The talk of Tasmania

FROM scenic eco-cruises to Australia's highest sea cliffs, to a colonial mansion with its very own golf course – here's what's hot and happening in Tasmania in 2008.

FROM scenic eco-cruises to Australia's highest sea cliffs, to a colonial mansion with its very own golf course – here's what's hot and happening in Tasmania in 2008.

Hot spots

New tourism ventures in Tasmania this year include top-flight accommodation developments, innovative cruises and boutique special-interest attractions.

The Central Highlands town of Bothwell will be the site of a new sister hotel for an award-winning Hobart property. Nicholas and Amy Parkinson-Bates, the hoteliers whose skill and flair saw The Islington short-listed as a candidate in the luxury accommodation category of The Australian's Travel & Tourism Awards in 2006 and '07, are transforming a heritage mansion into the Priory Country Lodge.

Also in Bothwell, the historic property Nant will house a whisky distillery in the beautifully restored water-driven flour mill, which dates from 1823.

On the water, Rob Pennicott of Bruny Island Charters fame, has developed a second eco-cruise, this time between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck: highlights include prolific marine wildlife, Australia's highest sea cliffs and a close encounter with Tasman Island.

Freycinet Peninsula on the island's east coast is the scene of Pure Tasmania's new signature experience, Wineglass to Wine Glass, which involves a guided walk over the Hazards to the famous bay, a splendid open-air lunch beneath shady sheoaks then a trip by water taxi back to Freycinet Lodge.

Hot beds

In the north, Flora de Kantzow, creator of the acclaimed Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart and Launceston's hip Hatherley House, is opening her third accommodation venture in the colonial mansion, Quamby, with its own golf course.

For more information, visit Discover Tasmania.