Tasmania
Tasmania (TAS) 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 separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait, 240
kilometres south east of the mainland. Tasmania is a land of green
island of wild, mountainous and beautiful landscapes; friendly,
welcoming people; temperate climate; quality cool-climate wines and
food; a spirited history; and a creative arts community - all
wrapped up in a relaxed lifestyle.
It is one of the world's most mountainous islands and while the
peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their
serrated profile. The geology reflecting Australia's
connection to Antarctica millions of years ago. It is an
archipelago of more than 300 islands.
Weather and Climate
The climate in Tasmania is mild with regularrainfall but varies
from west to east. The Roaring Forty winds that travel across
the island bring with them the cleanest air in the
world. On the west coast the average rainfall is around
three metres a year, while on the east coast it's less than 20
centimetres. The maritime climate means every season of the
year is a whole new Tasmanian holiday.
Tasmania has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are
December to March. Autumn has sunny days and riotous colours as the
200+ year old trees turn from gold to red in preparation for
winter. Winter runs from May through August. However, because it's
situated in the Southern Ocean the climate can vary greatly on
any given day.
History
The state is named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made
the first reported European sighting of the island on 24 November
1642. Captain James Cook also sighted the island in 1777.
Tasmania was totally inhabited by an indigenous population, the
Tasmanian Aborigines, and evidence indicates their presence in the
territory, later to become an island, at least 35 000 years ago.
The indigenous population at the time of British settlement in 1803
has been estimated at 5,000, but through persecution and disease
the much of the population was eradicated (but some descendants
still survive).
The early British settlers were mostly convicts and military
guards, with the task of developing agriculture and other
industries. The Aboriginal resistance to this invasion was so
strong, that troops were deployed across much of Tasmania to drive
the Aborigines into captivity on nearby islands.
Hobart
Hobart is the state capital of the State of Tasmania and one of
Australia's oldest cities. The greater area population is
approximately 205,566. The city is the financial and administrative
heart of Tasmania, which also serves as the home port for
Australian and French Antarctic operations.
Sources: Discover Tasmania, Wikipedia: Tasmania