Tasmania, Australia | Article about Tasmania, Australia by The Free Dictionary Tasmania, Australia | Article about Tasmania, Australia by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Tasmania (tăzmā`nēə), island state (1991 pop. 359,286), 26,383 sq mi (68,332 sq km), SE Commonwealth of Australia. It is separated from Australia by the Bass Strait and lies 150 mi (240 km) south of the state of Victoria. Tasmania includes many offshore islands, among which are Bruny, the Hunter Islands, the Furneaux Group Furneaux Group , about 25 islands, c.900 sq mi (2,330 sq km), Tasmania, SE Australia, in Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. The largest is Flinders Island, and the group forms Flinders municipality. ..... Click the link for more information. , King Island, and Macquarie Island. The Indian Ocean is to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Hobart Hobart, city (1990 pop.

127,134), capital and principal port of Tasmania, SE Australia, at the foot of Mt. Wellington (4,166 ft/1,270 m high). Hobart's harbor is one of the finest in the world. ..... Click the link for more information. is the state capital. The only other city with a population of more than 50,000 is Launceston Launceston , city (1991 pop. 66,747), on Tasmania, SE Australia, where the North Esk and South Esk rivers join to form the Tamar estuary; founded 1806. Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania and the main port for trade with the Australian mainland. ..... Click the link for more information. . Tasmania is geologically similar to the Australian continent and was once connected to it. The climate is equable and the rainfall moderate. The island is mountainous with considerable forestation; Legge Tor (5,160 ft/1,573 m) is the highest peak. Great Lake in the interior is the largest lake and the reservoir of an important hydroelectric plant.

Tasmania has the highest proportion of national park land of all Australian states; a little less than half the island is protected. Sawmilling and woodchipping industries are important. Agriculture is confined almost exclusively to small farms; among the crops grown are opium poppies for medicinal drugs. The raising of sheep for wool in the east and dairy farming in the northwest are also important. The mining of copper, zinc, tin, lead, and iron has increased in recent years. The state's major manufactures are metals and metal products. Tourism also is growing in significance, due in part to better ferry connections to the continent. The island was explored in 1642 by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who named it Van Diemen's Land. Capt. James Cook visited the island in 1777 and, in 1803, Great Britain took possession and established a penal colony. The indigenous population, which had been on the island some 35,000 years, numbered about 5,000 at the time of colonization; they were subsequently decimated, with only a few mixed-race survivors.

Governed by New South Wales until 1825, Tasmania was then constituted as a separate colony. The transportation of convicts ended in 1853 as a result of local opposition. In the 1850s the British established constitutional self-government in the colony and the name was officially changed to Tasmania. In 1901, Tasmania was federated as a state in the Commonwealth of Australia. The nominal head of the state government is the governor, appointed by the British crown on advice of the cabinet; however, actual executive powers are exercised by the premier and the cabinet, who are responsible to the bicameral state parliament. Tasmania an island off the southeastern coast of Australia, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait. Together with neighboring islands, including King and Flinders, forms a state in the Commonwealth of Australia. Area, 68,300 sq km. Population, 397,100 (1973). The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Tasmania are Anglo-Australians, and there are a small number of emigrants from Great Britain, the Netherlands, and several other European countries.

The Tasmanian aborigines no longer exist; there is only a small group of métis. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. The island of Tasmania is a structural continuation of the Great Dividing Range of Australia. There are numerous harbors and bays, including Macquarie Harbor and Storm Bay. The relief is dominated by isolated steeply sloping plateaus and highlands with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 m. The Midlands, a lowland along the Tamar and Macquarie rivers, separates Ben Lomond (with Legges Tor, 1,572 m) from the plateau that occupies the central part of the island. The highest peak in Tasmania (1,617 m), Mount Ossa, is situated on the plateau. The most important minerals include complex-metal and iron ores, tin, copper, and gold. The climate in the north is subtropical, and in the south, temperate and humid. In Hobart the average July temperature is 8°C, and the average February temperature is 17°C. On the plateaus and in the mountains, the temperatures in winter are below 0°C.

Annual precipitation in the western half of Tasmania is more than 1,000 mm (2,800 mm in Macquarie Harbor), and it averages 600 mm in the eastern half. The largest rivers, the Tamar and Macquarie in the north and the Derwent in the south, have high water levels but contain rapids and are navigable only in their lower courses. There are many lakes of glacial origin on the central plateau. There are brown forest soils in the west and podzolized and mountain-meadow soils in the mountains; in the north and east are yellow soils and red earths. Mountain rain forests of eucalyptus, conifers, and treelike ferns combined with alpine vegetation grow in the west and southwest. The central part and the southeast are dominated by sclerophyll eucalyptus rain forests, meadows, and moss and grass bogs; humid and dry sclerophyll eucalyptus forests combined with alpine vegetation grow in the northeast. The fauna is the same as in Australia (see AUSTRALIAN REGION ). Industry is the main branch of Tasmania’s economy.

After World War II (1939–45), energy-intensive branches of industry developed rapidly in connection with the utilization of the island’s abundant hydroelectric resources. The total capacity of the island’s electric power plants is 1,322.4 megawatts (MW), and the production of electric power is 7 billion kilowatt-hours (1973). The largest hydroelectric power plants are Poatina (250 MW) and Tungatinah (125,000 kW); there is also a steam power plant at Bell Bay (120 MW). Among the ores mined in Tasmania (1972–73, in tons, by metal content) are copper at Mount Lyell (26,800), iron in the Savage River valley (1.696 million), zinc (72,600), lead (23,100), and tin. Gold, silver, and coal (128,500 tons) are also mined.

In the non-ferrous metallurgy industry, electrolytic copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and cobalt are produced in Risdon, a suburb of Hobart, titanium dioxide is produced in Burnie, and aluminum and ferromanganese are produced in Bell Bay. There are pulp and paper, textile, and food enterprises in Hobart, Devonport, and Launceston. Other enterprises include a cement plant, a large bearing plant in Launceston, sawmills and wood-products enterprises, and a manufacturer of mineral fertilizers. There is also a logging industry. The main branch of agriculture is livestock raising; in 1973 there were 3.8 million sheep, 900,000 head of cattle, and 85,000 hogs. The wool clip is 18,200 tons (1972–73). Cultivated land accounts for 2 percent of the total, and fodder and vegetable crops predominate. There is also fruit growing (mostly apples), and wheat is the chief grain crop. The main port is Hobart, with a freight turnover of 1.5 million tons (1971–72).

There are air and sea links with the mainland. Tasmania was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch navigator A. Tasman. In 1788 the island, then called Van Diemen’s Land, was proclaimed an English possession and was included in the colony of New South Wales. In 1825, Van Diemen’s Land became a separate colony; it acquired its present name in 1853. By the mid-19th century, almost all the suitable land had been taken by speculators and major livestock raisers, who used convict labor; in 1840 convicts made up two-thirds of the adult population. Tasmania achieved autonomy in 1855. In the second half of the 19th century, gold mining, railroad construction, and shipbuilding developed rapidly. The first trade unions appeared in the 1880’s. After the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, Tasmania became one of its states. V. M. A Tasmania travel guide - Wikitravel National Parks[ edit ] 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. Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, a World Heritage site By ferry[ edit ] Crossing the Tasman Sea by cruise ship 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. See the Devonport article for the details of the ferry.

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. By car[ edit ] 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 (see above), 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. If you are concerned or feel uncomfortable, it is usually best to pull over where safe and allow them to pass. 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) By bus[ edit ] 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: 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.

By train[ edit ] There are no public passenger trains in Tasmania, the rail network is solely for for freight and industry. The West Coast Wilderness Railway [1] is a tourist train which runs between Strahan and Queenstown on the West Coast. The trip takes about 3 hours with lunch included. By plane[ edit ] Par Avion offer scenic flights across the state and services into Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park. Wildlife[ edit ] Anyone who spends a little time in the Tasmanian bush country is likely to see such animals as the following: Kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons ("small marsupials"), ringtail and brushtail possums and wombats (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 throughoutTasmania. 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: Landmarks[ edit ] Three of the most popular of Tasmania's landmarks are: 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 [2] 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 State/National Parks[ edit ] Some of the 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. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] 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. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] 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.

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: World-Famous Tasmanian Cuisine[ edit ] 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). Famous Hobart Restaurants[ edit ] 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. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] "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. World Class Beers[ edit ] 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. Malt Whiskey[ edit ] 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." Fine Wines[ edit ] 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[ edit ] 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[ edit ] 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[ edit ] 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. Two 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[ edit ] 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. Two 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[ edit ] 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. Stay safe[ edit ] "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." While driving[ edit ] 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. In the Bush[ edit ] 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. How far is it from Tasmania to mainland Australia? | Reference.com How far is it from Tasmania to mainland Australia? A: Quick Answer The distance between Tasmania and the closest point on the Australian mainland is around 150 miles. Tasmania is an administrative state of Australia, and is isolated from the mainland by the Bass Strait, a shallow channel that is dotted by numerous islands.

Full Answer Formerly known as "Van Diemen's Land" after the Dutch governor, Anthony van Diemen, the state's present name of "Tasmania" is derived from the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman. The island's terrain is predominantly mountainous and characterized by vast regions of wilderness and national parks. Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, popularly known as MONA, is one of Australia's most unconventional and controversial art galleries. Tasmania | Article about Tasmania by The Free Dictionary Tasmania | Article about Tasmania by The Free Dictionary Related to Tasmania: Tasmania University Tasmania (tăzmā`nēə), island state (1991 pop. 359,286), 26,383 sq mi (68,332 sq km), SE Commonwealth of Australia. It is separated from Australia by the Bass Strait and lies 150 mi (240 km) south of the state of Victoria.

Tasmania includes many offshore islands, among which are Bruny, the Hunter Islands, the Furneaux Group Furneaux Group , about 25 islands, c.900 sq mi (2,330 sq km), Tasmania, SE Australia, in Bass Strait between Tasmania and the Australian mainland. The largest is Flinders Island, and the group forms Flinders municipality. ..... Click the link for more information. , King Island, and Macquarie Island. The Indian Ocean is to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Hobart Hobart, city (1990 pop. 127,134), capital and principal port of Tasmania, SE Australia, at the foot of Mt. Wellington (4,166 ft/1,270 m high). Hobart's harbor is one of the finest in the world. ..... Click the link for more information. is the state capital. The only other city with a population of more than 50,000 is Launceston Launceston , city (1991 pop.

66,747), on Tasmania, SE Australia, where the North Esk and South Esk rivers join to form the Tamar estuary; founded 1806. Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania and the main port for trade with the Australian mainland. ..... Click the link for more information. . Tasmania is geologically similar to the Australian continent and was once connected to it. The climate is equable and the rainfall moderate. The island is mountainous with considerable forestation; Legge Tor (5,160 ft/1,573 m) is the highest peak. Great Lake in the interior is the largest lake and the reservoir of an important hydroelectric plant. Tasmania has the highest proportion of national park land of all Australian states; a little less than half the island is protected. Sawmilling and woodchipping industries are important. Agriculture is confined almost exclusively to small farms; among the crops grown are opium poppies for medicinal drugs. The raising of sheep for wool in the east and dairy farming in the northwest are also important. The mining of copper, zinc, tin, lead, and iron has increased in recent years.

The state's major manufactures are metals and metal products. Tourism also is growing in significance, due in part to better ferry connections to the continent. The island was explored in 1642 by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, who named it Van Diemen's Land. Capt. James Cook visited the island in 1777 and, in 1803, Great Britain took possession and established a penal colony. The indigenous population, which had been on the island some 35,000 years, numbered about 5,000 at the time of colonization; they were subsequently decimated, with only a few mixed-race survivors. Governed by New South Wales until 1825, Tasmania was then constituted as a separate colony. The transportation of convicts ended in 1853 as a result of local opposition. In the 1850s the British established constitutional self-government in the colony and the name was officially changed to Tasmania. In 1901, Tasmania was federated as a state in the Commonwealth of Australia.

The nominal head of the state government is the governor, appointed by the British crown on advice of the cabinet; however, actual executive powers are exercised by the premier and the cabinet, who are responsible to the bicameral state parliament. Tasmania an island off the southeastern coast of Australia, separated from the mainland by Bass Strait. Together with neighboring islands, including King and Flinders, forms a state in the Commonwealth of Australia. Area, 68,300 sq km. Population, 397,100 (1973). The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Tasmania are Anglo-Australians, and there are a small number of emigrants from Great Britain, the Netherlands, and several other European countries. The Tasmanian aborigines no longer exist; there is only a small group of métis. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. The island of Tasmania is a structural continuation of the Great Dividing Range of Australia. There are numerous harbors and bays, including Macquarie Harbor and Storm Bay. The relief is dominated by isolated steeply sloping plateaus and highlands with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 m.

The Midlands, a lowland along the Tamar and Macquarie rivers, separates Ben Lomond (with Legges Tor, 1,572 m) from the plateau that occupies the central part of the island. The highest peak in Tasmania (1,617 m), Mount Ossa, is situated on the plateau. The most important minerals include complex-metal and iron ores, tin, copper, and gold. The climate in the north is subtropical, and in the south, temperate and humid. In Hobart the average July temperature is 8°C, and the average February temperature is 17°C. On the plateaus and in the mountains, the temperatures in winter are below 0°C. Annual precipitation in the western half of Tasmania is more than 1,000 mm (2,800 mm in Macquarie Harbor), and it averages 600 mm in the eastern half. The largest rivers, the Tamar and Macquarie in the north and the Derwent in the south, have high water levels but contain rapids and are navigable only in their lower courses. There are many lakes of glacial origin on the central plateau.

There are brown forest soils in the west and podzolized and mountain-meadow soils in the mountains; in the north and east are yellow soils and red earths. Mountain rain forests of eucalyptus, conifers, and treelike ferns combined with alpine vegetation grow in the west and southwest. The central part and the southeast are dominated by sclerophyll eucalyptus rain forests, meadows, and moss and grass bogs; humid and dry sclerophyll eucalyptus forests combined with alpine vegetation grow in the northeast. The fauna is the same as in Australia (see AUSTRALIAN REGION ). Industry is the main branch of Tasmania’s economy. After World War II (1939–45), energy-intensive branches of industry developed rapidly in connection with the utilization of the island’s abundant hydroelectric resources. The total capacity of the island’s electric power plants is 1,322.4 megawatts (MW), and the production of electric power is 7 billion kilowatt-hours (1973).

The largest hydroelectric power plants are Poatina (250 MW) and Tungatinah (125,000 kW); there is also a steam power plant at Bell Bay (120 MW). Among the ores mined in Tasmania (1972–73, in tons, by metal content) are copper at Mount Lyell (26,800), iron in the Savage River valley (1.696 million), zinc (72,600), lead (23,100), and tin. Gold, silver, and coal (128,500 tons) are also mined. In the non-ferrous metallurgy industry, electrolytic copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and cobalt are produced in Risdon, a suburb of Hobart, titanium dioxide is produced in Burnie, and aluminum and ferromanganese are produced in Bell Bay. There are pulp and paper, textile, and food enterprises in Hobart, Devonport, and Launceston. Other enterprises include a cement plant, a large bearing plant in Launceston, sawmills and wood-products enterprises, and a manufacturer of mineral fertilizers. There is also a logging industry.

The main branch of agriculture is livestock raising; in 1973 there were 3.8 million sheep, 900,000 head of cattle, and 85,000 hogs. The wool clip is 18,200 tons (1972–73). Cultivated land accounts for 2 percent of the total, and fodder and vegetable crops predominate. There is also fruit growing (mostly apples), and wheat is the chief grain crop. The main port is Hobart, with a freight turnover of 1.5 million tons (1971–72). There are air and sea links with the mainland. Tasmania was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch navigator A. Tasman. In 1788 the island, then called Van Diemen’s Land, was proclaimed an English possession and was included in the colony of New South Wales. In 1825, Van Diemen’s Land became a separate colony; it acquired its present name in 1853.

By the mid-19th century, almost all the suitable land had been taken by speculators and major livestock raisers, who used convict labor; in 1840 convicts made up two-thirds of the adult population. Tasmania achieved autonomy in 1855. In the second half of the 19th century, gold mining, railroad construction, and shipbuilding developed rapidly. The first trade unions appeared in the 1880’s. After the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, Tasmania became one of its states. V. M. A Parks & Wildlife Service - Thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger Aboriginal art depicting thylacine, Kakadu, Northern Australia (Photo by Ina Johnson) Breeding is believed to have occurred during winter and spring. A thylacine, like all marsupials, was tiny and hairless when born. It crawled into the mother's rear-opening pouch, and attached itself to one of four teats. Four young could be carried at a time, but the usual litter size was probably three. As the pouch-young grew, the pouch expanded, and became so big that it reached almost to the ground.

Large pouch-young had fur with stripes. When old enough to leave the pouch, the young stayed in a lair such as a deep rocky cave, well-hidden nest or hollow log, whilst the mother hunted. Thylacines lived in zoos for up to 9 years, but never bred in captivity. Their life expectancy in the wild was probably 5-7 years. Diet The thylacine was a meat-eater. In fact, the world's largest marsupial carnivore since the extinction of Thylacoleo the marsupial 'lion'. Its diet is believed to have consisted largely of wallabies, but included various small animals and birds. Since European settlement, the thylacine also preyed upon sheep and poultry, although the extent of this was much exaggerated. Occasionally, the thylacine scavenged. In captivity, thylacines were fed on dead rabbits and wallabies, which they devoured entirely, as well as beef and mutton. Distribution and habitat Fossils and Aboriginal rock paintings show that the thylacine once lived throughout Australia and New Guinea. The most recent thylacine remains have been dated as being about 2 200 years old.

Predation and competition from the dingo may have contributed to the thylacine's disappearance from mainland Australia and New Guinea. Bass Strait protected a relict population of thylacines in Tasmania. When Europeans arrived in 1803, thylacines were widespread in Tasmania. Their preferred habitat was a mosaic of dry eucalypt forest, wetlands and grasslands. They emerged to hunt on grassy plains and open woodlands during the evening, night and early morning. Why are they extinct? The arrival of European settlers marked the start of a tragic period of conflict that led to the thylacine's extinction. The introduction of sheep in 1824 led to conflict between the settlers and thylacines. 1830 Van Diemens Land Co. introduced a thylacine bounties. 1888 Tasmanian Parliament placed a price of £1 on thylacine's head. 1909 Government bounty scheme terminated. 2184 bounties paid. 1910 Thylacines rare -- sought by zoos around the world. 1926 London Zoo bought its last thylacine for £150.

1933 Last thylacine captured, Florentine Valley, sold Hobart Zoo. 1936 World's last captive thylacine died in Hobart Zoo, ( 7/9/36). 1936 Tasmanian tiger added to the list of protected Wildlife. 1986 Thylacine declared extinct by international standards. Do they still exist? In 1863, John Gould, a famous naturalist, predicted that the Tasmanian tiger was doomed to extinction: When the comparatively small island of Tasmania becomes more densely populated, and its primitive forests are intersected with roads from the eastern to the western coast, the numbers of this singular animal will speedily diminish, extermination will have its full sway, and it will then, like the Wolf in England and Scotland, be recorded as an animal of the past... John Gould, 1863 Every effort was made, by snaring, trapping, poisoning and shooting, to fulfil his prophecy. Bounty records indicate that a sudden decline in thylacine numbers occurred early in the 20th century. Hunting and habitat destruction leading to population fragmentation, are believed to have been the main causes of extinction.

The remnant population was further weakened by a distemper-like disease. The last known thylacine died in Hobart Zoo on 7th September, 1936. Sightings and Searches Since 1936, no conclusive evidence of a thylacine has been found. However, the incidence of reported thylacine sightings has continued. Most sightings occur at night, in the north of the State, in or near areas where suitable habitat is still available. Although the species is now considered to be 'probably extinct', these sightings provide some hope that the thylacine may still exist. There have been hundreds of sightings since 1936, many of which may have been clear cases of mis-identification. However, in a detailed study of sightings between 1934 and 1980, Steven Smith concluded that of a total of 320 sightings, just under half could be considered good sightings. Nonetheless, all sightings have remained inconclusive. Interestingly, just as many sightings of equally good quality are reported from mainland Australia -- perhaps a comment on the poor evidence that sightings alone represent. There have been a number of searches for the animal.

None of these searches have been successful in proving the continued existence of the animal. The results of a few of these searches are given below: 1937 - Seargent Summers leads a search in the north-west of he state, recording many recent sightings by other persons in a large area between the Arthur and Pieman Rivers, although the party itself did not see any thylacines. He recommends a sanctuary in that area. 1945 - Well-known naturalist David Fleay searches the Jane River to Lake St Clair area, finding possible thylacine footprints. 1959 - Eric Guiler leads a search in the far north-west, an area which produced many bounties and finds what appeared to be thylacine footprints. 1963 - Eric Guiler leads a search in the Sandy Cape area but finds no evidence. 1968 - Jeremy Griffiths, James Malley and Bob Brown embark on a major search. Although they collect reports of sightings, they find no evidence of the thylacine. 1980 - Parks and Wildlife Officers, Steven Smith and Adrian Pyrke, search a wide area of the State using three automatic cameras.

No evidence of thylacines is found. 1982-83 - Parks and Wildlife Officer, Nick Mooney, undertakes an extensive but unsuccessful search to confirm the 1982 sighting reported by Hans Naarding near the Arthur River in the State's north-west. 1984 - A search in Tasmania's highlands by Tasmanian Wildlife Park owner, Peter Wright, fails to turn up conclusive evidence. 1988-93 - Separate photographic searches by wildlife photographer, Dave Watts and Ned Terry fail to record a thylacine. Hope for the Future? The thylacine is the only mammal to have (possibly) become extinct in Tasmania since European settlement. This is in vivid contrast to mainland Australia, which has the worst record of mammalian extinctions of any country on Earth, with nearly 50% of its native mammals becoming extinct in the past 200 years. Tasmania is unique in that our fauna is abundant, and that the State acts as a refuge - a final hope -- for many species that have recently become extinct on mainland Australia.

Despite our wishes to have a perfect record, the lack of any hard evidence of the thylacine's continued existence supports the increasingly held notion that the species is extinct. Nonetheless, the incidence of sightings introduces a reluctance among some authorities to make empahatic statements on the status of the species. Even if there did exist a few remaining individuals, it is unlikely that such a tiny population would be able to maintain a sufficient genetic diversity to allow for the viable perpetuation of the species in the long-term. Recent attention has been given to the possibility of cloning the species. However, it is very unlikely to be achievable from a single individual preserved in alchohol. Even if cloning were possible, it should be asked whether such effort and expense is justifiable when many other species are currently threatened with extinction, and when we allow the same processes that threatenen habitats and wildlife to continue. Perhaps the lesson to be learned from the loss of the thylacine is to ensure that the rich natural heritage of our island State is no longer jeopardised. Further Reading ABC Video (1994). Clash of The Carnivores. Natural History Unit. Guiler, E. (1985).

Thylacine: The Tragedy of The Tasmanian Tiger. Oxford Uni. Press. Guiler, E. & Godard, P. (1998). Tasmanian Tiger: A lesson to be learnt. Abrolhos Publishing. Park, A. (1986). A Tasmanian Tiger Extinct or Merely Elusive. Aust Geographic. Vol. 1 No 3. Smith, S. J. (1980). The Tasmanian Tiger. NPWS, Tas. Strait tunnel considered | The Examiner Strait tunnel considered ROSEMARY BOLGER 17 Dec 2013, 11:23 p.m. AN underwater tunnel between Tasmania and Victoria would be a "game-changer'' for the state and should not be discounted as part of a long-term solution to Tasmania's freight woes, the government-funded freight advisory body has urged. Strait tunnel considered ╳ exit AN underwater tunnel between Tasmania and Victoria would be a ``game-changer'' for the state and should not be discounted as part of a long-term solution to Tasmania's freight woes, the government-funded freight advisory body has urged.

The $1.5 million Freight Logistics Co-ordination Team's final report, obtained by The Examiner, reveals chairman Phil Clark conducted a review of the concept of a physical link across Bass Strait. ``What might be impossible or impractical now may well be a feasible solution to Tasmania's freight issues in the future,'' the report states. The team engaged the services of SMART Infrastructure Group at the University of Wollongong and international engineering firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to consider the idea of an underwater freight tunnel, rather than a bridge, possibly serviced by an unmanned electric train. However, the report concludes such a Tasmania-Victoria tunnel - which would be more than twice as long as the longest conventional undersea tunnel so far constructed or proposed - was neither technically or economically feasible. ``Our intention in raising the proposal at this stage is to discount it as an option for the time being but to make sure it is on the radar screen. If a physical connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia becomes feasible, it would be a game-changer for Tasmania.'' The FLCT's final report was handed to the state government earlier this month and will be released publicly this week, but recommendations have been leaked.

The 26 recommendations included drafting a freight strategy by June 30, establish an ongoing public-private freight advisory group and continue negotiations with potential international shippers. Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has suggested relaxing requirements for foreign ships to pay workers Australian minimum wages might attract an international shipping service back to Tasmania. Premier Lara Giddings was not enthusiastic about the idea. ``We'd be very concerned to see changes to our maritime system that would put Australian workers at a disadvantages.'' Top Ten islands off Tasmania Visit the Flinders Island website. 2 King Island King Island sits out in Bass Strait, well north of the north-west tip of Tasmania, exposed to the relentless winds of the Roaring Forties. The 1800 inhabitants of King Island are greenies. I mean this in an admiring way. They are not greenies because it is the new political vogue. They are green because they long ago saw the wisdom of letting nature have its way, and keeping chemical and mechanical interference to a minimum. The happy result is that consumers gladly pay top dollar for whatever they produce, most notably cheese and cream and fine food from the sea. Visit the King Island Tourism website.

3 Bruny Island Bruny is the third of only four significantly-populated islands off the island of Tasmania. It has its northern point in the mouth of the Derwent River, not far from Hobart, and stretches south, about one hundred kilometres, until at its tip it gazes into the expanse of the Southern Ocean. It is approximately 360 square kilometres in area. About 600 people live on Bruny Island. They are artists, retirees, a few farmers, a cheese-maker, and others servicing the summer tourists. Visit the Bruny Island website. 4 Cape Barren Island Flinders Island is the largest of about fifty islands in the Furneaux Group, off the north-east corner of the island of Tasmania. The second largest island in the group is Cape Barren, which lies south of Flinders Island. Cape Barren Island is home to approximately 70 members of an Aboriginal community. 5 Macquarie Island Macquarie Island is 1300 kilometres south of Tasmania, out in the wild Southern Ocean. In a good year it has as much as three days of sunshine. The rest of the time it is very cold and very windy.

It has to be mentioned here because it is a World Heritage Area and is administered by the Tasmanian government. Every year the island is visited by millions of seabirds and tens of thousands of seals. The Australian Antarctic Division has a station on Macquarie Island and a couple of dozen hardy souls do research there and keep a rotational watch. Visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information. 6 Maria Island Maria Island is a 100 square-kilometre national park and marine reserve, about four kilometres off the east coast of Tasmania. In its earliest years of European settlement it was a base for whaling, and then became a penal facility for some 25 years. Through the second half of the 1800s attempts were made to farm the land but these were eventually abandoned. Maria Island has been a wildlife refuge since 1972. You may not live here, but you will enjoy visiting. See the Wikipedia entry on Maria Island . 7 Clarke Island Clarke Island is the third largest of the islands of the Furneaux Group. Like Cape Barren Island, just to the north, it is a traditional Aboriginal homeland and is used by the community as a training ground for a handful of youth.

8 Robbins Island Robbins Island, just off the north-west corner of Tasmania, is private property. Keith and John Hammond raise wagyu beef here among the birds, the wallabies and the occasional Tasmanian Devil. And lucky devils they all are too. 9 Hunter Island Hunter Island, the largest in the Hunter Group, off the north-west tip of Tasmania, is another grazing ground for a private herd of cattle. There is a homestead on the island, and it is easy to imagine that the residents appreciate a tranquil life and have plenty to read. 10 Three Hummock Island Three Hummock Island, so-called because of its three low hills, is slightly smaller than Hunter Island, five kilometres to the west. The island is almost entirely protected nature reserve but, once again, there is a private home here. In this case the owner, Eleanor Alliston, was able to use the peace and quiet to not only read, but to write. Bass Strait, Australia - definition of Bass Strait, Australia by The Free Dictionary Bass Strait, Australia - definition of Bass Strait, Australia by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Encyclopedia , Wikipedia . Bass Strait (băs) A channel between Tasmania and southeast Australia connecting the Indian Ocean with the Tasman Sea.

Its discovery in 1798 by the British explorer George Bass (1771-1803?) proved that Tasmania was not part of the Australian continent. Bass Strait (bæs) n (Placename) a channel between mainland Australia and Tasmania, linking the Indian Ocean and the Tasman Sea Bass′ Strait′ n. a strait between Australia and Tasmania. 80–150 mi. (130–240 km) wide. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Victoria References in periodicals archive ? Under a contract agreement with Origin Energy, Dresser-Rand will provide power generation equipment for rite BassGas Project offshore platform in Bass Strait, Australia. Copyright © 2003-2017 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only.

This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Bass Strait Islands, Tamania - Tourism Australia Tasmania Bass Strait Islands Swap mainland stress for the clean air, empty beaches, historic shipwrecks and rich wildlife on Tasmania’s Flinders and King Islands. Need a break from the rat race? If Tasmania has a slower pace than mainland Australia, on the islands of the Bass Strait you can drop back another couple of gears. Geologically, not much has changed on Flinders Island since before the last Ice Age, when the island was part of a land bridge linking Tasmania to mainland Australia. It wasn't until 1773, 12,000 years later, that Tobias Furneaux first glimpsed Flinders and the 51 islands around it. He had become separated from the Endeavour in a furious fog but stumbled onto something better. Today you'll get a much clearer view of this tiny island jewel, which is just 64 kilometres long and 29 kilometres wide.

Watch out for the pink and grey granite cliffs of Mount Strzelecki and Mount Killiecrankie, and the small streams, coastal sand dunes and gentle green farmland. Fly in from Launceston or jump on a ferry from Bridport. If you're arriving from Victoria, you can fly from Moorabbin or boat in from Port Welshpool. Only 900 people live on Flinders Island and most of the time you can pretend they're not here. You're more likely to run into the furred and feathered residents: wallabies and wombats; tiny wren and giant wandering albatross. Walk to the eastern lagoons and inlets, where thousands of migratory birds break up their long haul flight to the Arctic Circle. In the sea you can dive for giant crabs and crays and spot seals, dolphins and visiting whales. The Docks, Flinders Island, TAS Bass and Flinders explored Flinders Island by boat and foot in 1798 and 1799, and today old-fashioned walking is still the best way to get around. Climb to the top Mount Strzelecki in Strzelecki National Park.

Walk long, unspoiled beaches strewn with giant, orange-lichen covered boulders and hunt for the topaz they call a Killiecrankie ‘diamond'. Real explorers always leave with treasure. Base yourself in the small towns of Whitemark and Lady Barron or the settlements of Emita and Killiecrankie. Stay in beachside cottages, friendly pubs, bed and breakfasts or pamper yourself at a health spa. After rations and rocking galleys, Captain Cook and his crew would have appreciated a good organic meal and relaxing massage. For old-fashioned relaxation, you'll also love King Island. It sits 80 kilometres north-east of Tasmania , in the path of wild westerly winds called the Roaring Forties. You'll de-stress with every breath of the clean, invigorating air. Discovered in 1797, the island was once known for its plentiful seals which were hunted close to extinction. The high rainfall, lush pastures and metal deposits also lured hopeful farmers, miners and other settlers.

Today, it's the empty beaches, offshore reefs, lighthouses, shipwrecks, seafood and dairy that draw tourists to the proud community of 1,000. Dive into the island's maritime history at more than 70 shipwreck sites. Go game fishing and watch the local cray fishermen and abalone divers drag their rich catches onto shore. Visit the famous King Island Dairies, where you can sample the flagship thick cream and fine brie while learning about hand-made cheese making and its history. Visit the Lavinia Nature Reserve and spot wallabies, elusive platypus and birdlife from rare orange bellied parrots to grand sea eagles. You'll be more excited than an 18th century botanist over the teeming wildlife. Afterwards, head to Currie, the island's harbourside commercial centre. Watch fishing boats dock while you dine on succulent, just-caught crayfish. Life on an almost-deserted island has never been so relaxing. More Holiday Ideas

Question: What is the name of the strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania?
Answer: Bass Strait