National parks and Wilderness
Tasmania’s national parks cover a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Around 40% of the Island of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. Most of these parks are stunningly beautiful and easy to reach from the major cities. Each park is save to visit.
Because the national parks are so special a large part has been included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area in recognition of their unique natural and cultural values. The well-known iconic places are located in or near the national parks, such as Cradle Mountain in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park and the Franklin River in the Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park - not to mention the Port Arthur Historic Site near the Tasman National Park.
Tasmania also has a beautiful marine reserves where a delicate and stunning underwater environment is protected so that our future generations is also able to enjoy the sight.
Tasmania's national parks and reserves are managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Many have visitor centres where you can find information about the park's wildlife, history and geology, as well you can buy there parks passes, maps and some food and drinks.
Tasmania’s national parks cover a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems with plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Around 40% of the Island of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. Most of these parks are stunningly beautiful and easy to reach from the major cities. Each park is save to visit.
Because the national parks are so special a large part has been included in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area in recognition of their unique natural and cultural values. The well-known iconic places are located in or near the national parks, such as Cradle Mountain in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park and the Franklin River in the Gordon-Franklin Wild Rivers National Park - not to mention the Port Arthur Historic Site near the Tasman National Park.
Tasmania also has a beautiful marine reserves where a delicate and stunning underwater environment is protected so that our future generations is also able to enjoy the sight.
Tasmania's national parks and reserves are managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Many have visitor centres where you can find information about the park's wildlife, history and geology, as well you can buy there parks passes, maps and some food and drinks.
De Aboriginals
When Abel Tasman, the first European, discovered the island of Tasmania there should have lived around 10.000 Aboriginals. The arrival of the Europeans was a bad sign for the Aboriginals. The Europeans took over soil for farming, so the aboriginals lost their hunting ground. Also diseases were spread amongst the aboriginals. The Europeans forced the aboriginals to work under poor conditions. Between 1829 and 1834, the rest of the aboriginals were brought to Flinders Island where they were taught the Christian faith. Most died because of the lack of food, bad hygiene and the many diseases the Europeans brought to the Island. 47 of the 135 aboriginals, who survived were brought to Oyster Cove in Southern Tasmania back in 1847. Despite several Aboriginals communities, the last full-blooded Tasmanian aboriginal was deceased in the 19th century. |
Climate
Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, with an average of 626 millimetres is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while on the west coast an annual average of 2,400 mm ensures the rainforest thrives. Regardless of where you travel in Tasmania you should be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if bush walking. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer
Tasmania has four distinct seasons with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.
Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, with an average of 626 millimetres is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while on the west coast an annual average of 2,400 mm ensures the rainforest thrives. Regardless of where you travel in Tasmania you should be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if bush walking. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer
Food and Drink
Tasmania's strong tradition of small-scale production, organic farming and sustainability, along with rich soil, pure air and clean water inspire dedicated growers to produce a truly authentic food and drink experience. Tasmania is a great place to learn about and try fresh produce. You can find Tasmania's fine produce at farmers markets and in local eateries, from cheap and cheerful pubs to high-end bars and restaurants. You can even stop and buy from roadside stalls – in Tasmania you'll still find honesty boxes all around the state. |
Tasmania is also home to some of Australia's leading cool climate wines with our Pinot Noir and sparkling wines attracting the interest of wine makers from around the world. Our clean and green environment is also ideal for producing cider, whisky and gin and our boutique breweries and distilleries showcase their wares at cellar doors where you can sample the produce and talk to the maker.
Foodies can learn how to prepare amazing plates at cooking schools, pick fresh produce straight from the source and sample a wide range of excellent dishes and products at food festivals and master classes. Tasmania's quality food and wine attract foodies from all over the world, so why not join them for a delicious taste of the island state? |