Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia and is known as the Apple Isle due to the large number of apple orchards. (However, because of changes in the economy other agricultural entities are taking over including livestock and vineyards.) Preservation of their environment is very important to the Tasmanian. Thus, you experience beautiful scenery uninterrupted by development and visual clutter.

Patrick likened Tasmania to Alaska because of its isolation and 'separatist' attitude. I found the people friendlier than in the larger Australian cities. Secondly, the pace is definitely slower. If you enjoy the outdoors and want some adventure, Tasmania will attract you.

We were there just a short time so wanted to take advantage of those days. Consequently, we booked tours on two of the days, the Port Arthur & Tasmanian Peninsula and Heart of the World Heritage Area. The great thing about the tours was the small size - first day four of us and on the second, five. The company we used was Devil's Playground Ecotours Tasmania. It is a small company deriving its name from the Tasmanian Devil. Like its namesake, it knows the area. We highly recommend it. Steve, an irreverent young man filled with a wealth of knowledge, was our guide. He will keep you interested and laughing.