About Tasmania

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Separated from the mainland of Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart. It is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes with a temperate climate, a rich history and with friendly and welcoming people living a relaxed island lifestyle. Numerous crafts, art galleries, museums and wonderful natural products are readily available.

Although Tasmania is a small state, its geographical diversity ensures that it has something for everyone.

Tasmania’s population of 478,000 is mainly concentrated on the North and South East coasts. Around 222,000 people live in the Hobart region, 100,000 in Launceston and 78,000 around Devonport. The South West and West coasts are amazingly wild and virtually untouched.

On this island of surprises, there are unforgettable holiday experiences waiting for you. You may find them in the reflections of a wilderness river, on a deserted sandy beach, in the West Coast rainforest or along a village street lined with convict- built cottages.

You can climb a remote mountain, set foot on ancient soil, sunbake on beautiful beaches, explore caves, cycle though the countryside, kayak along the coast, raft the wild rivers, sail in sheltered waters or experience the Roaring Forties, fish trout in mountain lake, and see wonderful wild animals.

History
The Europeans discovered Tasmania in 1642, when the Dutchman Abel Tasman reached an unknown land. He named it Van Damien’s land after the governor of the East Indies. It wasn’t until the 19^th century when Tasmania was sighted and visited by a series of European explorers including James Cook, Williams Blight, Mathew Flinders, Nicolas Baudin, Bruny D’Entrecasteaux, Huon de Kermadec, and Louis de Freycinet. Many places have retained their original French names.

Tasmania was the second state of Australia colonised by the British. The first penal settlement was established in 1830 in Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. More than 70, 000 prisoners were sent here until over the next 47 years.

Weather
Summer
December to March
You’ll enjoy warm sunny days with sea breezes in the afternoon. The Southern Hemisphere sun can be strong. Temperatures average a pleasant 22ºC.

Autumn
March to June
Summer weather generally extends to autumn. It is a time of wonderful weather for bushwalks or cruises. Days are clear, calm and mild, with cool evenings. Temperatures average 20ºC.

Winter
June to September
Crisp, winter days with perhaps a dusting of snow on the mountain, it’s a season for skiing and for relaxed evenings in front of a log fire, a spa at the Roman Bath or a visit to the arts galleries and museums, or perhaps attending a concert. Temperatures average 13ºC.

Spring
September to December
Nature is blooming. Blossoms and bulbs burst from orchards and cottage gardens. Birds and animals are everywhere. Temperatures average 18ºC.

Places to Stay
Tasmania offers a variety of accommodation from international standard luxury establishments to B&B, guesthouses, retreats, apartments, holiday flats, hostels, and campgrounds. Tasmania specializes in wilderness lodges and mountain retreats.

T ransport
Travel can be arranged by private car, minibus or bus.