About Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia's only island state. It is a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, uncrowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines.
It is one of the world's most mountainous islands and while our peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their serrated profile. Our geology reflects our connection millions of years ago to Antarctica, and we are one of the few places in the world where ancient dolorite rocks dominates the landscape.
Our climate is mild and our rainfall regular. The Roaring Forty winds that travel across our island bring with them the cleanest air in the world. But in less than 300 kilometres the weather patterns change dramatically. On the west coast the average rainfall is around three metres a year, while on the east coast it's less than 20 centimetres. Hobart, our capital is incongruously Australia's second driest large city
About Hobart
With the River Derwent at its heart and Mount Wellington rising above it, in Hobart the tranquility of a city from a bygone era coexists with the vibrancy of a pocket-sized modern metropolis. Hobart's European beginnings are evident everywhere, from quaint settlers' cottages to the lofty porches of colonial mansions.
Once bustling with whalers and entrepreneurs, 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside cafes, artist’s studios and restaurants, where you can enjoy excellent cuisine and fine wines. Discover Australia’s history in the nearby Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, enjoy classical and modern music in a variety of venues, or go to the theatre, in this city of festivals.
Hobart is a place of fishing boats, fish punts at the docks, and coffee under the sun-umbrellas where the famous Salamanca Market is held every Saturday.
Take a harbour cruise past square-rigged yachts, or drive to the summit of Mount Wellington for a bird’s eye view of the intricate pattern of islands and estuaries that reach out to the sea beyond.
The area surrounding Hobart is rich with a variety of landscapes and experiences.
To Hobart’s south east, past the Coal River Valley wineries, is the historic town of Richmond. Here, the jail serves as a prelude to the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula. Nearby Port Arthur you will find thrilling cliff walks and cruises that take you beside 300 metre sea cliffs and Tasman Island.
South of Hobart, you can cruise off Bruny Island, beneath some of the world’s highest seacliffs, or drive north to Oatlands, to explore Australia’s largest collection of sandstone buildings. Farther afield through New Norfolk is the pretty town of Hamilton, or for a taste of the high country, visit Bothwell at the southern edge of the Central Plateau.
