Tasmania

One of my highlights from this summer was without doubt our holiday in Tasmania. When I grew up in Sardinia for me Tasmania was a mystical far away land which existed only in a cartoon I used to watch (yes, THAT one). I would have never imagined that one day I would have ended up going there.

And what a great place it is! From Sydney it takes about 1.5hrs flight to reach Hobart - the main city in the island. A few airlines make the trip several times a day so it is not drama at all to get there. As you land into Hobart ou immediately realise how beautiful the place is and how nature still plays a dominant role in the landscape of this place. A few people compare it to the South island of New Zealand, though i personally thought Tasmania had its own character, landscape and personality. Hobart is beyond charming, with its dramatic natural harbour setting, historical buildings from the convict era, and a passion for amazing food and wine. Manuka honey from Tasmania in unbelievable!

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is such a surprise and definitely one of the best and most interesting museums I have ever visited (you can get there by boat and the whole place is original and full of amazing pieces).

Tasmania is the place where the Brits sent out the worst of their convicts from the XVIII century and there are a plethora of places you can find out more about that history, like in the daunting Port Arthur (2hrs drive from Hobart). It is really worth coming here and spend a few hours exploring this colony and its buildings.

If you like trekking and nature there is a lot to do (I am told the West Coast is wild and beautiful, though we didn't make it there), but if you like me are slightly lazy - a couple of hours trek to Wine Glass bay is an amazing thing to do.

If you add to this amazing wine tasting in the Tamar valley, Tasmania is a real winner and definitely one of the highlights so far of my life Down Under - definitely going back!

For reviews of places where to eat/stay in Tasmania have a look at my Trip Advisor reviews http://www.tripadvisor.com/members-reviews/youngprofessionalUK