Tasmania Island. Tasmania Island, Australia. Nature of Tasmania Tasmania Strait

The outlines of Tasmania, an island within Australia located 240 km south of the mainland, resemble either a child’s bib or a heart drying on clothespins, which perfectly reflects the surrealism of life here: most representatives of the flora and fauna are not are found nowhere else in the world, and the bulk of the population of Tasmania for a long time consisted only of Aboriginal Bushmen and exiled British subjects. 'The Island of Inspiration', Tassie, as the Australians call it, offers a wealth of amazing activities, from overnight stays in the bush to encounters with the Tasmanian marsupial devil, and this otherworldly world is just over the horizon.

How to get to Tasmania

To get to Tasmania you must first arrive on mainland Australia as the island is only served by local airlines. From Russia to Australia there are at least 20 hours of flight time, not counting the time spent on connections (there are no non-stop flights).

Flights to Tasmanian airports (Hobart, Launceston and Devonport) operate from many mainland cities: for example, from Sydney, Canberra, Perth or Melbourne. From the nearest airport to the island in Australia - Melbourne - no more than 1 hour flight. The service is provided by Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Regional Express and Tiger Airways.

The hotel is easily accessible from Tasmanian airports via shuttle buses. Given the short distances in cities, the bus will drop you off right at the hotel door. The fare ranges from 20 USD to 30 USD. To travel back from the hotel to the airport, you must pre-book a seat on the bus by phone and agree on the time of boarding and deployment.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Melbourne and Devonport are also connected by ferry service from the maritime transport company Spirit of Tasmania. Travel time is from 9 to 11 hours, fare is from 126 USD to 187 USD per seat, 170-280 USD per bed in a cabin, depending on the season. Car transportation - 87 USD. Please be aware that rental cars are often subject to travel restrictions between the mainland and the island, check this detail with your rental agency.

Search for flights to Sydney (the closest airport to Tasmania)

How to navigate Tasmania

The island of Tasmania is divided into five regions:

capital city of Hobart and surrounding areas
East Coast (including Flinders Island)
Launceston, Tamar and northern Tasmania
North West Coast (main town - Devonport and Bass Strait Islands)
Western Territories

Transport on the island

The most convenient way to travel around Tasmania is by car, which can be rented at any of the many rental agencies; All you need to do is present an international driver's license and a credit card (or cash) for the deposit. Remember that in Australia we drive on the left and wearing seat belts is compulsory. Be especially careful when driving around the island in the dark: animals of different sizes are constantly trying to cross the road: from dwarf wallabies to larger specimens.

Tasmania's roads are very winding, and the speed limit of 100 km/h is often simply unnecessary: you are unlikely to move faster along the serpentines. Always expect longer travel times.

The island has a network of bus routes operated by two major transport companies: Redline Tasmania and Tassielink. Advance reservations online or by phone are required. It is recommended to carefully study the schedule and be patient and have time, as departures are often irregular and delays are common along the way.

Tasmanian carriers Tasair, Airlines of Tasmania and Sharp Airlines offer domestic flights between the island's major cities: Hobart, Devonport, Launceston and King, Flinders and Cape Barren Islands.

The only railway line, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, runs along the West Coast between Strahan and Queenstown. Today it is more of a tourist attraction than a full-fledged way to travel. Travel time is 3 hours, passengers are offered lunch.

Another popular way to get around Tasmania is by bicycle. In any city there are a large number of rental offices; You can ride a bicycle independently or join tourist cyclo-tours lasting from 1 to 25 days.

Popular hotels in Tasmania

Cuisine and restaurants of Tasmania

The island's restaurants have long been dominated by English gastronomic traditions (thanks to the close and long history of Anglo-Australian interaction). With the arrival of international migrants in Tasmania, it has become possible to find a nutritious establishment for almost any cuisine in the world. Among the local tasty attractions, it is recommended to try seafood: lobster, salmon in various preparations, exotic deep-sea fish called Atlantic bighead (bred on sea farms in Tasmania) and a variety of shellfish: mussels, oysters, abalone and other shell holders.

Tassie Dining Card is a card that entitles you to a discount of 15 to 50% in restaurants, bars and cafes in more than 40 cities and towns on the island. Discounts are also available in some grocery stores, enotecas and delis. Accompanying the map is a 32-page guide to Tasmanian restaurants. Cost - 39 USD, valid for 30 days for a group of up to six people.

Tasmania, like Australia, is famous for its soft, fragrant and weak wine (the best wineries are located in the Tamar Valley), sparkling drinks, and local beer. The Cascade and Boag's brands are popular throughout the country.

King Island is famous for its cheese factories, while Hobart is famous for its Cadbury chocolate factory.

Try the exclusive Tasmanian honey, obtained from the pollen of the leatherwood bush (Eucryphia lucidum) - it is very aromatic and has a lot of useful properties.

The 'Island of Inspiration', Tassie, as Australians call it, offers a wealth of amazing activities, from spending the night in the bush to meeting the Tasmanian marsupial devil.

Shopping and shops in Tasmania

Thanks to Tasmania's long isolation from civilized life, its colonial past and a national passion for preserving antiques, unique antiques can be found here: furniture and home decoration, silver, books, coins and porcelain. Furniture made from exotic woods, such as myrtle or cowrie, is especially in demand. Most antique stores offer services for delivery of purchased goods abroad. Be sure to visit the largest antiques market in Hobart - The Antiques Market.

The island also houses many galleries of paintings, decorative arts and folk crafts. In general, Tasmania has a truly fantastic percentage of talent per capita!

Tasmania is also famous for its wool products; Precious merino goats roam these spaces. You can purchase wool yarn or ready-made products. Don't forget about edible souvenirs: fresh food, of course, is difficult to bring home, but cheese wheels and bottles of wine can be taken with you.

Maps of Tasmania

Guides in Tasmania

Entertainment and attractions in Tasmania

Entertainment in Tasmania can be divided into two large groups: admiring the amazing nature and wildlife of the island and getting acquainted with the dark legacy of the colonial regime - visiting places of detention, former colony settlements and labor enterprises. As the Tourism Office writes, the latter will be especially interesting to the British - they will literally be able to feel themselves in the shoes of their ancestors.

Five Tasmanian historical sites (all with prison roots) have just recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Port Arthur Prison, the Coal Mines, the Cascades Ladies' Factory, Darlington Probation Station and the Brickendon Woolmers Estates.

The Tiagarra Cultural Center in Devonport tells the story of Tasmania's Aboriginal people (the island's Aboriginal people now make up 1% of the population). There are inscriptions carved in stone here that date back to the eighth millennium BC. The museum displays more than 2,000 artifacts.

The island and the eponymous Australian state of Tasmania are separated from the mainland by the 150-mile (240 km) wide Bass Strait, located south of the eastern tip of Australia. The state of Tasmania also includes the nearby islands: o. Bruny, off the south-east coast of the main island, King and Flinders Islands in Bass Strait, a number of small islets off the coast of the main island; and subantarctic Macquarie Island, 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) to the southeast.

The length of Tasmania is 364 kilometers (226 miles) from its northernmost point to its southernmost point, and 306 kilometers (190 miles) from west to east.

The history of the island is one of the dark and cruel pages in the relations between Europeans and indigenous peoples.

Today, Tasmania is popular for its exceptional natural beauty with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and coastal landscapes. Almost 37% of the state is occupied by nature reserves and national parks, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Register.

Tasmania on the world map

Geography and climate

Tasmania is a structural extension of the Great Dividing Range to the south and is an island with a temperate climate, supposedly similar in some respects to pre-industrial England, so much so that it was referred to by some English colonists as "southern England".

The island has been volcanically inactive for a long time and has stable mountain ranges over most of its territory. The most mountainous regions are the Central Highlands and the Southwestern Regions, which occupy most of the central, western and southwestern parts of the state. The Midlands region in the central eastern part of Tasmania is much flatter than the rest and is mainly used for agriculture

The west coast experiences high levels of precipitation, ensuring the operation of most hydraulic structures. It is also home to some of the west coast's most significant base and base metal mines, such as the Mount Lyell mine.

The southwest region (particularly the Southwest National Park) is densely forested - perhaps the last of the temperate rainforests in the southern hemisphere. This isolated and difficult-to-reach area has begun to be studied more thoroughly with the advent of satellite imagery.

The majority of the population lives in coastal areas near rivers, such as the Derwent and Hone in the south, or the Tamar and Mersey in the north.

Tasmania has a relatively cool temperate climate (compared to the rest of Australia) with four distinct seasons. Summer is from December to February, with an average maximum sea temperature of 21°C. The winter months - from June to August - are generally the wettest and coldest, with significant snowfall in the highest areas. Winter temperature maximums are 12 °C. Spring is usually the windiest time of year, with afternoon sea breezes blowing along the coast.

The island's temperate climate (it is the only Australian state located below the 40th parallel), rural environment and many historical attractions have made Tasmania a popular destination for Australian retirees who prefer a temperate climate to a tropical one.

Soils

Tasmania's soils are no more fertile than those of mainland Australia, mainly because most are highly leached. Most of the land on the Bass Strait islands on the east and west coasts of the central island is extremely barren. A significant part of this land is not used for agriculture, but forestry is actively developed, which remains the economic pillar of the state.

On the northern coast, in addition to relatively fertile alluvial soils used for growing fruit crops, there are also dark red, easily cultivated “red soils”. Their extremely favorable physical properties contribute to the cultivation of fodder crops.

The lands of the Midlands and Lower Derwent, due to their relatively dry climate, do not leach and have some similarities with the black soils of Russia and North America. Higher levels of nutrients allow the land to be used as pasture, and it is in these regions that large flocks of sheep are grazed. Some crops are also grown in the driest areas. In south-eastern Tasmania, rich alluvial soils support apple production.

Flora and fauna

Tasmanian vegetation is extremely diverse, from the abundant grasslands and grasslands of the dry Midlands to the majestic evergreen eucalyptus forests, alpine heaths, cool temperate rainforests and wetlands in other regions of the state.

Many plant species are unique to Tasmania, and some are related to species from South America and New Zealand through common ancestors that grew on the supercontinent Gondwanaland 50 million years ago.

Tasmania is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. The total age of the colony of Hawna pines growing on Mount Reed is more than 10 thousand years old, while the age of individual trees that reproduce vegetatively is 3-4 thousand years.

The tallest trees are in the Styx Valley. Some specimens of Eucalyptus regal are over 90 meters tall, and with them still growing there is hope of surpassing the tallest measured tree in the country, which stood at 112 meters before it was felled in 1884.

Animals

Tasmania was home to the thylacine, a marsupial predator that resembled a wild dog. Known colloquially as the marsupial wolf, the species became extinct on mainland Australia much earlier due to competition from the dingo dog.

Due to persecution by farmers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the animals appear to have been extirpated from Tasmania. The last known specimen died in captivity in 1936. Although from time to time there are reports of people meeting thylacines, none of them can be considered completely confirmed. Zoologists suggest that perhaps several individuals of the marsupial wolf managed to survive in the inaccessible forests of the island.

Like the thylacine, the Tasmanian devil, previously common on mainland Australia, was displaced from there several centuries ago by the dingo dog, brought by indigenous people from outside. Today the species lives only in Tasmania. The marsupial predator, the size of a medium-sized dog, but stocky and muscular, has a dark color with white spots. A loud and alarming shrill growl, aggressive behavior, devouring any carrion and incredible gluttony became the reason for such an unpleasant nickname for the animal among Europeans.

Unlike the thylacine, the population of the Tasmanian devil was preserved thanks to timely measures taken. The government ban on extermination of animals introduced in 1941 allowed not only to avoid the extinction of the species, but also to restore a large population. However, by 2005, the number of animals, according to some estimates, had decreased by 80% compared to 1999, when the Tasmanian devil population was affected by an unknown disease, manifested in the form of tumors growing over time on the animal’s body and leading to 100% death.

There is no effective treatment, although intensive research is being conducted to determine the causes of the disease. In addition, the Tasmanian government operates a captive breeding program.

The island is also home to 12 endemic bird species and 3 endemic frog species. Most of the rest of the animal kingdom is identical to the Australian species.

Indigenous peoples

People settled in Tasmania about 40,000 years ago, crossing the isthmus between the island and the rest of mainland Australia during the last ice age. According to genetic studies, after rising sea levels separated the island from the mainland, Tasmanians were isolated for 8,000 years until the arrival of Europeans in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Abel Tasman, who discovered the island in 1642, did not meet any Aborigines during his landing. The first contact of indigenous peoples with Europeans occurred only in 1772, when the French reconnaissance expedition of Marion Dufresne visited the island, and the first meeting of the aborigines with the British occurred in 1777.

Soon, British and American seal hunters created permanent settlements on the islands neighboring Tasmania, where, from November to May, they waited out the freezing of coastal waters near their fishing grounds.

At first, friendly contacts and mutually beneficial trade came to naught after the systematic abduction of native women by Europeans, which led to armed clashes. In 1803, British colonists established a permanent settlement on the island, after which the number of conflicts began to increase.

Growing tensions between Europeans and Aboriginal people led to the Black War of 1828-32, when the colonial government used troops to remove Aboriginal people from their rightful land.

The indigenous population at the time of the British expansion of 1803 was estimated to range from 5,000 to 10,000, but fell to 300 in 1833 due to military conflict, persecution and disease.

Some historians are inclined to believe that it was European diseases that became the key factor in the catastrophic death of the native population, noting the extreme propensity of the natives to respiratory infections. In addition, sexually transmitted diseases brought by the colonists led to infertility of a significant part of the population.

After the Black War, the surviving indigenous people were moved to Flinders Island, where the scarcity of fertile land, lack of water and unsuitable climate caused their mass death.

The last full-blooded Aboriginal is believed to have died in 1876.

European colonization

Despite the fact that the existence of Tasmania became known to Europeans back in 1642, after the discovery of the island by Abel Tasman, who initially called it Van Diemen's Land, the first permanent settlement appeared here only in 1803.

It was founded by the British at Risdon Cove on the east bank of the Derwent estuary in order to prevent French expansion. An alternative settlement was established in 1804 at Sullivan's Cove on the west side of the Derwent, where fresh water was abundant. This settlement became known as Hobart Town or Hobarton, and the name was later shortened to Hobart. Today, the city that grew out of this settlement is the state capital. The settlement in Ridzon was later abandoned.

The first colonists were mostly convicts and their overseers, who were tasked with developing agriculture and other industries. Numerous convict settlements were established in Van Diemen's Land, including the harsh penal colonies of Port Arthur in the southeast and Macquarie Harbor on the west coast.

In December 1825, Van Diemen's Land was declared a separate colony of New South Wales, with its own judicial establishment and Legislative Council. Self-government began in 1855-1856, and the colony officially became known as Tasmania.

The 60s and 70s of the 19th century were economically depressed for the new colony. It was only after the discovery of tin deposits in the 1870s and copper in the 1890s that a mining boom followed. At the same time, small-scale agriculture and horticulture began to expand, and railroad construction began. At the beginning of the 20th century, a hydroelectric power station was established on the island, which made possible the construction of large industrial plants near Hobart after the First World War. Soon the construction of textile factories and a large confectionery plant began.

The growth of industry required increasing penetration into the Tasmanian desert. More than ever, the economy became dependent on natural resources, especially wood and metals. The predatory exploitation of nature led to the emergence and development of a significant environmental movement, which today represents a significant political force in the country.

In the 1970s, the state government announced plans to build a dam on the ecologically significant Lake Pedder. Environmentalists fought against its construction and failed, but it was this opposition that gave rise to the world's first green party, the United Tasmanian Group, later known as the Tasmanian Greens.

At the same time, there was a growth in the indigenous movement. Tasmanian Aboriginal descendants began to assert their identity. They received support and federal assistance, and by the mid-1990s, several historical and cultural sites in the state were returned to the Aboriginal community.

Political structure

The Constitution of Tasmania, adopted in 1856, has undergone many changes over time. Since 1901, Tasmania has been a member of the Commonwealth of Australia on equal terms with the other states.

Under the Australian Constitution, Tasmania ceded certain legislative and judicial powers to the Commonwealth, but retained full independence in all other areas. In practice, however, the independence of the Australian states was significantly undermined by the growing financial dominance of the Commonwealth.

Tasmania is governed by the principles of the Westminster system, a form of parliamentary government based on the United Kingdom model. Legislative power belongs to the bicameral Parliament of Tasmania, with the lower one having 25 members and the upper one 15.

The executive branch is formally supported by an Executive Council consisting of the governor and senior ministers. In practice, executive power is exercised by the Premier of Tasmania and the Cabinet of Ministers, who are appointed by the Governor.

Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of Tasmania and the subordinate courts system, but the High Court of Australia and other federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over matters that fall under the Australian Constitution.

There are twenty-nine local government areas in Tasmania. These include six urban areas (three in Hobart, one each in Launceston, Burnie and Devonport) and twenty-three municipalities. The largest council (by number of voters) is the City of Launceston, and the smallest is the Municipality of Flinders (serving Flinders Island and the surrounding islands and having just over 800 voters).

Economy

The state's main economic sectors are mining, tourism, agriculture and forestry.

The crisis of the 90s of the 20th century led to a significant decline in industrial production and an outflow of the working-age population to the mainland. In the early 2000s, the government relied on the development of tourism, and the environmental lobby in parliament further limited the development of the logging and mining industries. The position of environmental lobbyists is that such restrictions are offset by improved tourism prospects.

Transport

Due to the state's isolation from the mainland, transport infrastructure is of paramount importance. Communication with the mainland is provided by air transportation, and internal sea routes are served by transport and passenger ferries.

The settled areas of Tasmania have an extensive network of quality roads, as road transport is the most widespread within the borders of the main island.

Rail transport provides only freight transportation, and passenger trains stopped regular transportation in the late 70s of the 20th century. Today there are only a few tourist passenger railway routes.

Demography

Tasmania's population is more homogeneous than other states in the country. Most Tasmanians are descended from British and Irish immigrants who settled in Australia in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Tasmanians are distributed across three main regions: the southeast coast around the capital, which contains about 40% of the state's population; to the north-east at Launceston; and the northwest at Devonport and Burnie.

The total population is about half a million people.

English is the official language of the country. Australian English is the only language spoken by about 80% of the population.

Attending school between the ages of six and sixteen is compulsory in Tasmania, which has contributed to an increase in adult literacy to 99%.

South of mainland Australia is the island of Tasmania. This is a separate Australian state, distinguished by its picturesque nature, mild climate and unique flora and fauna. This is an ideal place for tourists: here you can engage in mountain and water tourism, relax in comfortable hotels and enjoy the views of nature in nature reserves. Many natural, cultural and historical attractions make the island of Tasmania very popular.

History of the island

This place was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch traveler A. Tasman. He initially considered the island to be part of the Australian mainland and named it Van Diemen's Land. But it was only in the 19th century, when Europeans began to settle on the island, that it was named after the discoverer. At that time, about 10 thousand local residents lived in this place, which was more than in all of Australia. But wars, persecution of the Aborigines and diseases almost exterminated them, and some ethnic groups completely disappeared from the face of the Earth. And by the end of the 19th century, only three hundred local residents remained. And the island began to be populated by Europeans. The first colonists were supposed to develop industry and agriculture on the island. At first it was prisoners, guards and military personnel.

Tasmania Island: Australia

Detailed information about the geographical location of the island is available in all reference books and encyclopedias. This very famous place, popular all over the world, is one of the Australian states. The island is known as the "green state". Residents of the mainland love this place and appreciate its unique natural resources, affectionately calling it “the island of inspiration”, “holiday island” or Tassie. But holidays in Tasmania are popular not only among Australians. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the picturesque nature and get acquainted with unique attractions.

The island of Tasmania is located 250 kilometers south of the mainland. It is separated from Australia by the Bass Strait, which at its narrowest is at least 210 kilometers long. The area of the island is about 70 thousand square kilometers. Almost 500 thousand people live here. The island is connected to the mainland by a regular ferry and rail line that runs from Melbourne to Davenport, as well as by air.

Description of the island of Tasmania

About 40% of the island's surface is protected by the World Heritage Committee. Despite the presence of large cities and a small territory, the nature of the island is preserved and valued, which is why there are many nature reserves and national parks. Tourism activity is very developed on the island and is one of the main directions of its economy. In addition, agriculture, the production of merino wool, as well as the mining of iron, copper and tin are developed here. Now the island of Tasmania is thriving. You can only get here by ferry or plane from major Australian cities.

Most tourists strive to get to the island of Tasmania because of its unique nature. Information on national parks and reserves is contained in the World Heritage Committee. The island has two nature reserves, 4 large national parks and two conservation areas. It is no coincidence that Tasmania is considered the standard of natural nature and the “lungs of the planet”.

Nature of the island

Tasmania has become popular among tourists largely due to its unique picturesque nature. The island is almost completely covered with evergreen forests, which have no analogues. There are many relict species here, long extinct in other places. About 10 thousand years ago, the island of Tasmania separated from the mainland, and therefore retained its unique nature. Huge rain forests, relict trees not found anywhere else in the world, beautiful waterfalls and clean fresh air - all this attracts guests from different countries.

The description of the nature of the island of Tasmania is very interesting. Large areas are covered with tropical forests, and there are huge heather deserts. Many trees reach a height of about 100 meters and are more than 2000 years old. The following rare plants are found here:

southern beech;
anthrotaxis;
evergreen eucalyptus;
euphoria tirucalli;
many species of myrtaceae;
efcrifia;
Dicksonia Antarctica

The water resources of the island of Tasmania are also unique. Many lakes with crystal clear water, numerous streams and beautiful rivers. Many rushing waterfalls attract tourists with their beauty. The coastline of the island is intricately indented, forming bays and coves. The east coast is especially famous for its beaches.

Animal world

The island of Tasmania is famous for its many endemic species not found anywhere else. The animals are also protected and interesting to meet. What species are common on the island?

The Tasmanian devil lives in wild forests. This small predator with very sharp teeth is protected and protected from extinction. In contrast, the unique Tasmanian wolf disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Orange-bellied Parrot is rare, even in Australia.
Dingo wild dogs are common here.
There are many marsupials that live only in this region: kangaroo, bettong, red wallaby.
The slender-billed petrel, flying almost entirely across the Pacific Ocean, returns annually to nest in Tasmania.
The little penguin is also unique. It is no larger than a cat and has a short beak.

Climate

One of the hottest places with unfavorable climatic conditions for recreation is Australia. The island of Tasmania has a milder temperate climate. Although storms often occur here on the coast due to the meeting of cold air masses from the south and hot air from the north. But the climate here is more temperate than the rest of Australia. There are even clearly defined four seasons. In summer, which lasts from December to March, it is warm, not at all hot, with an average temperature of 21 degrees. The coldest winter month is July. But thanks to the proximity of the ocean, the temperature here never drops below 4 degrees.

Tourists often wonder when there is a lot of rainfall on the island of Tasmania. In fact, compared to the rest of Australia, there is little rainfall. Thunderstorms are possible in early summer, and rain in winter and spring. Snow is found only in the mountains, very rarely in lowland areas.

Cities and population of the island

About 500 thousand people now live in Tasmania. This suggests that there are no large cities here. The capital Hobart is inhabited by about half of the total population. But the island of Tasmania still greets tourists with modern cities. The population has spoken English since the days of colonization, so guests from all over the world feel comfortable here. Tourists are offered to visit the main settlements of the island.

Ways to get around the island

You can get to Tasmania by ferry from Melbourne, the journey time is from 9 to 11 hours. Or by plane, which is faster - you can fly there in an hour. Travel on the island is carried out mainly by car or comfortable buses. But a seat on the bus must be booked in advance. There are also well-developed air connections between the largest cities. If you are traveling on your own, please note that traffic in Tasmania is on the left, and the speed limit is 100 km/h, as the roads wind heavily. Cycling is very popular among local residents. On the west coast, a railway line remains between the towns of Streham and Queenstown. But it is now used more for tourism purposes.

Holidays on the island of Tasmania

The best time to vacation here is from November to April. At this time, the island is warm and you can visit most attractions without problems. But this place is not for those who like to fry on the beach. Even in the warmest months, the temperature here does not rise above 24 degrees. But still, the island of Tasmania attracts tourists. It is especially popular among lovers of a relaxing holiday or extreme mountain and water tourism.

There are comfortable hotels and resort areas on the island where you can have a good rest. In addition to comfortable hotels, vacationers can enjoy cycling, surfing, diving, boating and horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing and many other entertainments.

Natural attractions of the island

The unique nature of Tasmania is what attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. The most popular and interesting excursion is by ferry around the island. What other attractions can you visit here?

Cultural and historical sights

There are many places on the island that are interesting to see. Even ordinary cities retain the unique atmosphere of the last century combined with modernity. There are many painting and decorative arts galleries on the island, where you can purchase unique handicrafts. There are also cultural and historical attractions here. Residents remember and carefully protect the history of the island.

The most famous and frequently visited attraction is the prison in Port Arthur. This is a kind of prison town that existed until the end of the 19th century.
The coal mines and Cascades Women's Factory are also worth a visit.
The unique Tiagarra Museum, located in Davenport, tells the history and culture of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, now almost extinct.

Shops and restaurants on the island

Tasmania was formerly an English colony. Therefore, mainly English cuisine predominated. Now here you can try dishes from all over the world. Local delicacies include seafood: lobster, salmon, the unique Tasmanian bighead fish, as well as a variety of shellfish. The town of Hobard is home to the Cadberry Chocolate Factory, and on Spicy King there are popular cheese factories. The island of Tasmania is also famous for its local beer and soft, fragrant wine. And you can taste the aromatic honey produced from the pollen of the rare Eucrythia lucidum shrub only here.

You can find many unique antiques in the shops on the island. The largest antiques market is located in Hobart. Here you can find furniture made from exotic woods, antique silver and interior items, books, and unique dishes. Tourists are also advised to purchase items made from locally produced merino wool, which are famous all over the world. And unique handmade products can be bought at the Salamanca Market in Hobart.

What makes the island unique?

Many people have heard of the Tasmanian devil, but not everyone knows where the island of Tasmania is located. Those who have visited this place call it a real paradise on Earth. Indeed, a warm mild climate, a relaxing holiday, picturesque nature - all this makes Tasmania unique. In such a small area, almost all types of natural landscapes are represented: tropical forests, jungles, savannas, deserts, mountain ranges, valleys, lakes, beaches and fjords. The unique flora and fauna, the preserved atmosphere of 19th century cities - these are the features of Tasmania that attract tourists.

The island of Tasmania forms a separate physical-geographical latitude region of the southern hemisphere. Its area is 67.9 thousand km2. It is separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, 224 km wide.

Most of Tasmania lies in the zone of cyclonic activity in the temperate latitudes of the southern hemisphere. It is characterized by constant western directions, bringing large amounts of precipitation to the western coast and to the western slopes of the plateau. Annual precipitation in some areas exceeds 3500 mm, the average precipitation for the entire island is about 1000 mm. In the east, precipitation is significantly less; in some areas it decreases to 500 mm. Precipitation in winter and summer falls mostly in the form of long drizzles. It forms in the mountains in winter, but in low places snow rarely falls and almost never lingers.

Heavy rainfall feeds a dense river network, especially developed in the west. Deep and fast rivers are full of water all year round. many lakes of origin.

On the island, some animals have been preserved that have long been exterminated on the mainland; in addition, there are some representatives of the Antarctic fauna.

There are many different birds in Tasmania; in the south there are “guests” from penguins.

The island is unevenly populated and quite sparse. Most of the population is concentrated in the east, where potatoes are planted and various fruit trees, mainly apple trees, are grown.

Tasmania is an island off the southern coast of Australia with a temperate climate. The island was discovered by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman and until the mid-19th century it was a place of exile for especially guilty criminals.

The capital of Tasmania, Hobart, was founded in 1803. It was the second settlement in Australia after Sydney. In addition to ancient buildings of the last century, there are several wonderful natural parks, the first legal casino, as well as Port Arthur, which became notorious as the harshest colony in Australia.

Tasmania is famous for its untouched nature and excellent salmon fishing.

Island of Tasmania: photos

Hobart is the capital of the Australian island of Tasmania

Tasmania Island: where is it located?

Tasmania's area is 68,401 km². The island is located in the “roaring forties” latitudes in the path of persistent stormy westerly winds. It is washed by the Indian and Pacific oceans and is separated from Australia by the Bass Strait.

The island is a structural continuation of the Great Dividing Range of Australia. The shores are formed by numerous bays (Macquarie, Storm, Great Oyster, etc.).

Tasmania island on the world map

Tasmania Island: how to get there

Flights to Tasmanian airports (Hobart, Launceston and Devonport) operate from many mainland cities, such as Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne. From the nearest airport to the island in Australia - Melbourne - no more than 1 hour flight. The service is provided by Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Regional Express and Tiger Airways.

The hotel is easily accessible from Tasmanian airports via shuttle buses. Given the short distances in cities, the bus will drop you off right at the hotel door. The fare ranges from 10 USD to 22 USD. To travel back from the hotel to the airport, you must pre-book a seat on the bus by phone and agree on the time of boarding and deployment.

Melbourne and Devonport are also connected by ferry service from the maritime transport company Spirit of Tasmania. Travel time is from 9 to 11 hours, fare is from 120 USD to 180 USD per seat, 170-280 USD per bed in a cabin, depending on the season. Car transportation - 65 USD. Please be aware that rental cars are often subject to travel restrictions between the mainland and the island, check this detail with your rental agency.