Cradle Mountain National ParkHUON VALLEYThe Huon Valley region is one of rich fertilevalleys, waterways, forests and mighty rivers.Many of the island's gourmet food producersare in this region, including numerous berry andfruit farms. Vineyards also abound and in thesheltered waterways Atlantic salmon farms canbe seen. Exploring deep into the Huon Valleywill lead you to the fascinating Tahune ForestAirwalk where you can stroll for nearly akilometre 40 metres up at treetop leveloverlooking the Eucalypt forests, rare Huonpines and the majestic Huon River. Head furthersouth and you will find the Hastings cavesystems that include a delightful glow wormcavern. After subterranean excursions you canenjoy a dip in the natural hot springs. MOUNT FIELDNATIONAL PARKAs you wind your way along the Derwent Riveryou pass vineyards offering cellar door tastingsand the historic Salmon Ponds and fly-fishingmuseum near New Norfolk. Beyond thisgateway to one of Tasmania's most visitedregions is lovely Mount Field National Park.Highlights include walking through man-fernsand wet eucalypt forest to the multi-tieredRussell Falls and visiting the secluded Styx Valley,where the world's tallest hardwood trees growin the 'Valley of Giants'. In this region you alsohave a higher chance of seeing platypus thananywhere in Australia and can see most of thestate's native species in wildlife sanctuaries. 76Franklin Manor,StrahanSituated on the edge of the breathtaking WorldHeritage wilderness of west coast Tasmania, FranklinManor is 500 metres from the centre of Strahan.The weatherboard building is set in attractivegardens just a stone's throw from the waterfront.Once inside, tasteful modern artworks andsculptures adorn the walls and stained glass windowsframe the beautiful staircase. There are two guestlounges, ten standard guestrooms, four suites andfour garden cottages. Co-owner MeyjitteHoughenout is a two star Michelin chef and thesmall restaurant is regarded as the best in westernTasmania, which makes pre-booking essential.STRAHAN & GORDON RIVERStrahan is located at the head of Macquarieharbour on the World Heritage-Listed west coastof Tasmania where there is nothing but vaststretches of wild ocean until the southern tip ofArgentina. In this hostile environment anisolated penal colony settlement was situated onSarah Island in the middle of Macquarie harbourand it was to here that the worst of the worstEuropean convicts were sent to work and diefelling Huon pine - so valuable for ship building- on the banks of the mighty Gordon River. Theharbour mouth is named `Hell's Gate`, becauseof the fearsome reputation held by the penalcolony within. Built up on the back of the localtimber industry, Strahan is now one ofTasmania's quaintest towns with its old timberbuildings, scenic port and natural backdrop ofweathered mountains and thick native bush.Taking a cruise out of Hell's Gate into theSouthern Ocean and upriver into the WorldHeritage-Listed Franklin-Gordon Wild RiversNational Park is an awe-inspiring visit to pristinewilderness: a real highlight of Tasmania. Strahanis also home to the restored 2896 railway whichsteams 22 miles across rivers and mountains tothe old mining settlement at Queenstown. LAKE ST CLAIR & CRADLEMOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARKLake St Clair and Cradle Mountain are twoiconic elements of this Tasmanian WorldHeritage area. The scenery is awe-inspiring, aseucalyptus forests give way to mountain sceneryreminiscent of Scotland's finest. Whether takinga gentle walk around the enchanting Dove Lake,a summit walk to Cradle Mountain peak or evenindulging in the six to eight day 'Overland Track'from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, you arehighly likely to encounter wallabies, wombatsand possums at close quarters. As well as thewalking you can visit the Waldheim Hut, hometo pioneer conservationist Gustav Weindorfer,the Wilderness Photography Gallery, experiencebountiful fly-fishing, horse riding and even seethe wilderness from the air on a spectacularflight across lakes and peaks from Cradle Valley.Franklin ManorHighland Plateau

TASMANIA 77Gordon River wilderness cruiseSTANLEYStanley is an enchanting historic fishing villagewhich is an ideal base from which to explore thewild and remote Northwest coast. You'lldiscover penguin rookeries, seal colonies andplatypus in streams as well as historic sites, cavesystems and grand coastal features. A highlightis the lovely Table Cape headland, ablaze withtulips in spring time, while at Stanley itself youcan walk to the summit of the Table Mountain-like hill know as 'The Nut'. Nearby lie the ruinsof Highfield Historic House (1928) and to thewest you can see wild Tasmanian Devils inabundance at the Arthur River or simply unwindwith some of the region's glorious cheeses. DELORAINEThis artistic region is in the lee of the lovelyWestern Tiers and is home to many idyllic valleyswhich hold charming villages such as Delorainethat were first settled by colonial pioneers in theearly 1800s. This history accounts for the manyNational Trust and heritage-listed buildingslocated in what resembles quintessentiallyEnglish landscape. You will find sculpture trails,pottery shops, cheese factories and berry farmsas you explore the area. There are also dramaticnatural features such as the lovely Liffey Falls,Mole Creek National Park's glow worm-filledkarst cave systems and the Devil's Gullet viewingpoint on the rim of the Western Tiers. THE WOMBAT& WINE TRAIL Expore the delights of Freycinet and Maria Islandnational parks, cruise from Hobart towards BrunyIsland and gain a fascinating insight into the convicthistory of Australia at Port Arthur while staying injust a few well located bed & breakfasts. You alsoget to watch the wombats in the beautiful CradleMountain World Heritage Area and enjoy the winetasting in the Tamar Valley. This well-balanced self-drive is for independent travellers keen to see all thehighlights at an unhurried pace.Day 1:Arrive Launceston and drive to Swansea. Day 2:Day trip to Freycinet National Park,Wineglass Bay and Hazard's mountains. Day 3:Day trip to Maria Island with its prolificwildlife including wallabies, kangaroos andwombats before driving to Richmond. Day 4:Visit Hobart's Salamanca Market(Saturday) and then cruise to PeppermintBay for a waterside lunch.Day 5:Guided historical tour to Richmond andPort Arthur.Day 6:Drive to Strahan and the west coast, viaMount Field National Park.Day 7:Gordon River day cruise, then drive toCradle Mountain National Park. Day 8:Day at leisure exploring CradleMountain's scenery and wildlife.Day 9:Drive to Launceston area through therolling scenery of northern Tasmania. Day 10:Day trip exploring the Tamar Valleywineries and villages.Day 11:Depart from Tasmania.tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.Calstock Hotel,DeloraineBuilt in 1831, Calstock is the most elegant andcharming small hotel you are ever likely to find.Restored in 1999, the six rooms are all individuallydecorated to impeccably high standards and havesome of Tasmania's most lovely rolling countrysideviews. The house is decorated in an English countryhouse style with lofty ceilings, marble mantelpiecesand fine plasterwork. Your hosts Remi and GinettBancal bring Gallic charm and professionalism withthem from their time working at top restaurants inAustralia as well as the Paris Ritz. The organiccuisine is Tasmanian (much grown on site) while thewine list has won several Australia-wide awards. Cradle Mountain LodgeCradle Mountain Lodge harks back to bygone daysof exploration, now translated into luxurious logcabin accommodation. With no telephones ortelevisions in the cabins, this is an unashamedlywilderness lodge set in the heart of Tasmania'sCradle Mountain and Lake Clair World HeritageArea. The lodge offers fine wine and food, served infront of a roaring log fire set in timber constructedbuildings. Located close to Cradle Mountain Visitors'Centre, perfectly placed to explore the area by car,on foot or on horseback. A spectrum ofaccommodation is on offer to suit all tastes andbudgets, from the charming Pencil Pine Cabins up tothe opulent King Billy Suites.Calstock HotelCradle Mountain LodgeWombat