To the south of the continent of Australia, Tasmania offers magnificent untouched wilderness areas with rushing whitewater rivers, rugged coastlines and trees thousands of years old.
With a fifth of Tasmania being under heritage and ecological protection, Tasmania is a splendid getaway from busy Sydney and Melbourne.
History of Tasmania
Inhabited by Aboriginals for thousands of years, Tasmania was sighted by the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman in 1642.
British European settlement came in 1803 at Risdon Cove, on the Derwent River. Moved across the river a year later, it soon developed into a bustling port and renamed Hobart.
Convicts were being sent to the colony from 1804 on and sent to various stations around the island. Tasmania began to attract early free settlers as well. You can visit a number of these early places of punishment and settlement, including Port Arthur and Sarah Station with their restored buildings, museums and tours.
There are numerous events throughout the year, celebrating all things Tasmania from agriculture to sailing. The famed Sydney to Hobart yacht races are an annual January event, as is the Melbourne to Hobart races.
The Derby River Derby - a river raft race with music and activities for the whole family is held in October. The Taste of Tasmania (The Taste) celebrates fine food, wine and local produce with entertainment in December and is part of the Hobart Summer Festival.
Hobart also hosts the Clarence by the Water Jazz Festival in February, which has developed into an annual six day event and offers great food and music, as well as activities and things to do for kids of all ages.
Hobart Tasmania
At the foot of Mt. Wellington lies Hobart Tasmania. Well planned out by the New South Wales Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1811, it has the appearance of a well kept city, with the backdrop dominated by the Mountain.
In Hobart there are a number of excellent eateries and restaurants - food in Tasmania consists not only the freshest of seafood but Tasmanian produce. Be sure to have some fish and chips at Constitution Dock. See more about Hobart Tasmania.
Tasmania National Parks
Tasmania is famed for its National Parks and vast pristine wilderness areas including Freycinet National Park. Consisting of more than 24,700 acres of natural beauty. There is evidence of ancient Aboriginal settlement here and excellent coastal walks.
Tasmania Tours, Activities and Things to Do
Tours to the wilderness parks, Port Arthur with its convict history, and places like Launceston are available from Hobart. Take a ride on the restored Abt Railway between Queenstown and Strahan to explore spectacular rainforests.
There are many specialist wildlife tours available, by land, sea or air. Opportunities to fish, whether deep sea, on the shore or on one of Tasmania’s wild rivers, abound. Tasmania is also a backpackers dream with walks from the short to adventure bushwalk trekking.
You can find and book Hobart and Tasmania Tours and Activities direct at GoDo.com.au Tours and Activities.
They have an ever growing collection of attractions to visit, Tours including the pristine wilderness areas and convict history, Creative Things to Do, Driving Experiences, Adventure and Extreme, Family Things to Do, Flying, Getaways, Activities for your Group, Outdoors, Pampering experiences, Water Activities, Wine & Dine, Special Offers and Gift Certificates.
