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Tasmania
is named after Abel Tasman who sighted the island in 1642. Prior to
1856, "Tassie" was known as Van Diemen's Land. It was first settled
by the British in 1803, a sizeable proportion of whom were convicts.
Examples of early history survive to this day so don't miss the chance
to include some of these fascinating sights in your travel bookings.
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Australia's big island state is situated 240km (150mi) south of the mainland,
and is just over 300km (190mi) wide. Tasmania is famous for its national
parks, reserves and World Heritage Sites which cover around one third
of the island. Tasmania's capital is Hobart in the south-east, a good
starting point for your travel plans.
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Tasmania Travel
Tasmania is unique in being the only island state of Australia. And with it's magnificent natural beauty, vast national parks and wilderness areas, unique history, first world economy, modern hotels and vibrant culture, Tasmania is a truly captivating and exciting travel destination, and you will have great fun planning your Tasmania travel.Around one fifth of Tasmania is officially recognised as wilderness by UNESCO under its World Heritage Convention. If you travel to Tasmania, you will be able to understand why!
There are countless things to see and do in Tasmania, so make sure you allow for plenty of time to spare when you make your travel and hotel bookings! If you love nature at its most awe inspiring, if you love wilderness, then you will love Tasmania.
Hobart Region
Hobart, the harbour city and capital of Tasmania, has a timeless quality that you will long remember. It is a great mixture of modern times and 'old world'. The waterfront area has a great maritime heritage and beauty. Salamanca Place is famous for interesting galleries and delicious restaurants. You can take a cruise down the channel in great style, or visit historic Battery Point by kayak. You can travel away from Hobart, via the Coal River Valley vineyards to see Australia's oldest bridge in Richmond. Or visit the inspiring historic site of Port Arthur (pictured below).
East Coast and Flinders Island
Tasmania has pristine, uncrowded beaches in abundance. Travel to Maria Island (a wildlife refuge, famous for bird watching) and explore it's special history. Venture on the Fossil Cliffs walk. Watch the penguins at dusk at Bicheno, or enjoy the pure blue water at the Bay of Fires (picture below). Marvel at the famous bright white sand of Wineglass Bay, and don't forget to take off your shoes! Visit the breathtaking national parks of the east coast like Mount William National Park, Douglas-Apsley and Freycinet National Park. Travel by plane or boat to Flinders Island, and wander around it's rugged coast and magnificent scenery.
Launceston and Tamar Region
Launceston is a charming mixture of old and modern. Walk the walk on the boardwalk. From ambient waterside cafes to fine cuisine at fine restaurants, the choice is yours. Visit Boag's brewery. Travel to the Tamar Valley for the famous wine experience and enjoy the vineyards' welcome. Or relax with a round of golf at the world standard Barnbougle Dunes golf course. Don't miss the nearby historic villages. Visit Cataract Gorge Reserve, where you can walk from Launceston along the Tamar river into the gorge — all in just 15 minutes. Walk along the cliff face path and visit the South Esk River. Visit the Cliff Grounds, a Victorian garden. Stroll across the footbridge and gaze at the swirling water below, or try the chairlift.
The North West and King Island
The North West region is beautiful, wild nature at its best. Visit the Tarkine, Australia's largest temperate rainforest, and enjoy the pure fresh air and marvel at the gigantic eucalypt forests. The Tarkine is 447,000 hectares (1.4m acres) of superb wilderness, giant sand dunes, rugged mountains and spectacular river gorges. Explore the caves near the coast and discover Aboriginal rock carvings. Travel to the rugged Pieman river and admire its natural splendour. Climb the Nut (a huge volcanic outcrop, pictured below) and gaze out at the vastness of Bass Strait. Visit local farms and sample the produce, travel to seaside villages, or visit Hellyers Road Distillery to find out about their single malts. Visit Narawntapu National Park to see Forester Kangaroos, wombats (and maybe even see a Tasmanian devil). Travel off shore to King Island, famous for its wildlife, beautiful beaches, gourmet food, cheese and cream. Learn about its remarkable maritime past at the Historical Society Museum. See relics from some of the countless ships wrecked in Bass Strait. Or see the amazing ancient calcified forest believed to be 7000 years old.
West Wilderness
Go back in time and travel to the pristine wilderness and magnificent beauty of Tasmania's World Heritage Area. Marvel at the untouched splendour of this unbelievable place on earth. Walk beside the stark and beautiful coastline. Hike deep into the green mystery of a huge natural rainforest and let the greenness surround you. Enjoy the fresh and pure air, so invigorating to your soul. Go rafting on the powerful and majestic Franklin River. Remember your climbing boots and climb some of the peaks in the rugged Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair National Park, the views are a great reward. (Picture, far left above 'History'.) Take a cruise on Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. Or try a ride on a wilderness railway, all the while learning about the history of this unique corner of the world. Tasmania's west wilderness is truly one of the most remarkable, purest and untouched areas in the world, and a prized destination for the adventurous and discerning traveller.
Travel Bookings and Info
For more detailed information about beautiful Tasmania and to find out more about travel, flight and hotel bookings, visit Tourism Tasmania's website DiscoverTasmania.com.
For information about ferry services between Melbourne and Devonport (including vehicles), visit SpiritOfTasmania.com.au
