A Journey to Australia's Wild, Elegant Edge

Tasmania feels like nowhere else on Earth. It's wild and whimsical, ancient and sophisticated, rugged yet refined. Australia's island state may be small, but it holds a world of experiences " misty mountains, gourmet trails, charming heritage towns, and some of the cleanest air and water on the planet!

For women who crave both adventure and indulgence, Tasmania is pure magic. One day, you're hiking beside glacial lakes; the next, you're sipping local pinot in a vineyard overlooking rolling hills. Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or on a romantic getaway, "Tassie" invites you to slow down, reconnect, and savour every moment.

Your Tassie adventure will likely begin in Hobart, the island's capital, a compact, creative city that perfectly blends old-world charm with cutting-edge cool.

Start your morning at Salamanca Market (held every Saturday), where you can browse handmade crafts, taste local honey, and chat with artisans selling everything from leather goods to lavender oils. Then wander down to Battery Point, Hobart's oldest quarter, where Georgian cottages line narrow lanes shaded by blooming roses.

Art lovers shouldn't miss MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, easily one of Australia's most provocative and fascinating cultural experiences. Located upriver in Berriedale, MONA combines world-class art with underground architecture and a touch of mischief. Arrive by ferry for the full experience, sipping sparkling wine as you glide along the Derwent River to a museum carved into sandstone cliffs.

When evening falls, Hobart comes alive with food and music. Dine at Templo or Dier Makr for modern Tasmanian cuisine crafted from local produce, or enjoy cocktails at The Den by the waterfront.

A two-hour drive southeast from Hobart takes you to Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a moving glimpse into Australia's convict history. Once a penal settlement in the 1800s, today it's one of the country's most significant historic attractions, both haunting and beautiful.

Walk among the ruins of sandstone buildings surrounded by lush gardens, or join a guided tour to hear stories of hardship and hope. At dusk, the ghost tour offers a different kind of thrill, blending history with a touch of spine-tingling fun.

Nearby, the Tasman Peninsula's natural beauty is astonishing " don't miss the dramatic sea cliffs of the Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen, or take a Tasman Island Cruise to spot seals, dolphins, and even migrating whales.

No trip to Tasmania is complete without visiting Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the island's most iconic wilderness area. The scenery feels straight out of a fairytale with snow-capped peaks, mirrored lakes, ancient rainforest, and wombats grazing by the roadside.

The Dove Lake Circuit is a gentle six-kilometre walk around a glacial lake with stunning mountain views. For the more adventurous, tackle the Cradle Summit or part of the legendary Overland Track, one of Australia's great multi-day hikes.

In winter, Cradle Mountain transforms into a snowy wonderland, while summer brings wildflowers and long golden evenings. No matter the season, it's a place that fills your lungs and clears your mind.

Often overlooked in favour of Hobart, Launceston deserves your attention! Tasmania's second-largest city is brimming with charm, great food, and access to some of the island's most beautiful northern landscapes.

Begin at Cataract Gorge Reserve, just a short walk from the city centre. Here, a scenic suspension bridge spans a river flanked by towering cliffs, with peacocks wandering freely through the gardens. You can take a chairlift ride for spectacular views " or simply relax with a picnic beside the water.

Food lovers will adore Launceston's local dining scene, from the award-winning Stillwater Restaurant on the banks of the Tamar River to the Saturday Harvest Market, where farmers sell fresh produce, pastries, and coffee.

The city is also the gateway to the Tamar Valley Wine Route, famous for its cool-climate pinot noir and sparkling wines. Spend a leisurely afternoon wine tasting among rolling hills before returning to town for a twilight stroll along the Esplanade.

For women who love both nature and solitude, Maria Island National Park is pure magic. Just off Tasmania's east coast, it's a car-free island that feels like stepping back in time, with rugged cliffs, sweeping beaches, and historic ruins scattered across the landscape.

Accessible by ferry from Triabunna, Maria Island is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Visit the Darlington convict site, a former penal settlement that's now beautifully preserved, and hike to Painted Cliffs, where swirls of sandstone glow gold and amber at sunset.

Wildlife is abundant, expect to see wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils roaming freely. The island's serenity and simplicity make it perfect for a digital detox or reflective retreat.

Where to Stay on Maria Island:

Tasmania is a wildlife lover's dream, home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth. The star, of course, is the Tasmanian devil, which can be seen up close at wildlife parks such as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary near Hobart or Trowunna Wildlife Park near Mole Creek.

At Bonorong, you can hand-feed kangaroos, meet wombats, and learn about the sanctuary's vital rescue work, an inspiring experience for animal lovers of all ages.

If you venture west, the Tasmania Devil Unzoo near Port Arthur offers a naturalistic way to observe devils and other native species while supporting conservation. And in the wild, keep your eyes peeled for echidnas, quokkas, and even platypuses in clear mountain streams.

While the Northern Hemisphere boasts the Aurora Borealis, Tasmania offers its own celestial spectacle, the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights. Best seen during winter, this shimmering display of green, pink, and violet light dances across the southern sky when solar activity peaks.

Prime viewing spots include Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) near Hobart, Cockle Creek in the far south, or Cradle Mountain on a clear night. You don't need special equipment, just a warm jacket, a clear horizon, and a sense of wonder.

For women travelling in winter, chasing the aurora adds a little extra magic to Tasmania's already enchanting landscapes.

Tasmania's food culture is legendary, and for good reason. The island's pristine environment produces some of the freshest seafood, richest dairy, and finest wines in Australia.

In Hobart, indulge in oysters from Barilla Bay or artisanal cheese from Bruny Island Cheese Co.. Head north for honey from Blue Hills or truffles from Deloraine. Every corner of the island has its own culinary treasures, and most producers are more than happy to share their craft.

The Huon Valley is perfect for cider lovers, with orchards offering tastings of crisp apple and pear varieties. Meanwhile, the Freycinet Peninsula combines incredible scenery with top-tier dining at Freycinet Lodge or Saffire Freycinet, where local seafood meets modern luxury.

And don't miss The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery in New Norfolk, a farm-to-table experience that defines Tasmanian slow food at its best.

For those who love the journey as much as the destination, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry offers a unique way to reach the island. Sailing between Melbourne and Devonport, this overnight voyage feels like a mini adventure, complete with ocean views, lounges, and even Tasmanian wines on board.

It's ideal if you're road-tripping, as you can bring your car, bike, or camper. The arrival in Devonport is breathtaking, with Tasmania's green hills and coastal cliffs welcoming you to a slower pace of life.

Every season in Tasmania brings its own charm.

There's a rhythm to Tasmania that feels different from anywhere else, slower, gentler, yet intensely alive. It's the sound of waves against rugged shores, the rustle of eucalyptus leaves, the laughter shared over a local cheese platter and a glass of pinot by the fire.

So whether you're wandering through Hobart's galleries, hiking Cradle Mountain's trails, or stargazing beneath an endless southern sky, one thing is sure: Tasmania will leave a mark on your heart " and an irresistible pull to return!

Image credit istock / Guillaume Gros