The Southwest Tasmanian wilderness has a rich history of pining, mining and fishing which has left its mark.

Visit Melaleuca, a tiny, remote, ex-tin-mining settlement on the edge of Bathurst Harbour. The area is now largely used by Parks and Wildlife caretakers and bushwalkers.

Highlights of a half-day visit include a stop at the Deny King Heritage Museum to learn the stories of a well-known miner, bushman, naturalist, artist and pioneering legend of the area. From your local guide, hear colourful tales of the characters who shaped the region’s recent history – from romantic-but-doomed explorers to hardy Huon-pine lumberjacks.

From January to March, there’s an excellent chance of spotting the critically-endangered orange-bellied parrot from the viewing hides at Melaleuca. There are less than 100 adult birds left in the wild.