Western and North-Western Tasmania
This region of Tasmania charms and challenges all who seek to know it. From tiny rural hamlets nestling along scenic country roads to the streets of another century in historic, coastal towns -- the pace of life is easy and there is always time to stop and say 'hello'.
The north-west of Tasmania, famous for its rich, volcanic soils, resembles one huge market garden growing produce for the world. Tucked away in unexpected places are galleries and workshops, displaying the region's wonderful creative talent, in native timbers, craft work and ceramics.
Then, only a short distance from the coast, you can touch the wilderness... As you leave gentle green landscapes at Somerset to wind your way south through Hellyer Gorge, you sense the rainforest. It permeates the air. Ancient sassafras, celery top pines, myrtle, blackwoods and the giant fronds of manferns reach up to touch the road.
Within a few kilometres, you have entered another zone, of deep ravines, barren ridges and damp, dense forest -- which once deterred all but the hardiest west coast pioneers.
To the convicts on Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour, this wild, dramatic region was hell on earth. To the people who cruise its tranquil waters beyond the island's ruins to the Gordon River, it is unforgettable.