North West

ABOUT THIS REGION Full of colour and flavour, Tasmania's North West Coast is the gateway to some of Tasmania's most beautiful natural places. Exploring the North West you'll find classic coastal drives, food trails, stunning national parks and beautiful nature reserves. Tasmania's North West is a great place for touring and offers spectacular views at every turn, from Mt Roland near Devonport, Table Cape near Wynyard and the famous 'Nut' at Stanley. And some of Tasmania's prettiest cities and towns sit right on the water's edge on the scenic North West coast, each with their own unique attractions and relaxed seaside atmosphere. There's an ongoing tradition of agriculture here that's evident in the rich red soils and patchwork fields found throughout the countryside. The ideal growing conditions have inspired growers and makers committed to producing the very best in fresh crisp vegetables, dairy products, wines, whiskey and sweet treats for the hungry traveller – the ultimate paddock to plate experience. There's a wealth of stories here too, with some great museums and significant Aboriginal heritage sites, while the region's creative spirit is showcased in the many art galleries, public artworks, artisan shops and markets found along the North West coast. Tasmania's North West is also home to Cradle Mountain, one of Tasmania's most visited icons, offering amazing nature experiences, including forest adventures, great walks - easy and hard - and some of the best scenery in the world. Westward is the Arthur River and the Tarkine, Australia's largest temperate rainforest, where the stillness of centuries-old trees, encourage respite from the urban bustle. Travelling beside Bass Strait your journey takes you from Devonport through Penguin, Burnie and Wynyard to Stanley and the roaring surf of Marrawah. The hinterland is farming country, an idyll of gently rolling hills and deep-red volcanic soil where cattle and sheep graze on the lushness of fertile pastures. The picture-book appeal of coastal Stanley contrasts with the hillside prettiness of inland Deloraine, both places where craftspeople draw inspiration from the pace of life and their surrounds, to invest their creations with beauty and style, whether furniture, jewelry, sculpture or painting. Other creators work with food and drink rather than artifacts, but bring the same integrity and passion to their work, like King Island Dairies, on King Island, whose unique creations have won gold in international competitions, or the whiskey makers at Hellyers Road. An equal enthusiasm inspires a farmer turned conservationist who can show you Tasmanian devils in the wild. INDUSTRY RESOURCES Regional Tourism Website : Tasmania's North West Regional Tourism Website : Discover Tasmania Research and Statistics : Tourism Tasmania Corporate Website Local Councils : Local Government Association Tasmania CREDITS Information Source : Discover Tasmania Image Credit : Edge of the World : Tourism Tasmania : Rob Burnett Regional Map : Copyright 2014 GoPanda Communications GoPanda