By Alice Hansen

In just ninety minutes a trip to the Tasman Peninsula, south-east of Hobart, will take you on a journey through rolling farmland, past some of the world’s highest sea cliffs, through quirky little towns to end at one of the world’s most historic convict prisons.

As you wind your way around the scenic bends, you will come upon small vineyards and local craft galleries. But make sure you stop off at family-owned Bream Creek Vineyard and sample classic cool-climate wines, and at Potters Croft craft shop near Dunalley to view works created by some of Tasmania’s finest crafts people.

Just before you head down the steep hill into Eaglehawk Neck, turn in to see the Tessellated Pavement, a fascinating rock formation with views out across the Tasman Sea.  As you cross the narrow isthmus at Eaglehawk Neck you will spot a bronze statue recalling one of the many savage hounds that once guarded the area ready to attack any convicts attempting escape.

A little town on Blowhole Road that symbolises Tasmanian’s approach to shack life is DooTown.  Check out the funny names displayed on the shacks and then make sure you see some of the coastline’s amazing rock formations, including Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch, and scenery from lookouts showcasing this dramatic coastline.  
Battered by relentless seas and winds over the past 6,000 years these dolerite sea-cliffs are among the highest in Australia standing at 300 metres (986 feet).

Plan a short or multi-day walk in the Tasman National Park. The area has a diversity of forest and beach walks as well as panoramic views across the Tasman Sea from Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul.  A walk to Waterfall Bay will take just over an hour. Look out to distant off-shore islands and watch the waterfall tumbling into the sea below.  

But to get a view that will make your hair stand on end (well, it’s breezy), head out with Tasman Island Cruises. You will be snug in a life jacket and head-to-toe windbreaker as their custom-built eco-cruisers take you along the coast weaving through rock formations and past fur seal colonies. If you are lucky, you may even catch sight of whales at play.  

At Taranna, you can get close to the iconic Tasmanian devil at the Tasmanian Devil Park, and savour the tastes of Nubeena mussels in a delightful dill curry at The Mussel Boys Restaurant.  
After such an action-packed day, you may choose to stay the night in one of the local inns or bed and breakfasts, before spending your second Tasman Peninsula day at Port Arthur Historic Site.  This strangely idyllic harbour community has cast off the sadness of its early days as one of Australia’s harshest prisons.  

Your guided or self-guided tours take you back into the time of Australia’s convict past, and you can wander the 19th-century-style gardens, explore the sandstone ruins and take a cruise over to the Isle of the Dead.