There is surely no better way to meet friendly, down-to-earth Australians whilst enjoying a magical landscape and way of life than to take part in a farm stay in Tasmania.

Many wonderful local families are willing to open their homes to people who are interested in learning more about rural activities and experiencing a completely different way of life to what they might be used to.

Your time can be spent as one of the family – living in the home, waking up early in the mornings to get involved in the day’s work and sharing meals.

Alternatively, some hosts offer self-catering luxury accommodation for visitors seeking a country adventure with a little bit of style.

Wherever you decide to go, the one certainty is that a unique experience awaits you. These stays offer a rare chance to gain an in-depth understanding of the island and its people – something you’ll be unlikely to ever forget.

You may find yourself helping a farmer milk a cow, rounding up some sheep, feeding a deer herd, or picking grapes in the Tamar Valley or east coast.

City-livers will love getting up close to the source of some of Australia’s finest fresh produce and – better yet – giving it a taste test.