Tasmanian Coastline

It's the antipodean alternative to the Mediterranean, with one of the country's best year round climates'.

Hobart is situated on the Derwent River in the beautiful South East region of Tasmania.

Even in winter Tasmania's coast is charactised by often clear blue skies and even if it's cold, visitors to Tasmania's east coast can warm up by skipping between charming villages. And while many of them are evolving into tourism destinations they still retain their fishing-hamlet aura.

The authenticity of these places only adds to the charm but so too does the fresh seafood on offer. From crayfish, oysters and abalone, visitors to Tasmania's east coast might only taste fresher seafood if they become proficient with a fishing rod.

Tasmania's largely unblemished coast includes the acclaimed Freycinet Peninsula. This national park is the home of Tassie's most photographed stretch of sand. Wineglass Bay and the perfect crescent of white sand is protected by the forested peninsula.

There are walking tracks to the beach but if walking doesn't appeal there are cruises that can take visitors right up to the beach. Elsewhere in the state, around the northwest coast of the island, are thrillingly wild beaches shaped by the giant swells of the mighty Southern Ocean.

The charming village of Stanley can be considered the northwest's capital and is something of a bellwether for Tasmania. Here there are colonial charms, uncrowded beaches but also chic hotels and eateries.