Western Tasmania is like nature writ large, a place where the wilderness rules and people are few and far between. Visiting Mount Field National here is a humbling experience, not only for the fact it's part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, but also because it's home to some of the tallest eucalypts and tallest flowering plants on Earth. Wander amid these giants to reach Russell Falls - take a deep breath; your Tasmania tour has begun.
Records continue to be broken at Lake St. Clair, the deepest freshwater Lake in Australia, before you arrive in Strahan, gateway to World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. (B/D) Stay: Strahan Village
The Gordon River is your playground today, the dark waters here given their colour by amber button-grass tannins. The only thing breaking the mirror-like surface is your chariot as you cruise to Sarah Island, a former penal colony where convicts would fell Huon pines for boat building. Thankfully, they didn't get to the 2,000-year-old pine that still stands proud at Heritage Landing.
Glide past Hells Gates, the treacherous entrance to the harbour, before motoring on toward your Cradle Mountain tour. This wilderness area offers one of the best chances of spotting Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat. Opt to head out after dark to spot these elusive creatures. (B/L/D) Stay: Cradle Mountain Hotel
If there's a town with a cuter name than Penguin, we're yet to find it. Locals embrace its appeal - there are penguin sculptures at every turn, including one measuring 10 metres tall. Your journey along the northwest coast also passes through Burnie, Ulverstone and Sheffield, the latter delivering a surprise collection of 60 murals telling the area's history.
All this exploring builds an appetite. Refuel at Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm, where happy cows contribute to award-winning cheeses - everything from cheddar and red Leicester to creamy Tasmanian blue. (B) Stay: Best Western Plus Launceston (2 Nights)
There are few places in the world where you can leave the city behind and within minutes be amid an immense wilderness are. Launceston is one. Blink and you're at Cataract Gorge, a yawning chasm carved by ancient rivers. This rare natural phenomenon unites bushland with neat Victorian gardens, replete with ferns and exotic plants. Get a different perspective of the green cavern on the scenic chairlift, zipping you over the water to a lofty lookout.
We wouldn't blame you for lingering here, perhaps cruising the river to venture deeper into the gorge. Or sample more of Tassie's finest fare on a Tamar Valley winery tour. This afternoon, the choice is yours. (B)
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