The island of Tasmania is a mysterious and picturesque corner of the planet. Island of Tasmania, Australia: detailed information, history, attractions and interesting facts Tasmania country

Tasmania is a small Australian state, located south of Australia, and is separated from it by the 240 km wide Bass Strait. The chains of islands in the east and west of the strait connect Australia with Tasmania and remind us that once upon a time, the mainland and the island were one. This small corner of our planet will amaze everyone with its high standard of living, interesting history, well-being of the population, and, of course, the uniqueness and beauty of nature. Tasmania was discovered by Abel Tasman, after whom it was named. This is the smallest state in Australia; as of 2008, its population was about 500 thousand people.

History of the island of Tasmania

This island was discovered by the navigator Abel Tasman in 1642. A century and a half later, it was declared a possession of England, and the British founded a penal colony on the island. In the 19th century, the island was turned into a place of exile for convicts, as a result of which the famous Port Arthur was built by convicts in 1830. Prisoners who committed the most serious crimes served their sentences on the island. Over the course of several decades, almost all the natives were exterminated, and those who survived the genocide died from infectious diseases brought by the whites. In the 70s of the nineteenth century, the prison was closed, after which Port Arthur was very quickly destroyed and subsequently burned. Currently, the prison has been reconstructed, and tourists from all over the world can see it on excursions.

Capital of Tasmania

It was founded in 1804. It is the second oldest city in Australia. Its population is about 210 thousand people. Hobart is the administrative and financial center of Tasmania. The city itself is located in the southeast of the island at the mouth of the Derwent River. A temperate oceanic climate predominates. Summer in Tasmania, like in Australia, occurs in the winter months - from December to February, and vice versa, winter begins in the summer months. The temperature in summer stays around 20-22 degrees, in winter -4-8, maximum -12.

Nature of the island

The biggest and main attraction of the island of Tasmania is, of course, its nature. Many kilometers of beaches with pure white sand attract a large number of tourists. Tasmania's rainforest, designated a natural heritage site in 1982, covers 20% of the island. It includes two state reserves, four national parks, state forests, and two protected areas. The island is considered one of the last pockets of virgin nature in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the excellent preservation of natural complexes, Tasmania is rightfully considered one of the standards of natural nature on the planet.

The nature of the island is unique and has no analogues in the whole world. Rivers National Park is the heart of Tasmania's wildlife. Here you can see deep river valleys, tropical forests, picturesque gorges, and mountain peaks that amaze the imagination. And among all this beauty, a large number of protected rivers meander.

Economy and standard of living in Tasmania

The main industries in the state are forestry, agriculture, tourism and mining - tin, zinc, iron and copper. Tasmania has a large number of industrial sectors that are exported to countries around the world. One of the leading places here is occupied by seafood. Cheap airfares, ferries between the mainland and Tasmania, and other favorable economic conditions contribute to the development of tourism on the island.

Today, the majority of the state's population is employed in government organizations. The group of associations is one of the major employers, owning two casinos, several hotels, and the largest wood processing company on the island.

Despite the financial crisis, the state of Tasmania is interested in qualified specialists and workers. The state's unemployment rate for 2009 was 5.3%. Here are just some of the professions that are predominantly in demand in the state:

  • auto mechanic;
  • seller of building materials;
  • Chef;
  • accounting and economist;
  • civil engineer;
  • junior health care personnel.

The average salary in Tasmania is quite high. For example, for such professions as cook, nanny, auto mechanic, office manager, secretary, waiter, the average salary is 2.3 thousand dollars per month. For senior-level professions, such as mechanical engineer, system administrator, production manager, the average salary is $4.5 thousand per month.

Accommodation in Tasmania

House prices in the state are lower compared to other states in Australia. The cost of an apartment in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania, is almost half cheaper than the same apartment in Sydney. Moreover, the price of housing practically does not depend on its location: you can live in the city center, in the countryside or on the ocean. On average, the price of an apartment with a garage, two bedrooms and a bathroom in the capital varies from 250 to 350 thousand dollars. Rent an apartment or house with one bedroom can be from 210 to 270 dollars per week, with two bedrooms – from 250 to 350 dollars. Some rental homes already come with built-in air conditioning, heating, stove, boiler, carpets and fixtures, closet space and dishwasher. But such apartments are correspondingly more expensive.

Tasmania is paradise, the lakes of which are teeming with trout, and in the forests the mighty waterfalls, replenished with crystal clear melt and rain water, amaze with their beauty.

The flora and fauna of Tasmania are the original representatives of the flora and fauna of Australia, most of which thoroughly guarded by island authorities and are endemic.

More than 20% of the island is the territory of national parks, and almost 50% of Tasmania is covered with relict rain forests. This ratio found in nature very rarely.

As for the animal world, it is here that you can meet both typical representatives of the Australian fauna in their natural habitat, and rare species Animals found only in Tasmania. This is the Dingo dog, the koala, the platypus, and the opossum, as well as the symbol of the island, which is the Tasmanian devil.

Interestingly, the island of Tasmania significantly different from Australia. Here, not only tourists and immigrants, but Australians themselves feel as if they have been transported to an unfamiliar country.

After all, there are not only mountains, lakes and waterfalls, but also giant eucalyptus groves, ocean bays with clear water, grape valleys, dense impenetrable forests, as well as endless emerald valleys and karst caves, which 40 million years.

Protecting flora and fauna in Tasmania

Amazing virgin nature of this island suffered greatly during the colonization of Tasmania by the British.

The bare lifeless desert of the mining city of Queenstown very clearly reminds of this.

To protect unique flora and fauna Island environmentalists in Tasmania constantly organize protests against those who are trying to destroy the unique natural ecosystems of this territory.

These include hydroelectric power station builders, miners, and paper manufacturers. Conservationists Tasmanians are being warned of the consequences of wasting natural resources thoughtlessly and cruelly to the territory's plants and animals.

Protecting the environment in Tasmania today is truly is important issue, because the island fauna suffers greatly from human activity. For example, the marsupial Tasmanian wolf, or thylacine, whose color resembles a tiger, which previously lived on the island, is now an extinct animal.

It is important to know! The thing is that at the beginning of the 20th century this animal began to actively attack the livestock of Tasmanians. The island's government decided that this problem could be solved by assigning a decent reward for killing a marsupial wolf. So in the first half of the 20th century, this became the reason for the complete disappearance of the thylacine.

Very worries defenders of flora and fauna Tasmania and the possible extinction of the marsupial Tasmanian devil. The reason for this is a unique oncological disease that is widespread today - facial tumor.

Australian scientists and biologists conduct intensive research, which will help prevent the spread of this disease among Tasmanian devils.

It is important to know! All arrivals at Tasmania airport are carefully screened. These environmental controls are similar to those that passengers undergo at mainland Australian airports.

Forests

Half the island is covered relict rain forests, the vegetation in which is incredibly diverse.

IN forests of Tasmania grows:

  • atrotaxis spinous;
  • southern beech;
  • anthrotaxy cypress;
  • eucalyptus;
  • rare species of lichens and mosses;
  • spurge;
  • eucryphia lucidum;
  • thirukalli;
  • sassafras;
  • black acacia;
  • Franklin's dacrydium;
  • phyllocladus asplenifolia;
  • Dicksonia Antarctica.

They also amaze with their splendor unusual underwater forests Tasmania. The algae thickets that can be observed in the rivers and lakes of the island show how prolific and multifaceted the flora of this territory is.

Reservoirs

The state's mountainous terrain is the reason a large number of rivers on the island.

Many of them are blocked by hydroelectric dams, which provide electricity to Tasmania.

A number of rivers start from the center of the island, going down to the coast.

Tasmania's largest rivers are the Derwent in the south and the Northern River Taymar-Macquarie. But the center of the island is a concentration of lakes of glacial origin.

Great Lake is a lake located in the northern part of the Central Highlands of the island of Tasmania. The area of ​​the lake is 170 square kilometers. Several small rivers and streams flow into Great Lake, but only one river flows out, the Shannon, which then flows south to join the River Ouse. There is a dam at the southernmost tip of the lake.

In addition, Great Lake is connected by a canal to neighboring Lake Arthurs, which is located on the southeast side. Great Lake is one of the most popular places for fishing in Tasmania.

Animals of Tasmania

Of course, when the island was settled by Europeans, the fauna of Tasmania suffered significantly.

But even despite the arrival of civilization in these picturesque places, the fauna of modern Tasmania still remains one of the most unique in the world.

It's incredible, but the animals of Tasmania that live in this territory found nowhere else in the world.

That is why the territory of Tasmania is so carefully protected both by the authorities of the state itself and by the state.

On the island there is 17 national parks, as well as the huge Bonorong Nature Reserve in Australia, which is home to many wild animals in natural conditions. This is where you can see echidna, wombat, koala and kangaroo.

Tasmania is the territory inhabited by more than one hundred fifty species rare exotic birds. A special highlight of Tasmania is the brightly colored orange-bellied parakeet, which is very rare in Australia.

Also the bird that undoubtedly makes the fauna of the island unique is slender-billed petrel.

From year to year he makes his flight, which begins in the Tasman Sea, and then continues with a circular flight around the Pacific Ocean and returns back to Tasmania to hatch his chicks.

Not far from the nesting sites of slender-billed petrels, another representative of Tasmania’s fauna lives - little penguin. Clumsy on land, the miniature inhabitant of this amazing island happily swims in the oceanic waters of this territory, as if flying underwater.

In this relatively small area of ​​land there is indeed a greater variety of rare plants and representatives of unique fauna. Our smaller brothers, who have chosen Tasmania as their home, find on this island a cozy place of residence with clean air and water, as well as favorable climate, which allowed different species of animals to peacefully coexist and reproduce here.

Thanks to environmental control and environmental protection, the fauna and flora of Tasmania are getting better every year, but anyone who is going to visit this place on vacation or move to the island to live, must remember, which is responsible for the preservation of rare nature and its inhabitants.

We invite you to watch video about the Tasmanian marsupial wolf(extinct marsupial mammal, the only representative of the marsupial wolf family):

We also invite you to look interesting video about the Australian nature reserve with the largest collection of reptiles:

South of mainland Australia is the island of Tasmania. This is a separate Australian state, distinguished by its picturesque nature, mild climate and unique flora and fauna. This is an ideal place for tourists: here you can engage in mountain and water tourism, relax in comfortable hotels and enjoy the views of nature in nature reserves. Many natural, cultural and historical attractions make the island of Tasmania very popular.

History of the island

This place was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch traveler A. Tasman. He initially considered the island to be part of the Australian mainland and named it Van Diemen's Land. But it was only in the 19th century, when Europeans began to settle on the island, that it was named after the discoverer. At that time, about 10 thousand local residents lived in this place, which was more than in all of Australia. But wars, persecution of the Aborigines and diseases almost exterminated them, and some ethnic groups completely disappeared from the face of the Earth. And by the end of the 19th century, only three hundred local residents remained. And the island began to be populated by Europeans. The first colonists were supposed to develop industry and agriculture on the island. At first it was prisoners, guards and military personnel.

Tasmania Island: Australia

Detailed information about the geographical location of the island is available in all reference books and encyclopedias. This very famous place, popular all over the world, is one of the Australian states. The island is known as the "green state". Residents of the mainland love this place and appreciate its unique natural resources, affectionately calling it “the island of inspiration”, “holiday island” or Tassie. But holidays in Tasmania are popular not only among Australians. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the picturesque nature and get acquainted with unique attractions.

The island of Tasmania is located 250 kilometers south of the mainland. It is separated from Australia by the Bass Strait, which at its narrowest is at least 210 kilometers long. The area of ​​the island is about 70 thousand square kilometers. Almost 500 thousand people live here. The island is connected to the mainland by a regular ferry and rail line that runs from Melbourne to Davenport, as well as by air.

Description of the island of Tasmania

About 40% of the island's surface is protected by the World Heritage Committee. Despite the presence of large cities and a small territory, the nature of the island is preserved and valued, which is why there are many nature reserves and national parks. Tourism activity is very developed on the island and is one of the main directions of its economy. In addition, agriculture, the production of merino wool, as well as the mining of iron, copper and tin are developed here. Now the island of Tasmania is thriving. You can only get here by ferry or plane from major Australian cities.

Most tourists strive to get to the island of Tasmania because of its unique nature. Information on national parks and reserves is contained in the World Heritage Committee. The island has two nature reserves, 4 large national parks and two conservation areas. It is no coincidence that Tasmania is considered the standard of natural nature and the “lungs of the planet”.

Nature of the island

Tasmania has become popular among tourists largely due to its unique picturesque nature. The island is almost completely covered with evergreen forests, which have no analogues. There are many relict species here, long extinct in other places. About 10 thousand years ago, the island of Tasmania separated from the mainland, and therefore retained its unique nature. Huge rain forests, relict trees not found anywhere else in the world, beautiful waterfalls and clean fresh air - all this attracts guests from different countries.

The description of the nature of the island of Tasmania is very interesting. Large areas are covered with tropical forests, and there are huge heather deserts. Many trees reach a height of about 100 meters and are more than 2000 years old. The following rare plants are found here:

  • southern beech;
  • anthrotaxis;
  • evergreen eucalyptus;
  • euphoria tirucalli;
  • many species of myrtaceae;
  • efcrifia;
  • Dicksonia Antarctica

The water resources of the island of Tasmania are also unique. Many lakes with crystal clear water, numerous streams and beautiful rivers. Many rushing waterfalls attract tourists with their beauty. The coastline of the island is intricately indented, forming bays and bays. The east coast is especially famous for its beaches.

Animal world

The island of Tasmania is famous for its many endemic species not found anywhere else. The animals are also protected and interesting to meet. What species are common on the island?

  • The Tasmanian devil lives in wild forests. This small predator with very sharp teeth is protected and protected from extinction. In contrast, the unique Tasmanian wolf disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century.
  • The Orange-bellied Parrot is rare, even in Australia.
  • Dingo wild dogs are common here.
  • There are many marsupials that live only in this region: kangaroo, bettong, red wallaby.
  • The slender-billed petrel, flying almost entirely across the Pacific Ocean, returns annually to nest in Tasmania.
  • The little penguin is also unique. It is no larger than a cat and has a short beak.

Climate

One of the hottest places with unfavorable climatic conditions for recreation is Australia. The island of Tasmania has a milder temperate climate. Although storms often occur here on the coast due to the meeting of cold air masses from the south and hot air from the north. But the climate here is more temperate than the rest of Australia. There are even clearly defined four seasons. In summer, which lasts from December to March, it is warm, not at all hot, with an average temperature of 21 degrees. The coldest winter month is July. But thanks to the proximity of the ocean, the temperature here never drops below 4 degrees.

Tourists often wonder when there is a lot of rainfall on the island of Tasmania. In fact, compared to the rest of Australia, there is little rainfall. Thunderstorms are possible in early summer, and rain in winter and spring. Snow is found only in the mountains, very rarely in lowland areas.

Cities and population of the island

About 500 thousand people now live in Tasmania. This suggests that there are no large cities here. The capital Hobart is inhabited by about half of the total population. But the island of Tasmania still greets tourists with modern cities. The population has spoken English since the days of colonization, so guests from all over the world feel comfortable here. Tourists are offered to visit the main settlements of the island.

Ways to get around the island

You can get to Tasmania by ferry from Melbourne, the journey time is from 9 to 11 hours. Or by plane, which is faster - you can fly there in an hour. Travel on the island is carried out mainly by car or comfortable buses. But a seat on the bus must be booked in advance. There are also well-developed air connections between the largest cities. If you are traveling on your own, please note that traffic in Tasmania is on the left, and the speed limit is 100 km/h, as the roads wind heavily. Cycling is very popular among local residents. On the west coast, a railway line remains between the towns of Streham and Queenstown. But it is now used more for tourism purposes.

Holidays on the island of Tasmania

The best time to vacation here is from November to April. At this time, the island is warm and you can visit most attractions without problems. But this place is not for those who like to fry on the beach. Even in the warmest months, the temperature here does not rise above 24 degrees. But still, the island of Tasmania attracts tourists. It is especially popular among lovers of a relaxing holiday or extreme mountain and water tourism.

There are comfortable hotels and resort areas on the island where you can have a good rest. In addition to comfortable hotels, vacationers can enjoy cycling, surfing, diving, boating and horse riding, rock climbing, fishing and many other entertainments.

Natural attractions of the island

The unique nature of Tasmania is what attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. The most popular and interesting excursion is by ferry around the island. What other attractions can you visit here?


Cultural and historical sights

There are many places on the island that are interesting to see. Even ordinary cities retain the unique atmosphere of the last century combined with modernity. There are many painting and decorative arts galleries on the island, where you can purchase unique handicrafts. There are also cultural and historical attractions here. Residents remember and carefully protect the history of the island.

  • The most famous and frequently visited attraction is the prison in Port Arthur. This is a kind of prison town that existed until the end of the 19th century.
  • The coal mines and Cascades Women's Factory are also worth a visit.
  • The unique Tiagarra Museum, located in Davenport, tells the history and culture of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, now almost extinct.

Shops and restaurants on the island

Tasmania was formerly an English colony. Therefore, mainly English cuisine predominated. Now here you can try dishes from all over the world. Local delicacies include seafood: lobster, salmon, the unique Tasmanian bighead fish, as well as a variety of shellfish. The town of Hobard is home to the Cadberry Chocolate Factory, and on Spicy King there are popular cheese factories. The island of Tasmania is also famous for its local beer and soft, fragrant wine. And you can taste the aromatic honey produced from the pollen of the rare Eucrythia lucidum shrub only here.

You can find many unique antiques in the shops on the island. The largest antiques market is located in Hobart. Here you can find furniture made from exotic woods, antique silver and interior items, books, and unique dishes. Tourists are also advised to purchase items made from locally produced merino wool, which are famous all over the world. And unique handmade products can be bought at the Salamanca Market in Hobart.

What makes the island unique?

Many people have heard of the Tasmanian devil, but not everyone knows where the island of Tasmania is located. Those who have visited this place call it a real paradise on Earth. Indeed, a warm mild climate, a relaxing holiday, picturesque nature - all this makes Tasmania unique. In such a small area, almost all types of natural landscapes are represented: tropical forests, jungles, savannas, deserts, mountain ranges, valleys, lakes, beaches and fjords. The unique flora and fauna, the preserved atmosphere of 19th century cities - these are the features of Tasmania that attract tourists.

It is separated by the 224 km wide Bass Strait.

Most of Tasmania lies in the zone of cyclonic activity in the temperate latitudes of the southern hemisphere. It is characterized by constant western directions, bringing large amounts of precipitation to the western coast and to the western slopes of the plateau. Annual precipitation in some areas exceeds 3500 mm, the average precipitation for the entire island is about 1000 mm. In the east, precipitation is significantly less; in some areas it decreases to 500 mm. Precipitation in winter and summer falls mostly in the form of long drizzles. It forms in the mountains in winter, but in low places snow rarely falls and almost never lingers.

Heavy rainfall feeds a dense river network, especially developed in the west. Deep and fast rivers are full of water all year round. many lakes of origin.

On the island, some animals have been preserved that have long been exterminated on the mainland; in addition, there are some representatives of the Antarctic fauna.

There are many different birds in Tasmania; in the south there are “guests” from penguins.

The island is unevenly populated and quite sparse. Most of the population is concentrated in the east, where potatoes are planted and various fruit trees, mainly apple trees, are grown.

The outlines of Tasmania, an island within Australia located 240 km south of the mainland, resemble either a child’s bib or a heart drying on clothespins, which perfectly reflects the surrealism of life here: most representatives of the flora and fauna are not are found nowhere else in the world, and the bulk of the population of Tasmania for a long time consisted only of Aboriginal Bushmen and exiled British subjects. 'The Island of Inspiration', Tassie, as the Australians call it, offers a wealth of amazing activities, from overnight stays in the bush to encounters with the Tasmanian marsupial devil, and this otherworldly world is just over the horizon.

How to get to Tasmania

To get to Tasmania you must first arrive on mainland Australia as the island is only served by local airlines. From Russia to Australia there are at least 20 hours of flight time, not counting the time spent on connections (there are no non-stop flights).

Flights to Tasmanian airports (Hobart, Launceston and Devonport) operate from many mainland cities: for example, from Sydney, Canberra, Perth or Melbourne. From the nearest airport to the island in Australia - Melbourne - no more than 1 hour flight. The service is provided by Australian airlines Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Regional Express and Tiger Airways.

The hotel is easily accessible from Tasmanian airports via shuttle buses. Given the short distances in cities, the bus will drop you off right at the hotel door. The fare ranges from 20 USD to 30 USD. To travel back from the hotel to the airport, you must pre-book a seat on the bus by phone and agree on the time of boarding and deployment.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Melbourne and Devonport are also connected by ferry service from the maritime transport company Spirit of Tasmania. Travel time is from 9 to 11 hours, fare is from 126 USD to 187 USD per seat, 170-280 USD per bed in a cabin, depending on the season. Car transportation - 87 USD. Please be aware that rental cars are often subject to travel restrictions between the mainland and the island, check this detail with your rental agency.

Search for flights to Sydney (the closest airport to Tasmania)

How to navigate Tasmania

The island of Tasmania is divided into five regions:

  • capital city of Hobart and surrounding area
  • East Coast (including Flinders Island)
  • Launceston, Tamar and northern Tasmania
  • North West Coast (main town - Devonport and Bass Strait Islands)
  • Western Territories

Transport on the island

The most convenient way to travel around Tasmania is by car, which can be rented at any of the many rental agencies; All you need to do is present an international driver's license and a credit card (or cash) for the deposit. Remember that in Australia we drive on the left side of the road and wearing seat belts is compulsory. Be especially careful when driving around the island in the dark: animals of different sizes are constantly trying to cross the road: from dwarf wallabies to larger specimens.

Tasmania's roads are very winding, and the speed limit of 100 km/h is often simply unnecessary: ​​you are unlikely to move faster along the serpentines. Always expect longer travel times.

The island has a network of bus routes operated by two major transport companies: Redline Tasmania and Tassielink. Advance reservations online or by phone are required. It is recommended to carefully study the schedule and be patient and have time, as departures are often irregular and delays are common along the way.

Tasmanian carriers Tasair, Airlines of Tasmania and Sharp Airlines offer domestic flights between the island's major cities: Hobart, Devonport, Launceston and King, Flinders and Cape Barren Islands.

The only railway line, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, runs along the West Coast between Strahan and Queenstown. Today it is more of a tourist attraction than a full-fledged way to travel. Travel time is 3 hours, passengers are offered lunch.

Another popular way to get around Tasmania is by bicycle. In any city there are a large number of rental offices; You can ride a bicycle independently or join tourist cyclo-tours lasting from 1 to 25 days.

Popular hotels in Tasmania

Cuisine and restaurants of Tasmania

The island's restaurants have long been dominated by English gastronomic traditions (thanks to the close and long history of Anglo-Australian interaction). With the arrival of international migrants in Tasmania, it has become possible to find a nutritious establishment for almost any cuisine in the world. Among the local tasty attractions, it is recommended to try seafood: lobster, salmon in various preparations, exotic deep-sea fish called Atlantic bighead (bred on sea farms in Tasmania) and a variety of shellfish: mussels, oysters, abalone and other shell holders.

Tassie Dining Card is a card that entitles you to a discount of 15 to 50% in restaurants, bars and cafes in more than 40 cities and towns on the island. Discounts are also available in some grocery stores, enotecas and delis. Accompanying the map is a 32-page guide to Tasmanian restaurants. Cost - 39 USD, valid for 30 days for a group of up to six people.

Tasmania, like Australia, is famous for its soft, fragrant and weak wine (the best wineries are located in the Tamar Valley), sparkling drinks, and local beer. The Cascade and Boag's brands are popular throughout the country.

King Island is famous for its cheese factories, while Hobart is famous for its Cadbury chocolate factory.

Try the exclusive Tasmanian honey, obtained from the pollen of the leatherwood bush (Eucryphia lucidum) - it is very aromatic and has a lot of useful properties.

The 'Island of Inspiration', Tassie, as Australians call it, offers a wealth of amazing activities, from spending the night in the bush to meeting the Tasmanian marsupial devil.

Shopping and shops in Tasmania

Thanks to Tasmania's long isolation from civilized life, its colonial past and a national passion for preserving antiques, unique antiques can be found here: furniture and home decoration, silver, books, coins and porcelain. Furniture made from exotic woods, such as myrtle or cowrie, is especially in demand. Most antique stores offer services for delivery of purchased goods abroad. Be sure to visit the largest antiques market in Hobart - The Antiques Market.

The island also houses many galleries of paintings, decorative arts and folk crafts. In general, Tasmania has a truly fantastic percentage of talent per capita!

Tasmania is also famous for its wool products; Precious merino goats roam these spaces. You can purchase wool yarn or ready-made products. Don’t forget about edible souvenirs: fresh food, of course, is difficult to bring home, but cheese wheels and bottles of wine can be taken with you.

Maps of Tasmania

Guides in Tasmania

Entertainment and attractions in Tasmania

Entertainment in Tasmania can be divided into two large groups: admiring the amazing nature and wildlife of the island and getting acquainted with the dark legacy of the colonial regime - visiting places of detention, former colony settlements and labor enterprises. As the Tourism Office writes, the latter will be especially interesting to the British - they will literally be able to feel themselves in the shoes of their ancestors.

Five Tasmanian historical sites (all with prison roots) have just recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: Port Arthur Prison, the Coal Mines, the Cascades Ladies' Factory, Darlington Probation Station and the Brickendon Woolmers Estates.

The Tiagarra Cultural Center in Devonport tells the story of Tasmania's Aboriginal people (the island's Aboriginal people today make up 1% of the population). There are inscriptions carved in stone here that date back to the eighth millennium BC. The museum displays more than 2,000 artifacts.

The Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery has exhibits on the history, culture and decorative arts of the island, and separate rooms are dedicated to Aboriginal art, in particular, here you can see a model of a primitive canoe.