Tasmania has long been known for its iconic scenery, pristine wilderness, sumptuous produce and inspired cultural offerings, but a world of hidden wonders awaits those willing to delve a little deeper. A treasure trove of enchanting stories, cultural pursuits and off-the-track adventures are ready to be uncovered; from edgy live theatre and quirky stores, to undiscovered producers and a dark convict history, the true stars of Tasmania lie behind the scenery. A range of travel deals and touring itineraries are now available, helping curious travellers to plan their rich journey of discovery in Tasmania.

NORTHERN TASMANIA

Visitors heading to the state's north will be rewarded with its alluring blend of human cultivation and nature. In and around Launceston, boutique vineyards flourish, the wilds of Flinders Island are a short flight away, and a rich heritage beckons history enthusiasts.

A little-known secret of the north is the quaint Ross Bakery, where the delicious bread has been created in the same way for over 100 years, and where the scallop pies are rising to cult status.

Visitors will also discover a picturesque landscape which, although tamed, still bears traces of its dark and troubled past. Historic villages and homesteads, including Woolmers and Brickendon Estates, provide an honest and unedited insight into colonial Tasmanian life. Snaking along the Trail of the Tin Dragon, visitors will uncover the story of the great Tasmanian Tin Rush; where miners who sought their fortune in this unassuming backdrop, battled with nature as it took its revenge.

Flight Centre currently has accommodation rates to Launceston for as little as $139* per person twin share. The special deal includes three nights' accommodation for the price of two at the four-star Quality Inn Heritage Edenholme Grange in a Standard Room. *Conditions apply and prices are valid for travel 6 May to 31 October 2013. P: Flight Centre on 131 600 to book.

NORTH WEST COAST

As the custodian of some of Tasmania's most conflicted stories, Tasmania's unassuming north-west has to be explored to be understood. There is much to do, from flying over or trekking through the jaw-dropping expanse of the Wilderness World Heritage Area - the home of an unprecedented conservation battle to protect its wild rivers during the eighties - to hitching a ride across Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest lake, or spying on Tasmanian Devils as they gnaw their way through dinner at Kings Run in Marrawah.

A deeper insight into the region's convict history can be found onboard one of the cruise vessels departing the historic fishing village of Strahan, or at Tasmania's longest running play "The Ship that Never Was"- an original take on the true story of ten convict shipwrights, a stolen ship and their turbulent voyage to reach freedom. Rare gems like the World of Marbles in Sheffield, Australia's only gallery specialising in glass art marbles, will also reward inquisitive visitors to this part of the state.

Flight Centre is offering special accommodation rates in Strahan from $115* per person twin share. The accommodation deal includes two nights' accommodation at the four-star Strahan Village in a Hilltop Standard Room. *Conditions apply and prices are valid for travel 1 May to 20 December 2013. P: Flight Centre on 131 600 to book.

SOUTHERN TASMANIA

Tasmania's south is steeped in history, yet is also home to some of the world's most eclectic cultural experiences and mouth watering culinary delights. Cultural trailblazer MONA has lured visitors from far and wide as have Hobart's excellent range of top class restaurants including Garagistes, ethos and Smolt and hidden coffee haunts tucked behind bluestone walls and down laneways.

Amidst these well known tourism drawcards, wait tales of the state's dark convict history beckoning to be told. The UNESCO Port Arthur Historic Site unveils its hidden side when darkness falls with their candle lit Ghost Tours. Local guides unveil a world of mystery and intrigue with tales of strange happenings and visitors might even meet the "The Lady in Blue"; a young female ghost who often appears.

Louisa's Walk; an interactive and theatrical tour which leaves daily from Cascade brewery and travels to the UNESCO listed Female Factory Historic Site tells the story of Irish convict Louisa Regan, transported to Van Diemen's Land in 1841 for stealing a loaf of bread. It's hard not to feel Louisa's pain and share her suffering, from the desperation of her crime to the injustice and isolation of her sentence.

Flight Centre has special accommodation rates in Hobart available from $135* per person twin share. The accommodation package includes three nights for the price of two at the 3.5-star Rydges Hobart in a Manor Room. *Conditions apply and prices are valid for travel from 1 April to 31 August 2013.

P: Flight Centre on 131 600 to book.

EAST COAST

Tasmania's East Coast is best known for its striking scenery, with icons including the Bay of Fires, Swansea, and Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay. Little discovered is the Freycinet Marine Farm with its humble farm gate, where visitors can try tasty morsels including plump, salty oysters, mussels, and local rock lobster- straight from the pristine surrounding waters.

Curious travellers can dust off their boots and discover a place where natural and human histories collide in what has become a modern-day Noah's Ark. Maria Island is entirely national park and is one of the easiest places in the country to view some of Tasmania's most vulnerable wildlife species such as the Spotted Pardalote and the rare Cape Barren Geese. For a true behind the scenes experience, visitors can choose to stay in the island's accommodation, housed within the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage listed old convict penitentiary.

Flight Centre has special accommodation rates in Freycinet National Park from $259* per person twin share. The accommodation package includes two nights at the four-star Freycinet Lodge in a Freycinet Cabin with buffet breakfast daily. *Conditions apply and prices are valid for travel from 4 April to 20 December 2013. P: Flight Centre on 131 600 to book.

For a series of new travel deals and itineraries that demonstrate how easy it is to discover what lies behind Tasmania's scenery, visit discovertasmania.com.

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tiger Airways, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

Background Notes

Tourism Tasmania's role is to maximise the contribution of tourism to Tasmania's economic growth. Tourism Tasmania is a Statutory Authority operating under the Tourism Tasmania Act 1996, and is part of the Tasmanian Government's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.

Media Contact

Caryn Ng
Tel: (03) 9836 2167 ext.6
Mobile: 0488 664 857
Email: caryn@mediamoguls.com.au