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General Info about Tasmania
Tasmania
Historic sites, spectacular landscapes, bustling markets, vineyards and wineries - almost everywhere you look in Tasmania there's something special to see or do.
Tasmania, where the past and present combine.
The gorgeous sandstone waterfront of Hobart's Salamanca Place brings the past of Tasmania into the present with the weekly bustle of the famous Saturday craft market. The views from the top of Mount Wellington over the city and Derwent River are stunning.
The diversity of landscape in Tasmania is amazing – from the rugged West to the “Nut” on the north-west coast, an unusual geological feature where the old town of Stanley stands starkly against the sea and sky. Its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets give the impression no time has passed since colonial settlement.
For lovers of clean air and real wilderness, Tasmania offers walking from easy rainforest walks, to hikes for hardcore nature buffs, like the popular Overland trail. The “wild west” harbours one of the world's last surviving temperate rainforests, and a Gordon River cruise is a window onto what Earth looked like 200 million years ago. Coastal gems like Freycinet National Park attract international attention for their pristine waters and uninterrupted views of mountain and sea.
The east coast is famous for its export oysters and abalone, and the area around Hobart is fabulous for cool-climate wineries. Epicureans would do well to take the short flight to King Island, famous for its cream, specialty cheeses, beef and rock lobster.
Tasmania is an island roughly the size of West Virginia, located 240 km off the south-east corner of mainland Australia. Next stop south is Antarctica, 2000 km away.
Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, we breathe the world's cleanest air and rejoice in pure water and fertile soils – our wine and food are acclaimed around the world.
Tasmania is a natural island – a land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals, including survivors of the ancient southern super continent, Gondwana.
Our European heritage dates back to the early 1800s, while Tasmanian Aboriginals first reached here 40,000 years ago.
Salamanca Place - (pictures)
Salamanca Place, in Sullivans Cove, Hobart's historic waterfront, is a long row of stylish Georgian sandstone warehouses built in the 1830s. The buildings now house boutiques, bars, bookshops, restaurants, outdoor cafes, art studios, craft galleries and jewellers. Each Saturday there's the famous market, where you can buy anything from a handmade wooden toy to a handspun, hand-knitted sweater to a fresh peach to a 50-year-old china plate. Across the road there are green lawns and park benches shaded by plane trees that twinkle with lights in the evenings.Behind Salamanca Place is Salamanca Square, where you can sit by the cooling fountain with a cup of coffee and a muffin and listen to a guitar or a flute player. This is a sunny, sheltered outdoor area perfect for relaxing in with children and friends.
Port Arthur Historic Site - (pictures)
Between 1830 and 1877 about 12,500 transported convicts were imprisoned at Port Arthur, on the shores of a beautiful bay and set against the tranquil hills and forest of the Tasman Peninsula. Many of the sandstone prison buildings remain and have been preserved. Archaeologists and historians have pieced together the history of the prison and the sad story is told in an excellent display in the visitors' centre.
There are day and evening guided tours of the historic site (125 hectares/309 acres), giving you an impression of what life might have been like in the 1800s for the convicts, soldiers and civilians. One in seven convicts at Port Arthur died there - you can take a cruise to the Isle of the Dead, where convicts and civilians were buried (you need to make special arrangements to go ashore).
Mount Wellington
Rising 1270 metre (around 4000 feet) above Hobart's harbour and the wide Derwent River, Mt Wellington provides a wilderness experience within 20 minutes of the city and is much loved by locals. The 21 kilometre drive to the summit takes you from temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations, ending in panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. The interpretation centre at the top protects you from the blustering winds and a viewing platform on the western side of the car park looks out to the southern World Heritage Area beyond.
Bushwalking trails suit all fitness levels and barbecue and picnic facilities are provided.
Mountain activities also include cycling and abseiling.
The Aboriginal name for Mt Wellington is Unghbanyahletta or Poorawetter.
In February 1836 Charles Darwin climbed Mt Wellington during a visit on the HMAS Beagle.
Cradle Mountain - (pictures)
In 1827 Joseph Fossey saw a dramatic mountain peak at the northern end of what is now the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, in the World Heritage Area. He immediately named the peak Cradle Mountain, and as soon as you see it you will know why he chose the name.
The mountain is one of the favourite features in the park and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech (wonderfully colourful in autumn), rainforest, alpine heathlands and buttongrass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides, and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes.
The track to the top of the mountain (1,545 metres/5,068 feet above sea level) is an eight-hour return walk, but there are many other shorter, easier walks lower down, such as the walk around Dove Lake.
Tourist Information Links:
- Wrest Point - Perfectly positioned to soak up the beauty of the Derwent River, Wrest Point offers the best in dining, luxury accommodation, relaxation and recreational facilities to visitors and locals alike.
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