Located south of mainland Australia is Tasmania, one of the world's most picturesque islands. Rugged mountains, rolling pastures, dense ancient forest and pristine white beaches provide the setting for a holiday that can be as busy or relaxed as you like.

Tasmania has a colourful past. First settled as a penal colony in 1803, the legacy of convict and free-settler heritage is evident in perfectly restored Georgian and Victorian buildings throughout the state. 

Many have been converted to accommodation or restaurants, others remain grand mansions and are open to the public.

Tasmania's wilderness is surprisingly accessible. An hour's drive from the capital, Hobart, or the second city, Launceston, and visitors can be in native forest or a national park. That's the beauty of this island, amazing diversity in a compact space.

Port Arthur Historic Site is located 100 km south of Hobart and is one of Australia's most significant historic sites. Port Arthur offers a combination of convict history, spectacular scenery and magnificent waterways. Visitors have access to a wide range of activities including 40 hectares of grounds, 30 buildings and ruins, historical walking tours, harbour cruises, museums and audiovisuals.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers approximately 20 percent of the land area of Tasmania. Explore the wide variety of vegetation, the caves and rock formations or spot the largest marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian Devil.