This island-state off the country's southern coast, known as "Tassie" by the locals, is perhaps best known outside of Australia as the home of the Tasmanian devil - the whirling dervish of a marsupial that inspired the Looneytoon cartoon character. But to Australians, it's a fabulous place to spend a week's vacation. Tasmania has long stretches of uninhabited beaches, jagged (and often snowcapped) mountains, slow-moving creeks and rivers, gorges, historical sites, forests and a rugged shoreline. 

You can fly to the island from Melbourne or Sydney. But if seasickness isn't a problem, we recommend taking the ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. Then rent a car and drive to Queenstown for a boat tour up the Gordon River. On your return, drive to Russell Falls (a tropical waterfall decked with wild ferns) at Mount Field National Park, then go on to New Norfolk (eat at one of the restaurants along the Derwent River). 

The next stop is Hobart, the largest city (pop. 195,000) on Tasmania. Walk around this early-19th-century city to see old homes and buildings. Visit the Van Diemens Land Folk Museum in an 1836 mansion or the Maritime Museum in the fine Georgian-style Secheron House. Browse through the arts-and-crafts galleries, coffeehouses and restaurants in the old sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place (Saturday street market). At night, attend a performance at the Theatre Royal (Australia's oldest "legitimate" theater) or visit the West Point Casino. Take half a day to climb 4,100-ft/1,250-m Mount Wellington for a great view, then drive to Glen Huon (great apples, if they're in season). 

From Hobart, drive 60 mi/100 km past Eaglehawks Neck to Port Arthur, an old penal colony with another attractive view. For 57 years (1830-87), Port Arthur confined nearly 12,000 prisoners. Today, it has a museum displaying captains' logs that list the crimes of their passengers. Twelve miles (8 km) north is the Tasmanian Devil Park, a refuge for the ferocious wolverine-like marsupials. Overnight at the Cascades at Koonya, a bed-and-breakfast in the old penal colony, or return to Hobart. Next, drive north through the center of the island to Launceston, the second-largest city on the island, to see the gorge and Derwent River scenery for two nights, then fly out. 

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, near the center of the island. (Some 70 mi/110 km of hiking trails cross jagged mountains, moors, streams and gorges.) At night you might see Tasmanian devils, wallabies and other animals. During the day you can go canoeing, fishing and hiking. 

Two islands in the Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland will appeal to adventurous travelers who aren't solely interested in shopping, nightlife or the creature comforts of civilization. King Island has attractive beaches, good seafood and tasty cheeses; it rates a three-night stay. There's a variety of accommodations available, primarily in Currie, the main town. Flinders Island, farther east (part of the Furneaux group), resembles King in that it has a rugged coast and good beaches. It's also a great place to hike and hunt for various precious gemstones (most of these are near the town of Palana). 

No matter when you go, take a sweater - Tasmania is cold at night and might only reach the 40s F/3-7 C during the day. The Tasmanian summer in January seems to last for about two weeks. 170 mi/275 km south of Melbourne.

Port Arthur convict settlement

In the midst of the beautiful Tasmanian countryside are the stark reminders of an horrific past. Experience spirits of the long past and the recent past at this 80 acre historic site. Trek its paths and see stabilized ruins and carefully restored buildings.

Freycinet National Park

Choose from a variety of activities. Walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay, stroll the white and sandy beaches, or observe the local wildlife. The park displays magnificent granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches.

Cradle Mountain National Park

The park is located in one of Australia's World Heritage National Parks and is well known for its unique landscapes, and fresh, alpine beauty. There are many walks in the Cradle Mountain National Park, ranging from a ten minute stroll to a five day trek!

Pilot Station and Maritime Museum

The museum displays a maritime and communication collection, buildings dating back to 1835, an extensive collection of artifacts & memorabilia pertaining to the area's development Enjoy a gallery of ship paintings and historic and tourism videos.

Talune Wildlife Park

A 'hands on' friendly wildlife park you will see a wide range of Australia's wonderful marsupials - Tasmanian devils, kangaroo, wallaby, wombats and many more. Enjoy the parks variety of apple ciders and fruit wines produced on the property.