The island state is bursting with unforgettable adventures, cultural experiences and pristine wilderness.

Conservation is a way of Tasmanian life. Almost one-fifth of the state is listed as world heritage area, with 19 national parks dotting the terrain. The early pioneers are also recognised with five locations included on the UNESCO World Heritage List acknowledging “the best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation”. One of these locations is the Port Arthur Historic Site.

See all this and more with the Western Tassie detour self-drive holiday package. The 7-night itinerary, put together by the local experts at TasVacations, includes accommodation at Risby Cove and Country Club Tasmania plus attractions such as a cruise along the Gordon River.

Bonus: a National Parks Pass, which provides access to the state’s entire parks network, is also included in the package. With this pass in hand, you’re ready to explore Australia’s most southern state.

And if you want to see Tassie in style, upgrade your hire car to the Tesla M3. This way, you can test drive an electric vehicle and enjoy smooth zero emissions driving at the same time. Now get your motor running and get out on the highway, the Western Explorer Highway, to be exact.

Adventure in nature

Nature’s wonderland, photographer’s dream, foodie’s paradise – Hobart ticks all these boxes. Catch the ferry to nearby Bruny Island, where two land masses are connected by a narrow isthmus known as ‘The Neck,’ essentially a long sandy bridge.

The island is home to brilliant beaches, dense hinterland, and native wildlife. Cape Bruny Lighthouse and South Bruny National Park are must-see attractions.

Twitchers, more commonly known as bird watchers, flock to the island, which has been declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area – a crucial location for the conservation of bird populations worldwide.

History buffs should make the 90-minute drive from Hobart to Port Arthur and its immaculately preserved sites, a brutal reminder of our nation’s convict past.

There are more than 30 historic buildings, ruins and restored homes going back to 1830. While you’re here, pop over to the Isle of the Dead burial ground to learn about life on a penal settlement.

The landmark Lenna of Hobart, a sandstone heritage hotel built in 1874, is the perfect base for travellers – it’s also a leisurely stroll from Salamanca Place, Australia’s biggest outdoor market.

Held in the historic docks area, Salamanca Market attracts up to 25,000 visitors every Saturday. Browse more than 230 stalls showcasing Tasmanian fresh produce and arts, crafts and handiwork. Buskers, artists and musicians are among the street performers providing entertainment.

Go cruising

Bask in the rugged beauty of the Southwest National Park with a relaxing day on the majestic Gordon River thanks to family owned and operated World Heritage Cruises. Disembarking at Heritage Landing, amble along the boardwalk through the vast landscape of Huon pines that are thousands of years old.

Sarah Island is home to some of Australia’s oldest convict ruins and the inspiration behind Richard Davey’s long-running play The Ship That Never Was, presented by The Round Earth Company.

Set in 1834, this compelling drama chronicles a convict uprising aboard The Frederick, the last ship built by inmates at the penal settlement of Sarah Island, as it sets sail for the new prison at Port Arthur.

Numbers are limited so bookings are essential. For those travelling with TasVacations, this is included as part of your Western Tassie detours package.

Adrenaline junkies

Seeking adventure? Strahan is a natural adult playground with a host of hair-raising activities to get your heart racing and blood pumping.

White water rafting on the Franklin River is pure adrenalin rush. Class six rapids will challenge even the most experienced rafting guide through 125km of steep gorges and powerful surges. Hold on tight!

Henty Dunes stretch 15km wide and soar 30m high. Enjoy a leisurely walk, take a 4WD adventure or go tobogganing down these white sand mountains, nestled between sweeping coastline and dense rainforest.

Cradle Mountain isn’t part of the package but it’s an experience not to be missed. Take in the breathtaking views from any of the popular lookouts. It’s well worth the detour if you have time.

Then, if you’re a bit of an adrenalin junkie, abseil canyons, slide down waterfalls and immerse yourself in the wild on several walking trails. The Overland Track is a bucket list challenge for any serious bushwalker.

Risby Cove, a boutique waterfront hotel overlooking Macquarie Harbour, offers a tranquil place to rest your head. It’s just a short walk to the township, cafes and most attractions.

Journey north

Don’t be spooked by Cape Grim or Dismal Swamp. The ominous names of these local landmarks belie the raw beauty of the surrounding environment. Northern Tasmania boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the southern hemisphere.

takayna / Tarkine is Australia’s largest area of cool temperate rainforest with 477,000 hectares of untamed wilderness, and a diverse eco-system providing habitat for over 60 rare, threatened and endangered species of flora and fauna.

Experience its grandeur on a forest walk, 4WD adventure drive or scenic helicopter flight.

Take a cruise down the majestic Arthur River and immerse yourself in the serene setting.

A plaque at the river mouth proclaims, ‘The Edge of the World’. Arthur River with a population of just 25 is the perfect escape from the daily hustle and bustle and remains largely unspoiled by modern times.

Find solace in the delicate isolation. Sitting right on the Tarkine’s doorstep, Tall Timbers Hotel offers a range of accommodation and tours.

Wine and dine

Fun fact: the now-defunct Launceston Casino City won the National Basketball League championship in 1981.

The hoops franchise is long gone but the casino is still going strong, the centrepiece of Country Club Tasmania, a lakeside resort just a 15-minute drive from the CBD of the state’s second biggest city. Horse-riding, luxury pool and spa and an 18-hole golf course are just some of the fun activities on offer.

Fancy something to drink? The Tamar Valley Wine Route takes you to more than 30 vineyards and wineries in one of the world’s premium cool climate wine regions. Beer lovers won’t be able to resist a tour of the James Boag Brewery, the state’s favourite amber drop.

Swing by Design Tasmania to check out the finest contemporary wood design. The not-for-profit centre champions local designers and wood-makers through exhibitions and evolving collections. Perhaps even pick up a bespoke piece of work from the gallery store.

An artistic impression

Drive the Heritage Highway to the island capital. Relax and unwind, yet challenge yourself, with thought-provoking art at Tasmania’s most renowned cultural institution, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

Catch a high-speed ferry to Australia’s largest private museum. Famously described by founder David Walsh as a “subversive adult Disneyland,” MONA’s provocative collection displays about 300 pieces over three levels.

The gallery itself is a stunning work of art. This architectural masterpiece is built into a rock face featuring a foreboding steel staircase leading to a subterranean theme park.

MONA isn’t the only place in Tasmania to see art. Sidney Nolan was one of Australia’s leading modernists of the 20^th century.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is currently exhibiting some of his most important works, on loan from the National Gallery of Australia. Completed between 1946 and 1947, Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly Series tells the story of the legendary bushranger through 27 iconic paintings.

The exhibition is a stone’s throw from the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, an architectural standout with its immaculate heritage-listed façade, conveniently located near the historic waterfront and Hobart CBD.