TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA -- Cowboys and their legendary gunfights are part of the history of the west, that is unless it's the west coast of Tasmania where even the hardiest outlaw would find it difficult to meet someone at high noon.

Tasmania's west is the complete opposite of the American image with towering mountains, dense rainforest and lakes brimming with water for most of the year; not your typical desert landscape. Visitors to the west coast of Tasmania will not be disappointed though, as this unique scenery still retains the sense of adventure and isolation which attracted many early pioneers.

When travelling along the west coast, the mountain ranges dominate the landscape as do the many lakes in this region, some of them man-made as a result of hydro electric schemes in the middle of this century. Mining is another major industry in the west and an integral part of its history when miners and their families rushed to make their fortune during the boom days.

But mountains and mining are not the only attractions in the west, the beaches in this area are also spectacular with expanses of wild coastline and miles of uninhabited sand, just perfect for that long walk. One of the best places to explore both the mountains and the beaches from is the seaside village of Strahan, about a 40 minute drive west of Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, entrance to the world heritage Gordon River.

There is a range of accommodation available in Strahan from budget through to the five-star, old-world grandeur of Franklin Manor, a beautifully restored Victorian residence offering pure comfort in the middle of the wilderness. Check out their website to see for yourself at www.franklinmanor.com.au.

Franklin Manor can cater for singles, couples or families with a range of rooms all superbly decorated with antique furniture and those little extras seldom seen in modern lodgings. At the end of a day's exploring this rugged part of the state, guests are welcomed into the sitting room with its comfortable lounges and warm, crackling fire, to discuss the day's adventures over a pre-dinner drink. After relaxing in the sitting room, it's hard to imagine life getting much better but then its time for dinner with a choice to satisfy even the most discerning palate, from local seafood to specialities such as venison. The wine list is also pleasing, with a good balance of Tasmanian and imported wines, but ask the staff if there is something you would particularly like to try as the standard of service is first-class.

If you have the energy after dinner, take a stroll around the beautifully kept gardens and see just how the stars sparkle away from the bright lights of the city. Don't despair if you just want to linger over dinner or retire again to the comfort of the sitting room for a nightcap, the gardens are equally impressive in the morning after enjoying a hearty manor breakfast -- fuel for another day's adventuring in the west.

The current owners of Franklin Manor have taken great care to ensure both the furnishings and service are in keeping with the home's historic past and really do try to make every guest feel welcome. This standard of accommodation and attention to detail is not for the budget traveller but the rates are reasonable considering what you get for your money so if you can afford it, stay at the Manor and enjoy being pampered.

Information about the attractions around Strahan is available at the Manor or from the tourist office in the centre of town but one must-do is the spectacular Gordon River Cruise. This cruise takes you past a convict outpost up to an untouched wilderness where the air is so clear and the reflections postcard perfect, you swear no-one has been here before. One of the great memories you will take home from the west is that even though you are only a few hours drive from the state's capital Hobart, you could be a million miles away.

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For More information on Strahan Village, visit their website at www.strahanvillage.com.au.