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Spoilt for choice with a vacation in Tasmania. Whether it is exploring the wilderness with hiking expeditions, visiting various cities and townships to follow history, experience delicious food accompanied with wine, apple ciders or whiskey, fish in the many rivers, enjoy the beautiful beaches and lakes or just be amazed by the fantastic scenery, a trip can contain as much or as little as one chooses. One idea is to explore Hobart the Capital City before adventuring up the east or west coast on your dream itinerary.
Guide of Tasmania
Geography
Tasmania is an island state of Australia. Bass Strait, a 240 kilometres stretch of water separates the island from the mainland in the south-east. Tasmania spams 364 kilometres north to south and 306 kilometres west to east. Within its jurisdiction the state does comprise of a number of smaller islands off the coast, such as Bruny, King and Flinders that can also be explored. Predominately a rugged mountainous island, particularly in the Central Highlands and southwestern region. The Southwest area is National Park rainforest. In comparison the Midlands in the east is relatively flat and lends itself to agriculture. Depending on the terrain and the climate the farming activity across Tasmania is diverse, from dairy, beef, sheep, grain crops, fruit, vegetables, vines and more, so paddock to plate experiences are recommended.
Climate in Tasmania
Tasmania has a typical maritime climate. Positioned within the Southern Ocean the island encounters four distinct seasons to entice the traveller and sometimes these occur within a day. Subjected to trade westerly winds the west coast experiences more dramatic temperature and rainfall levels than the east coast. The weather pattern ensures thriving rainforest and beautiful, striking visual contrast in the natural environment as one season transitions to the next. December to March are the warmest months with average temperatures around 12°C to 24°C. In Autumn, March to May the landscape comes alive with the colours red, gold, orange blazed trees. The weather is still mild with calm days although the nights are cooler. The produce of the island is at its best. Winter months, June to August temperatures reach between 3°C to 11°C depending upon location. However, this brings a change to the landscape with snow in the highland peaks and time spent by open fires after bracing brush walks. Spring the weather can change within one day, so be prepared with umbrellas, jackets and hats. It is also a time for the gardens, vineyards and overall the whole State starts blooming again.
Culture
Until 1856 Tasmania was originally known as Van Diemen’s Land. The first major settlement by Europeans occurred in 1803 on the eastern bank of the River Derwent in the south east corner of Van Diemen’s Land. In 1804 the settlement moved to the West Bank and was named Hobart. Prior to European settlement there were approximately 4000 nomadic tribes of indigenous heritage who hunted and gathered throughout the island. The indigenous population decreased significantly due to conflicts and diseases introduced by the Europeans. Over the years 1803 to 1853 more than 75000 convicts were transported to Van Diemen’s Land from England. Hobart was built by convict labour as it was constructed near two penal establishments, Macquarie Harbour and Port Arthur. British Parliament granted the colony responsibility of self government from 1856 and the island’s name was changed to Tasmania. Tasmania’s popularity flourished with the development of townships, trade and local industry. Early on there was sealing, whaling, brewing, shipbuilding, mining and the wool industry. Whilst now the trade and industry focus has changed to hydro electrics, agriculture, a variety of farming and fishing. Tourism has a significant impact on Tasmania’s economy so the yearly festive calendar is full with cultural, environmental, sporting and musical events.
Things To Do in Tasmania
Touring the south east region
Hobart, Tasmania’s Capital City, is historically and culturally a destination of captivating beauty. Strolling through Salamanca Place, Georgian sandstone warehouses have been converted into galleries, theatres, restaurants and boutiques. On a Saturday the place is alive with over 300 stalls of fresh produce, handmade arts, crafts and antiques. Climb the Colonial era Kelly steps to Battery Point for a wander past 19th century sandstone and weatherboard cottages nestled in tiny streets and laneways. Culturally a visit to Australia’s largest privately owned museum Mona will leave you filled with controversy and thoughtfulness over the new and old provoking works of art displayed. Sweeping views over Hobart, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula are seen from the look out on the summit of Mount Wellington just out of Hobart. Wellington Park provides Pipeline Hiking track to Silver Falls. A 40 minute drive south and onto a car ferry, Bruny Island’s natural beauty and produce waits to be discovered. Albino kangaroos, rock archway formations on Adventure Beach, an 1836 Cape Bruny Lighthouse that is available for touring, hikes along spectacular coastal trails all build up your appetite for the local produce of designer cheeses, seafoods, chocolates, wines and honey.
Going up the east coast
Port Arthur an old convict settlement established in 1830 is an hours drive east of Hobart. Visitors can walk through guard towers, prisons, the hospital and a church. The Georgian colonial town of Richmond is about 25 kilometres northeast of Hobart. Founded in 1803 and constructed by inmates from the town’s penal colony the town thrived for its military position and lucrative grain growing industry. Richmond Bridge, built in 1825, is Australia’s oldest bridge. World Heritage listed Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s most beautiful and to explore the potential be prepared for some awesome hiking. The Wineglass Bay Circuit showcases the peninsula’s perfect bay of white sand and azure sea. At the southern end three pink granite crags rise out of the sea, known as the Hazards. East of the township of St Helens is the Bay of Fires. Renown for the extraordinary clear blue seas, brilliant white beaches and named after the striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders. If wandering through cultivated lavender fields is your desire, then Tasmania offers Bridestowe in Nabowla. French originated seeds developed the finest lavender under optimal conditions to produce gourmet products which can be tried in a café before purchase.
Possibilities in the north
Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest town, lies at the head of the Tamar River and is filled with historical, elegant 19th century buildings and oak studded parks. Cataract Gorge is only a 15 minute walk from the centre. To walk along the cliff face of the gorge you can take the 1890s built walking trails or the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Tamar Valley is a short drive and offers over 300 wineries with farm produce to experience. In the north west corner overlooking the heritage town of Stanley is a 143 metres high volcanic plug called the Nut. A 15 minute climb to the Pinnacle or a chairlift ride is worth the 360° views of the coastline, surrounding farmland and houses of Stanley.
Highlights of the north-west midlands
If glacier carved crags, glittering lakes, beech forests, Alphonse heathlands and jagged dolerite peaks that include Mount Ossa at 1616 metres high interest you, then Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park should be on your itinerary. The National Park is legendary for hiking walks to suit all enthusiasts, with plenty of photograph opportunities.
Down the west coast
The west coast offers a range of possibilities. In Queenstown, an old gold, silver and copper mining town you can take an underground mine tour. In King River you can experience white water rafting. On the more gentle side a cruise down the reflective waters of the Gordon River is worth contemplating. A visit to harbour side Strahan allows one to stretch the legs along windswept ocean beach before dining on fresh Tasmanian seafood. If waterfalls impress you then hike in Mount Field National Park through lush fern forest to spectacular Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls.
Eating Out in Tasmania
Diversity of climate, population, cultural heritage and isolation from Australia mainland has enabled Tasmania’s culinary experts to be sustainable and creative when it comes to food and drink. From wineries, cideries and distilleries, to cafes, bakeries, fine dining or rustic farm restaurants Tasmania serves memorable meals. Aloft restaurant has stunning views of Hobart’s waterfront with a relaxed atmosphere. Catering for both vegetarian and vegans the menu highlights Tasmania’s harvest and suggest accompanying wines. Asparagus lentil, woodear mushroom dumplings are teamed with a local Riesling. Tasmania’s calm clear autumn days are perfect for the slow ripening conditions needed to create premium cool climate wines. Bruny Island Premium Wines has captured the perfect site to grow, process and bottle by hand on site their signature wines. Serving all year round an alfresco lunch to showcase the produce. With many options of small plates, something to share, or main fares with sides no one will go hungry. On a chilly day the seafood chowder warms the soul. Freycinet Marine Farm specialises in the local seafood. Oysters, mussels and fish are presented in a variety of ways, often using native elements. The specials board highlights the fresh catch of the day. Before, during or after a busy day in Launceston why not take a breath and nourish the body at Rupert and Hound on the harbour. Although seafood and vegetarian are featured, Tasmania is also renowned for its farm industry so the lamb with Mediterranean flavours is worth considering. Just a short stroll from Strahan town centre is an unique restaurant called Risby Cove that highlights local ingredients with Tasmanian wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits. The local scallops are served with a cous cous and caper salad.
Transport
Getting to Tasmania
If flying the Hobart International Airport is located 19 kilometres from the city centre. Whilst no public transport connects the airport to the centre of Hobart, the Skybus Shuttle is a low cost airport transfer service departing 7 days a week, as well as the options of renting a car or taxi or an Uber. Another possibility if you are in Melbourne Australia is to travel the short distance to Geelong and experience the journey across Bass Strait by boat on the Spirit of Tasmania to Devonport.
Moving around Tasmania
Tasmania’s public bus system Metro works around the major destinations of Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Bus rides are either pay on board or pre-purchased green cards. However, if time permits and with so many attractions around Tasmania hiring a vehicle would provide comfort, flexibility and convenience.