a mountain bike, saddle up a horse or hike into the wilderness on a guided tour. Paddle the lake or Henty River with an experienced guide or hop aboard Wee Georgie Wood for a 1.6-km small-gauge steam engine ride from the middle of town. Don’t miss the local woodcraft workshop for a unique souvenir or gift.

Zeehan-Take an historic walk around Zeehan, once Tasmania’s third-largest town. Discover the town’s rich and fascinating mining heritage at the West Coast Pioneer Memorial Museum. Cast a line for trout in Lake Pieman or crayfish at Granville Harbour, visit Zeehan’s original port, Trial Harbour, or take in the views from the top of Mount Zeehan.

Triabunna-Discover a scenic port town surrounded by inviting beaches, undulating hills and tracts of eucalypt forest. Wander past several historic buildings, including the sandstone St Mary’s Anglican Church (1880) and Spring Bay Hotel (1838), and browse shops, galleries and tearooms. Check out the Triabunna’s Visitor Information Centre for wall tapestries depicting the area’s rich Aboriginal and European history and visit the adjacent Tasmanian Seafarers Memorial. Go fishing or sailing and don’t miss savouring the succulent local scallops, mussels and abalone. Bushwalk the coastal reserves: try Pelican Walk, beginning near the marina, and look out for Triabunnas, the fast-running flightless bird found only in Tasmania. The birds can be seen foraging near streams and pastureland.

Maria Island National Park-Take the short ferry ride from Triabunna to historic Maria Island, one of the best places in Tasmania for bird watching. The wildlife refuge is home to the threatened Cape Barren goose, Forester kangaroo and Flinders Island wombat, as well as the rare forty-spotted pardalote and the Tasmanian native hen. Scuba-dive the rich underwater environment and, from the shore or cliff tops, look out for dolphins, whales, seals and sea eagles. Take the spectacular Fossil Cliffs walk to see shellfish fossils, almost 300 million years old and once mined for their lime deposits. Head over to the beautiful honeycomb Painted Cliffs, so called because of the iron oxide stains that probably occurred millions of years ago. Go bushwalking, cycling or scuba diving.

Hartz Mountains National Park-Hike through forest to Hartz Peak (1255m) for panoramic views over the ocean and into the very heart of Tasmania’s south-west wilderness World Heritage Area. Along the way, try to spot the shy platypus, echidnas or perhaps a Bennett's wallaby.

Overland Track Experience-a six-day hike through the heart of Tasmania's stunning Wilderness World Heritage Area. Follow the 65km Overland Track from Ronny Creek through a variety of fascinating ecosystems, past beautiful waterfalls and close to Mount Ossa, Tasmania's tallest mountain at 1,617m, before finishing at Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake. The well-maintained and clearly marked trail is Tasmania’s premier long-distance track and one of the world’s great wilderness bushwalks. The walking season lasts from November to April with long sunny days and an average temperature of 16C.

Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park-Discover a pristine wilderness area of wild ranging rivers, overhanging cliffs and ancient rainforest that is easily explored from the river or on a series of nature trails. Cruise the calm waters of the Gordon River through ancient rainforest, admire 2000-year-old Huon pines and visit Tasmania's oldest penal settlement at Sarah Island. Or head upstream and explore some of Tasmania’s most picturesque landscapes while rafting the tumultuous Franklin River.

Mole Creek Karst National Park-Discover more than 300 deep limestone caverns and sinkholes containing stalactites, stalagmites, glow-worms and subterranean streams. Take a guided tour of King Solomon’s Cave or join an adventure caving experience through underground passages. Don’t miss Australia’s largest glow-worm display inside the Marakoopa Cave.

Highlights of southern and eastern Tasmania

Freycinet National Park-Choose from a range of bushwalks to explore this stunning peninsula of pink granite mountains, pure white beaches and dry eucalyptus forests, located on Tasmania’s east coast. Try the popular Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, a 30km hike taken over two days that encompasses the best of the peninsula, from the Hazard Mountains south to Cooks and Bryans beaches, then over a heath-land plateau in the shadow of Mount Freycinet to the long curve of Wineglass Bay, a picture-perfect crescent of pure white sands, fringed by bushland.

Along the way experience some of Tasmania’s most interesting wildlife: see and hear birds such as eastern spinebills, yellow-throated or crescent honey eaters and yellow-tailed black cockatoos and watch out for white-bellied sea eagles gliding overhead or large Australasian gannets diving for food.

Or take the shorter hike to the lighthouse at Cape Tourville then continue up to Wineglass Bay Lookout for spectacular views across the bay – from here it’s just a short stroll down to Wineglass Bay for a picnic, a walk on the beach or a kayak paddle through the crystal clear waters.

The peninsula offers a range of guided tours and activities: climb to the top of Mount Amos for panoramic views across the peninsula; head to the Hazard Range for climbing, abseiling, hiking and mountain biking; or check out Great Oyster Bay and Coles Bay for surfing and windsurfing. For world-class accommodation and cuisine, indulge at the Freycinet Lodge and discover the flavours of the area’s fresh natural produce; don’t miss the local lobster-sized crayfish.

Huon Valley-Thrill to a jet boat ride up the Huon River or cruise upriver on a paddleboat through the habitats of pelicans, sandpipers and many other waterbirds. Cast a line for trout in the valley's many rivers or hike the Huon Trail through waterways and wilderness into the sheltered bays of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

Tahune State Forest-Experience a bird’s-eye view of the forest from 48m above the forest floor on the Tahune Forest AirWalk. Walk among the treetops past rare species, some found only in Tasmania, such as King Billy and celery top pine, myrtle, beech, blackwood and sassafras. The walkway extends for around half a kilometre over the Tahune State Forest and Picton River. Later go bushwalking, fishing, white water rafting or fly like an eagle in a secured hang glider 70m above the forest and Huon River.

Hastings Caves-Discover magical chambers on a tour through the large, highly decorated cavern of the 40-million-year-old Newdegate Cave. Within the spacious and well-lit cavern lie flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites – tendrils of calcite that grow in all directions in tiny filaments. After touring the caves, relax in the nearby thermal springs – luxuriant, warm, clear, naturally occurring pure spring water maintained at 28C degrees year round and surrounded by forest and ferns. Enjoy a picnic or take a forest walk along the Hot Springs Track to the convergence of two streams: put your hand in the water to feel the warm current from one stream meeting the cold current from the other.

Cockle Creek-At Australia’s southern-most point discover a tiny seaside settlement nestled among the tranquil coves of Recherche Bay on the edge of Tasmania’s Southwest National Park. Explore pristine beaches and natural wilderness along many excellent trails. Take a short stroll around the foreshore to a whale sculpture and interpretation sign that explains the bay’s whaling history. Continue on to the Fishers Point Navigation Light and Pilot Station ruins or take the track to South East Cape for stunning cliff-top views of the Southern Ocean and Maatsuyker Island. Within the town you can explore Aboriginal sites, abandoned tramways, gravestones and ruins. Cockle Creek is the entry point to the Southwest National Park and the South Coast Track – one of Tasmania’s great bushwalks.

Coles Bay-Sitting beneath the pink granite mountains at the entrance to Freycinet National Park and overlooking Oyster Bay, Coles Bay is an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, boating and fishing. It is also a good base for exploring the national park.

Bicheno-Scuba dive the deep fissures, caves and sheer rock walls among sponges and sea whips; relax on white sandy beaches; or explore the coast in a sea kayak or glass-bottomed boat. Walk to Rocking Rock to see the blowhole or take a penguin tour to Diamond Island Nature Reserve. Discover waterfalls tumbling into tranquil lakes and river ravines at nearby Douglas–Apsley National Park or take a wine tour and sample east coast wines while dining on fresh seafood such as crayfish, abalone and Australian salmon.

St Marys-Drive up into the mountains to Elephant Pass for spectacular views along the coast. Indulge in delicious, European-style crepes at Mt Elephant Pancakes – a quirky restaurant nestled in the mountains, then continue on to St Marys, a small township nestled beneath the impressive rocky outcrop of St Patrick’s Head (694m). Although just 10km from the coast, the town climbs 600m above sea level. Visit nearby waterfalls, go fishing at Lake Leake, do some bushwalking in Douglas Apsley National Park or climb to the top of St Patrick’s Head or South Sister Peak for stunning forest and coastal views. Browse the craft galleries and see the original railway station (1866). Head to nearby Cornwall Wall and take the Heritage Walk to the Coalminers’ Heritage, a monument to the miners who hand-tunnelled a coal mine beneath the Mount Nicholas Range.

Bruny Island If time allows, spend a day exploring the island’s fascinating history of sealers, whalers and explorers, all the while looking out for wildlife. Stroll through the gentle countryside of rolling farmlands and tall trees, along the wild coastline past quiet beaches and roaring surf, and see wildflowers and rare bird life. Head to the Bruny Island Lighthouse, located on a wild and windswept cape overlooking the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. Stroll along one of many spectacular cliff-top walks in South Bruny National Park and look out for short-tailed shearwaters and little penguins (also known as fairy penguins) at The Neck Game Reserve. Climb up from the dunes to the Neck Lookout, offering stunning 360-degree views. Here you’ll find a memorial to the indigenous Nuenonne people who lived on Lunnawannalonna (Bruny Island) before European settlement.

Port Arthur-Explore the evocative Port Arthur Historic site, Australia’s most intact convict site, which was home to approximately 12,500 convicts from 1830 until its closure in 1877. Join a 40-minute guided walking tour around more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored homes then cruise to the Isle of the Dead for a guided tour of Port Arthur’s island burial ground. Later, discover scenic views from Eaglehawk Neck over Pirates Bay and visit the impressive coastal rock formations including the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole.

Mount Field National Park- located just an hour’s drive north-west of Hobart, is best explored on a number of easy-to-follow bushwalks. Discover the three-tiered, 45m-high Russell Falls, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Australia, easily reached on a 20-minute circuit track from the Visitors Centre. Or try the four- to eight-hour hike to the stunning Tarn Shelf overlooking Lake Dobson, which in April and May is ablaze with the gold, red and orange foliage of Australia's only winter deciduous tree, the endemic fagus.