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TASMANIA vs K HEAD TO HEAD
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Australia’s Tasmania and Kangaroo Island are home to
ustralia is rich with wildlife-spotting opportunities, and the expansive islands of Tasmania and Kangaroo Island, off the southern coast, are two of the best. While uniquely different, we know that not everyone has time to include both on their travels, so specialists Alice and Jenna have weighed in with their preferred choice…
TASMANIA any traveler. For wildlife lovers, Tasmania By Alice Ball, Australia specialist offers pademelons, wallabies, wombats, Tasmania is worlds away from platypus and quolls, and it’s the only the rest of mainland Australia, place home to the elusive Tasmanian devil. and not just in terms of You could spend days searching for the geography – although it does sit rarer species on the mainland, yet on my last isolated in the Southern Ocean some 150 trip to Tassie, I simply headed to a car park in miles south of the mainland. On arrival, Cradle Mountain National Park at sunset. you’re instantly hit by the dramatic There, I saw about six wombats snuffling change in landscape, swapping away on their evening graze. outback and cosmopolitan For a truly Tasmanian cities for lush land, blue wildlife experience, waters and craggy I recommend a two-day “Tasmania is great mountains. With over 50% tour with Craig, an for a self-drive trip of the island made up of adventure guide more – beautiful scenery with very little traffic.” protected national parks, commonly referred to as Terry Thomas, Tasmania is a haven of ‘Bushie’. Craig and his son Audley traveler unspoiled wilderness. live and breathe off-the‘Tassie’, as it’s fondly beaten-track adventures. known, has an adventure to suit Bushie’s ethos is to sit back in
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the bush and let the wildlife come to him, as he spots elusive creatures such as tiger quoll or ringtail possum. For walkers, Tasmania has over 1,700 miles of managed walking tracks and over 800 separate walks through national parks. Some of the best walking can be done on one of the ‘Great Walks’ of Tasmania, which combine guided multi-day wild walks with luxurious camping and well-prepared local produce in some remote settings. Those seeking local culture, art and history should feel at home in the city of Hobart, the ideal place to start to any trip to Tasmania. Be sure to stay over a weekend to make the most of the local festivities. Kick off your Friday night with a visit to Rektango, a fun-filled two hours where local bands play live music, held throughout the year. Saturday is market day, when an entire street comes to life with local artists, crafts, fresh produce and souvenirs. To finish your weekend, enjoy a trip to MONA Art Gallery, built into a cliff face, the gallery is home to unique installations. But no matter when you visit, there’s always something to do. Summer in Tasmania offers festivals and markets, spring has blooming gardens, autumn boasts the best walking and wildlife opportunities, and come winter, snow-capped mountains are the lure. It really is a land for all seasons.
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