Tasmania is Australia's only island state and has the smallest population with roughly 500,000 residents. It enjoys a unique lifestyle and beautiful landscapes. It is separated from the Australian mainland by a body of water called the Bass Strait. Its state capital is the city of Hobart.
Tasmania has some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery not just in Australia but also the world. Over 45 percent of Tasmania is protected in national parks so you can't make a visit here without checking at least a couple of them out. There's a park for every season and for every person. Discover spectacular landscapes from highlands carved by glaciers, to quiet solitary beaches, from cool and silent rainforests, to colourful alpine wilderness wildflowers. Tasmania's 19 national parks encompass a diversity of unspoiled habitats and ecosystems which offer refuge to unique, and often ancient, plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. |
Attractions, Activities and Events in Tasmania
World Heritage Convict Sites
In July 2010, it was announced that eleven Australian convict sites were to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five of which are Tasmanian. The sites include Port Arthur and the Coal Mines Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula; the Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart; Darlington Probation Station on Maria Island; and Woolmers and Brickendon Estates near Longford.
As you travel around Tasmania you will see all of these sites: Port Arthur, Sarah Island (in Macquarie Harbour), the Ross Female Factory, Cascade Female Factory (South Hobart), Richmond and Maria Island, where convicts laboured in very hard conditions. Less arduous perhaps were those assigned as agricultural labourers at Brickendon and Woolmers Estates. You can also embrace live history at the Cascade Female Factory on Louisa’s Walk, a guided historic walk set to a set of characterisations vividly telling the story of convict, Louisa Regan.
Source: Discover Tasmania
In July 2010, it was announced that eleven Australian convict sites were to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, five of which are Tasmanian. The sites include Port Arthur and the Coal Mines Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula; the Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart; Darlington Probation Station on Maria Island; and Woolmers and Brickendon Estates near Longford.
As you travel around Tasmania you will see all of these sites: Port Arthur, Sarah Island (in Macquarie Harbour), the Ross Female Factory, Cascade Female Factory (South Hobart), Richmond and Maria Island, where convicts laboured in very hard conditions. Less arduous perhaps were those assigned as agricultural labourers at Brickendon and Woolmers Estates. You can also embrace live history at the Cascade Female Factory on Louisa’s Walk, a guided historic walk set to a set of characterisations vividly telling the story of convict, Louisa Regan.
Source: Discover Tasmania
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
MONA has made a name for itself by breaking every rule in the book since opening in January of 2010. It houses a collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most infamous contemporary art (such as a chocolate sculpture of the remains of a Chechen suicide bomber. Yes, chocolate). The building’s design and the owner’s unconventional curatorial approach make it a must-see for any visitor to Australia. Visitors are given an iPod touch that uses GPS to work out which artwork they are standing in front of, then gives a running commentary from Walsh himself, and plenty more. MONA is on the River Derwent, just 15 minutes’ drive north of Hobart. The MONA ferry departs six times a day from the Brooke Street ferry terminal in Hobart. Return tickets are $15 per person.
Entry to MONA is $10 for non-Tasmanian concession cardholders and $20 for out-of-staters over 18. Open Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sources: MONA Official Website , CNN Travel Article Feb 2012
MONA has made a name for itself by breaking every rule in the book since opening in January of 2010. It houses a collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most infamous contemporary art (such as a chocolate sculpture of the remains of a Chechen suicide bomber. Yes, chocolate). The building’s design and the owner’s unconventional curatorial approach make it a must-see for any visitor to Australia. Visitors are given an iPod touch that uses GPS to work out which artwork they are standing in front of, then gives a running commentary from Walsh himself, and plenty more. MONA is on the River Derwent, just 15 minutes’ drive north of Hobart. The MONA ferry departs six times a day from the Brooke Street ferry terminal in Hobart. Return tickets are $15 per person.
Entry to MONA is $10 for non-Tasmanian concession cardholders and $20 for out-of-staters over 18. Open Wednesday to Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sources: MONA Official Website , CNN Travel Article Feb 2012
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Crystal clear azure blue waters with pristine white beaches and outcrops of orange lichen covered granite rocks makes for simply breathtaking scenery. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 in response to the many Aboriginal fires he saw burning on its shore. People visiting the area today often conclude that the name refers to the play of light on the water. It's a good guess - the light in Tasmania has a crystalline quality. Beach activities and bird-watching are popular in this beautiful reserve.
The northern section of the bay is part of Mount William National Park, which is accessed through Gladstone. The Bay of Fires lodge is here and they offer guided 3 day walks of the area.
In the conservation area, which is at the southern end and is approached from St Helen, there are camping grounds along a 13-kilometre (eight-mile) section of road that terminates at private land called The Gardens.
To get to the Bay, from St Helens, take Binalong Bay Road (C850) to the turnoff to the C848, which is signposted to The Gardens.
Source: Discover Tasmania
Crystal clear azure blue waters with pristine white beaches and outcrops of orange lichen covered granite rocks makes for simply breathtaking scenery. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 in response to the many Aboriginal fires he saw burning on its shore. People visiting the area today often conclude that the name refers to the play of light on the water. It's a good guess - the light in Tasmania has a crystalline quality. Beach activities and bird-watching are popular in this beautiful reserve.
The northern section of the bay is part of Mount William National Park, which is accessed through Gladstone. The Bay of Fires lodge is here and they offer guided 3 day walks of the area.
In the conservation area, which is at the southern end and is approached from St Helen, there are camping grounds along a 13-kilometre (eight-mile) section of road that terminates at private land called The Gardens.
To get to the Bay, from St Helens, take Binalong Bay Road (C850) to the turnoff to the C848, which is signposted to The Gardens.
Source: Discover Tasmania
Explore Narawntapu National Park
Dubbed the "Serengeti of Tasmania", Narawntapu is one of the best places in Tasmania to view wildlife. You are likely to see ducks, waders, sea birds, honey-eaters and, in the dry eucalypt forests, impressive black cockatoos and brilliant green rosellas. The park also boasts a rich array of easily observed animals that come out in the evening to graze on the grasslands including - the Forester kangaroo, Bennetts wallaby and common wombat. You may even catch a glimpse of a Tasmanian devil!
Walks in Narawntapu vary from long coastal hikes to short walks to lagoons and bird hides. A Visitor Centre with interpretive displays, park office and full picnic and toilet facilities are found at Springlawn, the main park entrance. Picnic facilities, including tables and fireplaces, are also found at Griffiths Point, Bakers Point and Badger Head.
Camping is permitted at Springlawn, the horse yards, Bakers Point and Griffiths Point, all in the western section of the park.
Source: Discover Tasmania
Dubbed the "Serengeti of Tasmania", Narawntapu is one of the best places in Tasmania to view wildlife. You are likely to see ducks, waders, sea birds, honey-eaters and, in the dry eucalypt forests, impressive black cockatoos and brilliant green rosellas. The park also boasts a rich array of easily observed animals that come out in the evening to graze on the grasslands including - the Forester kangaroo, Bennetts wallaby and common wombat. You may even catch a glimpse of a Tasmanian devil!
Walks in Narawntapu vary from long coastal hikes to short walks to lagoons and bird hides. A Visitor Centre with interpretive displays, park office and full picnic and toilet facilities are found at Springlawn, the main park entrance. Picnic facilities, including tables and fireplaces, are also found at Griffiths Point, Bakers Point and Badger Head.
Camping is permitted at Springlawn, the horse yards, Bakers Point and Griffiths Point, all in the western section of the park.
Source: Discover Tasmania
Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
90 minutes’ drive south of Hobart. Formed million years ago, these great dolomite caves were discovered in 1917 by timber workers. You will discover spectacular subterranean formations including flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites. You can swim in the thermal pool, fed by a natural spring at around 28 degrees Celsius, surrounded by forest and fern.
The site is open 10.30-3.30 with extended hours in holiday period. Adult AUD$24, Children (5-17 years) AUD$12, Family AUD$60.
The Hastings Experience: Includes 45 minute guided tour of Hastings Cave, Thermal Springs Admission, Swimming Pool 28C all year, access to barbecues, walks and facilities. Souvenirs and light snacks available.
Source: Discover Tasmania
90 minutes’ drive south of Hobart. Formed million years ago, these great dolomite caves were discovered in 1917 by timber workers. You will discover spectacular subterranean formations including flowstone, stalactites, columns, shawls, straws, stalagmites and the unusual helictites. You can swim in the thermal pool, fed by a natural spring at around 28 degrees Celsius, surrounded by forest and fern.
The site is open 10.30-3.30 with extended hours in holiday period. Adult AUD$24, Children (5-17 years) AUD$12, Family AUD$60.
The Hastings Experience: Includes 45 minute guided tour of Hastings Cave, Thermal Springs Admission, Swimming Pool 28C all year, access to barbecues, walks and facilities. Souvenirs and light snacks available.
Source: Discover Tasmania
The Phantom of the Opera - March 2014
Encore Theatre Company is proud and excited to be bringing this legendary and unparalleled record-breaking phenomenon in music theatre history to the Princess Theatre in March 2014.
In 1881, far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House, lurks the mysterious, disfigured Phantom, shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all. His obsession with his ‘angel of music’, the beautiful young opera singer Christine Daaé, unleashes a diabolical tale of drama, destruction and death - and a unique theatrical experience.
This timeless and mesmerizing tale complete with jaw-dropping costumes, sets and breathtaking special effects will produce a night of riveting theatrical magic, spectacular sights and sounds and unforgettable memories.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautiful and famous score includes Think of Me, Angel of Music, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and the title song.
Princess Theatre, Launceston, 14 March 2014 – 29 March 2014. Adult AUD$72, Child AUD$35
Source: Eventfinder
Encore Theatre Company is proud and excited to be bringing this legendary and unparalleled record-breaking phenomenon in music theatre history to the Princess Theatre in March 2014.
In 1881, far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House, lurks the mysterious, disfigured Phantom, shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all. His obsession with his ‘angel of music’, the beautiful young opera singer Christine Daaé, unleashes a diabolical tale of drama, destruction and death - and a unique theatrical experience.
This timeless and mesmerizing tale complete with jaw-dropping costumes, sets and breathtaking special effects will produce a night of riveting theatrical magic, spectacular sights and sounds and unforgettable memories.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beautiful and famous score includes Think of Me, Angel of Music, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and the title song.
Princess Theatre, Launceston, 14 March 2014 – 29 March 2014. Adult AUD$72, Child AUD$35
Source: Eventfinder