An unspoilt coastline, quaint villages, and lush greenery surround this heart-shaped island paradise in south of Australia.

Tasmania's capital, Hobart boasts an excellent deep water port. In January, it comes alive as thousands flock to the foreshore to welcome the fleet of the world-famous Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Tasmania's maritime heritage is celebrated in Hobart in February with the biennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival centred around historic Salamanca and the CBD.

Bass Strait is known for its westerly winds, and King and Flinders Islands located in the strait are locally called the "mountains in the sea". Famous for their dairy produce and rural way of life they have fascinating ports. Here, clear sapphire waters, fresh seafood and historic sites dating back to convict days are just some of the local attractions.

With two distinctive coastlines, Tasmania offers protected anchorages, uncrowded waters and some of the country's most awe-inspiring scenery. The East Coast is a popular route, with protected anchorages in small coastal towns and breathtaking scenery around the Bay of Fires, Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island.

Further south, the Tasman Peninsula boasts dramatic sea cliffs, and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel near Hobart is a popular cruising destination with sheltered waters, equally mesmerising scenery and a string of fishing villages along the Huon River.

The high winds of the wild west coast make for an exhilarating adventure. Port Davey in the state's south-west is a remote, untouched destination. Visitors can experience bushwalking in the World Heritage National Park, surf some of the most isolated breaks, moor in sheltered bays and inlets and kayak along their shores to really soak up the serenity.