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Guide:
Regions & Cities:
Directory
Overview
Tasmania, the southern tip of Australian territory, is an island
separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait. It is a place of
wild and beautiful landscapes and friendly, relaxed people, with a
temperate climate, rich history and a deliciously slow pace of
life. There is no hustle and bustle here, even in the cities. No
traffic jams and no smog. Encircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman
Sea and Bass Strait, the air is clean, the water pure and the soil
fertile. More than one third of Tasmania is preserved in a network
of national parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage
Area.
Although best known for its sublime landscapes and the many
opportunities for bushwalking, kayaking, cycling and rafting,
Tasmania - or 'Tassie' as it is affectionately known - is also
celebrated for its gourmet food and wine, and some lovely arts and
crafts, and the island now boasts sufficient urban sophistication
to ensure a comfortable and culturally-rich visit. The island's
European heritage goes back to the early 1800s, but Aboriginals
first reached it about 40,000 years ago. This mixed heritage is
reflected in Tasmania's culture and the locals tend to be fiercely
proud and self-sufficient.