A WORLD APART, NOT A WORLD AWAY

As an island state, Tasmania lends itself perfectly to boating. In addition to the amazingly diversified coastline, there are myriad freshwater lakes and lagoons which are also ideal for on-water adventures.

Tasmania can essentially be divided into four parts – the relatively sheltered east coast, stretching from Cape Portland in the northeast to the Huon River in the southeast, the rugged and ferocious west coast, the sublime north coast from Cape Grim across to Cape Portland, and the central highland lakes.

In the upper reaches anglers chase the famous Tasmanian sea run brown trout as well as some of the biggest black bream in Australia, while others prefer water skiing on this great body of water.

Further downstream in Hobart, the Derwent estuary is believed to be the deepest sheltered harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, the river offers sensational sailing and fishing, as well as one of the world’s great art museums – the Museum of Old and New Art.

The Derwent, of course, is also famous as the final leg of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and attracts tens of thousands of boaters every summer to witness the event’s finish.

Coles Bay is nestled on the western side of the awe-inspiring Hazards – a granite mountain range that has wild ocean on one side and sheltered waters on the other. A haven for cruising boaters and wilderness junkies alike, Coles Bay is a stunning part of Tasmania.

Eaglehawk Neck is entrenched in Tasmania’s convict past, with Port Arthur and its penal relics high on most tourist agendas. It is also home to the most reliable fishing for the massive southern bluefin tuna, which are found very close to the high cliffs. Both the fish and the awe-inspiring cliffs are a highlight for anglers and cruising boaters, providing a magnificent view from the water.

Strahan is the hub of the west coast. It provides a sheltered port with some incredible boating options, including a cruise up the Gordon River to the historic Devils Gates.

At the top of the west coast lies the Arthur River, which drains the world-renowned Tarkine Wilderness. Here boaters can easily access the wild west coast waters along, which also produce some of the biggest sea run trout in Tasmania. Fish of 10 kilograms+ are reasonably common.

The centre of the north coast is Devonport, where the passenger ferry Spirit of Tasmania has its homeport. The Mersey River here is a delight, with many yachts also calling it home.

Just along the coast is Tasmania’s largest estuary, the Tamar River. From the mouth of the river at George Town, all the way up to Launceston, the Tamar is a cruising boaters delight. There are many small towns and jetties dotted all along the way. It is also home to Tasmania’s famous wine district, as many of the north-facing shores are draped with vineyards.

Lower down in altitude are the waters of the Bradys chain of lakes – again well serviced with ramps and other facilities.

Most of these waters are relatively shallow. Great Lake, although 22 kilometres long, is just 5 metres deep at its deepest point.

Lake St Clair, on the other hand, is the deepest lake in the Southern Hemisphere, at 174 metres deep!