Tasmania

Tasmania - our largest island - our natural state!

Tasmania was the last part of the Australian continent to separate from the great southern landmass of Gondwana 45 million years ago.  This, together with 10,000 years of isolation from mainland Australia, has resulted in its environment being significantly different to the rest of the country.
Tasmania’s coastline embraces fjords, large bays, magnificent beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.  On the east coast the granite peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula mark the southern end of the land bridge that once linked Tasmania to mainland Australia.  The loss of this land bridge served to protect Tasmanian wildlife hence the island is the last bastion of several mammals. Tasmanian Devils, Eastern and Spotted-tailed Quolls, Tasmanian Bettongs and a variety of smaller marsupials are frequently seen.
Coastal wildlife includes Fairy Penguins, fur-seals, sea-lions, dolphins, Humpback and Southern Right Whales as well as the occasional visitor from further south – King Penguins and Elephant Seals.
The southwest corner is one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness areas, accessible only on foot or by scenic flight.  Most of this region and the Central Plateau are comprised of buttongrass moorland and peaks rising above beautiful mountain lakes, while the lakes and rivers of the high country are renowned for their trout fishing.
In 1803 the first settlers arrived to establish a penal colony on the island and the ensuing settlement resulted in conflict with the small Tasmanian Aboriginal population.  Much of the original colonial and convict architecture remains today and is amongst the finest of its kind in Australia.  Less obvious, though no less significant, is the evidence of Aboriginal culture in the middens that dot the State’s coastline.
Tasmanians pride themselves on top quality food and wine and the island’s produce is evident in the gourmet cuisine which is an integral part of Tasmanian hospitality.

Access

• Regular flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Launceston and Hobart

Seasons

• October to May are the best months to visit
• July and August can be wet and cold

Travel Tips

• The island is compact – allow 6 to 8 days
• Self-drive touring is an easy option as distances are relatively small
• In your meanderings stop at an oyster farm to buy fresh shucked treats
• With over 3000kms of walking trails there are several options for 3 to 5 night guided walks through pristine wilderness areas
• Spend a day or two in the bush with a local wildlife guide
• Stay at a private fishing lodge on the Central Plateau where Australia's best trout lakes are right on your doorstep
• Visit a tiny central village for a cooking class with a leading Australian food expert
• Flinders Island provides some spectacular coastal and wildlife experiences and a remote island community
• A seaplane flight up the Gordon River lands you in the midst of the temperate rainforest in Tasmania's greatest wilderness region
• Have dinner with quolls and devils - Tasmania's marsupial carnivores
• Scuba dive in a giant kelp forest where tiny sea-horses and sea-dragons swim