Tasmania

From Wikitravel

Jump to: navigation, search
Quick Facts
Capital Hobart
Area 68,401 km 2
Population 484,700 (July 2005 est.)

Tasmania [1], is the smallest of Australia's states and is located off the south eastern tip of the mainland.

[edit] Understand

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 Sullivans Cove (Hobart), Maria Island, Sarah Island, and Port Arthur. The ruins of the convict jails can still be seen in these places, particularly at Port Arthur, which has been carefully preserved and has many convict related activities for tourists. For its size, Tasmania has plenty attractions and you could spend a month there and still not see everything.

Tasmania promotes itself internationally as "Australia's Natural State" and within Australia as the "Island of Inspiration". About 40% of the island is protected as national parks, World Heritage Areas, and forest and marine reserves.

Tasmania is famous for its merino wool which is used 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 nocturnal Tasmanian devil, a small black and white marsupial whose sharp teeth and frightening screams belie the fact that it is relatively shy of humans. Tasmanian devils [2] are currently under threat of extinction due to a widespread facial tumour. The state government is endeavouring to detect the cause of the tumours and preserve disease-free colonies.

On the whole, expect a good mix of nice natural scenery, fresh food and wines, and historic heritage.

Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, a World Heritage site
Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, a World Heritage site

[edit] Get in

[edit] By Plane

Tasmania is served by several national or regional airlines, flying into Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport.

[edit] By Ferry

Tasmania is served by several ferries from mainland Australia. They depart from Melbourne arrive at Devonport and take 10 hours for the crossing.

  • Spirit of Tasmania Ferries [3]

These large ferries take vehicles, bikes, foot passengers and pets. Reservations are recommended, particularly at peak summer periods. Note that the cost of a ticket increases over the Christmas period (especially for those taking a car), when summer visitors arrive.

The crossing can be a little rocky at times, but provides you with beautiful views. For overnight crossing you have the option of booking one of a range of a cabins or a reclining chair for the 10-hour journey. The ferries provide the basic facilities expected including:

  • self service cafe
  • restaurant
  • a number of bars
  • gaming lounge
  • children's play area
  • cinema
  • televisions
  • tourist information

The ferries offer additional support for travellers with mobility impairments.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By car

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. Check out the on-line aggregators such as DIY Car Hire to book cheap car hire with any of the major companies.

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.

[edit] By bus

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 service most of Tasmania:

  • Tassielink [4]
  • Redline Tasmania [5]

Metro Tasmania [6] provides intra-city bus services for Burnie, Hobart and Launceston.

Merseylink [7] provides services to Devonport and Latrobe

[edit] By train

There are no passenger rail services in Tasmania.

[edit] By plane

Tasair [8] offers daily flights from Hobart to Burnie, Devonport, King Island. They are based in Hobart, with a smaller base in Devonport.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Regions

Hobart and Surrounds:

Launceston, Tamar and the North:

The East Coast:

  • The East Coast

North West Coast:

The West Coast And Wilderness:

[edit] Popular destinations

[edit] Cities

[edit] Towns

[edit] Itineraries

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Trout Fishing, [9]. 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, [10]. 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, [11] - held in early February.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a wide variety of culinary offerings in Tasmania, from the best chips and gravy at the local milk bar, to world renowned chefs in amazing upper class restaurants.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Tasmania has superb wine regions including along the Tamar River and Down in the Huon Valley.

In addition, Tasmania has the Cascade and Boags breweries in Hobart and Launceston respectively, which offer tours. A number of boutique beer makers and distillers also exist.

There is also a large spring water industry in Tasmania, which means that some bars and restaurants do not to offer free tap water (they are not legally obliged to do so).

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There is a variety of accommodation available across the state, from camping through to 5-star luxury. Individual cities and regions pages have more information.

[edit] Stay safe

When driving observe the 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 wild animals in Tasmania, and be prepared to see a lot of roadkill. Be especially careful at dusk and dawn. Although wallabies and wombats are not large, they can make a mess of your vehicle and drivers swerving to avoid them have caused many accidents.

When driving on highways and freeways, do be careful of large trucks. Speeding large trucks are common and dangerous. If one is heading your way slow down and move towards the side of the road, letting it pass.

Always slow down at school crossings when in operation or you may be surprised by a waiting police car and receive a fine.

Bushwalking can be a truly breathtaking experience in Tasmania, but be sure to obtain the right gear and local advice and maps. Always sign the book at the beginning and end of each walk. Be aware that mobile coverage is very limited (although reception can often be had on Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest mountain). The main dangers are getting lost and/or suffering hypothermia. If you include thermals, a good sleeping bag and a map and compass in your shopping list, these scenarios are unlikely. Paddy Pallin has stores in both Launceston and Hobart (ask about the 10% discount).

[edit] Get out

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Tasmania"