Hobart is an Australian city like no other. Defined by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean, the broad reaches of the Derwent River and the protective might of Mount Wellington, it combines everything visitors come to our island to experience fine restaurants, a living colonial history and incomparable, accessible landscapes.

When you use Hobart as your base camp, you can sample beer from Australias oldest brewery at Cascade, browse intriguing stalls at the Saturday Salamanca Market, and explore the southern vineyards near Huonville, New Norfolk and Richmond. Just 20 minutes south-east of Hobart, this lovingly preserved historic town Richmond has Australias oldest bridge (1825) and oldest Catholic church (1836).

One of the delights of this part of our island is that the wilderness here is so easy to enjoy.

Drive as far south as it is possible to drive in Australia and you come to the start of the South Coast Track. But the crescent-shaped bay at Cockle Creek is so beautiful; youll sense the wonder of World Heritage wilderness even if you never step beyond the beach.

You dont even need to don hiking boots to see the towering sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island just jump on a thrilling wildlife cruise and skim past their stacks, crags and caves.

On the Tasman you can also visit Port Arthur Historic Site, Australias most intact convict site. To get there, you drive through Sorell and Dunalley, and across the slender isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck. Its hard to believe this tranquil site, fringed on one side by the sweeping beaches of Pirates Bay, was once guarded by ferocious dogs, chained across the neck to deter escaped convicts.

If you have a taste for whisky, Hobart and Bothwell distilleries have a range of tours that will entertain you for hours perhaps even days. You can even collect peat from the highlands and produce your own single malt.

To the north, in Oatlands, 200-year-old oaks, elms and chestnut trees and Georgian cottages line quiet streets, while at Woodbridge, south along the DEntrecasteaux Channel, you can explore village life 21st century style, dining in luxury at Peppermint Bay.