"Tasmania" State of Tasmania by The_Downunder_Mob

Tasmania was once joined to mainland Australia. Its history as an island begins about 10,000 years ago.

Tasmania was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman who named the island Van Diemen's Land after his sponsor, the Governor of the Dutch East Indies. In 1772, a French expedition led by Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne landed on the island. Captain James Cook who discovered the east coast of Australia in 1770, sighted the island during a further voyage in 1777.

The first British convicts arrived in the colony of New South Wales on the First Fleet in 1788. By the end of that century Governor Phillip Gidley King needed somewhere to send incorrigible convicts - those who re-offended.

The first officially recorded settlement in Tasmania was established on 1803 .........

To learn more and find out things to do in Tasmania please visit Aussie Al's (al2401) Tasmania page.

Tasmania

Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake - Tasmania

Tasmania is a photographer's paradise - around every corner is a picture just waiting to be taken.

Constitution Dock - Hobart Tasmania

The most famous activity linked to Tasmania is the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.