TASMANIA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BY DARMANSJAH

GET AWAY from the city bustle and dive right into Tasmania’s un-spoilt, stress-free landscapes, where you can easily get around from one place to another in just a day’s drive.

AirAsia, Emirates, Jetstar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas and Singapore Airlines fly direct to Melbourne from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Then transfer to Tasmania’s Hobart International Airport or Launceston Airport.

International car hires like Avis. Budget, Europcar and Thrifty have booking desks at airports and in major towns, with rates ranging from $60 to $80 a day for a small-car hire. Alternatively, you can leverage on the state’s bus network system on Redline Coaches and TassieLink.

SALAMANCA WEEKEND MARKET Start strolling early as the market wraps up by 3pm; A stronghold of 300 stalls convene here every Saturday morning to hawk a gamut of jewellery, woodwork and fashion knick-knacks under the glorious Tassie outdoors. Though one of the most iconic attractions in cosmopolitan Hobart, local stalls here still create, grow and make what they sell.

30 minutes away from the nearest town, 28 GATES-moodest looking on the outside but full of luxe modern trappings within-is Tasmania’s first truly luxe boutique farm stay hotel that boasts a splendidly appointed three-bedroom lodge nestled in 5000 acres of sweeping pastures.

The small convict settlement on the Tasman peninsular offers quiet respite with a slice of history. Check out the PORT ARTHUR - marvel at ancient ruins of glorious architecture -  historic site for a taste of regal architectural ruins and retrace convict footprint.

HOTEL COLLINS – couple of streets from the weekend market, central business district and waterfront – is par for excellence on modern amenities and world-class service. Apart from complimentary internet access, the hotel also offers a kitchenette in every of their apartment-style rooms. ($127).

Where else but 28 Gates’ only two-level lodge that sleeps six. Fully decked in Eruopean kitchen appliances, flat-screen televisions and decadent bathrooms, the cabin also hosts little spoils like a Nespresso machine and Merino throws made from sheep hat roam its doorstep.

STEWARTS BAY LODGE is one of Port Arthur’s more luxurious accommodations. All cabins sit on the waterfront and are self-contained with modern kitchen and laundry facilities.

Check out BEAUTY and BEES, a local label selling leatherwood honey-based creams, soaps and lotions handmade from 100 percent natural ingredients. The self-contained compound offers marked walking routes fishing lakes, as well as plenty of photography and wild-life spotting opportunities.

The ex-prison site is haunted with ghost tales, and what better way to tackle the chilling past than take on The Paranormal investigation Experience? The four to five-hour tour allows visitors to ghost-hunt with the latest technology and offers everyone a DVD footage of their findings.