Tasmanias western wilderness includes one of the most significant World Heritage Areas on earth.

Heading from Hobart through Queenstown to Strahan and the Gordon River, youll be captivated by this majestic landscape. But however remote, however rugged your adventures, there will always be a warm bed and a fine meal waiting for you at the end of the day.

Early in your journey, you pass Tarraleah a luxurious base for visiting Lake St Clair. Beyond is the FranklinGordon Wild Rivers National Park, famous for the 1980s campaign to save the Franklin River from damming. This is ancient country. Dense forests line the highway, dark rivers tumble through steep gorges, and deep, wide lakes open up before you.

Then without warning, you are entering an entirely different world. Following the road as it spirals for more than 90 bends, you descend into what remains of the world's richest gold and copper mine. It would have been a difficult life in the days when there was no way out except by sea.

Strahan, the largest town on the West Coast, has accommodation for every budget, including outstanding heritage and contemporary offerings. Gourmet restaurants, bistros, cafes and bars ensure you are always satisfied.

From Strahan you can take a cruise across the harbour and along the wide Gordon River, also disembarking at Sarah Island, the site of Tasmanias first penal settlement. Try the historic West Coast Wilderness Railway across a mountain range to Queenstown. Or you can board a seaplane to search out some of the remaining 1,000-year-old Huon pine and myrtle trees.

You may also choose to stay at Corinna, where you can cruise the Pieman River to a wild log-strewn beach or continue up the Tarkine coast.

The main road to Cradle Mountain winds through the tiny towns of Zeehan, Tullah and Rosebery. They once housed hundreds of miners but now are quiet and peaceful.

Cradle Mountain marks the start of the 65-kilometre Overland Track, part of the World Heritage Area. Take one of the many short walks along the shores of Dove Lake or learn about the endangered Tasmania devil at devils@cradle.