Australia's most beautiful state?
Tasmania is Australia's smallest most geographically diverse state: more than 40 per cent is reserved as national parks and world heritage wilderness.
This is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed island lifestyle.
See also: World's most remote islands
See also: Australia guide and top hotels
Its haunting history, evoked by world-famous convict ruins, is one of its major draws for visitors, but it's also the place to go for top-notch food and wine.
Here are five top things to see in Tasmania
1. Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake Circuit, for spectacular scenery, hiking and bushwalking trails
2. Freycinet National Park, where you'll find Wineglass Bay and one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
3. Hobart's historic waterfront. Wander around the famous Salamanca Market on a Saturday morning for local arts, crafts and fresh local food.
4. Port Arthur, the convict settlement, one of Australia's most significant heritage areas which includes an open-air museum.
5. The Bay of Fires, so-called because of its red rocks, which look like they are alight.