Tasmania, known locally as the 'Apple Isle' is an island rich in World Heritage Wilderness, quality food and world-class wines. It is a place renowned for adventure, culture, entertainment, heritage and natural environments. Tasmania is rich in history and heritage, being settled as early as 1803. The landscape boasts rugged scenic mountains, a spectacular coastline, fabulous recreational facilities and natural attractions. Tasmania offers some of the best adventure sports and challenges in the world including sailing, surfing, scuba diving, bush walking, climbing, kayaking and sailing. There are great sporting facilities including dozens of golf courses. There are a fabulous array fishing opportunities in freshwaters (trout and salmon), offshore big game fishing, estuary and ocean fishing,
which are readily accessible from major centres of Hobart and Launceston. The boating is superb and there are lots of scenic cruises to enjoy. The other face of Tasmania is its gourmet food, especially its sea food and dairy products, and its unique cool climate wines. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart which has a wonderful range of entertainment venues and a full calendar of events throughout the year. There are a fabulous array of National Parks all over Tasmania, offering tremendous scenery, world-renowned walking trails, wilderness trekking and various outdoor activities. In South Tasmania there is the rugged, remote and beautiful Southwest National Park. Also, off the south east coast is Bruny Island and a number of smaller Islands. East Tasmania boasts a scenic coastline and wonderful
beaches. The are includes the historic Port Arthur, showcasing the heritage of the convict days. The Tasman Peninsula offers fabulous bushwalking, scenic rock formations, and beautiful palces to visit in the Tasman National Park. The North Coast offers spectacular coastal and hinterland landscapes and an array of small towns and villages, including Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania. There are some great inland towns and a number of rivers to be explored. The major regions in Tasmania are: # Central North and Midlands # The East Coast # Central Highlands # Derwent Valley # Huon Valley # North West # South West # Hobart and Surrounds # North East Coast # Flinders Islands # South East Coast.