Australia

Holidays by Destination Australasia Australia Tasmania 

Tourism Tasmania

c/o McCluskey International, 4 Vencourt Place, Hammersmith London W6 9NU
tel: 020 8237 7979

The smallest state, 315km x 175km, the same size as the Republic of Ireland, it's known for being green and clean, similar in climate to New Zealand. 20% of Tasmania is made up of World Heritage Areas including natural parks, state forests, reserves and historical sites, much of it only accessible on foot, or by boat or light plane.

The climate has four distinct seasons with cool nights year round, and cooler temperatures on the west coast and central highlands. Summer sees maximums of 21ºc and winter maximums of 12ºc, minimums of 4ºc.

Hobart

Although there are some less impressive modern buildings, the capital is centred on an area which has changed little since the convicts came, with Georgian buildings, with waterfront hotels, restaurants and bars opening up. (Seafood, fish, locally produced lamb and beef, plus cool weather fruits are all considered specialities with scallop pie is the local prized dish.)

History and Culture
In Australia's second oldest city (Hobart was founded 1804) Salamanca Place close to the dock includes preserved sandstone warehouses, cafes, restaurants and shops, plus a Saturday morning market known for local crafts and fresh produce. Battery Point is one of the oldest areas, still largely residential. The Theatre Royal is Australia's oldest operating live theatre.
The Tasmanian Art Gallery and Museum offers insights into the island's difficult history.
There is also a Maritime Museum and one of the few royal tennis courts outside Britain. Recreated bushmills, wool exhibitions and themed heritage centres show life from the island's past.
An Antarctic Centre on the Hobart waterfront reflects Tasmania's close links to Antarctica.

Scenery and Wildlife

One third of the island lies in conservation areas. There are extensive temperate rainforests plus the gorges of the Franklin and Gordon Rivers, glacier mountain peaks, and white sandy beaches. The eastern coast is less challenging but offers spectacular sea and inland views. Cradle Mountain is particularly well known (partly because of its hotel, partly the gruelling bush walk) with snow gums and pandanus palms, myrtle forests, alpine slopes, and glacial tarns.
Among the rare species on the island are orange bellied parrots, the Tasmania devil (known for horrible screeches and a reputation for bad temper), platypus, Tasmanian Tiger, plus the more common giant forester kangaroos, possums and wallabies. Wild flowers include tiny wild orchids and there are some of the world's tallest and oldest trees, curiously reminiscent of cathedrals.
Fairy Penguins can be seen at dusk, accompanied by guides, at Bicheno on Tasmania's east coast, just over 40cm tall.
The Huon Valley about 45 minutes south of Hobart includes the option to stop at orchards and oyster farms.
Freycinet National Park is a peninsula on the east coast, with white beaches, crystal water and lovely coastal headlands, one of the most scenic walking areas.
Cruises on the Arthur River or on the Gordon River offer an easy way of getting a glimpse of temperate rain forest and wilderness.

History and Culture

Launceston is the third oldest city in the country, with Victorian facades, parks and gardens, including the Cataract Gorge reserve.
Towns like Richmond, Ross and Evandale retain colonial architecture and streetscapes.
Port Arthur is the chilling place of detention on the eastern peninsula protecting the Hobart harbour.