1. Hobart

One of the most beautiful and popular destinations in Tasmania, Hobart has something for everyone. Located in the South East on the Derwent River, close to Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson, you will find every type of ocean vessel in the harbour near Sullivans Cove, with excellent shopping, dining and activities all within walking distance in the city. Visit the new Antarctic Adventure Centre, the Botanical Gardens or the Old Hobart Gaol. Close to the city, Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre is a must for the family. With plenty of towns and attractions all within a days drive, Tasmania's largest city is a fantastic base for your driving holiday. Rent a car from Discovery for this opportunity.

2. Huon Valley

South of Hobart you can't miss the picturesque Huon Valley via the coast road, where you will be met with incredible scenery, coastal villages and natural attractions. Bruny Island is worth a visit, with Storm Bay promising stunning sea views. This is prime apple country, with Huonville the centre of this rich terrain. Follow the signs as you drive past waterways, vineyards and enter the famous D'Entrecasteau Channel. Before you leave make sure you visit the Hartz Mountains National Park near Geeveston. It is majestic country and one of the top spots to visit in Tasmania.

3. Launceston

North from Hobart in the heart of Tasmania, Launceston is rich in history and natural beauty. There is so much to see within the city and in the surrounding countryside. As well as world class, shopping, dining and historical buildings, visit the Queen Victoria Museum or enjoy a cruise at Cataract Gorge located only a few minutes from the city. Go fishing for trout in the Launceston Lakes or further out you can explore the Tamar Valley vineyards or the famous Cradle Mountain. For an easy day trip towns like Deloraine, Latrobe, Perth and Evandale are all a close drive away. This is the ideal city to use as a base to explore and enjoy all the region has to offer.

4. Devonport

Known as the terminal for the Spirit of Tasmania, Devonport is a pretty city located mid north coast on the Mersey
River. There is plenty to do, with the choice of visiting the Imaginarium Science Centre, Maritime Museum, Don River Railway or Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre within the city, or perhaps venture out further to Blue Lake where you can enjoy swimming and canoeing. Also close by is the Tasmanian Reptile Centre which is the largest wildlife park in Tasmania. In either direction along the coast is superb scenery and fishing towns which makes Devonport such a central and inviting city to visit.

5. Cradle Mountain/ Lake St Clair Park

Cradle Mountain is one of the most sought after locations in Australia, with exhilarating scenery, mountainous peaks, bushwalking tracks and natural beauty in every direction. From the north it is only 90 minutes from Burnie and is easily accessible, with camping facilities and cabins available. The Overland Trek is a six day walk that will take you into the heart of the park, or there are shorter walks close to Dove Lake that will still bring you face to face with incredible views of Cradle Mountain. This is one top spot you won't want to miss on your vacation.

6. Swansea

Halfway up the east coast of Tasmania is Swansea. It is an unpretentious town that is everything historically local,
and is a perfect spot to unwind. Overlooking Great Oyster Bay, you can fish, swim or just enjoy a stroll on one of the many beaches in the area. Visit Spiky Bridge, an unusual bridge built in the 1800's, or take one of the many walks in the area to watch hundreds of the local Shearwater's at dusk. Close to the Freycinet National Park and beautiful Maria Island, this is a stunning area to visit.

7. Coles Bay

A well known tourist spot, Coles Bay offers endless sunshine and plenty of pretty places to picnic, swim and play. It is located on the East coast of Tasmania and is the entry point to the Freycinet Peninsula. Walk from the town to Wineglass Bay, which is known as one of the best beaches in Tasmania. There is rock climbing, abseiling, windsurfing and bushwalking or just enjoy a stroll along the superb beaches. Birdwatchers will love this area, and there is an abundance of wildlife, especially the Tasmanian devil. An ideal top spot for sun and water lovers.

8. Port Arthur

Only one hour from Hobart, step back to the days of the convicts and visit one of the most historical towns in Tasmania. Port Arthur, located on the Tasman Peninsula, started off as a convict prison, which is now open to tourists. Visit the buildings, museums in the old city and cruise to the Isle of the Dead for a closer look at the way life was. There are pretty beaches, parks and walks around the area, and visitors come from far and wide to experience one of Tasmania's most well known tourist spots.

9. Flinders Island

Located on the northern tip of Tasmania, Flinders Island is teeming with birdlife, wildlife and incredible scenery and
is a hidden treasure in the Bass Strait. It is also known to scuba divers with a number of wrecks in the area, there is fantastic fishing, camping, bike riding and bushwalking for all nature lovers. Horse riding is popular along the Flinders Trail which leads from one side of the island to the other. Flights are available if you are keen to see this majestic island even for a day or two.

10. Stanley

This historical village is famous for its platypus and penguin tours, which start at dusk to view the little penguins. Located in far north Tasmania on the tip of the peninsula, there is a lot more to see and do in this historical town. There is a seaquarium, seal watching and plenty of historic buildings in the area, as well as the Rocky Cape National Park which is popular for scuba diving and its brilliant coral reefs. Climb the Nut and board the chairlift for incredible views of the coast and enjoy the drives along the coastal road and its fishing villages.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia