TASMANIA go on, do it !

    Walking
Tasmania is one of the world's best walking destinations; kilometers of walking tracks through a variety of landscapes, all in one compact island: World Heritage Area wilderness, magnificent beaches, remote mountain randes,dramatic coastlines, deep forest, expansive alpine plateaus, sparkling lakes, mighty rivers.

There are excellent facilities provided especially for walkers in natinal parks and reserves; free public huts along popular tracks, excellent campsites, visitor centres at the main parks'gateways, and under yout boots, trackwork that's as good as you'll find anywhere.

There are walks that will challenge you; multi-day expeditions that can change the way you think about wilderness and landscape. There are short and easy walks for pleasure and relaxation. There are guide walks, when you'll be accompanied by an experiencedguide with specialist knowledge of the flora, fauna, natural and cultural heritage.

    Scenic drives
Tasmania's network of highways allows you to loop around the island using a combination of routes. The Lyelly Highway to the West coast winds from Hobart to Strahan through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA). Follow the Bass Highway along the north-west coast to the far north-west.
On the East Coast, the Tasman Highway runs alongside beaches and seaside towns towards the Freycinet National Park. The Lake Highway crosses the Central Plateau, while the Heritage Highway links historic Midlands villages. The Arthur Highway follows the Tasman Peninsula to Port Arthur, and the Huon Highway leads to waterways and wilderness south of Hobart.

    Guided tours and trips
Tour operators offer a range of experienced-based package tours and special interest trips with a focus on the interpretation of wilderness and cultural heritage.

    Wildlife
Wildlife Majestic sea eagles, wallbies and wombats, playful dolphins and migrating whales, rare parrots shy ring-tail possums and platypus, shearwaters that fly to the Arctic then return to the sam sandy burrow each year. Tasmania is home to a unique collection of animals and birds. Take an evening walk with a torch in the Narawntapu, Freycinet and Mt William national parks or on the shores of Lake St Clair. You're likely to be joined by wombats, wallabies and perhaps a quoll or Tasmanian devil. Walk quietly to the river in Burnie's Fern Glade or in Latrobe to spot platypus in the wild. Go offshore from George Town, Burny Island, Stanley, or from Grassy on King Island, and visit fur seals at their breeding colonies. Join a night tour at Bicheno to see penguins coming from the sea.

    Fishing
Tasmania's wild trout fishery, centred on the lakes and streams of the Central Plateau, is recognised as among the world's best. Miena on Great Lake and Strathgordon on Lake Pedder are popular bases for trout fishing trips, but fish are plentiful in the extensive network of lakes scattered across the high country. Closer to the coast, anglers troll for sea-run trout in the lower reaches of the Gordon, Arthur,Huon and Derwent rivers. In salt water, cast a handline from the rocks, haul in flathead from a dinghy or for something new try saltwater flyfishing. For those after bigger game, tag a tuna offshore from Tasman Peninsula's sea cliffs.

    Cruising
In gentler cruising territory , a river or harbour voyage by boat or under sail is a relaxing way to discover Lunceston and Hobart on the Tamar and Derwent rivers, the sheltered waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Cannel from Dover to Bruny Island, and hidden reaches of the Huon River, with its salmon farms and tidy riverside orchards. Cruise from Hobart to Port Arthur on the catamaran to the Isle of the Dead and Tasman Island. In the west, explore the Pieman and the Arthur rivers, and cross Macquarie Harbour to the entrance to the mighty Gordon River, to see rainforest mirroed in its calm waters. For an adrenalin rush, try a whirling jet boat ride on the Derwent, Huon or king Rivers.

    Flights
there's no better way to get a fell for the remoteness, the variety and the beauty of Tasmanian wilderness in a short time. Just 40 minutes by air from Hobart is the Southwest wilderness, where you can walk on a remote sweep of sea-washed sand, with the Southern Ocean for company. From Strahan, a seaplane swoops between the Huon pine-fringed banks and lands on the quiet, dark Gordon River. Charter and dramatic landscapes - Port Arthur, Maria Island, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet Peninsula, Strahan, Southwest National Park and more.

    Camping
In Tasmania, you can pitch your tent inder east coast she-oaks, on the banks of an alpine tarn, in the shelter of a forest, or near a south coast beach. Some free range camping is availabel, but the use of estabilished sites reduces impact on enviromentallyfragile areas.

    Bus travel
All Tasmanian Visitor Information Center provide details on bus links to walking tracks. Regular services run to key locations, icluding Cradle Valley, Lake St. Clair, Freycinet, Cockle Creek and Scotts Peak.

    Rafting
Tasmania's rivers offer a brilliant range of rafting. The Franklin is one of the world's great multi-day rafting journeys. The full trip takes ten days, and includes a descent of the Great Ravine, with its cluster of awesome rapids and portages. Rafters also enjoy the more gentle rippling runs past Huon-pine fringed banks on the Picton. Professional river guides take you on commerical trips, providing instruction and specialist gear. If you're confident and experienced, you can arrange your own journey.

    Horse riding
An early-morning gallop on an isolated beach, or a leisurely ride through a quiet forest; in Tasmania, there's a world of horse riding waiting for you. There's the coast to coast Tasmanian Trail as well as opportunities in the Central Highlands, Tasman Peninsula, Cradle Mountain region, Strahan, Huon Valley and Seven Mile Beach near Hobart. Tasmania has forests, plains, beaches and magnificent high country ideal for riding adventures. Packages range from half-day rides to multi-day camping trips, with everything provided.

    Recreational vehicles
    (4WD, all terrain vehicles, trail bikes)
Drive yourself or tour with an experienced guide; discovering Tasmania's network of fascinating off-road trails in low gear is a great altrernative. Look for the 4WD guide and ATV/trail bike guide brochures.

    Diving
With 5,400 kilometers of coastline, and hundreds of offshore rocks, reefs and islands, there's scope for every kind of temperate-water diving experience, from snorkelling to deep scuba dives. Our waters ar cool and clear; nothing that a good wetsuit can't handle. Visibility is generally excellent, and there's a rich variety of marine habitats, icluding the amazing 30 m giant kelp forest off the Tasman Peninsula. Bicheno's Governor island Marine Park and the Tasman Peninsula wrecks offer top international-quality diving. Expert professional dive companies and retail outlets; on King and Flinders islands, and St Helenas, Bicheno, Eaglehawk Neck, George Town, Lunceston and Hobart; can arrange instruction, guiding, equipment hire, tank fills and a dive program to take you into the Tasmania's underwater wonders.

    Kayaking
Tasmania is an island of rivers and waterways. Paddle in the peace of an undisturbed ancient land in the World Heritage Area. Explore convict ruins. Glide through reflections of granite mountains on the East Coast. The bays, inlets and estuaries of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel are a canoeist's paradise. There is a choice of day paddles in sheltered waters or exposed crossings to offshore islands. The costal scenery is dramatic, and it's not usual to be joined by a pod of friendly and curious dolphins.

    Caving
Tasmania has a wealth of active limestone and dolomite caves, featuring richly decorated caverns, spacious chambers, squeezy passages, inderground rivers, and constellations of glow worms. Nearly anyone, young or old, can enjoy Tasmania's developed "show" caves, which have easy access and several tours daily. Try Hastings in the south and Mole Creek and Gunns Plains in the north. Or professional guides can take you to discover outstanding "wild" or undeveloped caves, where you'll experience the magnificence of caves in their pristine, natural state. For experienced cavers, caverneering clubs regularly undertake trips to Tasmania's more demanding wild caves.

    Climbing and abseiling
From small local crags to remote wilderness peaks, the superb dolerite and granite cliffs of Australia's most mountainous State promise unlimited excitement for climbers and abseilers, experts and novices alike. Well-known locations include White Water Wall and the Hazards near Coles Bay on the East Coast, Lunceston's Cataract Gorge, Ben Lomond in the norht east, the Organ Pipes on Mt Wellington, and the soaring sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. Guided climbing and abseiling trips are available in popular areas; professional guides with local knowledge can tailor a climb or abseil to suit your level of skill.

    Cycling and mountain biking
Summer or autum are the times to pick for a road cycling tour; the distance are manageable and the roads are a scenic delight. The East Coast is a populat destination, with its beaches, forests and national parks. On two wheels is a great way to explore the waterways and wilderness of the Huon Valley circuit; and when you're ready for something more strenuous, go west into the Tasmanian World Heritage Area. Mountain bikers shouldn't miss the trails on Mt Wellington overlooking Hobart where there is a great series of tracks.

Interested in getting off the beaten track? In Tasmania's State forests you'll find some excellent mountain biking terrain, both laid-back and challenging. Montezuma Falls near Strahan and Maria Island National Park on the East Coast have good mountain bike tracks.

Many cyclists like to arrange their own itineraries, but joining and organised expedition eases the load and provides companionship, not to mention a knoweledgable guide., the gear and support vehicle.