Overview
Lush green rainforest, high mountain peaks, white sandy beaches and dense bushland characterize the island of Tasmania, the smallest of Australia’s six states. Some of the tallest and rarest trees grow in Tasmania’s enchanting forests, and some of Australia’s most wonderful corners of the earth can be found here. Located south of the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia, the island was named after a Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, who first saw Tasmania in 1642. Today half a million people live here, half of them in and around the capital Hobart. Tasmania is home to unique animal species, many of which are endangered or extinct elsewhere. The infamous Tasmanian devil, spot-tailed quoll and eastern quoll are the three largest carnivorous marsupials on earth. See other countries in Oceania on neovideogames.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no direct connections to Tasmania from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Only flights with at least 2 stopovers are offered. Most flight connections are via mainland Australia. Direct flights to Hobart come from Sydney and Melbourne, which in turn have regular services from Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Darwin and Cairns. There are also mainland services to Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Among others, Qantas (QF), Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Etihad (EY) have Tasmania in their program. Jetstar (JQ) and Tigerair (TT) fly to Hobart from Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Airlines of Tasmania connect Tasmania to Cape Barren Island.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Hobart: 21 hrs; Vienna – Hobart: 20 hrs 10 mins; Zurich – Hobart: 20 hours 50 minutes (pure flight time, the times spent at intermediate stops vary considerably).
airpasses
Tasmania can also be booked at reduced prices with the Qantas Walkabout Pass. Flights are pre-booked with the Qantas flight to Australia. With the Visit Australia Airpass from Singapore Airlines, a flight to Tasmania can be booked cheaply together with the long-haul flight.
Arrival by car
Car: All towns on the island are connected to the 22,000 km long road network. From Hobart expressways lead to different parts of the island; the Lyell Highway to Queenstown, the Huon Highway to Southport and the Midland Highway to Launceston. The Tasman Highway skirts the coast and the Bass Highway connects the north coast ports. Long-distance buses: A well-developed bus network connects all major cities. In Tasmania, Metro Tasmania Pty Ltd., Tasmanian Redline Coaches and Tassielink operate bus services. Tolls: Tasmania has no toll roads. Documents:
Arrival by train
The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates as a tourist attraction on the west coast between Queenstown and Strahan. In the North West, the Don River Railway delights rail enthusiasts with regular excursions and a display of a well-maintained collection of steam and diesel locomotives.
Arrival by ship
Hobart Harbor is home to cruise ships and also serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions.
Cruise ships
Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Line call at Hobart on their Sydney departing cruises.
Ferry provider
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry company operates up to 6 times a week (depending on the time of year) between Devonport on Tasmania’s north coast and Melbourne (journey time: 9 hrs 30 mins). Bruny Island Ferry ferries to Bruny Island depart from Kettering, about 30 km south of Hobart. Maria Island can be reached several times a day by ferries departing from Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Public Holidays
02/14/2022 Royal Hobart Regatta
03/14/2022 Eight Hours Day
11/07/2022 Recreation Day
Business
Business contacts
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) Industry House, 30 Burnett Street, North Hobart, TAS 7001 Tel: (03) 62 36 36 00. Fax: (03) 62 31 12 78. Email: admin@tcci.com. au Internet: www.tcci.com.au
Nightlife
Introduction
There are casinos in Hobart and Launceston. Salamance Place, Hobart’s waterfront, is not only known for the casino at the West Point Hotel. Numerous nightclubs offer entertainment in the old warehouses.
Culinary
Overview
Tasmania has world-class seafood, including Angasi oysters, salmon and brown trout. Wild brown trout are caught in the Tasmanian highlands. Goat, quail and game are also on the menu. Other specialties include cheese, apples, apricots and honey.
Accommodation
Camping
Various companies rent fully equipped mobile homes. More information from the tourist office (see addresses). Roadside picnic and rest areas do not allow overnight stays, but there are plenty of well-equipped campgrounds available.
Climate
Best travel time
Warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. In July and August there is snow at high altitudes above 1600 m. Most of the precipitation falls in the west of the island.
Country data
Area (sq km)
68401
Population
534,281
Population density (per square km)
8th
Population statistics year
2019
