Thrill of Tasmania's awesome foursome

THE Australian island of Tasmania is one of the last outposts of civilisation. Beyond its southernmost shores there's not much apart from the Southern Ocean before the frozen Antarctic landmass is reached.

Its green and clean image is matched by a wild and adventurous one and for those looking for some high-energy, adrenalin-pumping action; Tasmania is the place to visit.

For those who like things a little wild, check out Tasmania's "awesome foursome" sea kayaking in the waters off Freycinet National Park, quad biking through the park's coastal forests, canopy adventure in the forests of Hollybank and jet boating on the Huon River.

For those who love swinging through the tree tops, a la Tarzan, the recently-opened Hollybank Treetops Adventure is a definite "must do".

Adventurers glide through the forest canopy via a series of sturdy cables. Everyone is securely fastened to the cable system by harnesses from start to finish so while it's a thrilling journey, it's also secure.

There are seven sections of cable ranging from a tame 15m to an adrenalin-charged 371m along Pipers River. Each run ends at a "cloud station" firmly mounted to one of the massive eucalyptus trees of the Hollybank Forest Reserve just 20 minutes' drive northeast of Launceston.

The activity lasts three hours and includes a rigorous safety briefing and some pleasant forest walks as well as a bird's eye perspective of the canopy.

There are various places to picnic here so visitors can make a day of it exploring the Australian outdoors. Travel to Launceston on Jetstar and stay in The Sebel Launceston.

Freycinet National Park is just two hour's drive southeast of Launceston. The park is home to Wineglass Bay, one of the world's most picturesque beaches.

The jagged granite ridge called the Hazards forms a backdrop and the relatively calm waters of Coles Bay is home to Freycinet adventures. The company operates a variety of adventures with sea kayaking being a fun way to explore the bay and burn some excess calories at the same time.

!The three-hour paddle departs from the small village of Coles Bay and heads across the bay to the eco-friendly Freycinet Lodge and back.

The two-man sea kayaks are easy to manoeuvre but require a degree of physical input from the paddlers.

Experienced guides provide expert tutoring on the skills required and the company provides the necessary equipment including sunblock, life jackets and wet/warm gear if required.

The paddle is leisurely and there's the possibility of seeing dolphins, stingrays and maybe even whales although such sightings are considered rare. The marine birdlife is also good with various gulls and eagles.

Sunset is superb with views of the red peaks of the hazards and the vivid blue of Cole Bay. There are daily departures with two paddles per day 0900 and 1600. If the budget permits, stay in one of the world's best located eco-lodges in Freycinet Lodge.

While in Freycinet National Park, it's hard to bypass a quad bike ride through the park with All4Adventure. This is an activity for those who like speed, thrills and hopefully not too many spills in their life.

The company operates within the national park and follows strict guidelines to avoid any damage to the pristine coastal forests.

Experienced guides ensure that all bikers act responsibly although they are happy for participants to build up a head of steam on the fleet of brand new quad bikes.

Roaring along forest trails at speeds of up to 60kph is a great thrill and various streams, puddles, pot holes and steep slopes add to the adventure.

The three-hour activity visits Friendly Beach which is a vast and deserted beach fringed by the clear waters of the Tasman Sea.

Here participants can explore the exposed rock platforms and rest with a cool drink while absorbing Tasmania's abundant natural assets. The experience is humbling and the views intoxicating.

Freycinet and Cole Bay are both remote destinations and public transport is limited. Many visitors travel here on organised tours although the freedom provided by a rental car is ideal for those who like road touring and exploring all that the countryside offers.

Just 30 minutes' drive south of the state capital Hobart is the small riverine settlement of Huonville.

The normally placid Huon River becomes churned up several times a day as the jet boats of Huon River Jet Boats skim the water surface at speeds of up to 80kph.

Jet boats have been developed to operate in just a few centimetres of water so it's possible to travel across shallow ponds and rapids at great speeds.

After a brief history of the river and its people, the boatmen effortlessly slip the sleek-hulled vessel into top gear and soon all 10 passengers shriek with delight as the wind whistles past their ears.

One of the highlights of the 35-minute thrill ride is when the boatmen turns the boat suddenly so that the back flips around with white water splashing everywhere much to the delight of all. Heartbeats also increase as the boat screams along the river, headlong into banks, which are avoided at the last minute by a flip of the boatmen's wrist.

While it's essential to hang on for dear life, there's time to take in the river's scenic beauty which includes a few rare Huon Pine trees for which the area was once famous.

Accommodation exists in the Huon Valley but many visitors travel here as a day visit and overnight back in Hobart.

The capital offers an extensive range of hotels with the pick of these being the exclusive, eleven room, boutique property, The Islington Hotel.

This restored 1847 property is a delight in every way and is the perfect destination for couples.

The Old Woolshed Apartment Hotel is a great location for travelling families and just a few minutes walk to the Hobart dockside entertainment precinct.

Tasmania is an exciting destination for those seeking a little excitement in a truly natural setting. The Brunei Times