Tasmania

Tasmania is an island state of Australia located about 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland, noted for its extensive wild landscapes and distinct island ecology. Its capital and largest city is Hobart.

Aboriginal Tasmanians have inhabited the island for tens of thousands of years; European settlement began in the early 19th century when Tasmania was established as a British colony. The island’s economy and land use have evolved from convict-era settlements and extractive industries to conservation, tourism and specialty agriculture.

Positioned south of mainland Australia across Bass Strait, Tasmania comprises the main island plus many smaller islands and is governed as one of Australia’s six states, with Hobart in the southeast serving as the administrative centre.

• Size and access: Tasmania covers approximately 68,401 square kilometres and is separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, accessible by air and by the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service.
• Best time to visit: Best visiting seasons are the southern hemisphere spring and summer (September to February) for milder weather and maximal access to trails and parks.

What to See #

• Hobart: Hobart serves as the island state's capital and main port, located on the estuary of the River Derwent in the southeast.
• Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park forms the core of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is a major destination for hiking and nature tourism.
• Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur: The Tasman Peninsula contains notable coastal features and the historic Port Arthur site, which is a major heritage attraction.