Tasmania Pictures

Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park's towering mountains, lush forests and clear lake waters will leave you in awe. Katharina13 Getty Images

At Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, you'll get an up close look at animals that are native to Australia, such as Tasmanian devils and koalas. Boy_Anupong Getty Images

Wellington Park's observation shelter at the top of Mount Wellington offers 360-degree mountain, city and ocean views. craighind Getty Images

Although Freycinet National Park is beautiful at any time of day, for breathtaking vistas, travelers recommend going to Cape Tourville's lighthouse or Honeymoon Bay to watch a sunset. Southern Lightscapes-Australia Getty Images

While hiking (or bushwalking) Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park's Overland Track, you may see Aussie animals like wallabies, wombats and platypuses. Posnov Getty Images

Head 67 miles north of Freycinet National Park and you'll find the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, where white sand beaches are lined with orange-tinted granite boulders. John White Photos Getty Images

The Three Capes Track starts by the Port Arthur Historic Site and weaves its way along Tasmania's southeastern coast. janetteasche Getty Images

Photographers and hikers alike will love the jaw-dropping panoramas provided at Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park. Posnov Getty Images

On a clear night, you may catch a glimpse of the aurora australis, or southern lights. Xavier Hoenner Photography Getty Images

One of Tassie's prettiest places to visit in December (when its lavender flowers are in bloom) is the Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Nabowla. TonyFeder Getty Images

Although Tasmania is best known for its unique land animals, the island is also home to one-of-a-kind bird species like the tawny frogmouth (pictured) and the masked owl. You'll find some of these critters at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. scooperdigital Getty Images

Tasmania's fertile soil makes it one of Australia's best spots for growing apples, pears and wine grapes. A variety of cheeses are also made here. slovegrove Getty Images

Freycinet National Park offers multiple hiking paths for all fitness levels. One of its most scenic and easiest to traverse is the Wineglass Bay Lookout trail. benstevens Getty Images

When you're in need of a break from Tassie's active pursuits, take a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site. Lee Torrens Getty Images

No matter where you turn in Tassie's national parks, odds are you'll spot one or more wombats, the world's largest burrowing mammal. Posnov Getty Images

If you're interested in sampling some of Hobart's freshest produce and baked goods, consider visiting the Salamanca Market, which is open every Saturday. Ally T Getty Images

The Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin is filled with fun activities, but one of its most popular is walking across the attraction's suspension bridge. keiichihiki Getty Images

One of the three capes you'll see while trekking the Three Capes Track is Cape Hauy in Tasman National Park. janetteasche Getty Images

Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in the spring (from September through November) and you'll see a variety of flowers. sasimoto Getty Images

Tassie's Huon Valley grows approximately 55,000 metric tons of apples annually. Many apples harvested here are used to make the region's top-notch apple cider. Apple and Pear Australia Ltd Flickr

Visitors say Freycinet National Park's Honeymoon Bay is a great locale for picnicking, snorkeling and swimming. Neal Pritchard Photography Getty Images

Unlike most of mainland Australia, snowfall is common during Tassie winters (June to August). mikulas1 Getty Images

Prepare to be wowed by sweeping river and ocean views as you ride the Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin's chairlift. E K Flickr