Tasmania is Australia's island state and the smallest state in the country. It is roughly heart shaped and is separated from the mainland by the relatively shallow sea - the Bass Strait.

Historic Church at Port Arthur

This separation has allowed many flora and fauna to flourish while many species on the mainland have since become extinct.

Tasmania's landscape is dominated by mountain ranges and covered in rain and native forests, although much of this is under threat from the mass clear fell logging throughout the state. Much of the landscape and weather remind UK visitors of home and New Zealanders find a lot of similarities as well.

The weather is mild. It snows in many parts of the state in winter and even in the city of Hobart when a front bears on the state from the Antarctic. While the summers are not as hot as experienced in other states of Australia, it can reach high temperatures.

They say you can drive around Tasmania in just over a day and a half. Well that may be true, If you didn't stop to enjoy the scenery and sights along the way. So if you truely want to SEE Tasmania and experience it's culture and it's history then you need no less than two weeks, although a month would be even better.

Tasmania has a fascinating history, Being one of the first Penal Colonies. There is a story to every town and the natural scenery is beautiful. A lot of the colonial buildings are still standing and towns still echo a feel of the past. At times you could swear you were driving down an English country road, not an Australian one.

The Heritage areas boast amazing old growth rainforests that are marvelled world wide. These are easily accessed via tours and river cruises. Wildlife parks give you a glimpse of the amazing animals this island has. The rare and the unique that are not found anywhere else in the world.