The East Coast - Tasmania

Whether they are fishermen, wine makers or walking-guides, you will hear a different life story from friendly locals whose values are shaped by the rhythms of nature, and the stunning beauty of the east coast. At its northern extremity is Flinders Island, where you can hunt for the Killiecrankie 'diamond', or dive into a world of giant crabs and crays.

At Mount William National Park, in Tasmania's north east, Forester kangaroos acknowledge visitors with casual indifference. Heading south, around the Bay of Fires, the sea is aqua and deserted shell-strewn beaches stretch for kilometres of silica sand. House-sized granite boulders reddened by lichens, are polished smooth by waves that thump and sigh as they crumple onto the shore.

Just before the small fishing town of Bicheno, is the Douglas-Apsley National Park, a landscape of rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and gently flowing rivers. Nearby, occupying a whole peninsula is spectacular Freycinet National Park, with Coles Bay at its entrance overlooking crystal-clear Oyster Bay, an ideal place for diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating and fishing. The park is dominated by the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains and best known for the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay.

Enjoy superb seafood of cray, scallops, oysters, salmon, and berries in Swansea, before the journey south and the first sight of Maria Island. The whole island is a national park, free of vehicles. It is a refuge for Forester kangaroos, wallabies and the round small pademelons. You can stay in the tiny settlement of Darlington, watch the Cape Barren Geese or any of the 130 resident bird species, and relax as you learn of the Aboriginal, convict and settler histories.

Highlights

	Flinders Island
	Flinders and its surrounding 51 islands are all that remain of the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to mainland Australia. Flinders is the largest of the Furneaux Group, which lies off Tasmania's north-east tip.

	Mount William National Park
	Mount William National Park is the colour of an impressionist’s palette. Take your kayak, your snorkel, or just a tent and a towel - you may even have the beach to yourself.

	Swansea
	The historic township of Swansea is ideal for fishing, swimming and diving, or relaxing on the beach overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

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