It's no secret that perhaps the best time to visit Tasmania is autumn.

Suddenly, the earth settles down, a chill returns and slowly the colours begin to turn.

Tasmania is known for its natural wonders, and now is the best time to catch the turning of the fagus, when the leaves of the deciduous beech forests transform from bright green to rust and finally gold.

There are many places to catch this short-lived spectacle, but my favourite is the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where vast swathes of the forest are painted in autumn's signature hues, but only for a brief a moment.

For those looking for a little adrenaline this is also an ideal time to check out the trails around the Blue Derby's mountain biking tracks, when the cool air and misty forests are at their very best before the winter rains creep in.

And just because the weather is cooling doesn't mean Tasmania's events are slowing down, and during April and May you're spoilt for options with Targa, Agfest and Sheffield's Mural Fest all on.

For those looking for an off-shore adventure of the gourmet kind make sure you check out the Flinders Island Food and Crayfish Festival. Held April 11-14 this is a food-lovers dream, where the giant crays, abundant in these waters, are front and centre and the island's sole cray fisherman, Jack Wheatley, now in his seventies, is on hand to share his knowledge and catch.

The earth's abundance is on full display this month as the island's famous orchards groan under crops of apples, pears and pome fruit ripening in the autumn sunshine. 

The milk is thick with cream and calling into Pyengana Dairy you'll be rewarded with some of the best dairy products found throughout the state.

So go out and explore, take a picnic and see the abundance that comes at this time of year. Tasmania has never looked more spectacular, and the only limitation is how much time you've got to spend on her shores.

To read more tourism stories and find out what's happening on the island state during autumn click here.