Tasmania
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Tasmania, is Australia's only island state. It lies to the south of the country in lower latitudes and enjoys a cooler climate than its mainland counterparts. Tasmania is an enigma. It ranges from modern western cities through to living relics of our convict heritage and some of the most important wilderness areas remaining on planet earth.The capital and largest city is Hobart which lies in the south on the banks of the Derwent River. The east coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages while the midlands are an agricultural heartland for Tasmania. The west and the central west are amazing. Cradle Mountain lies to the south of Launceston which is Tasmania's second largest city and the place where many Australian access Tasmania through. Cradle mountain is one of the most visited places in Tasmania with sensation mountain and wilderness scenery, beautiful lakes and bushwalking that is among the best in the world.
The West coast of Tasmania is something special. The south west corner is almost completely untouched by man. Huge areas of forest dominate the landscape and beautiful harbours break through the rocky and windswept coastline. In the center of the west coast is the mining town of Queenstown. Close by is the town of Strachan which is the junping off point for aquatic tours into the wilderness. The Gordon and Franklin River systems run into Macquarie Harbour and these two rivers are navigable for a long distance inland. The scenery here is untouched and absolutely magnificent.You can take a day trip or join a cruise boat for an extended stay in this magnificent region.
Historically, Tasmania was one of the first regions settled by Europeans. The British set up the Port Arthur convict settlement early on in the history of settlement in Australia. Convict labour was used throughout Tasmania for the construction of buildings, bridges, houses and roads and there is lots of evidence of their work on display throughout the state. In Hobart, the port area, Constitution Dock, where the Sydney to Hobart racing yachts berth and adjoining streets and alleys bear testament to the skill and ability of these early inhabitants. Tasmania is a state that you must include in any Australian holiday to see both the countries best wilderness, earliest historical settlements and most beautiful scenery.One of the most popular ways to see Tasmania is to hire a campervan or motorhome and tour the state taking a week or so. www.tastravel.net.au is your one stop shop for all your Tasmanian holiday requirements.
