Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia's south coast, is known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves. Almost 20% of the state has now entered the World Heritage list for its significant natural and cultural values. The region also provides pristine habitats for a variety of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world, including many rare and endangered species, while indigenous rock art and artefacts discovered in caves date back to the last Ice Age. It is a short 1-hour flight from Melbourne to this heavenly secluded island.