Tasmania is Australia’s island state, lying off the south coast of the rest of the country. Just as the wildlife and heritage of mainland Australia, Tasmania is as different again. The Australians like to refer to Tasmania as the ‘island of inspiration’ and also as the ‘natural state’. An astounding 37% of the area of Tasmania is classed as national parks and nature reserves. There are also several World Heritage sights.
As it is further south than the other Australian states Tasmania has a cooler more pleasant climate. Summer is usually the best time to visit, which in Tasmania is between December and February. The natural world really is the star attraction in Tasmania. Visit the Mt Field National park to see the iconic Russell Falls, it will bee something that you will never forget. The main island of Tasmania is surrounded by many smaller islands. These include Bruny Island, Cape Barren Island, Hogan Island and Macquarie Island. Other interesting islands nearby include the Maatsuyker Islands and the Kent Group. Why not hire a sale boat and explore? Sailing is a big deal in Tasmania with the annual race (held on Boxing day every year), between Sydney and Hobart being a highlight of the recreational seafaring calendar.
The spectacular Russell Falls
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania. Over half of the islands small population of 500000 live there. Visit Hobart and you will see why. a cultural hot-spot, Hobart is also home to home of the very best bars and restaurants anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Seafood,as you might expect, is a particular specialty.
Tasmania is as far away from Western Europe as it is possible to be on the Earth. This is doubtless part of its attraction but in recent years it has become much more accessible. The quickest routes to Europe and America route through the Arabian peninsular, from Hobart airport you can take flights to Abu Dhabi, and from there flights to London, flights to Paris or even New York.
Useful links:
Australian visas and immigration
flights to Australia
Tourism Tasmania
Latest travel advice from the Foreign Office
Tasmania Travel Video Guide, Convicts and Forests | TravelMeister.info
Jul 2nd, 2010[...] Guide to Australia – Tasmania [...]
Michael
May 4th, 2011I recently drove a campervan around Tasmania with my partner. It is an amazingly untouched part of the world and we had a fantastic time.
Saw killer whales in the wild and also Tassie devils too.
You can read about the first few days and see the pics on my blog.