ALPINE TASMANIA

Tasmania has it all. It would be merely scratching the surface to mention the white sand beaches and clear blue waters of Bay of Fires’ fame; the lush rainforests of the Tarkine; rushing, transparent rivers, such as the Franklin; the seaside cliffs of Tasman National Park; and the convict heritage of Port Arthur and Maria Island. It’s a little rich, then, that the state is also blessed with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. A mainlander can only cease feeling jealousy in brief flashes — namely during contests of one-upmanship against Kiwis.

Aspirant Tasmanian mountaineers may be surprised to discover the main challenge isn’t climbing steep slopes but getting