Tasmania is Australia's only island state. It has the smallest land area of any state and the smallest population, with roughly 500,000 inhabitants. It is separated from the Australian mainland by a body of water called the Bass Strait that has isolated it for thousands of years.
Tasmania is the smallest of Australia's six states, with an area of 68,401km² (26,410 square miles). It is comparable in size to Ireland or the US state of West Virginia. Tasmania is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, from New Zealand by the Tasman Sea, and otherwise surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is located right in the pathway of the notorious Roaring Forties winds that encircle the globe.
Most of Tasmania's population is concentrated around the south east and north coasts. The Midlands,the area between Hobart and Launcestion is primarily used for agriculture. The Huon Valley and the area between Launceston and Burnie is used for both agriculture and horticulture. The Central Highlands, the West Coast and the South West are all mountainous forested areas, a majority of which are protected inside national parks.
Tasmania is the most mountainous state of Australia, its tallest mountain is Mount Ossa at 1,617m (5,305 ft). Much of Tasmania is still densely forested, with the Southwest National Park and neighbouring areas holding some of the last temperate rain forests in the Southern Hemisphere.
Scientists believe that Tasmania was originally connected to the mainland of Australia and then separated as an island by rising sea levels, and may well have had Aboriginal inhabitants for thousands of years, perhaps even before it became an island. However, the recorded history of Tasmania begins with European discovery: first, by Dutchman Abel Tasman, from whom the island takes its name, in 1642; next, by the French in 1772; and finally, by the British between 1773 and 1799. Upon contact with British colonists, there were nine major Aboriginal tribes on the island, which the natives referred to as Trowunna.
As early as 1798, European whalers and seal hunters began arriving in Tasmania, and this situation motivated the Governor of New South Wales to set up a military outpost on Tasmania's Derwent River to prevent the French from taking control of the island. In 1804, Camp Risdon was founded on the Derwent, and within a few months, Hobart Town, now Hobart, was founded on the opposite river bank. Another colony was soon founded at Sullivan's Cove, which nearly perished from starvation in 1806 but ultimately survived.
Next followed the large penal settlement at Port Arthur, but all of the earliest towns were actually penal settlements to a large degree. In fact, 65,000 convicts, 40% of all those ever sent to Australia, went to Tasmania, and the colony had 1/3 of Australia's colonial population by 1830. At the time, however, it was known as Van Diemen's Land, its name being changed to Tasmania only in 1853 to disassociate it with its convict past.
The atrocities committed against the native Aboriginals during the 1820's and 1830's are collectively known as the Black War. The conflict arose as the British-immigrant population swelled and overtook that of the original natives, putting pressure on land formerly serving as kangaroo hunting grounds to be converted into sheep grazing pastures and farmland.
Another factor that led to conflict was that men outnumbered women four-to-one in Tasmania, and convicts began abducting native women. The Aboriginal men reacted with incessant attacks, which led to reprisals. By 1828, the governor gave permission for Aboriginals to be killed on sight in the settled districts. Soon, the native population dwindled to only 300, and these were mostly deported to Flinders Island, where most died of disease.
At first, Tasmania was a territory within the colony of New South Wales, but in 1825, it became a separate colony. In 1856, it got its own elected parliament and became self-ruling within the British Empire. In 1901, it joined five other colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
After joining Australia, Tasmania continued to grow in population, economically, and as a major tourist destination. Some major events in its more recent history are: the Tasmanian Fires of 1967, the 1975 Tasman Bridge collapse, the 2006 Beaconsfield Mine collapse, and the opening of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in 2011, which soon became Tasmania's top tourist attraction.
Geographically and genetically isolated, Tasmania is known for its unique flora and fauna. Tasmania has extremely diverse vegetation, from the heavily grazed grassland of the dry Midlands to the tall evergreen eucalypt forest, alpine heathlands and large areas of cool temperate rainforests and moorlands in the rest of the state.
Many flora species are unique to Tasmania, and some are related to species in South America and New Zealand through ancestors which grew on the super continent of Gondwana, 50 million years ago.
The island of Tasmania was home to the thylacine, a marsupial which resembled a Fossa (animal) or some say a wild dog. Known colloquially as the Tasmanian tiger for the distinctive striping across its back, it became extinct in mainland Australia much earlier because of competition by the dingo, introduced in prehistoric times.
Owing to persecution by farmers, government-funded bounty hunters and, in the final years, collectors for overseas museums, it appears to have been exterminated in Tasmania. The Tasmanian devil became the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world following the extinction of the thylacine in 1936, and is now found in the wild only in Tasmania.
Tasmania was one of the last regions of Australia to be introduced to domesticated dogs. Dogs were brought from Britain in 1803 for hunting kangaroos and emus. This introduction completely transformed Aboriginal society, as it helped them to successfully compete with European hunters, and was more important than the introduction of guns for the Aboriginals.
Tasmania's population is more homogeneous than that of other states of Australia, with many of British descent. Approximately 65% of its residents are descendants of an estimated 10,000 founding families from the mid-19th century. As of 1996, more than 80% of Tasmanians were born in the state and almost 90% were born in Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, or Ireland. The ethnic homogeneity makes it an attractive location to study population genetics.
Until 2012, Tasmania was the only state in Australia with an above-replacement total fertility rate; Tasmanian women had an average of 2.24 children each.By 2012 the birth rate had slipped to 2.1 children per woman, bringing the state to the replacement threshold, but it continues to have the second-highest birth rate of any state or territory behind the Northern Territory.
Major population centres include Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and Ulverstone. Kingston is often defined as a separate city but is generally regarded as part of the Greater Hobart Area.
To foster tourism, the state government encourages or supports several annual events in and around the island. The best known of these is the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, starting on Boxing Day in Sydney and usually arriving at Constitution Dock in Hobart around three to four days later, during the Taste of Tasmania, an annual food and wine festival.
Other events include the road rally Targa Tasmania which attracts rally drivers from around the world and is staged all over the state, over five days. Rural or regional events include Agfest, a three-day agricultural show held at Carrick (just west of Launceston) in early May and the Royal Hobart Show and Royal Launceston Show, both held in October annually.
Music events held in Tasmania include the Falls Festival at Marion Bay (a Victorian event now held in both Victoria and Tasmania on New Year's Eve), MS Fest is a charity music event held in Launceston, to raise money for those with multiple sclerosis, the Cygnet Folk Festival is one Australia's most iconic folk music festivals and is held every year in January, the Tasmanian Lute Festival is an early music event held in different locations in Tasmania every two years and directed by Susan King.
Recent additions to the state arts events calendar include the 10 Days on the Island arts festival, and MONA FOMA, run by David Walsh and curated by Brian Ritchie.
Tasmania has a cool temperate climate with four distinct seasons.
- Summer December - February. Average maximum temperature is 21°C, average low 12°C.
- Autumn March - May. Very changeable weather.
- Winter June - August. Average maximum temperature is 12°C, average low 5°C. Most high lying areas receiving considerable snowfall.
- Spring September - November. Snowfall is common through to October.
The West Coast and the South West recieve a significantly higher amount of rainfall than anywhere else in the state. The number of rainy days per year in Tasmania is much greater than anywhere else in Australian. The saying four seasons in a day is very true here.
Daylight
- Summer: approximately 15 hours of daylight. (05:30-20:50)
- Winter: approximately 9 hours of daylight. (07:40-16:40)
Tasmania has produced an abundance of well-received literary works, far out of proportion to its size, and those interested in visiting the island, moving there or just learning about its people and culture will do well to explore some famous Tasmanian literature.
Tasmania's main industries are mining including copper, zinc, tin, and iron, forestry, agriculture, fresh produce,fruit, vegetables, dairy, seafood, beer and wine, and tourism.
National Public Holidays
- 1 January: New Years' Day
- 26 January: Australia Day, marking the anniversary of the First Fleet's landing in Sydney Cove in 1788.
- Easter weekend "Good Friday", "Easter Saturday", "Easter Sunday" and "Easter Monday" a four day long weekend in March or April set according to the Western Christian dates.
- 25 April: ANZAC Day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), honouring military veterans
- Second Monday in June: Queen's birthday holiday.
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Boxing Day
Tasmania is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 18 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST). Daylight Saving is observed from the first Sunday of October to the first Sunday of April the following year.
AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time UTC+10
AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time UTC+11
Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial found only in Tasmania. The size of a small dog, it is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. It is characterised by its stocky and muscular build, black fur, extremely loud and disturbing screech, and ferocity when feeding. Despite its appearance, the devil is capable of surprising speed and endurance, and can climb trees and swim across rivers.
Since 1996 devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) has drastically reduced the devil population and now threatens the survival of the species, which in 2008 was declared to be endangered. The disease is a transmissible cancer, which means that it is contagious and passed from one animal to another. Individual devils die within months of infection. Programs are currently being undertaken by the Tasmanian Government to reduce the impact of the disease, including an initiative to build up a colonies of healthy devils in captivity, isolated from the disease. As of 2008 there is an estimated 10,000–15,000 remaining in the wild.
Tasmania regions
- Southern Tasmania (Hobart, Bruny Island, Cygnet, Dover, Huonville, Kingston, New Norfolk, Port Arthur, Richmond)
The most populous region of Tasmania. Hobart is Tasmania's capital and largest city. Hobart is also the second oldest city in Australia.
- Northern Tasmania (Launceston, Ben Lomond, Bridport, George Town)
This area encompasses the city of Launceston and the Tamar Valley, the mountainous region of Ben Lomond, the Midlands, and the North East.
- North West Coast (Smithton, Stanley, Wynyard, Somerset, Burnie, Penguin, Ulverstone, Devonport, Waratah, Cradle Mountain, Mole Creek, Sheffield, Latrobe)
Small coastal townships and cities following the coast. And some very scenic inland areas.
- East Coast (St Helens, Bicheno, Scamander, Swansea, Freycinet Peninsula, Maria Island)
Stunning beaches including the Bay Of Fires and Wine Glass Bay, voted some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- West Coast (Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan, Rosebery, Tullah)
The West Coast has long been the center of mining in Tasmania. This region has the smallest population of any region in Tasmania.
- South West (Maydena, Strathgordan, Melaleuca)
This whole region is protected inside the Southwest National Park.
- Bass Strait Islands (King Island, Flinders Island)
The two secluded but very scenic islands in the Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
Cities & Townships
Bicheno - beach town on the east coast
Burnie - the fourth largest city in Tasmania
Devonport - home to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, third largest city
Hobart - the state capital
Launceston - the second largest city
Queenstown - historic mining town on the west coast
Richmond - home to many old buildings dating back to the 19th century as well as the oldest bridge in use in Australia
Ross - another of Tasmania's historic towns with many of the oldest buildings in Tasmania as well as one of the oldest bridges.
Scottsdale
Strahan
St Helens
Swansea
Wynyard
Other destinations
- Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
- The Huon Valley
- Bruny Island
- The Nut at Stanley
Tasmania has some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery not just in Australia but also the world. Over 45 percent of Tasmania is protected in national parks so you can't make a visit here without checking at least a couple of national parks out. There's a park for every season and for every person.
Discover spectacular landscapes from highlands carved by glaciers, to quiet solitary beaches, from cool and silent rainforests, to colourful alpine wilderness wildflowers. Tasmania's 19 national parks encompass a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems which offer refuge to unique, and often ancient, plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.
- Ben Lomond National Park
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Douglas-Apsley National Park
- Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
- Freycinet National Park
- Hartz Mountains National Park
- Kent Group National Park
- Maria Island National Park
- Mole Creek Karst National Park
- Mt Field National Park
- Mt William National Park
- Narawntapu National Park
- Rocky Cape National Park
- Savage River National Park
- South Bruny National Park
- South West National Park
- Strzelecki National Park
- Tasman National Park
- Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Tasmania's main air carriers are Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia; Qantas, QantasLink and Regional Express Airlines have services from Tasmania. These airlines fly direct routes to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney.
Major airports include Hobart International Airport and Launceston Airport; the smaller airports, Burnie (Wynyard) and King Island, serviced by Regional Express; and Devonport, serviced by QantasLink; have services to Melbourne. Intra-Tasmanian air services are offered by Airlines of Tasmania. Until 2001 Ansett Australia operated majorly out of Tasmania to 12 destinations nationwide.
Flights to Hobart from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
Flights to Launceston from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Flights to Burnie and Devonport from Melbourne.
Flights to King Island and Flinders Island from Melbourne.
Tasmania is served by two Spirit of Tasmania Ferries from mainland Australia. They depart daily from Station Pier in Port Melbourne,a bayside suburb of Melbourne and arrive at Devonport taking the full night or the full day during peak summer periods for the crossing.
The crossing can be a little rocky at times, but provides beautiful views. You have the option of booking one of a range of a cabins or a reclining chair for the journey. The large ferries take vehicles, bikes, foot passengers and pets.
Crossings are also part of Cruise ship itineraries.
Rental car companies usually have restrictions on taking vehicles into or out of Tasmania on the ferry. If you have hired a car on the mainland and need a car to hire in Tasmania, it's best to drop the car off in Melbourne CBD,there is no hire car dropoff at Station Pier, then take the 109 tram out to Station Pier,the terminus is across the road from the ferry terminal; car hire is available at the Devonport terminal.
Getting around Tasmania by car is by far the most convenient way to see what the state has to offer. Cars can be brought into Tasmania from the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, or hired upon arrival by the major operators such as Redspot, Hertz and Avis.
With the exception of Highway 1 between Devonport, Launceston and Hobart, travel times by car will be much longer than you think. The state limit is 110km/h, though achieving that speed on some of the coastal or inland highways is not often possible, and the speed limit of some of those roads may only be up to 90km/h anyway. Many major roads wind their way through mountain passes and along coastlines, with few overtaking lanes, and some major sections of more remote road may be in need of minor repair.
Seek local advice if timing is critical, or just allow more time. What appears the most direct road can add hours to your journey time. Again, seek local advice on the quickest route if timing is critical. Also be aware that on some of the winding roads, or on B roads, some locals who are used to driving those roads may try to overtake on inappropriate stretches of road or start to tailgate you if you aren't travelling at the speed limit.
Tasmania uses an alphanumeric system for road references, and all roads are generally well marked with references and destinations. Attractions are generally well signposted from the nearest main road. As a result, it is quite possible to navigate most of Tasmania using only a rudimentary map. Exploring the forests can often lead to a maze of forest roads. A GPS can come in handy for finding your way out, but beware GPS maps are not always up to date and following them blindly can add unnecessary time to travel.
Some indicative travel times, not including any rest periods:
- Hobart to Launceston: 2h20m (199km)
- Hobart to Devonport: 3h30m (279km)
- Hobart to Cockle Creek: 2h10m (117km)
- Hobart to Stanley: 4h30m (402km)
- Hobart to Queenstown: 3h40m (259km)
If you have plenty of time in Tasmania, buses can be an option, but you would be advised to study timetable carefully and to do an extra bit of planning, as services can be infrequent.
Two major companies which provide services around the state are:
- Redline Tasmania
- Tassielink
The main population centres are serviced by local bus networks provided by:
Metro Tasmania provides intra-city bus services for Burnie, Hobart and Launceston.
Merseylink provides services to Devonport and Latrobe.
There are no public passenger trains in Tasmania, the rail network is solely for for freight and industry.
The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a tourist train which runs between Strahan and Queenstown on the West Coast. The trip takes about 3 hours with lunch included.
- Par Avion offer scenic flights across the state and services into Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park.
- Airlines of Tasmania offer flights between Launceston and Cape Barren Island.
- Sharp Airlines offer flights to Flinders Island from Launceston and flights to King Island from Launceston and Burnie.
Bicycle touring is a popular way to see Tasmania.
Anyone who spends a little time in the Tasmanian bush country is likely to see such animals as the following: Kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons or small marsupials, ringtail and brushtail possums and wombats which are short-legged, stubby-tailed marsupials.
Though the odds of a sighting are less than with the animals listed above, you might also catch sight of any of the following: A duck-billed platypus, a spiny anteater, a Tasmanian Devil, a bandicoot or potoroo small, jumping marsupials or a carnivorous marsupial called a quoll.
If you spend any time in the bush you are very likely to see:
- Kangaroos, Wallabies, and Pademelons are everywhere throughout Tasmania.
- Wombats can be found in many national parks. Be quiet while walking to increase your chances.
- Ringtail and Bushtail Possums only come out at night. If you stay the night in a national park you will be sure to encounter one.
Less common wildlife include:
- Echidnas are rarely seen in the bush. They're more easily spotted when crossing roads.
- Bandicoots and Potoroos are at the small end of the jumping marsupial scale.
- Platypus are very elusive. If you are persistent and very quiet and still you may find one rummaging the bottom of a creek.
- Eastern and Spotted-tail Quolls very rarely seen.
- Tasmanian Devils are rarely seen in the wild. They can sometimes be spotted along roadsides eating roadkill at night.
Most popular landmarks of Tasmania:
- Bay of Fires: The blue waters, red rocks, and white-sand beaches along the Bay of Fires has made it a popular retreat area for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, surfing and bird watching. Even just walking along its scenic coast is a major tourist draw.
Cataract Gorge: "The Gorge" is a mere two-minute drive, or 15-minute walk, from downtown Launceston. You can follow a foot path down the cliff-side and into this unique, natural formation to enjoy its beauty. You will also find restaurants, swimming pools and a beach.
Hastings Caves: This site has a number of caves you can explore, including the biggest dolemite tourist cave in all Australia — Newdegate Cave. You will see flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites, columnar formations and unusual helictites, which have tiny filaments of calcite growing in every direction. You can also relax in an on-site thermal pool.
- Cradle Mountain
- Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay
- Gordon River
- Mole Creek Karst
Australia's only national park featuring caves. Among many features are the King Solomon and Marakoopa Caves, both of which can be viewed with Tasmania Park Service guides leading you. Both caves are distinctly different and a separate entry ticket is required for each. Tour times are staggered throughout the day.
- Port Arthur is the best preserved convict site in Australia. Many years ago, this site was a key role in the colonial system of convict discipline. During your experience, you will have the chance to take guided tours of the Commandant's House, Parsonage, Trentham Cottage, Junior Medical Officer's quarters, historic buildings and ruins of the Penitentiary, Barracks, Guard Tower and military precinct, Hospital, Paupers' Depot and Asylum. Port Arthur is surrounded by beautiful bushland and trails available to explore the land around you.
- Salamanca Place in Sullivans Cove, is Hobart's favourite hang out. Salamanca is lined with a long row of sandstone buildings built in the 1830s. You can wander under the heavy stone arches to find craft and design shops, jewellers, coffee shops, restaurants, bookshops, fashion boutiques, and the Salamanca Arts Centre and artists’ galleries. Every Saturday there’s the Salamanca Market, where you can buy anything from a handmade wooden toy or a hand-spun, hand-knitted sweater to fresh fruit and vegetables or a 50-year-old china plate.
- The Nut is located at the historic village of Stanley, in far north-west Tasmania. The Nut, a sheer-sided bluff is all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. A walking track climbs to the summit of The Nut, or you can take the chairlift, with spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and over the town. There is accommodation and an excellent campground in Stanley, and the town is a good base for exploring the forests and coastlines further west.
- Tahune Forest Airwalk
- Mt Wellington
Most popular parks in Tasmania are:
- Mole Creek Karst: A national park in Tasmania, at Mole Creek Karst you will find two tour-able caves: King Solomon and Marakoopa Caves.
- Port Arthur: In the midst of beautiful bushland traversed with foot trails, you will find the best-preserved convict site in all Australia. You can take a guided tour of the Commandant's House, Parsonage, Penitentiary, Barracks, Guard Tower, Hospital and Paupers' Depot and Asylum.
- The Nut: "The Nut" is a sheer-sided bluff, near the village of Stanley, that is the only remains of an ancient volcano. You can climb walking trails to the summit or get there the easy way — using the chairlift. At the top, you can look out over Bass Strait, its sandy beaches and the town of Stanley.
Some of the most popular man-made attractions include:
- Salamanca Market: This is a street market in Hobart held every Saturday at Salamanca Place. It is overflowing with arts, crafts, fresh produce, and thousands of tourists.
- Museum of Old and New Art: This is the top Hobart tourist attraction and has a huge inventory, but be aware it has many controversial exhibits.
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens: This immensely large garden has been in Hobart since 1818.
Tourists are as diverse in their interests as Tasmania is in its offerings. The rugged terrain lends itself to a wide array of outdoor adventure activities, such as the following:
Bushwalking, also known as trekking, is very popular. Two of the most famous bushwalks are the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain to Lake St. Clair and The South Coast Track from Melaleuca to Cockle Creek, a six-day walk.
Bike touring is one of the most scenic ways to familiarize yourself with the Tasmanian landscape. Also consider mountain biking; there's plenty of rough terrain on the island to facilitate it.
Four-wheeling off-road in an all-terrain vehicle is common in this rugged Australian state. Partly this is simply for the pleasure of the ride and the up-close look at the scenery, but there are also many places you simply have a hard time accessing, especially in the woodlands, unless you have an ATV.
- Trout fishing can be facilitated by local professional guides who specialize in finding you the best trout spots, with due regard for seasonal and weather factors. However, there is more to fish for in Tasmania than just trout, and deep sea fishing is very popular offshore.
- Scuba diving finds one of its most ideal temperate diving environments in the world in Tasmania. There are gigantic kelp forests, numerous shipwrecks, reefs, unique marine life (both plants and animals) and dive sites dotting the whole coast — some of the best are in the Bay of Fires, near the Tasman Peninsula, and by Flinders Island. And you can also, of course, swim, dive and surf at the same beaches where much of the scuba diving goes on.
- Kayaking is an adventurous way to explore the Tasman coastline, entering tiny coves as you ply along the rugged shore, and you'll find many kayak guides in both Hobart and elsewhere. You can also rent jet boats, cruise the coast in a sailboat or yacht or arrange for whitewater rafting in the inland region.
- Hang gliding and zip-lining are two great ways to fly over the canopy of Tasmania's thick forests and see them in a way you never otherwise would. There are tours of this sort that last as long as three hours and are headed up by highly-trained professionals. Another way to get a "bird's eye view" of the landscape is to go on scenic airplane or helicopter flights.
- Other activities you may also wish to take part in include: spelunking in Tasmania's cavernous caves, rock climbing, skiing the high inland slopes in the winter (same months as summer above the Equator), camping in its pristine woodlands and horseback riding.
Adventure Activities
- Abseiling
- All Terrain Vehicles
- Bicyle Touring
- Caves and Caving
- Diving
- Jet Boats
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Skiing
- Sky Diving
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Whitewater Rafting
- Outdoor Activities
- Bushwalking/trekking
- Camping
- Coastal and River Cruising
- Fishing
- Golf
- Horse Riding
- Scenic Flights
- Sailing and Yachting
- Wildlife Watching
- Adventure Tasmania has a growing list of tour operators for Adventure and Outdoor activities.
Visitors to Tasmania are greeted with a wide variety of shopping opportunities, including an abundance of outdoor markets and quaint little antique shops. There are also many art galleries with for-sale items and small boutique shops with unique stock. You can find shopping malls and standard Australian stores selling trinkets like boomerangs and koala Teddy bears, but this will concentrate on some of the more distinct places to shop in Tasmania:
In Hobart, you should check out two main areas: the Central Business District and the small side-streets and lanes where some of the more unusual shops tend to be hidden away. Some of the best places to shop in Hobart include the following:
For high-fashion clothing, try the suburb of Sandy Bay just south of the CBD or any of the major shopping malls lining Murray and Liverpool Streets in Hobart.
Go to Art Mob on Hunter Street if you want a souvenir shop that specializes in Aboriginal handicrafts/artwork.
Try Mason Studio Jewelers or Emily Snadden at Salamanca Arts Centre for handcrafted jewelry with elaborate, original designs, some of them in an Aboriginal style.
The Coin and Stamp Place is the only shop in Hobart specializing in coin and stamp collecting as well as in all things military-related.
Kent & Kent Antiques by Constitution Dock gives you both a wide range of authentic antiques and a great view over the bay.
In the same building as Kent & Kent Antiques, you'll find Astrolabe Booksellers, which has a large stock of Tasmanian, Australian, Antarctic, and maritime-themed books, besides more general fare. Many of the books are out of print and rather rare finds.
Salamanca Market is a must-see stop in Hobart. It is open every Saturday morning and has numerous stalls offering everything from cheeses and jam to hand-knit beanies and other handicrafts to woodwork and glassware.
Saddlers Court Gallery in Richmond, just 16 miles north of Hobart, is an arts and crafts gallery with works on display and for sale by over 100 local Tasmanians. You will find paintings, prints, woodwork, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and more.
In Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, and in other parts of the island's northern half, you will find all of the following and more:
At Design Tasmania Center in Launceston, you can find all manner of handmade wares, but its Tasmanian Wood Design Collection is particularly popular for its woodcrafts carved out of locally grown timber, including products of myrtlewood, blackwood, pine and sassafras.
Penguin Market is the largest outdoor market in north Tasmania, having over 100 stalls that wrap around the Penguin Primary School. The town is set on the scenic northwest coast and offers everything from furniture to collector's coins, to homewares. Local musicians perform at the market on Sundays, and the kids may enjoy face-painting activities or some time in the on-site jumping castle.
In the north Tasmanian town of Latrobe, you may wish to visit Reliquaire for a unique shopping experience. Toys, candles, handbags, puppets, games, cook books, and Venetian masks compete for attention.
Tasmania now has a wide range of restaurants, in part due to the arrival of immigrants and changing cultural patterns. Scattered across Tasmania are many vineyards, and Tasmanian beer brands such as Boags and Cascade are known and sold in Mainland Australia. King Island off the northwestern coast of Tasmania has a reputation for boutique cheeses and dairy products. Tasmanians are also consumers of seafood, such as crayfish, orange roughy, salmon and oysters, both farmed and wild.
One of the most fun parts of experiencing a new place as a visitor is partaking in the local food culture and Tasmania has plenty to offer in this regard:
Fruits and vegetables and all manner of organic foods are abundantly available. One of the island's nicknames is, in fact, "Apple Isle." You will find markets with fresh produce and restaurants that convert it into farm-fresh dishes.
Chips and gravy, (french fries with rich gravy poured over them) is an extremely popular seller, and you can find them at a local "milk bar" (small cafe).
More Wild abalone — a shellfish that flourishes along the storm-tossed, Tasmanian coastline — comes from Tasmania than anywhere else on the planet. Also look for scallops, oysters, mussels and crayfish.
The Atlantic Salmon that is farmed in Tasman waters is much-sought by top chefs for its flavor and texture, even if it's quite a long way from the Atlantic.
Leatherwood honey, produced by beekeepers working in the forested valleys of western Tasmania, has a unique flavor, a deep-yellow coloration, and is unusually thick and creamy.
Cheeses produced in Tasmania are famous throughout Australia, mainly due to the efforts of King Island Dairy. You can try hard, soft, cheddar and blue cheeses, or even cheese from goat's or sheep's milk.
Black truffles were discovered in Tasmania in 1999, and since then, the industry has attracted the attention of European chefs who prize them for the fact that they grow during Europe's truffle off-season. The size ranges from a finger's width to a hand's breadth.
Beef grown in Tasmania is free from the antibiotics and hormones used in most other regions, and the cattle are all grass-fed. In the northwest corner of the island, you can find Wagyu beef grown for export to Japan and for tourists. Other meats to look for include: venison, quail and wallaby,a small kangaroo-like marsupial.
Ball and Chain Grill in Salamanca Place. Here, you will find fresh Tasmanian beef, poultry, seafood and more, all grilled over charcoals.
Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant, also in Salamanca Place, brings together virtually all of Tasmanian seafood under one roof. The Bruny Island oysters and Spring Bay mussels are especially well-known here.
Authentic Asian Gourmet on the Pier, looking over Hobart's Sullivan Cove, is just that — an authentic taste of Asia on a pier a bit far from it.
Amigo's, in North Hobart on the famous restaurant strip known as Elizabeth Street, has been serving up high-quality Mexican food along with local Tasman dishes for three decades.
Annapurna Indian Cuisine is also on Elizabeth Street, but a second location is found in Salamanca Place. Those unaccustomed to Indian food might think Tasmania an unusual place to first taste it, but Asian immigrants to Australia have brought their culinary skills along with them.
Travelers to Tasmania who are interested in sampling some unique, locally produced beers, whiskies, fruit ciders and fine wines will find plenty to choose from. In fact, the island has quite a long history of brewing/distilling, and many of the traditional techniques are still employed.
Boags beer of Launceston and Cascade beer of Hobart are by far the two major beers produced in-state, and you can tour both Cascade Brewery and J. Boag & Sons Brewery for an up-close look at the manufacturing process and some samples. Boag beer is traditionally the favorite of north-islanders, while Cascade fills that role to the south, but that distinction is now fading as islanders re-locate more frequently and bring their beer preferences with them.
Smaller, boutique, breweries are also found scattered all over the state, including: Seven Sheds in Railton, Van Dieman Brewing in Evandale, Iron House Brewery in White Sands, Moo Brew in Hobart and Morrison Brewery in Launceston.
You can also tour the Tasmanian whiskey-making industry with such groups as Tasmanian Whiskey Tours or Whiskey Trail, and you will learn much about the people, stories and methods involved from an expert tour guide.
Three major whiskey distilleries in Tasmania are:
Overeem Distillery, a family-owned business that makes Overeem Single-Malt Whiskey.
Sullivan's Cove Whiskey, a luxury brand done in small batches only, by traditional methods only, and using Tasmanian ingredients only.
Lark Distillery in Hobart, another single-malt whiskey producer, which offers a grand selection of whiskies in both old casks and new and with a unique character that makes them proudly Tasmanian.
Due to Tasmania's location further south than the Australian mainland and to its cooler climate, the wines produced on the island are distinct in flavor from those made further north. The main wines produced are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
There are many tour groups that will take you, step by step, through the various Tasmanian wine-producing regions, though you could also opt to simply drive through the vineyards and visit the wineries on your own. Some of the main grape-growing areas on the island are: the Tamar River Valley just north of Launceston, the Southern Wine Route, which includes the Derwent, Coal and Huon River Valleys not far from Hobart, and the more far-flung wine routes of the northwest corner and along the eastern coast.
Tasmanian travelers will find a wide array of accommodations where they can rest and recover from the day's activities. The options are very extensive indeed, but here are a few exemplary choices within four major categories:
Camping and Caravanning
Tasmania has one of the least-touched natural environments in all of Australia. For this reason, camping at state parks and nature reserves, staying in upscale but close-to-nature cabin accommodations and "caravanning" at any of the state's over 50 caravan (RV) parks are all popular ways to tour the island.
Some of the best such places to camp or caravan throughout Tasmania include:
- Discovery Holiday and Seven Mile Beach in Hobart
- Launceston Holiday Park in the north
- Crayfish Creek Cabin Park in the northwest
- Hillcrest Tourist Park & Market on the "sunshine (east) coast"
- Strahan Holiday Park on the west coast
Hotels and Motels
Tasmanian hotels/motels cover the full range from budget-conscious to five-star luxury living. Many of them are located in major tourist hot spots, and they frequently include Wi-Fi, swimming pools, game rooms, childcare centers and gymnasiums.
Ten of the most popular hotel chains include: Accor, Best Western, Budget, Grand Chancellor, and Rydges on the more economical side; and on the more upscale side of things, Innkeepers, Pure Tasmania, Stay Tasmania, Tassie B&B Pubs, and TasVillas Group.
Bed and Breakfasts
Tasmania is famous for its numerous, locally owned bed and breakfast establishments. Some are set in-town inside of colonial-style buildings, while others are located on the edge of the wilderness or near popular beach strips. All of them, however, offer first-rate service and a memorable Tasmanian breakfast.
Exemplary B&B establishments are:
Hobart Horizon is located in the beach-side Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay. You stay in a private apartment with access to a fully stocked kitchen, laundry room and private balcony overlooking the Derwent River. The Hobart CBD is only five minutes away.
Red Rooster Host Farm is a B&B in a traditional Tasmanian farm setting and is set in the woodlands not far north of Launceston. You can relax in peace and quiet, view wildlife, stay in a quaint but well supplied country cottage and enjoy a farm-style Tasmanian breakfast.
Resorts and Lodges
Tasmania's many resorts and lodges are often set amid natural beauty, such as on the edge of a state nature park or on a cliff-side overlooking the ocean, and they offer the highest level of luxury accommodations. You can expect a full experience,including things like guided tours, spa treatments and fresh local foods and wines.
Exemplary resorts/lodges are:
The Lodge on Elizabeth in North Hobart, located on the restaurant-rich Elizabeth Street just five minutes from the CBD. Some suites come with personal spas, and all guests get a continental breakfast.
Aspect Tamar Valley Resort Grindelwald just 15 minutes north of Launceston is surrounded by lakes, mountains, and vineyards. It offers guests golf, tennis, saunas, a heated pool, a plush and fully stocked room and near-at-hand fine dining and shopping.
Respect
Tasmanians are generally more laid back and friendly than their mainland counterparts. They are usually very willing to help you out or give advice when asked.
Jokes are occasionally made at the expense of Tasmanians by mainlanders about being inbred or have two heads. This is highly offensive. While this joke may slide in other parts of Australia it will not go down well here.
Vacationing in Tasmania is an experience that many enjoy and remember for a lifetime, but unless your tour of Tasmania is a safe one, you may find yourself remembering it for all the wrong reasons. Even on vacation, safety must still be put first. Here are 10 travel safety tips that tourists to Tasmania should heed:
Carefully adhere to all traffic regulations while touring Tasmania's scenic countryside or exploring the streets of Hobart and other island municipalities. Speed limits are normally 50 km/hr (30 mi/hr) in town and 100 km/hr (60 mi/hr) out of town, but watch closely for posted limits and school zones.
Drive for conditions. Tasmania is the most mountainous state in Australia and has numerous winding, hilly roads that must be maneuvered with care. Be on the lookout for flocks of sheep, horseback riders and tractors as you drive, and be aware that ice can unexpectedly appear on the highway due to notoriously unstable daily weather patterns.
Look for wildlife on the roads from dusk till dawn, and expect to see plenty of roadkill all day long. Wallabies and wombats can mess up your vehicle quite a bit if you hit one, but never swerve around them unless you are sure no other vehicles are in your path.
When at the beach, never swim out of designated swim zones, dive where you are not sure of the water depth or wander too far out where dangerous rip currents can catch you away. Especially if children will be with you, be sure a lifeguard is on duty when/where you will swim.
If you go bushwalking, bring full gear, a map, a compass and plenty of water to drink. Be sure to sign the logbook before/after each walk, and don't rely on there being constant Wi-Fi coverage. Rain and cold can strike suddenly, so bring a rain poncho and some warm clothing even if it is sunny out.
Be wary of three species of venomous snakes that live on the island: copperheads, white-lipped snakes and tiger snakes. The same anti-venom works for all three species, no one has died of a snake bite in Tasmania since 1977 and most snakes will flee at the sound of people approaching, but still be on your guard.
Boil water before consuming it if you need to refill your water supply while hiking or camping. Even though the water is sometimes safe to drink in remote wilderness areas, you don't want to take any chances.
Never go without mosquito repellent when walking in the woods or other rustic areas because Tasmanian mosquitoes carry various harmful diseases, including Ross River Virus.
Beware of Jack Jumpers, which are a Tasmanian ant species capable of jumping onto passersby and delivering fiery, stinging bites. Locally known as "jumping-jack firecrackers," these ants are responsible for one fatality every four years.
Avoid contact with unknown plant species. There are over 1,000 poisonous plants in Australia, and their toxins can cause things like diarrhea, rashes and vomiting.
When driving observe the speed limits. The rules are simple. 50km/h on all Tasmanian streets, and 100km/h on highways and country roads unless otherwise signposted. Many of Tasmania's country roads are narrow and windy, use common sense and drive to the conditions - not the speed limit.
Always slow down at school zones and crossings when in operation or you may be surprised by a waiting police car and receive a fine.
Be especially careful driving between dusk and dawn as this is when the wildlife is most active. Be prepared to see a lot of roadkill. Wallabies and wombats can make a mess of your vehicle if hit. Drivers swerving to avoid wildlife have caused many accidents.
Bushwalking can be a truly breathtaking experience in Tasmania, but be sure to obtain the right gear, local advice and maps. Always sign the logbook at the beginning and end of each walk. Be aware that mobile coverage is limited in wilderness areas. The main dangers of bushwalking are getting lost and/or suffering from hypothermia.
Tasmania's weather is notoriously changeable. Be sure to take a good raincoat and warm clothes with you even on a sunny day because an hour or two later it could be pouring with rain. If undertaking more serious bushwalking a map and compass is a must, as is a good sleeping bag and tent for multi-day walks.
There are three species of snake in Tasmania: copperhead, white-lipped, and tiger. The tiger snake is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, but don't let that deter you. No one has died in Tasmania by snake bite since 1977, almost 40 years ago! All three use the same anti-venom so identification of the snake if bitten is not important. Most snakes will slither away as soon as they hear you coming.
While in wilderness areas the water may be good to drink, but it is still highly recommended that you boil before consumption. If in touristy areas, such as The Overland Track, always boil your water.
Mosquitoes are present all year round. There are mosquitoes-born viruses. Numerous cases of Ross River Virus are on record with the State Health Department .A good repellent is advisable if going into the bush.
Tourism Observer
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