Tasmania

Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Located off Tasmania's east coast and accessible only by ferry, Maria Island contains the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. Spend the night and piece together Tasmania’s intriguing convict history, encounter very cute wildlife and explore Maria Island’s pristine beaches and ancient forests. The island offers excellent walking and cycling journeys and a limestone quarry at the Fossil Cliffs provides a fascinating close-up look at the many ancient creatures immortalised as fossils in the rocks. The Painted Cliffs at Hopground Beach are beautifully patterned sandstone shaped by the mineral-rich water and wind.

Forty-eight hectares of rolling lavender fields bloom a blanket of purple on one of the world’s largest lavender farms. The five-week harvest begins in early January with the distillation and processing of the lavender in full swing. A tasting area allows you to experience the unique use of Bridestowe lavender as a subtle flavouring in superb quality foods. Sit and enjoy a coffee in the Bridestowe café or picnic under the century-old oak trees and stroll through the fields. The Bridestowe gift shop has lavender filled bears, lavender infused oils, lotions and potions and culinary lavender — so you can make your own lavender treats at home.

Few places on Earth remain that feel so remote, so raw, so removed from the ordinary. This cliff top walk atop Australia's highest sea cliffs in the Tasman National Park on the Three Capes Track will refresh your senses. Three Capes is a self-guided walk with three cabin sites providing maximum comfort with minimal impact on the environment. Pellet heaters also keep walkers comfortable year-round.

Discover an intriguing history that helped shape Australia at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites in the world.

Laze away the day at Cataract Gorge Reserve only a few minutes from the centre of Launceston. There are peacocks and wallabies, rock climbing and a swimming pool at this popular urban playground. Follow a pathway along the cliff face looking down onto the South Esk River. On the shady northern side, known as the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden with ferns and exotic plants. Wander across the footbridge and take a chairlift ride across the river.