Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/541568
tasmania Just across the bass strait is the smallest state in Australia, a former penal colony filled with mountains; restored georgian, Victorian, and federation architecture; gorgeous bushland reserves; and little tassie devils that bear no resemblance to the whirlwind animals of classic saturday morning cartoons. found primarily in the tasmanian wilderness world heritage Area, they keep company with echidnas, platypuses, and other curious creatures only found in this part of the world. these animals are just part of what brings people to the island's remarkable parks—a feature that accounts for a third of the land's usage. take the national park on the freycinet Peninsula, for example, where the hazards range glows pink, bright, and brilliant at sunrise and - set, or the Mount wellington Park (more of a reserve with over 500 native plant species). coastal tasman National Park may be best known for its geographical formations, blow hole, and Arch, but it's also where the Port Walls of Jerusalem National Park Savage River National Park Stanley Launceston Ross Derwent Bridge Oatlands Boat Harbour Devonport Port Arthur Westerway Zeehan Strahan Strathgordon Rocky Cape National Park Asbestos Range National Park Mole Creek Karst National Park Ben Lomond National Park Mt. William National Park Flinders Island Cape Barren Island Bass Strait Banks Strait Tasman Sea S O U T H PA C I F I C O C E A N S O U T H E R N O C E A N Douglas-Apsley National Park Freycinet National Park Hartz Mtn. National Park Tasman National Park Tasman Peninsula South Bruny National Park Mt. Field National Park South West National Park Hobart Forestier Peninsula Lake Pedder Port Davey Macquarie Harbour Lake Gordon Lake King William Great Lake Storm Bay Lake Sorell Arthurs Lake Strzelecki National Park Three Hummock Island Robbins Island Hunter Island 0 50 miles 0 50 km Cradle Mountain Coles Bay 3 4 1 2 Arthur historic site, a largely intact penal settlement, lies. in addition, five uNesco world heritage-listed convict sites provide a somber nod to the state's origins. More fascinating shades of darkness are explored in the Museum of old and New Art (MoNA), a controversial private collection, while mysterious fog shrouds the subantarctic Plant house in the royal tasmanian botanical gardens, all near hobart. the capital of tasmania, hobart is second only to sydney as the oldest capital in the country. it's here that you'll find historical georgian sandstone buildings and the famous salamanca Market, where nearly 300 stalls sell handmade woodwork, jewelry, clothing, wares, and produce every saturday to a live soundtrack provided by local musicians. its wine industry also contributes to its culinary and touristic appeal, much like kettering, the gateway to bruny island on the huon trail. this village's proximity to five national parks, including south bruny National Park; caves and thermal springs; golf courses and spas; shopping; and premium vineyards make it a fantastic center for uncovering the lighter side of tasmania, one that is bright with promise and the beauty of nature at its most imaginative. 24 Tasmania