Tasmania

Tasmania, or Tassie in the vernacular, is Australia’s smallest state and the most geographically diverse.

It is located 240 kilometers (150 mi) south of the eastern side of the Autralian continent, from which it is separated by the Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world, and surrounding islands. In fact, although it is about the size of West Virginia or the Republic of Ireland, the landscape can change from rainforest valleys and highland lakes to long white beaches all within a 90-minute drive.

Tasmania is promoted as the natural state and the “island of inspiration” owing to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Almost 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites.

The state capital and largest city is Hobart, which encompasses the local government areas of Hobart, Glenorchy and Clarence. Other major population centers include Launceston, Devonport and Burnie in the north part of the island.

The state is named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island on 24 November 1642. He named the island Anthony van Diemen’s Land after his sponsor the Governor of the Dutch East Indies. The name was later shortened to Van Diemen’s Land by the British. It was officially renamed in honor of its first European discoverer on 1 January 1856.

It is believed that the island was joined to the mainland of Australia until the end of the last glacial period approximately 10,000 years ago. Tasmania was first inhabited by the Tasmanian Aborigines. Evidence indicates their presence in the region, later to become an island, at least 35,000 years ago. Rising sea levels cut Tasmania off from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago.

By the time of European contact, the Aboriginal people in Tasmania had nine major ethnic groups. At the time of British settlement in 1803, the indigenous population was estimated at between 5,000 and 10,000 people. Through the introduction of infectious diseases to which they had no immunity, war and persecution, the population dwindled to about 300 by 1833. Almost all of the indigenous people were relocated to Flinders Island off the northeastern coast where the original population died out.

Outside Hobart

South of Hobart, you can cruise off Bruny Island beneath some of the world’s highest sea cliffs, or drive north to Oatlands to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings. Farther afield through New Norfolk the pretty town of Hamilton or for a taste of the high country, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau.

Port Arthur, approximately 100 kilometers (62.5 miles from Hobart) is a quaint village, which is better known for the well-preserved penal colony buildings at the Port Arthur Historic Site. The settlement began life in 1830 as a timber station. Governor Arthur chose the Tasman Peninsula as an ideal place to put prisoners. In the years that followed, convicts created a small town, which at its peak in the early 1840s, housed over 1,100 inmates.

Surfing, sea kayaking and bushwalking are popular and the coastline is spectacular. A short drive south of Port Arthur will take you to Remarkable Cave, a cave-like opening that leads out to sea. From here you can walk to Crescent Bay, a secluded curve of striking beauty backed by huge sand dunes.

Freycinet and Coles Bay

About a 3-hour drive northeast from Hobart the east coast village of Coles Bay sits beneath pink granite mountains at the entrance to Freycinet National Park.

The East Coast Escape is a spectacular 252 kilometer (157 mile) coastal journey from the marvels of Maria Island, to the Freycinet Coast Bay, and on to the Bay of Fires, north of St Helens. The journey is definitely along one of Australia’s most magnificent coastal stretches.

See pristine, sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views, aged rainforest, fossil-filled cliffs, azure waters, pink granite peaks, and famous national parks. Savor superb food and delicious wine to tempt any gourmet, and experience an island penal settlement of the 19th century.

And it’s a coast of activities – bushwalking, sea kayaking, nature cruises, diving, penguin and dolphin tours, swimming, surfing, golf, horse riding and great ocean and river fishing. Or simply enjoy the wines, the fine foods, the historic displays and buildings, and the wildlife.

Freycinet National Park is a peninsula of pink granite mountains, pure white beaches, coastal dunes and dry eucalypt forests on the Island’s east coast.

Explore the park on foot, following a steep but well designed ascent to the iconic view from Wineglass Bay Lookout. The turquoise water may entice you to follow the trail down to the dazzling white sands of Wineglass Bay. From here, you can head along the Isthmus Track to Hazards Beach (four hours return) or head back the same way (two and a half hours return).

Hop aboard a guided sea kayak tour and discover the secret coves and majestic beaches of Tasmania’s east coast. Peninsula Cruises, 4-wheel-drive tours and mountain-biking options allow you to discover this coastal region however you choose. Stop by Freycinet Marine Farm and enjoy an on-shore tour of the farm or sample fresh oysters straight from the water.

French explorer Nicolas Baudin named the land mass in 1802 after one of two Freycinet brothers, who were officers on his ship. The highest peak in the Hazard Range is Mt. Freycinet at 620 meters (2,034 feet). Magazines worldwide have named Wineglass Bay one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Bird lovers may see a white-bellied sea eagle gliding overhead or large Australasian gannets diving for food. In the forested areas you will often see or hear honeyeater birds and yellow-tailed black cockatoos, which often feed and fly in raucous groups.

Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, just outside the park on the Coles Bay road, is a wetland of international importance.

Wineglass Bay, along with Cradle Mountain, is recognized across the world as one of Tasmania’s iconic destinations. Wineglass Bay is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Hobart (195 kilometers/121 miles) and around two hours’ drive (175 kilometers/109 miles) from Launceston in Tasmania’s north. But, there is more to this east coast gem than simply capturing your perfect-postcard snap from the lookout.

Located in Freycinet National Park, the region is so naturally stunning and blissfully pure that it’s easy to feel as if you are an early explorer setting first foot on Wineglass Bay.

It is a region that retains the adventurous spirit of those early explorers, and today you can discover Wineglass Bay your own way. Set out on foot (45-minutes) and head for the Lookout overlooking one the most photographed and stunning views in the Southern Hemisphere; then allow yourself another half hour to wander down onto the beach below. Watch for wildlife including sea-eagles, quolls, wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils. Or, take to the water on a scenic cruise where you might be lucky enough to witness dolphins diving or a pod of migrating whales in the clearest water you’ll see anywhere.

Take the gourmet approach and experience a guided walk to Wineglass Bay, including a fine banquet offering premium Tasmanian cool-climate wines and the freshest crayfish, abalone, scallops and oysters plucked directly from these pure east coast waters.

Bicheno, just north of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast, is known for its laid-back lifestyle and outdoor activities. Formerly known as Waubs Boat Harbour, Bicheno was established as a whaling center in 1803. The town was named after James Ebenezer Bicheno and expanded in 1854 with the discovery of coal in the Denison River. However, not long after many of the miners left and joined the Victorian gold rush. The town’s population declined and it was not until the 1940s that Bicheno began to transform into an enticing holiday destination.

You can explore the coast at your own pace in a sea kayak, or pick up some local knowledge on a guided boat trip. Marine life and seabirds abound in Governor Island Marine Reserve where you can explore in a glass-bottomed boat or scuba dive amid sheer rock walls, deep fissures, caves, sponges and sea whips. Tasmania is considered one of the best temperate-water dive sites in the world.

There is plenty to do on dry land as well. Motor-tricycle tours, a Grape Escape wine tour and walks to Rocking Rock and the blowhole or along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve are popular.

Here’s your chance to see the smallest and rarest penguins in the world on a Bicheno Penguin Tour. The nightly evening tours offer a rare and thrilling chance to visit a private rookery. You can watch the fairy penguins emerge from the ocean and head for their homes.

Launceston

Tasmania’s “northern capital” of Launceston was established in 1806 by free settlers.

The city was established in 1806, after the collapse of Port Dalrymple (now George Town) at the mouth of the Tamar River. It was the Island’s northern military base and a trading center for wheat and wool farmers. Over time, as their wealth grew, the city developed its grand vision.

It has fine Victorian buildings from the 1870s and 1880s and elegant contemporary architecture. The unique attraction of Cataract Gorge is a natural wonder only a 15-minute walk from the city center, and not far from the J. Boag and Son Brewery. Its steep, rugged cliffs and wild areas attract rock climbers and a chairlift allows all to enjoy the panoramic views.

Cool climate wines and fine dining are the essence of the new Launceston experience and the city is a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding region. The tidal River Tamar flows north from Launceston to George Town and the Bass Strait, past forested hills and pastures, lavender plantations, vineyards, strawberry farms and orchards. Excellent restaurants, superb boutique wineries and simple roadside stalls ensure every appetite is indulged. This idyllic setting will satisfy other interests too, from history enthusiasts to nature lovers.

This small, compact city is easy to explore. You can walk the elegant streetscapes and through century-old parks, which sit beside revitalized areas such as Launceston Seaport, with its waterfront eateries. A boardwalk links the Seaport to Inveresk, where you can visit one of Australia’s best regional galleries, the Queen Victoria Museum.

The boardwalk also takes you to Home Point rowing course, passing Ritchies Mill, with its galleries and restaurants.

Launceston is an ideal base for visiting the vineyards of the Tamar Valley. Follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and sample some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate wines. You may also enjoy a river cruise, an ideal way to explore the Tamar River and wetland area.

Northeast of Launceston is Scottsdale with its Forestry EcoCentre, en route to the popular port and seaside town of Bridport, famous for fishing; the purple haze of lavender fields at Nabowla and the golf course at Barnbougle Dunes.

Beneath the Great Western Tiers, to Launceston’s west, is the town of Deloraine that hosts Australia’s biggest working craft fair, while to the south down the Midlands Highway, are authentic examples of Tasmania’s “living history”. In Evandale, Longford, Campbell Town and Ross are 19th century grand country manors, workers’ cottages and peaceful town centers that are home to thriving country communities today.

Tasmania’s northwest coast is where you can forget the rat race and join the human race. Step into a bush studio where an international designer crafts fine furniture. Share a wine with a jeweller while he shows you his creations.

Travelling beside Bass Strait your journey takes you from Devonport to Burnie through to Stanley and the roaring surf of Marrawah.

Weather and Climate

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December, January, February and March. Autumn has still sunny days and riotous colours as 200 year-old oaks, elms, birches and our own native beech, turn from gold to red in preparation for winter. Winter runs from May through August. However, because we sit in the Southern Ocean, the world’s weather engine, and our climate can vary greatly – on any given day.

The average maximum daily summer temperatures sit between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius (62 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit) and winter daily between 3 and 11 degrees Celcius (37 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit). Our location below the 40th parallel means our summer evenings have long languid twilights Rainfall varies dramatically across the Island. Hobart, with an average of 626 millimetres (24 inches) is Australia’s second-driest capital city (after Adelaide). While on the west coast an annual average of 2,400 mm (95 inches) ensures the rainforest thrives.

The climate of South Australia has frequently been described as a ‘Mediterranean’ type with mild wet winters and hot dry summers. In fact, this description can be applied only to the southern settled districts which are subject to seasonal shifts in weather influences deriving from the continental interior to the north and the Southern Ocean to the south.