Tasmania Overview
Tasmania is an island state some 200km over The Bass Strait from mainland Australia. There is a choice of either flying or sailing to the island; the Spirit of Tasmania departs from Melbourne.
Tasmania the 'Apple Isle', possesses magnificent lakes, mountains, beaches, rivers, waterfalls and so much more. Compared to the rest of Australia, Tasmania's diminutive size is one of its attractions since it is possible to see much of the island in a few days.
If you sail on the Spirit of Tasmania into Devonport near the north coast, it will take around three and a half hours to drive to Hobart on the south of the island.
Magnificent Mountain Landscapes
Tasmania has rugged mountains, river networks, trout fishing, unspoilt wilderness landscapes, a gorgeous un-spoilt coastline, quaint cosy cottages and being a former penal colony, plenty of history. The Lake St Clair National Park which includes Cradle Mountain is perhaps the most well known of the natural landmarks in Tasmania.
Hobart
Hobart, the capital of Tasmania is towered over by Mount Wellington and has a rich nautical heritage. The city has an almost European like air. This is partly due to the heritage appearance of the buildings and bridges in Hobart and also the strong sense of history. More...
Launceston
Launceston, is located at the junction of three rivers and is famous for Cataract Gorge which is just a short walk from the city centre. More...
Spirit Of Tasmania
The various Spirit Of Tasmania ships cross between mainland Australia (Melbourne) and Devonport, Tasmania. Please see the following links to book Melbourne to Devonport crossings:
Melbourne to Devonport.
Devonport to Melbourne.
Popular Tourist Destinations
As there are too many to mention, please see our Tasmania Interactive Map for more detailed information on the regions, towns and cities in Victoria.
Tasmania Accommodation
Click our Tasmania accommodation map to book resorts, hotels and self catering appartments throughout the 'Apple Isle'
Popular holiday locations Include Cradle Mountain, Hobart and Launceston .
T.A.S At A Glance
Climate:Temperate with four distinct seasons.
SIZE: 68 000Sq Km
Tasmania is compact, only 300Km from its north to the south..
Land Form: Lakes, Mountains, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls, large wilderness areas.
CAPITAL:Hobart
POPULATION: Circa 0.5 Million
Tasmanian Flag
Port Arthur
Port Arthur, , on the Tasman Peninsula, was the site of a notorious and brutal penal colony.
A tour of The Port Arthur Historic Site provides a fascinating insight into the conditions. More...
Nautical Heritage
Tasmania has a long association with all things nautical. For example, Hobart, which stands on the estuary of the River Derwent and is overlooked by Mount Wellington, is the destination of the famous Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race, which starts on Boxing day each year.
A wooden boat festival is also held in the city periodically.
Dine Like a Gourmet
Tasmania is also renown for the quality of its local food and drink. Several of the boutique Australia brewers are Tasmanian and include Cascade and Boags. The beers are exported both to the Australia mainland and in increasing volumes to the rest of the world. Tasmania dairy produce and Salmon also has a justifiably good reputation.
TAS REGIONS/TOWNS
