Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Located off Tasmania's east coast and accessible only by ferry, Maria Island contains the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. Spend the night and piece together Tasmania’s intriguing convict history, encounter very cute wildlife and explore Maria Island’s pristine beaches and ancient forests. The island offers excellent walking and cycling journeys and a limestone quarry at the Fossil Cliffs provides a fascinating close-up look at the many ancient creatures immortalised as fossils in the rocks. The Painted Cliffs at Hopground Beach are beautifully patterned sandstone shaped by the mineral-rich water and wind.

An authentic player piano fills the air with Scott Joplin melodies as you walk through the modest flat on Delmar Boulevard that Joplin and his wife Belle lived in during their time in St. Louis. Lit by gaslight, the home is furnished as it would have been in 1902 when Joplin was composing songs that would make him a national phenomenon. Scott Joplin House State Historic Site also includes museum exhibits that interpret Joplin’s life. This National Historic Landmark is open for tours daily on the hour.

Forty-eight hectares of rolling lavender fields bloom a blanket of purple on one of the world’s largest lavender farms. The five-week harvest begins in early January with the distillation and processing of the lavender in full swing. A tasting area allows you to experience the unique use of Bridestowe lavender as a subtle flavouring in superb quality foods. Sit and enjoy a coffee in the Bridestowe café or picnic under the century-old oak trees and stroll through the fields. The Bridestowe gift shop has lavender filled bears, lavender infused oils, lotions and potions and culinary lavender — so you can make your own lavender treats at home.