Tasmania
Table of Contents: Culture and History / Travel to Tasmania, visa requirements By Plane By Ferry / Get around By car Buses to Tasmania By train / Tasmania attractions and sightseeing / Regions / Cities / Towns / Popular destinations / Itineraries / City tours / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Tasmania nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Stay safe / Get out More from Australia: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Capital Territory, Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Northern Territory, Outback, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria (state), Western Australia More from Australasia: Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea More from Oceania: Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Midway Islands, New Zealand, Polynesia |
Tasmania [1], once known as the "Apple Isle", is the smallest of Australia's states and is located off the south eastern tip of the mainland.
Culture and History
In spite of its small size, the island has enough attractions that you could spend a month there and still not see everything. Tasmania promotes itself as the "Natural State" and the "Island of Rejuvenation" owing to its large, and relatively unspoiled natural environment. 36% of Tasmania is formally in reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites. Tasmania was settled by the British as a penal colony and convicts were first transported to what was then called Van Diemen's Land, in 1804. Penal settlements were established at Sullivan's Cove (Hobart), Maria Island, Sarah Island, and Port Arthur. The ruins of the convict gaols can still be seen in these places, particularly at Port Arthur which has been carefully preserved and has many convict related activities for tourists. Tasmania is famous for its fine merino wool which is eagerly bought by Japanese companies to manufacture high quality men's suits. It is also known world-wide for the Tasmanian Tiger, a now extinct striped marsupial dog-like animal, and the Tasmanian Devil, a small, black and white marsupial whose sharp teeth and frightening growls, belie the fact that it is nocturnal and relatively shy of humans. They are currently under threat of extinction due to a widespread facial tumour and the state government is endeavouring to detect the cause and preserve disease-free colonies.
On the whole, expect a good mix of nice natural scenery, fresh food and wines, and historic heritage.
Travel to Tasmania, visa requirements
By Plane
Tasmania is served by several national or regional airlines, flying into Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and minutes.
By Ferry
Tasmania is served by several boats from mainland Australia, departing from Melbourne. These boats arrive at Devonport.
- Spirit of Tasmania Ferries [2]
The ferries are massive, take many passengers on each trip and many, many vehicles. Reserve a stateroom for this overnight (and sometimes rocky but well appointed trip) well in advance and ensure that you understand and heed the import regulations (bringing in food, seeds, animals, etc.). The trip is very comfortable, although food and activity on board is only adequate. After all, it is transport. Note that the price of this ferry skyrockets at Christmas time (especially for those taking a car), when mainlanders return to visit families and summer vacationers begin to visit.
Get around
By car
Getting around by car in Tasmania is by far the most convenient way and is recommended. Cars can be brought into Tasmania from the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania (see above), or hired upon arrival. Look out for good package deals including car rental and accommodation. It is easy to think that such a small island can be seen in just a few days, but roads are relatively narrow and can be mountainous. Visitors often find that a couple of days is not long enough to see the main sights.
Buses to Tasmania
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.
By train
For economic reasons, there are no passenger rail services in Tasmania.
Tasmania attractions and sightseeing
Regions
- Bass Strait Islands
- Hobart
- Southeast Tasmania
- Huon Valley & D'entrecasteaux Channel
- Derwent Valley And Central Highlands
- Launceston And The Tamar Valley
- Midlands
- The East Coast
- The North East
- Devonport & Cradle Valley
- The North West Coast
- The West Coast And Wilderness
Cities
- Hobart - the state capital
- Burnie
- Devonport
- Launceston
Towns
- Deloraine
- Latrobe
- Queenstown
- Richmond
- Ross
- Scottsdale
- Strahan
- St Helens
- St Marys
- Swansea
- Ulverstone
Popular destinations
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park
- the Freycinet Peninsula and Wineglass Bay
- Gordon River
- the Huon Valley
- King Island
- Maria Island
- Mt Field National Park and Russells Falls
- Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
- Walls of Jerusalem National Park
Itineraries
City tours
- Trout Fishing, [3]. Trout Guides and Lodges Tasmania Incorporated (TGALT) is the industry body, that was voluntarily formed in 1981, initially called the, Tasmanian Professional Trout Fishing Guides Association. Its primary purpose was to provide anglers with a source of guides that they could be assured, would provide a safe, appropriate and professional service. During 1995 the Association was expanded to specifically include trout fishing lodges as full members.
- The Overland Track, [4]. The iconic bushwalk from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair - bookings essential during the main walking season (November to April).
- the Great Tasmanian Bike Ride, [5] - held in early February.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
Tasmania nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Due to the large spring water industry in Tasmania, it is legal for bars not to offer free water. The reason provided by such places is that it is the most hygienic option. Bottles of spring water can be purchased from $2.00 and above in all places where alcohol is provided, but it is recommended to bring your own water bottle if you plan a night out drinking.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
- Tullah Lakeside Chalet, Farrell Street, Tullah 7321, Tasmania Australia., ☎ +03 6473 4121 (fax: +03 6473 4130), [6]. A warm and inviting hotel in Tullah, Tasmania, located between majestic Cradle Mountain and scenic Strahan on the western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Set on the shores of pristine Lake Rosebery and at the foot of Mount Murchison, Tullah Lakeside Chalet will thrill and delight you as you enjoy the spectacular sights of nature at its most breathtaking. Best rates on official website start at AU$136.
Stay safe
Observe speed limits. The rules are simple. 50km/h on all Tasmanian streets, and 100km/h on highways and freeways unless otherwise signposted. Be aware that there are many stray wild animals in Tasmania, and be prepared to see a lot of roadkills (way more than on the mainland). Be especially careful at dusk and dawn, drive only if you really need to. Although wallabies and wombats are not large, they can make a mess of your vehicle, not mentionning that you could get hurt if you try to avoid a mesmerized animal. When driving on highways and freeways, do be careful of large trucks. Speeding large trucks are common and dangerous, and move towards the side and slow down, letting them pass. That is the safest thing to do. Always slow down at school crossings when in operation or you may be surprised by a waiting police car and receive a fine.
Get out
More from Australia: Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australian Capital Territory, Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, New South Wales, Norfolk Island, Northern Territory, Outback, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria (state), Western Australia More from Australasia: Australia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea More from Oceania: Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Midway Islands, New Zealand, Polynesia |
China travel tips: Language / pensions culture in Barcelona / cheap youth hostels singapore / hotels and hostels in Trastevere in Rome / Major Morocco tourist attractions / South Africa political attractions / Vancouver visitors guide, culture & youth hostels / Las Vegas hotels, top casinos, tours and shows
