| Page Views: 798 Last Visit to State of Tasmania: 2006 | Tasmania: A Paradise No Longer Lost! by Intrepidduck - last update: Dec 10, 2006 |
Tasmania: Island and People. | Herbert carvings - Ross Bridge c1836 |
My interests concerning Australia's island state Tasmania began nearly 25 years ago. Since then I have spent a good part of 15 months all up living and travelling on the island state and it's sarounding islands. In a way I can call Tasmania my true home.
I have cycled, hitch hiked, walked, flown over and ferried Tasmania on frequent photographic trips to get away from the big smoke and the "north island" as some Taswegians have put it. This refering to the Australian mainland.
There is a timeless quality to the island, and it's many offshore islands and islets, which attract one who needs a rest from crowds. Although Australia's smallest state it is not a mere island, as it covers an area of some 68,000 sq Km, about the size of Scotland or the US state of Maine. But a total population of only 470,000 inhabitants.
Tasmanian geographical territory stretches from Rodondo Island in the north, visible from Victoria's Wilsons Promontory, and to the extreams of some 2000 Km to the south at sub Antarctic Macquarie Island. Bass Strait is where the largest number of off shore islands can be found such as Flinders and King Island, the Hunter and the Kent Groups to name a few. These are truely off the beaten path locations to visit for a number of days on each.
Hobart, the state capital which was established in 1804, is a mere 200,000 inhabitants if one includes all it's stragling suburbs. Here one can get a certain taste of city life, but there is always that constant reminder that nature is but a few blocks away. Mt Wellington at 1270m looms over this deep harbour port with it's quaint fishing fleet. Snow, although intermittant, can dust "the Mountain" even in summer months, sending a chill down the colonial era streets. Tasmania's climate is moderated by the ocean influences. The west coast being wet and the east coast being dry.
Overall Tasmania is a special place to travel to. Its unspoilt natural areas and historical heritage are to quote the obvious. Time must be given for an island where time seems to have slowed down a pace.
Don't make the mistake like most tourist do and think they are going to see it all in a few days, or a week. One can spend that amount of time just on a good walk or hanging out in Hobart's great pubs. Give two weeks there at a minumum and half a lifetime if you can, to really see it for what it's worth. |
| Decideous Beech and Pencil Pine, Cradle Mtn. |
|  | Natural World Heritage Over 10% of Tasmania has been protected by UNESCO World Heritage - a great achievement, however more must be protected since the great biodiversity of the island is unique to the world.
It is at the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair, Freycinate and the South West National Parks where some of the island state's most spectacular natural sights will be found. |
| Colonial Church Architecture at Evandale. |
| | Historic Heriatge Tasmania was the second place in Australia to be officially settled by Europeans. Interestingly the first unofficial settlements were by sealers in Bass Strait and, recently discovered, by the French at Recearch Bay. |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
| Pros: | "Fresh Air, Natural Beauty, Vibrant Arts Scene." | | Cons: | "Isolation from the Aust. mainland (not always a bad thing)" | | In A Nutshell: | "A Paradise Sort of Lost." |
Intrepidduck's State of Tasmania Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | Nightlife
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | Off The Beaten Path
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4 | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3 | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for Intrepidduck about State of Tasmania | | | | |
mtncorg Thu Aug 4, 2005 22:42 UTC
Fine pages on the South Island. What a good use for a golf course! A few places to get caffeined up and we're ready to take on the Bush. | MissyWQ Sat Aug 14, 2004 14:11 UTC
intrepid Definition: brave Synonyms: bold, courageous, daring, dauntless, fearless, gallant, game, gritty, gutsy, heroic, lionhearted, nerveless, nervy, plucky, resolute, spunky, stalwart, unafraid, undaunted, unflinching, valiant, valorous | Sharrie Thu Jun 3, 2004 02:04 UTC
I don't have more than a week to spare... but I'd still like to see this hidden gem! Thanks for the virtual tour & detailed narration! | thelittlevoice Wed May 12, 2004 13:44 UTC
nice page. i really like the pictures. |
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