Tasmania

Approximately 10,000 years ago Tasmania was joined to mainland Australia. In the present day the area of breathtaking natural scenery is separated by the Bass Strait. Australia’s largest rainforest, the Tarkine, in the North West of the island should not be missed. Tasmania is home to an exotic variety of flora and fauna, as well as the half a million inhabitants. Hobart, the state capitol, has many fine historical sites including the Shot Tower at Taroona and Arthur’s Circus at Battery Point. Cool and temperate in climate, Tasmania offers a change of pace.

What to See and Where to Go

• Making time to go up to the summit of Mt. Wellington, which overlooks the city of Hobart, (only a short trip from the city centre) rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city.
• The Mt. Field National Park is a very popular day trip while staying in Hobart.
• Get out and about on foot to visit Hobart’s reasonably priced restaurants for meals featuring fresh locally produced food.
• In the East, Tasmania’s “Suncoast” features miles of white sandy beaches, is the centre for scuba diving and delightful fishing trips.
• Port Arthur’s past as a penal colony is the subject of a current archeological dig, with new finds being made on a regular basis.

Tasmania Travel Savings Tips

• Hotels are only one option as far as accommodations go in Tasmania, so consider if it is worth paying a lot more for a bed, if you are likely to fall into it, dead tired, at the end of your day and never make it to the pool or nightclub. More economical options include bed and breakfast stays in private homes, which is a good way to meet locals who can pass on invaluable tips about sights and traveling in the area. Local beauty spots can be well kept secrets until you sit down and get to know the folks in town.
• For the more adventurous traveler, extremely well equipped camping sites rent out tents by the night or week, making the addition of a few days on this island easy on the budget.
• Visit at off-peak seasons to take advantage of lower rates at all kinds if accommodations. Summer in Tasmania starts in December and lasts for three months, but early autumn in March is very pleasant.