Spoilt for choice
ANYTIME is a good time to visit Tasmania in Australia. At least, that’s what many travel agencies will tell you if you were to ask them for a suggestion.
But what is there to do or see in Tasmania that makes it a coveted year-round travel destination?
Well firstly, that’s where the Tasmanian devil lives.
That’s right. The classic cartoon character is a real animal – a marsupial, in fact – and can only be found in the wild, in the state of Tasmania. The “devil” is pretty shy, though, so you might have a better chance of spotting a wallaby, wombat or echidna on the heart-shaped island.
Of course, if you head over to places like the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, you can actually get the chance to feed kangaroos, koalas and Tasmanian devils.
The sanctuary is a social enterprise that aims to protect wildlife species that are becoming extinct in Australia.
There are tons of adventure activities that you can go on in Tasmania that are not the usual bungy jumping or cliff diving.
There’s an adventure park that offers fun zipline rides, and numerous walking tours that would take you through beautiful paths and historical sites.
The Freycinet Experience Walk, for example, is a four-day guided walk that passes through beaches, pink granite mountains and lush forests.
If you’re one for historical visits, head to the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement that is now one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. Take the Ghost Tour if you’re feeling brave enough to find out whether those reports of paranormal activities hold true.
This winter season, Tasmania has several interesting events lined up for tourists and locals alike.
Happening in mid-June is the Dark Mofo at Hobart. It is an annual winter festival hosted by the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) that features music performances and art showcases.
In August, there’s the Chocolate Winterfest! This is a festival that celebrates all things chocolate and chocolatey from sweet delicacies to wearable art made from chocolate.
Not a fan of desserts? Try the seafood then. From fish and chips to juicy oysters, the island is famous for its fresh seafood; pair your food with local wine or even whisky. The Tasmanian Whisky Week falls in the third week of August so you might want to plan your visit accordingly.