Tasmania reinvents itself as tourist haven

Just around the corner from Antarctica, nestled between the Indian and Pacific oceans, is a faraway land best known for its namesake Looney Tunes character, Taz the Tasmanian Devil. For most people, knowledge of this exotic Australian island begins and ends with his animated antics, which isn’t surprising considering that the journey to Tasmania from America or Europe can take more than 24 hours. Even within Australia, mainlanders often treat Tasmania as a kind of hillbilly backwater. Until recently, there wasn’t much to find beyond an awe-inspiring coastal landscape; if you were in the market for Frette sheets and oversize soaking tubs, you had come to the wrong place. But over the past year, this former site of infamous penal colonies has evolved into a shining port of call for jet-setters in search of the next luxury frontier. And the new Tasmania is more than just another set of five-star hotels; it’s the perfect blend of luxury and down-to-earth practicality—sophistication without the snootiness.



More http://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/04/the-land-of-the-tasmanian-devil-turns-glam.html

Yes, indeed. Tasmania is a great destination and one of my best holidays is spent there. It is great for a family trip too - rent a car and drive round the island. Landscape is beautiful and out of the ordinary. Skies so blue and sea so wild. Food and wine are fantastic too. Seafood is yummy esp oysters - inexpensive too. There's even some golf courses if you are interested. However, not much night life, so best thing to do at night is buy some wine and roast chicken and watch TV and chat with family. There are lots of farms and cabin stays where one must learn how to light your own fire (there's a fireplace) to keep warm. I love the farms and cabin stays. Good destination for old and young alike. The younger folks can go for hikes while the older folks can take the easy route and rest in the restaurants. And if you want five-star hotels, you can find some too but I would prefer accomodation with more rustic character when I'm in Tasmania.