Tasmania

Covering just 68,408 Sq kilometres, the Island State of Tasmania crams a lot into a very small space. The World Heritage Listed Areas, Spectacular Scenery, Historic Towns, Museums, Art Galleries, Wineries, Farms and Dairies in lush green countryside in a distinct Tasmanian cuisine that emphasises the abundant local produce and an Internationally reconised craft industry. The First European to sight the island was Abel Tasman in 1642. European colonisation dates from 1803 and initially called Van Diemens Land by Tasman, it was later renamed Tasmania. Tasmania began as a penal settlement, with Port Arthur gaining long lasting notoriety for its harshness. Yet other prisons, such as Sarah Island on Tasmania's wild west coast were reputed to be far worse. It became a colony in its own right by breaking away from New South Wales in 1825 and continued to receive convicts until 1853.

The richness of the farming land, together with a climate and landscape reminiscent of England, soon attracted free settlers, many of whom established successful enterprises and businesses. This is still reflected in the many fine Georgian-style mansions, a number of which have been restored and refurbished under the auspices of the National Trust. Other historic farmhouses, cottages and buildings remain and Tasmania can justifiably lay claim to the sobriquet "Heritage Island".

There are many museums that give a glimpse of the past. Major museums such as the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallary in Hobart and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston provide a comprehensive overview. There are also specialty museums, which can be found devoted to fruit growing, mining, the maritime industry, trout fishing, or even golf and beer.



Tasmania attracts many Australian and international tourists, drawn by the pleasing climate that includes mild summers and cool winters. High winter rain fall keeps Tasmania lush and green giving it great ability to produce some of the finest quality farm produce in the world.

Many holiday makers choose to bring their cars to Tasmania, utilising overnight Spirit of Tasmania ferry which runs between Melbourne and Devonport. Demand for this service has grown considerably in the last 10 - 15 years as more and more people find out about this great layback island state.

December and March fly-drive holiday packages offer an alternative to the ferry and are sometimes very cost attractive if you suffer from sea sickness. The main airports are Hobart, Launceston and Bernie/Wynyard although other regional services receive scheduled services from mainland Australia.

Roads throughout Tasmania are generally better than other parts of Australia, access to all parts of the island state including the rugged West Coast and such renowned world heritage areas such as Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park, are of a very high standard. Tourist attractions include Scale model museums of Old Hobart Town, historical Model Village in Richmond a re-creation of Hobart Town back in the 1820's, also the Model Train World in Huonville, a small scale representation of Germany with more than 30 model locomotives.

At Claremont there is Alpenrail Swiss Model Village and Railway, a huge scale model complex detailing Switzerland's Lakes, mountains and countryside. Tasmania's award-winning wines are not to be missed as the unique climate and soil will add flavours to your list of some fine wine. The Tamar Valley in the north produces about 70% of Tasmania's cool climate wines, with the Tamar Valley Wine Route bringing together such outstanding wineries as Pipers Brook, Heemskerk which produces sparkling wine in conjuction with France's Louis Roederer, Delamere and Dalrymple.

A number of selected wineries can be found scattered throughout other regions including the East Coast and Southern Tasmania. Seafood is an ejoyable part of Tasmania's exstensive produce. Many of the towns on the northern and eastern coasts support fishing fleets while many inland lakes and streams are stocked with many Trout.

Cool climate produce such as apple,pears and other stonefruit are in abundance while gourmet cheese and dairy foods are well worth seeking out. Cheese makers large and small such as Lactos with a major tasting and sales outlet south-east of Burnie operate throughout Tasmania.

King Island, in Bass Strait has a well deserved reputation worldwide for premium beef abd dairy products, especially cheeses. In resturants throughout Tasmania chefs have applied themselves to creating the finest culinary sensations with the local premium produce.