Tassie's Top Five

Tasmania certainly punches above its weight when it comes to things to see and do and here is our Top five.

TASSIE'S TOP 4WD TRACK

Tasmanian four-wheel drivers are spoilt for choice when it comes to tracks that push vehicles and drivers to the limit and some may disagree with what we are calling Tassie’s Top 4WD Track, but our choice is a mighty challenge. On the west coast of Tasmania between Granville Harbour and Trial Harbour is home to one of the most notorious 4WD destinations, Climies Track.

It may only run for 20km, but it’s recommended that you tackle this track with a minimum of four high-clearance 4WDs. The track follows a hilly coastal route through Mount Heemskirk Regional Reserve and the low vegetation offers nothing to assist with winch recoveries.

You’ll experience spectacular scenery, picturesque coastal views, waterfalls, mountain views plus bog holes, rocky creek crossings and challenging track erosion. Whilst considered very difficult, it is a very rewarding track to conquer.

TASSIE'S TOP WALKING TRAIL

The Three Capes Track coastal walk is the true end of the world stuff, with stunning clifftop views from Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and across to Cape Raoul. The boat from historic Port Arthur takes you via Cape Raoul before dropping you off at the start of this 48km multi-day walk. The trail hugs some of the highest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere for most of the way and there are communal eco-cabins at the end of each leg, offering solo hikers the opportunity to converse with fellow adventurers.

Bookings are required as visitor numbers are restricted to 48 people allowed on the one-way trail each day. The maximum number of beds in the huts is 48 too. Upon reaching the track head at Fortescue Bay, a bus returns you to Port Arthur, completing the breathtaking Three Capes Track.

TASSIE'S TOP FISHING SPOT

There are plenty of top fishing spots in Tasmania, but we’ve selected two; one for freshwater species and one for saltwater species.

For the freshwater fisherman, Arthurs Lake is Tasmania’s premier Stillwater trout fisheries. Open from August to May, the clear water contains large weed beds and stands of dead trees, perfect hideouts for the brown trout. The techniques used to catch them include bait, lure and flyfishing.

The best place for great fishing all year round is at St. Helens, a town that sits on the southwestern shore of Georges Bay. The oxygen-rich waters of the sheltered bay are home to Australian salmon, flathead, garfish, bream, striped marlin, yellowfin tuna and mako shark that enjoy the seagrass beds and reef systems.

TASSIE'S TOP NATIONAL PARK

This was a tough choice, but in the end, it felt right. Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park is loved by bushwalkers and photographers alike and offers some of the most majestic views you’ll ever experience. The renowned Overland Track begins here, that leads you 65km through some of Tasmania’s beautiful World Heritage wilderness.

If long walks don’t take your fancy, there are a few shorter nature trails around Lake St Clair that still offer stunning views. Another popular walk is the 6km Dove Lake Circuit Trail. This glacially-carved lake is overlooked by Cradle Mountain, and the boatshed is a favourite for landscape photographers and Instagrammers, especially when the colours are just right.

TASSIE'S TOP FOOD & WINE

Tasmania produces a huge amount of brilliant produce, including whisky, cider, beer, wine, pork and seafood, berries and cheeses and its culinary reputation is world-renowned. It was too hard to choose one gourmet road trip, so here is a list of some of Tassie’s best:

• Tasmanian Cider Trail
• Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
• Tasmanian Beer Trail
• Tasmanian Whisky Trail
• Made on Bruny Island Gourmet Trail
• Great Eastern Drive
• Tamar Valley Wine Route