Tasmania, Hobart, Port Arthur, Freycinet, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Strahan
Australian Travel Destination 2
Tasmania is often described as one of the most scenically beautiful islands on Earth, and justifiably so. While its mountains are not high in the grand tradition of the American Rockies, or the Swiss Alps (the highest point in Tasmania is 1,580 metres, 5,200 feet), Tasmania has incredible vertical perspective - one minute rolling farmland, the next mountain views, the next incredible seascapes. The Capital, Hobart is a good example - the city is an excellent port, built around the Derwent River Estuary, yet Mount Wellington forms a dramatic backdrop, rising some 1,270 metres (4,166 ft.), the pinnacle of which can be reached in a 20 minute drive for some amazing city views.
For more detail, see the Map of Australia Travel Destination Tasmania, Hobart, Port Arthur, Freycinet, Launceston, Cradle Mountain and Strahan.
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Tasmania offers some of the best cool temperate rainforests in the world, dramatic coastlines, and wild yet accessible scenery in a well preserved environment. Almost 40% of the Island is locked up in National Parks or World Heritage Listed areas.
History of Tasmania
The first sighting of Tasmania by a European was in 1642 when Dutch explorer Abel Janzoon Tasman arrived. Captain William Bligh visited Tasmania in 1777, landing at Adventure Bay, near Hobart. Hobart was settled from Sydney in 1803, and is therefore the second oldest city in Australia. The original name was Van Diemen's Land, but was changed to Tasmania in 1856. Tasmania became a State of Australia on Federation Day in January of 1901. Environmental issues have dominated the politics of Tasmania over the past 40 years, starting with the flooding of Lake Pedder in the early 1970's and continuing in arguments over logging and forest management ever since.
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Geography of Tasmania
While it looks small compared to Mainland Australia, Tasmania is 68,401 square kilometres (26,410 square miles), and travel distances can be deceptive when driving. Situated in the path of the "Roaring forties", Tasmania enjoys a cool temperate climate. Rainfall is heavy and frequent on the West Coast, with the Central Highlands creating a rain shadow on the East Coast. The standing joke in Tasmania is that if you don't like the weather at the moment, just wait an hour or so, is is sure to change. Hobart is shown by a red dot on the Satellite image, Launceston by the yellow dot, Strahan by the blue dot, and Coles Bay / Freycinet by the white dot. Port Arthur is just to the right of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula, the Tamar Valley just to the north of Launceston, and Cradle Mountain to the left of Launceston. The West Coast is accessed from the north via Cradle Mountain or north coast, or from Hobart in the south. Strahan is the centre of West Coast Tasmanian tourism.
Hobart and the South East
About half of Tasmania's population is centered around Hobart, and the city is the seat of the State Parliament. Hobart is a very attractive port city, and contains the historic Salamanca Place and Battery Point Historic precincts. A very wide range of hotel and other accommodation options are available on Tasmania.com. If not driving, day tours and sightseeing is available to all major attractions.
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Launceston and the Tamar Valley
The second largest city in Tasmania, Launceston provides access to the north of the state. Named after Launceston in Cornwall, England, it was settled on the junction of the North and South Esk Rivers in 1806.
>>> Day Trips and Sightseeing in Launceston Tasmania.
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Cradle Mountain / Lake St Claire National Park
About two hours drive to the East of Launceston, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's Icons. Many walks in the area are available, from half hour rambles in the rainforest around the Cradle Mountain Lodge, to the multi day Overland Track Walk that takes in some of the finest of Tasmania's wilderness areas.
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Freycinet National Park, Bicheno, Coles Bay and the East Coast
Ejoying far less rainfall than Strahan and the West Coast, the whole East Coast of Tasmania from Hobart to St Helens offers wonderful beaches, open forests and rolling farmlands. A great way to see the East Coast of Tasmania and the Freycinet Peninsula if you are a more active traveler is to join the 7-Day Tasmania Cycling and Walking Trip from Launceston to Hobart.
Strahan and the West Coast
Wild, windswept, deserted beaches, dense rainforest and the history of the tough men and women who carved out a living under incredibly tough conditions make the Strahan area of the west coast of Tasmania worth a visit. Keep in mind that it takes 5 or 6 hours to drive from Hobart, and the same amount of time to drive from Launceston when planning your Tasmanian itinerary.
>>> Join the Gordon River Cruise from Strahan
>>> Join the Tasmania West Coast ABT Wilderness Railway Tour
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