Eight days should be enough to cover most of Tasmania's key attractions along the east coast at a fairly comfortable pace.

The best time to visit is the end of the year during summer, when the temperature hovers between 10 and 20 deg C.

A key attraction is the Salamanca Market in Hobart city. Attracting thousands of locals and visitors every Saturday, the market is chockful of fine Tasmanian art and crafts as well as stylish clothes.

Spend a day south of Hobart at Huon Valley to visit the Tahune Forest AirWalk or relax on a scenic cruise down Huon River. Not to be missed are the nightly penguin tours at Bicheno, where you can get within touching distance of the little penguins.

Then head to Freycinet National Park, where the beautiful Wineglass Bay Lookout will enchant you with views of dramatic granite cliffs, sea caves and lovely beaches.

In the summer months, from December to February, a visit to Bridestowe Lavender Farm in Nabowla is a must for its endless fields of lavender in bloom.

For gourmands, stop over at Tamar Valley, home to some of Tasmania's best berry farms, orchards and wineries. Beer-lovers will relish a visit to J.Boag and Son Brewery.

If time permits, extend your holiday another four days or so to explore the west coast of Tasmania. Discover the spell-binding landscapes, ice-carved mountains and alpine lakes of Cradle Mountain, Zeehan and Strahan.

Top pic: Wineglass Bay at Freycinct National Park

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 4, 2008.

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