Essential: Tasmania costa ovest

Tasmania's second city, Launceston spreads across the island's north where three rivers meet, as the South Esk and North Esk join to form the Tamar. At its heart lies Cataract Gorge, a striking river gorge just steps from the centre, reachable by chairlift and perfect for strolls among peacocks and natural pools. The city streets preserve a wealth of Victorian and Georgian architecture, while the Tamar Valley opening to the north is one of the island's most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its sparkling wines. Food markets, galleries and restaurants round out the picture. Launceston is an ideal destination for combining city, wine and Tasmanian nature. Devonport stands on the northern coast of Tasmania, where the waters of the Mersey River meet Bass Strait, and serves as the island's maritime gateway: this is where the «Spirit of Tasmania» ferry from Melbourne docks. A quiet, hard-working town, it lives to the rhythm of its harbour and the beaches that fringe it. At Mersey Bluff a red-and-white lighthouse watches over the estuary, with scenic trails and a beach perfect for a sunset stroll. Above all, Devonport is the launching point for the island's wild interior: from here roads climb towards Cradle Mountain and its national park, a realm of alpine lakes, temperate rainforest and wildlife found nowhere else. An authentic stop for those wishing to breathe in the seafaring and natural soul of Tasmania.

Cradle Mountain dominates the wild heart of Tasmania, within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness. Its jagged peaks are mirrored in the waters of Dove Lake, while temperate rainforests, moorlands and waterfalls make up one of the island’s most spectacular landscapes. It is the starting point of the legendary Overland Track and the realm of wombats, echidnas and Tasmanian devils. A pristine, primeval wilderness, ideal for lovers of hiking and wildlife.

Strahan is a quiet fishing village on the west coast of Tasmania, gathered around the sheltered waters of Macquarie Harbour and set in one of the island’s wildest regions. Once the port serving the Sarah Island penal colony, today it is the gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here depart the famous cruises along the Gordon River, gliding through temperate rainforest mirrored in the river’s dark waters, and the picturesque steam train of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which crosses mountains and gorges towards Queenstown. Nearby lie the spectacular Henty Dunes and long, windswept ocean beaches. Strahan is the ideal destination for those seeking pristine nature, history and silence at the edge of the world.

Capital of Tasmania, Hobart gathers around its harbour on the River Derwent, in the shadow of Mount Wellington. Australia's second-oldest city, it preserves a colonial charm in the sandstone buildings of Salamanca Place, where every Saturday the famous market comes alive with stalls of crafts and local produce. Along the waterfront, the lively Constitution Dock smells of fresh fish and chips. Not far away, MONA — the Museum of Old and New Art — astonishes with its provocative collection and architecture carved into the rock. Hobart is also the gateway to Tasmania's wild nature, among national parks, whisky distilleries and wineries. A city that blends history, art and landscapes of rare beauty.