Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, is located on the Derwent River in Tasmania's south and is within a 90-minute drive of some of Tasmania's most visited attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring southern Tasmania. South of Hobart are the clear waters and stunning coastline of Bruny Island, the fertile soils of the Huon valley, the picturesque beauty of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and the rugged Hartz Mountains national park. East of Hobart are the wineries of the Coal River Valley and the Tasman national park with its spectacular coastline and historic convict sites.

To the west is the Derwent Valley, where the road follows the beautiful Derwent River through rows of poplars and on to Tasmania's central highlands and the grandeur of Lake st Clair and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

North from Hobart, the Midland Highway heads to Launceston. Dubbed the Heritage Highway, it offers many opportunities to enjoy Tasmania's heritage past, with homesteads and country cottages reflecting the state's early colonial history.

On Tasmania's West Coast you'll find world famous wilderness rich in convict heritage, stunning national parks and historic mining towns. Gateway to Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, its rugged mountains, ancient rain forests and heath make the west one of Australia's last true wilderness frontiers. Yet, despite its remoteness, its easy and safe to visit and travellers can still enjoy the best of Tasmania's quality accommodation and fine dining.

The largest coastal town is Strahan, situated on Macquarie Harbour and close to Sarah Island - one of the harshest penal colony settlements in Australia. The inland population centres of Queenstown and the smaller towns of Zeehan, Tullah and Rosebery are rich in mining history and are all within a short distance of magnificent lakes, rivers, rainforests, giant sand dunes and historic sites.There are so many ways to experience Tasmania's west, from wild forest adventures to luxury cruises on crystal clear waterways or simply by car.

Visitors can experience its wonders by driving for around 60 km along the Lyell Highway between Derwent Bridge and Lake Burbury. Bordering the highway are a series of stunning short walks through rainforest to Donaghy's Lookout, the Franklin River Nature Trail and the Nelson Falls Nature Trail - all highly recommended.