We have fallen in love with Tasmania over the past days. The island is quiet all the time, has a temperate climate and its landscapes are simply beautiful. Playing golf is an activity that allows you to enjoy each of these qualities. Tasmania hosts over 80 golf courses, some ranked among the best courses in the world. We practiced our swing on the Country Club Tasmania's driving range, located a few minutes away from Launceston. For your information, it is the only undercover driving range in Northern Tasmania. It is open every day of the week. The complex also hosts an 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, villa suites & hotel, venues for live entertainment, a casino and a few restaurants. We were invited to try the Terrace Restaurant, one of the best of the area. Unfortunately we did not know that it was only open for dinner. So we had lunch at the Links Restaurant, whose variety and quality of a la carte dishes are certainly not up to the standard of Terrace Restaurant's menu. Links Restaurant also offers a buffet that we did not have the chance to try.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Country Club Tasmania.

Launceston, in the north of Tasmania, is the starting point of the Tamar Valley wine tour organized by Prestige Leisure Tours. It is also one of the oldest cities in Australia. The third to be exact, after Sydney and Hobart. Most buildings downtown dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth century have been preserved. Lovers of architecture will enjoy. Get the brochure published by Discover Tasmania and dedicated to Launceston's area. You will find a Walks Map which will guide you among the Victorian and Georgian buildings. Cataract Gorge is another tourist attraction in the city (photo). One of the best ways to enjoy it is going on a cruise organized by Tamar River Cruises. The company offers various cruise options. The shortest one takes 50 minutes and also offers a unique perspective of Launceston's Seaport.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Tamar River Cruises.

Yesterday we introduced Tasmania but forgot to mention one important aspect about the island: its vineyards! Tasmania has indeed a wide variety of wines. North of the island, the Tamar Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful areas to discover them. Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir are all varieties grown in this region. It is said that its sparkling wines are equal to Champagne and that some of its wines are among the best of the world. Nothing better than to be tempted by a day of wine tasting with Prestige Leisure Tours. The company has various options to offer. iPhoneography Oz took part in the most popular of them, the Platinum Tamar Valley Wine Tour which includes a wide and delicious selection of local Tasmanian produce at midday. We particularly liked the fact of not depending on a predetermined schedule. Here the taster is king and the tour goes at his own pace. In the morning you are picked up from your Launceston accomodation. In the evening you are dropped back at your place. In between, you are driven around the vineyards where you can taste the wines from the Tamar Valley during seven hours. Yes, life is good!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Prestige Leisure Tours.

Tasmania is an Australian island and state located 240 kilometres south-east of the mainland's coasts. It is only slightly smaller than Ireland, and internationally known for its Tasmanian devil, featuring Looney Tunes cartoons from Warner Bros. Pictures (Taz). But it is much more than that. The island is a gem that has a rich, natural and preserved environment part of UNESCO World Heritage List. There are many prejudices, including weather, on this island. It was feared that we would have rain and cold during our visit. But we have had beautiful and mild weather, even if winter is coming. Some landscapes are breathtaking (photo). Some of the Tasmanian beaches are very similar to parts of Polynesia. Tourism plays a major role in the economy of the island. Do not expect to find all-inclusive resorts, and happily! Here you stay in bed and breakfasts or cottages. We had initially planned to spend two weeks in Tasmania. We just extended our stay for an extra week!