Lying about 250 kilometers across the Bass Strait, you’ll find the rugged beauty of Tasmania—Australia’s only island state. With 40% of the island protected as national parks, reserves and UNESCO World Heritage areas, you can hike the Cape Pillar, walk through valleys flanked by towering thousand-year-old Huon pines and experience unique native wildlife. A short drive journey in any direction will introduce you to quintessential Tassie towns and friendly locals, or bring you to an open-air bath in a forest or warm indoor fireplace with a Tassie whiskey in hand.