 Tasmania is an Australian island and state of the same name. It is located 240 kilometres (150 mi) south of the eastern side of the continent, being separated from it by Bass Strait. The state of Tasmania includes the island of Tasmania, and other surrounding islands. Tasmania has an estimated population of 493,300 as of June 2007 and an area of 68,401 square kilometres (26,410 sq mi).
Tasmania promotes itself as the Natural State and the "Island of Inspiration" owing to its large, and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Formally, almost 37% of Tasmania is in reserves, National Parks and World Heritage Sites. The island is 364 kilometres long from the northernmost point to the southernmost point, and 306 kilometres from west to east. The state capital and largest city is Hobart, which encompasses the local government areas of City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy and City of Clarence. Other major population centres include Launceston in the north, and Devonport and Burnie in the northwest.  The subantarctic Macquarie Island is also under the administration of the state, as part of the Huon Valley Council local government area.
Tasmania 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 one of the world's most mountainous islands and while our peaks do not tower to great heights, they are unique in their serrated profile. Our geology reflects our connection millions of years ago to Antarctica, and we are one of the few places in the world where ancient dolorite rocks dominates the landscape. Our climate is mild and our rainfall regular. The Roaring Forty winds that travel across our island bring with them the cleanest air in the world. But in less than 300 kilometres the weather patterns change dramatically. On the west coast the average rainfall is around three metres a year, while on the east coast it's less than 20 centimetres. So we invite you to come to the edge of the world and explore our island and meet our residents. It will be an experience you will always remember. Greater Hobart and its surrounding towns of Richmond to the north-east and Kettering to the south are an intriguing blend of heritage and lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture. The city is defined by the river and sea. Take a harbour cruise or drive to the summit of Mount Nelson or Mount Wellington and you'll understand our maritime focus - suburbs hug the Derwent River, city buildings cluster around the docks and the estuary broadens into Storm Bay and the distant sea. Twenty-five kilometres and 100 years from the busy city is the historic town of Richmond. In the narrow cells of the old Richmond Gaol, Tasmania's convict past seems just a clink of chains away. Close by are the neat vineyards and wineries of the Coal River Valley, home of superb cool-climate wines. Hobart is an ideal base for your southern Tasmanian journeys - explore farther afield, then return to relax, unwind and rejuvenate.
We have more than 1,000 mountain peaks, four mild seasons, more than 40 per cent of our Island is protected as national parks and reserves, and we have some of the world's rarest animals. Our main Island, which compares in size to West Virginia, the Republic of Ireland or Hokkaido, is home to about 500,000 people. So we are pretty happy and relaxed, and have time to welcome visitors to our Island. Our air is scientifically proven to be just about the world's cleanest; our soils are rich and fertile. So our produce, seafood and wines taste wonderful. We do our best to manage our Island responsibly and in 2004 the US National Geographic Traveler magazine's Sustainable Tourism Initiative ranked us equal third, in the world, for wise land stewardship. |
