Coastal Landscapes
Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires, a beautiful piece of wilderness coastline in the north-east corner of Tasmania, stretches from Eddystone Point in the north to Binalong Bay in the south. Characterised by stunning blue water, fishing lagoons, spotless white sandy beaches and orange lichen covered granite boulders, the area is often mentioned internationally in lists of the world's top beaches. A place of tranquil beauty and one of Tasmania s most popular tourist destinations, this 29-kilometre ribbon of sea, surf and sand is renowned for its island beach culture, cosy cottages and nature walks, not to mention its natural beauty.
Tasman Peninsula
An extremely scenic part of Tasmania that is dominated by rolling pastures and heavily timbered hills and surrounded by dramatic coastline of sheer cliffs, towering rocky outcrops, sheltered bays and sea caves. Walking tracks and kayaks give access to the area's more isolated corners. And if that isn't enough to entice you to jump on a plane to Tassie and go see it for yourself, there's the added bonus of the peninsula being steeped in Australia's convict history; it contains some of the country's most important convict heritage sites, the jewel in the crown being the Port Athur settlement.
Freycinet Peninsula
Jutting out between The Tasman Sea and Great Oyster Bay on Tasmania's east coast, the Freycinet Peninsula is a rugged and beautiful stretch of land, noted for its white-sand beaches, secluded coves, panoramic vistas, rocky cliffs and excellent bushwalks through the Freycinet National Park. The park is famous for Wineglass Bay, named one of the world's top 10 beaches by Outside magazine, just one of its white sandy beaches and the pure clear turquoise waters that are perfect for sea kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. The Hazard Range offers climbing, abseiling and mountain walking, and the coastal heathlands have wonderful half and full day walks.
Recherche Bay
A quiet, idyllic bay in the far south of Tasmania beyond the Huon Valley. There are a three small settlements on Recherche Bay - Catamaran, Recherche Bay and Cockle Creek. These are the most southern communities in Australia. A signpost at Cockle Creek marks the most southerly point in Australia accessible by motor vehicle. The southern tip of Tasmania, Australia's southern extremity, which marks the beginning of the South West Walk, is just an hour s walk away.
Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
Accessible only by boat, aircraft or on foot, this region must surely be one of the most magnificent landscapes on the planet. Gold-green ranges, with bony quartzite ridges, rise sharply from the southern ocean and the broad interior waterways of Port Davey. Small islands dot the surface of the dark waters. White quartzite sands fringe the shoreline. Mt Rugby - the highest and most prominent peak bordering the reserve - rises grandly from the western shore of Bathurst Harbour. On a fine, calm day the marine reserve s waters reflect the landscape to endless perfection.
The Edge of The World
Just to the south of Arthur River, Gardiner Point has been dubbed The Edge of The World as the sea here stretches uninterrupted all the way to Argentina, 15,000 km away. The sea west of Tasmania is in fact the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe. From Argentina the currents known as the roaring 40's sweep unimpeded more than halfway around the planet until they hit this point. These ocean currents mix with the river flow, creating a washing machine effect. Foaming waves push ancient logs up onto lonely beaches, having been carried by floodwaters up to 100km away down the river from the heart of the Tarkine Wilderness.
Cape Grim
Woolnorth is located near the northwest extremity of Tasmania on Cape Grim where the Great Southern Ocean and the Roaring Forties collide with Bass Strait. This stunningly wild and beautiful corner of Tasmania is still owned by the Van Diemen's Land Company which acquired the land in 1825. It is the last Royal Charter Company in the world. Visitors can explore the 22,000 hectare property on full day and half day guided tours, taking in the old farm buildings, the wind farm and Cape Grim, where large turbines harness energy from the Roaring Forty winds, and the most pure air in the world.
The Nut, Stanley
The Nut is an extraodinary geological feature looming above the village of Stanley and can be seen from a great distance. At the top there are excellent views over the town and Bass Strait. There is a diversified circular walk around the top of the Nut with a number of well formed viewing platforms. Most of the walk is through windy grasslands with several lookouts, but one section is through a small forest and has an enchanted feel. The track is nearly 2 kilometres long. There is a sheltered gully which provides welcome relief from the strong wind that was blowing.