Fauna of Tasmania. The island of Tasmania is a mysterious and picturesque corner of the planet

Tasmania is paradise, the lakes of which are teeming with trout, and in the forests the mighty waterfalls, replenished with crystal clear melt and rain water, amaze with their beauty.

Vegetable and animal world Tasmanians are the original representatives of the flora and fauna of Australia, most of which thoroughly guarded by island authorities and are endemic.

More than 20% of the island is the territory of national parks, and almost 50% of Tasmania is covered with relict rain forests. This ratio found in nature very rarely.

As for the animal world, it is here that one can meet both typical representatives of the Australian fauna in their natural environment habitat, and rare species Animals found only in Tasmania. This is the Dingo dog, the koala, the platypus, and the opossum, as well as the symbol of the island, which is the Tasmanian devil.

Interestingly, the island of Tasmania significantly different from Australia. Here, not only tourists and immigrants, but Australians themselves feel as if they have been transported to an unfamiliar country.

After all, there are not only mountains, lakes and waterfalls, but also giant eucalyptus groves, ocean bays with clear water, grape valleys, dense impenetrable forests, as well as endless emerald valleys and karst caves, which 40 million years.

Protecting flora and fauna in Tasmania

Amazing virgin nature of this island suffered greatly during the colonization of Tasmania by the British.

The bare lifeless desert of the mining city of Queenstown very clearly reminds of this.

To protect unique flora and fauna island defenders environment Tasmania constantly organizes protests against those who are trying to destroy the unique natural ecosystems of this territory.

These include hydroelectric power station builders, miners, and paper manufacturers. Conservationists Tasmanians warned of consequences of waste natural resources thoughtlessly and cruelly towards the plants and animals of this territory.

Protecting the environment in Tasmania today is truly is important issue, because the island fauna suffers greatly from human activity. For example, the marsupial Tasmanian wolf, or thylacine, whose color resembles a tiger, which previously lived on the island, is now an extinct animal.

It is important to know! The thing is that at the beginning of the 20th century this animal began to actively attack the livestock of Tasmanians. The island government decided that this problem can be solved by assigning a decent reward for killing a marsupial wolf. So in the first half of the 20th century, this became the reason for the complete disappearance of the thylacine.

Very worries defenders of flora and fauna Tasmania and the possible extinction of the marsupial Tasmanian devil. The reason for this is a unique oncological disease that is widespread today - facial tumor.

Australian scientists and biologists conduct intensive research, which will help prevent the spread of this disease among Tasmanian devils.

It is important to know! All arrivals at Tasmania airport are carefully screened. These environmental controls are similar to those that passengers undergo at mainland Australian airports.

Forests

Half the island is covered relict rain forests, the vegetation in which is incredibly diverse.

IN forests of Tasmania grows:

• atrotaxis spinous;
• southern beech;
• Anthrotaxy cypress;
• eucalyptus;
• rare species of lichens and mosses;
• spurge;
• eucryphia lucidum;
• thirukalli;
• sassafras;
• black acacia;
• Franklin's dacrydium;
• phyllocladus asplenifolia;
• Dicksonia Antarctica.

They also amaze with their splendor unusual underwater forests Tasmania. The algae thickets that can be observed in the rivers and lakes of the island show how prolific and multifaceted the flora of this territory is.

Reservoirs

The state's mountainous terrain is the reason a large number of rivers on the island.

Many of them are blocked by hydroelectric dams, which provide electricity to Tasmania.

A number of rivers start from the center of the island, going down to the coast.

Tasmania's largest rivers are the Derwent in the south and the Northern River Taymar-Macquarie. But the center of the island is a concentration of lakes of glacial origin.

Great Lake is a lake located in the northern part of the Central Highlands of the island of Tasmania. The area of ​​the lake is 170 square kilometers. Several small rivers and streams flow into Great Lake, but only one river flows out, the Shannon, which then flows south to join the River Ouse. There is a dam at the southernmost tip of the lake.

In addition, Great Lake is connected by a canal to neighboring Lake Arthurs, which is located on the southeast side. Great Lake is one of the most popular places For fishing in Tasmania.

Animals of Tasmania

Of course, when the island was settled by Europeans, the fauna of Tasmania suffered significantly.

But even despite the arrival of civilization in these picturesque places, the fauna of modern Tasmania still remains one of the most unique in the world.

It's incredible, but the animals of Tasmania that live in this territory found nowhere else in the world.

That is why the territory of Tasmania is so carefully protected both by the authorities of the state itself and by the state.

On the island there is 17 national parks, as well as the huge Bonorong Nature Reserve in Australia, which is home to many wild animals in natural conditions. This is where you can see echidna, wombat, koala and kangaroo.

Tasmania is the territory inhabited by more than one hundred fifty species rare exotic birds. A special highlight of Tasmania is the brightly colored orange-bellied parakeet, which is very rare in Australia.

Also the bird that undoubtedly makes the fauna of the island unique is slender-billed petrel.

From year to year he makes his flight, which begins in the Tasman Sea, and then continues with a circular flight around the Pacific Ocean and returns back to Tasmania to hatch his chicks.

Not far from the nesting sites of slender-billed petrels, another representative of Tasmania’s fauna lives - little penguin. Clumsy on land, the miniature inhabitant of this amazing island happily swims in the oceanic waters of this territory, as if flying underwater.

In this relatively small area of ​​land there is indeed a greater variety of rare plants and representatives of unique fauna. Our smaller brothers, who have chosen Tasmania as their home, find on this island a cozy place of residence with clean air and water, as well as favorable climate which allowed different types animals peacefully coexist here and breed.

Thanks to environmental control and environmental protection, the fauna and flora of Tasmania are getting better every year, but anyone who is going to visit this place on vacation or move to the island to live, must remember, which is responsible for the preservation of rare nature and its inhabitants.

We invite you to watch video about the Tasmanian marsupial wolf(extinct marsupial mammal, the only representative of the marsupial wolf family):

We also invite you to look interesting video about the Australian reserve with the largest collection of reptiles:

It is separated by the 224 km wide Bass Strait.

Most of Tasmania lies in the zone of cyclonic activity in the temperate latitudes of the southern hemisphere. It is characterized by constant western directions, bringing a large number of precipitation on the west coast and on the western slopes of the plateau. Annual precipitation in some areas exceeds 3500 mm, the average precipitation for the entire island is about 1000 mm. In the east, precipitation is significantly less; in some areas it decreases to 500 mm. Precipitation in winter and summer falls mostly in the form of long drizzles. It forms in the mountains in winter, but in low places snow rarely falls and almost never lingers.

Heavy rainfall feeds a dense river network, especially developed in the west. Deep and fast rivers are full of water all year round. many lakes of origin.

On the island, some animals have been preserved that have long been exterminated on the mainland; in addition, there are some representatives of the Antarctic fauna.

There are many different birds in Tasmania; in the south there are “guests” from penguins.

The island is unevenly populated and quite sparse. Most of the population is concentrated in the east, where potatoes are planted and various crops are grown. fruit trees, mainly apple trees.

Today, having sufficient funds, any avid traveler, or simply an inquisitive tourist, can go on vacation in any direction: to any part of the world, to any continent, to any country. And while some choose, for example, travel to exotic Thailand, virgin Vietnam, vibrant Greece or sunny Turkey, others, having carefully studied the world map, head to not so popular, but no less wonderful places of our planet. One of these places can safely be considered Australian island of Tasmania, to which, due to its uniqueness, we decided to devote a separate article, despite the fact that in one of our previous materials we told you about Australia.

Brief information

Tasmania is an Australian state located on the island of the same name, 240 km to the south from the mainland of Australia and separated from it by the Bass Strait. The area occupied by Tasmania is 68,401 km², and the population living on it is just over 495 thousand people. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. In addition, the island is divided into five regions: the capital and surrounding areas; Western Territories; North West Coast; Tamar, Launceston and Northern part; East Coast.

Where is Tasmania on the world map? You can see where the island of Tasmania is located on the world map below:

Climate of Tasmania- the golden mean for those who do not like to freeze and cannot stand the heat. The difference between the warmest and coldest temperatures is a maximum of 10°C. Warm winter, cool summer. Average temperature in summer: 17-18°C (in the highlands 7-8°C); in winter - 8-10°C (there are frosts in the highlands). Such climatic conditions allow you to relax and live in Tasmania all year round and feel very comfortable.

A little about the history of the island

Tasmania was originally inhabited by Tasmanians (Tasmanian Aborigines), as evidenced by numerous finds dating back more than 30 thousand years. By the time the first Europeans arrived in Tasmania, Tasmanians were divided into nine ethnic groups and their number at the time of the first settlers from Great Britain (1803) was from 5 to 10 thousand people. But by 1833, due to infectious diseases, which were brought by Europeans, and also due to war and persecution, the number of the indigenous population dropped to 300 people, and in 1876 the last native of the island died.

As for Europeans in Tasmania, the first among them was the Dutchman Abel Tasman, landed on November 24, 1642 at Blackman Bay. It was he who gave Tasmania its first name - Van Diemen's Land(in honor of the man who sent him on the expedition). A huge number of other Europeans visited the island after him, and in 1798-1799. Matthew Flinders and George Bass proved that Tasmania is an island. The island and the strait are named after them, respectively.

In 1803, the first British settlement was founded in Tasmania near the mouth of the Derwent River, called Risdon Cove. In 1804, another similar settlement was founded a little to the south - Sullivans Cove. Today, Sullivans Cove is the capital of Hobart, and the settlement of Risdon Cove is abandoned. It is also worth noting that the first settlers in Tasmania were mainly convict laborers and their guards who came to develop Agriculture and industry. In the period from 1803 to 1853. About 75 thousand prisoners were transported to the island! A official name from Van Diemen's Land was changed to Tasmania in 1856. From this year the British colony of Tasmania began, which existed until 1901, after which it became part of Commonwealth of Australia along with other Australian colonies and was declared an Australian state.

Today Tasmania is an island with a well-developed infrastructure, all necessary conditions for modern and comfortable life and fantastically beautiful nature.

Natural attractions of Tasmania

Tasmanian nature is unique in itself and is the main attraction of the island. National parks occupy more than 40% of the entire territory, many beautiful lagoons, bays, coasts, nature reserves, canyons and other unforgettable places. And the fauna of the island amazes with its diversity and splendor. One gets the impression that you have traveled in a time machine to a time when nature was pristine and the planet was not desecrated by the harmful activities of man.

So, the main attractions of the island of Tasmania include (let's look briefly at):

Freycinet National Park

It is located 125 km from the capital on the Freycinet Peninsula. The oldest national park on the island. It features a coastline and bay with some of the best beaches in the world. Beautiful landscape, azure water, warm sand, many amazing animals and birds. For tourists there is the possibility of diving and snorkeling, as well as camping and booking sightseeing tours.

Ben Lomond National Park

Located in the north-eastern part of the island, 50 km from the city of Lanseston. This park is a huge plateau on the rocks. Here is the second highest point of the island - Ledgers Tor Peak (1572 meters above sea level). In addition to the richest flora and fauna, this park is famous for the fact that the main ski resort of the island is located here, created taking into account the most modern technologies.

Southwest National Park

This park is the largest in Tasmania - it covers an area of ​​618 thousand hectares. Located 93 km west of Hobart. It is best known for its pristine nature, extremely changeable weather, lack of people, inaccessible areas with hiking routes for almost two weeks, stunning views and lakes.

Narawntapu National Park

One of the most tranquil places on the planet, full of plains, moorland and low-lying marshes. The park is located near the town of Port Sorell between Bakers Beach and Greens Beach. Attracts tourists and local residents a variety of landscapes, eucalyptus forests, a variety of animals and birds, clean beaches, water activities and local wine produced in the Tamar Valley.

Other interesting places

Of course, the Tasmanian parks discussed above are not the only ones and serve only as an example of what the island can boast of. In addition to them, one can note:

Among other things, Tasmania, with all its features, offers its guests not only the opportunity to contemplate fantastic beauty, which has no equal in almost the whole world, and not only a variety of beautiful options active rest, but also disposes all his nature to engage in spiritual practices. It is for this reason that many people come here to practice meditation, reading mantras, and esotourism , channeled , ho'oponopono or anything else.

Try to find the time and opportunity to visit the amazing island of Tasmania and enjoy all its beauties. This trip will be one of the best of your life!

WHERE IS TASMANIA

Tasmania is one of the largest islands on Earth. In the ancient past, this piece of land, which is larger than the island (Ceylon), was part of the Australian mainland, but then separated from it as a result of tectonic processes. The island's shores are rocky and heavily corroded by the sea, which has created long bays similar to Norwegian fjords.

The climate of the island of Tasmania differs from Australia: in the north it is subtropical, and in the south it is temperate and humid. The conditions here are so healthy and comfortable that the island serves as something of a “dacha” for the residents. About half of the island's territory is covered by forests, and a fifth of it is occupied by national natural parks.

The island of Tasmania was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. At the head of an expedition of two ships that set off from Batavia (the modern capital of Jakarta), the navigator circled Australia and discovered mountainous land in the ocean, covered with pristine forests. An extremely wild, strange and beautiful landscape opened up before the navigator. Just now open land Tasman was named after the Dutch governor of Java, J. Van Diemen, but over time another name was assigned to the island, reminiscent of its discoverer.

AUSTRALIAN "SWITZERLAND"

Tasmania is often called Southern Switzerland, although the island is located at a latitude corresponding in the Northern Hemisphere to the latitude of Italian Naples. On its heights, which are bathed in the fresh breath of the ocean, there are scattered green valleys leading into the interior of the island. On the central plateau there are sparkling lakes, towering wooded hills and high peaks, which are covered with snow for six months. Among them, the Ben Lomond massif stands out, reaching a height of 1617 meters.

And the really high peaks and numerous lakes from which fast mountain rivers flow, and the surrounding meadows give the local nature an alpine appearance. Almost in the center of Tasmania is the Great Lake, as well as Lakes Eco and St Clair, from which the Derwent River flows. These deep and clear reservoirs are surrounded by bizarre rocks and resemble the picturesque mountain lakes of Scotland and.

The flora of Tasmanian forests is similar to that of Australia. As in Australia, several species of eucalyptus grow here. One of these amazing trees - Eucalyptus globulus - only in Tasmania reaches 120 meters in height, competing with the recognized record holder of the green kingdom - the American Sequoia. In the wet gorges there is a real kingdom of tree ferns and epiphytes, among which there are about 80 species of orchids alone. Wonderful Franklin pine grows in clusters on the dry slopes.

SINCE THE TERTIARY PERIOD

The fauna of Tasmania is also reminiscent of Australia - ancient marsupial mammals predominate here, the ancestors of which arose in those distant times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. These animals did not survive on other continents and islands because they were replaced by more adaptable and “energetic” species.

Characteristic of Tasmania are wombats, which look like small, cute bears, miniature wallabies, and the Tasmanian devil, the largest of the marsupial predators. More recently, the Tasmanian wolf, an even larger marsupial predator, was found here. The last representative of this species, caught in 1933, died three years later in the Tasmanian city of Hobart Zoo, and since then no one has seen the marsupial wolf again.

The nature of Tasmania is protected through a whole system of national natural parks. Thus, Mount William Park, created in 1973 specifically to protect the Forester kangaroo, the largest marsupial on the island. And the Western Tasmanian Wildlife National Park has been recognized as so unique that it is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Tasmania on the map

Basic moments

As a rule, there are five historical attractions in Tasmania. More recently they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Port Arthur Fort Prison, Coal Mines, Cascades Ladies' Factory, Darlington Probation Station and Brickendon Woolmers Estates. But still, the main attraction of the island, which annually attracts tourists, is unique nature Tasmania.

The island has many surprises in store for travelers. Here you can spend the night in the bush and meet the Tasmanian devil. Australians themselves call Tasmania “the island of inspiration.” And deservedly so.

The island of Tasmania is divided into 5 regions:

• Capital city of Hobart and surrounding areas
• East Coast (including Flinders Island)
• Launceston, Tamar and northern Tasmania
• North West Coast ( main city- Devonport and Bass Strait Islands)
• Western Territories

Attractions

City of Hobart and surrounding areas

Hobart was founded in 1804. It is the second oldest city in Australia. The capital of Tasmania is an important seaport. Australian and French ships depart from it to Antarctica.

The city has also become an interesting tourist center. Most of the city's buildings, even the port warehouses, were built in neo-gothic style. Combined with the beautiful mountainous landscape of the areas surrounding the city, they create a unique picturesque landscape.

Here you can sail or kayak on the Derwent River, have a cup of coffee under an umbrella in Salamanca Square and immerse yourself in the surfing atmosphere in Hobart's first suburb - Battery Point. To the southeast are the cool-climate wineries of the Coal Valley, as well as the historic towns of Huonville and Richmond. From the coastal village of Kettering you can take a car ferry to Bruny Island. The crescent-shaped Cockle Creek community offers a taste of the desert of Southwestern National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Port Arthur Historic Site, located on the Tasman Peninsula, offers insight into the lives of convicts in the mid-19th century. If you're staying in Woodbridge, it's worth strolling along the vast beaches of the Tasmanian National Park, followed by a delicious dinner at Peppermint Bay Resort. In Oatlands, visitors can see 200-year-old oak trees and sandstone cottages and follow the Heritage Highway pioneer route from Launceston to Hobart. On the River Clyde, the historic town of New Norfolk and the pretty town of Hamilton are worth visiting. For a taste of the highlands and malt whisky, visit Bothwell, located on the southern edge of the Central Plateau.

These territories offer travelers many discoveries, but their main attraction remains the wild nature.

East Coast

From Triabunna you can take a ferry to the historic Maria Island, where there are no cars at all, but you can walk or kayak. We recommend staying at paradise Coles Bay, which overlooks crystal clear Oyster Bay and is at the entrance to Freycinet National Park. In nearby Mount William National Park, you can follow the Bay of Fires Trail, which takes you past forest kangaroos, Aboriginal dwellings, woodland and white sand beaches. Then you can go fishing and diving in the picturesque port of St. Helena on the shores of George Bay. Try farmer's cheese in nearby Payengan, or visit the vineyards and berry farms around the seaside towns of Bicheno and Swansea. In Douglas-Apsley National Park you can not only walk, but also camp among quiet rivers, waterfalls, rain forests and tall eucalyptus and pine trees. On the north coast is Flinders Island, a place where you can dive into the water to explore shipwrecks, climb to the top of the pink and gray cliffs of Mount Strelecki and search for diamonds in Killiecrankie.

Launceston, Tamar and Northern Tasmania

Launceston is home to elegant Edwardian buildings and the magical wilderness of Cataract Gorge. Here you can walk through the fern thickets or rappel, climb to the top or hang glider from the enormous heights of the gorge. You can also take a ski lift and cross the gorge. Nearby, you can watch birds in their natural habitat on the Tamar Island wetlands, or meet kangaroos, wallabies and wombats in Narawntapu National Park. To the northeast are manicured fields and the Scottsdale Forest Environmental Center. Nearby in Bridgeport, you can fish, play golf against the backdrop of Bass Strait at the Barnbougle Dunes, and wander the cozy lavender fields in Naboula. In the Low Head area you can see penguins, and on Tent Island you can see adorable fur seals. In Ben Lomond National Park, tourists are offered skiing and climbing rugged mountain peaks. You can also visit the Beaconsfield Gold Mining Museum and pan for sapphires at the Derby Tin Mine along the way. And this list most interesting places Tasmania can go on for a very long time, so it’s better to see everything with your own eyes.

North West Coast

Devonport is one of the largest cities on the north-west coast. The Spirit of Tasmania ships arrive here and have become a landmark of this pretty port. From here you can walk and cycle along the Devonport coastline, see the murals in Sheffield and explore the antique shops in La Trobe. You can water ski, kayak or fish from the floating pontoon in Port Sorrell. You can also explore the bustling markets and picturesque Penguin Beach. A visit to the limestone caves in Mole Creek Caves National Park, which lie beneath the surface of the Great Western Tiers, known to indigenous people as Kuparuna Niara, is a must-include in your excursion. In the historic town of Stanley, you can check out a cool volcanic plug called “The Walnut.” Nearby is King Island, where you can taste cheese from the area's famous dairy farms and explore more than 70 shipwrecks underwater.

Western Territories

Here you can check out the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, kayak in Macquarie Harbor, stroll along Ocean Beach, and tour the pine and myrtle forests in a Jeep. From the windows of the seaplane you can see the rare thousand-year-old Huon pine. Then you can take a ride along the picturesque river railway to the ancient city of Queenstown, which once had the richest deposits of gold and copper in the world. True explorers will enjoy exploring Zihan's reckless mining past, which was once a wealthy silver mining town. From the quiet town of Rosebery, take a day trip to the Pasminco Mine or hike to Montezuma Falls, the tallest waterfall in Tasmania. You can admire the rugged peaks and glassy lakes of Cradle Mountain Lake St. Clair National Park. On western territory Mount Ossa is also located - the highest in Tasmania.

Nature of Tasmania

Without a doubt, the biggest and main attraction of the island of Tasmania is its nature. Many kilometers of beaches with the purest white sand attract a large number of tourists. Tasmania's rain forest was recognized in 1982 natural heritage humanity, “the lungs of the planet.” It includes two state reserve, four national parks, state forests, and two conservation areas. The island is considered one of the last pockets of virgin nature in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the excellent preservation of natural complexes, Tasmania is rightfully considered one of the standards of natural nature on the planet.

The nature of the island is unique and has no analogues in the whole world. National Park The Rec is the heart of Tasmania's wildlife. Here you can see deep river valleys, rainforests, picturesque gorges, mountain peaks that amaze the imagination. And among all this beauty, a large number of protected rivers meander.

Animal and vegetable world Tasmania is very original - a large number of representatives are endemic.

In Tasmania, 44% of the territory is covered by rainforests, and 21% is occupied by national parks. Such ratios are rare. Trout-infested lakes, rivers and waterfalls, replenished by rain and melt water, feed forests where Euphoria tirucalli, Eucalyptus regal and Ganna, Myrtaceae, Nothophagus Cunningham, Acacia, Sassafras, Eucryphia splendensum, Phyllocladus asplenifolia, Dicksonia antarcticum and Dacridium franklinii grow. Today, environmentalists are fighting against miners, paper makers and hydroelectric dam builders. The barren desert of Queenstown, a mining town, is a stark reminder of the consequences of thoughtless waste of natural resources.

The fauna of these places also suffered, especially the thylacine, or marsupial wolf, an animal of a gray-yellow color that resembles a dog. Behind dark stripes on his back and sacrum he was nicknamed the tiger. This lean, timid carnivore got into the habit of carrying poultry and sheep. Rewards were offered for killed thylacines, and by 1936 they had disappeared.

Tasmania's other unique marsupial, the Tasmanian devil, may be facing extinction due to its unique cancer- facial tumor. Australian scientists are currently working intensively to prevent the spread of this disease among Tasmanian devils. Tasmania is also famous for its slender-billed petrel. Starting the flight in the Tasman Sea, and practically flying around Pacific Ocean, the petrel returns to its sandy nesting grounds year after year.

Not far from the nests of thin-billed petrels, where they fly only at night, there lives another bird that “flies” under water, the little penguin - with a short beak and weighing no more than a cat.

For tourists

The island will appeal to all fans of mountain tourism and water sports. Lovers of travel and wildlife will also appreciate this region, because the island is home to many amazing animals that can only be found here. Tasmania is also known for its natural reserves, which are located between mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes.

Fashionable hotels and luxurious resort areas have been built on the island where you can spend an unforgettable vacation.

How to get there

The island is only served by local airlines, so to get to Tasmania you must first arrive on the mainland. Flying to the island will not be a problem, because flights to Tasmanian airports located in the cities of Hobart, Launceston and Devonport are operated from many mainland cities - Sydney, Canberra, Perth and Melbourne. For example, a flight from Melbourne will take no more than an hour. The service is provided by local airlines Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Regional Express and Tiger Airways.

Further from Tasmania airports you can get to the hotel by shuttle buses. The distances between the cities are not long at all, so the bus drops off tourists right at the hotel doors. The fare will cost from $10 to $22. To travel back from the hotel to the airport, you need to reserve a seat on the bus in advance and agree on the boarding time by phone.

Melbourne and Devonport are also connected by a ferry service from the maritime transport company Spirit of Tasmania, making the journey to your destination quite exciting. Travel time takes from 9 to 11 hours, and the fare ranges from $120 to $180 per seat, $170 to $280 per cabin bed. Prices fluctuate depending on the season. If you want to bring a car on the ferry, it will cost an additional $65. Tourists should keep in mind that rented cars are often subject to travel bans between the mainland and the island. This point should be clarified with the rental agency.

Getting around the island

There are many ways to get around Tasmania: by car, bus, plane, rail or bicycle.

One of the most convenient ways travel around Tasmania - by car, which can be easily rented from one of the many rental agencies. You will need to present international driver license and cash or credit card for deposit. Driving in Australia is on the left, so travelers should be careful and wear a seat belt. Vigilance is especially useful at night - exotic animals of various sizes are constantly trying to cross the road.

Tasmania's roads twist and turn into steep serpentines, so the speed limit of 100 km/h should not upset you. As a rule, it is unnecessary.

There is also a network of bus routes on the island. It is served by large transport companies Redline Tasmania and Tassielink. Advance reservations online or by phone are required.

Tasmanian carriers Tasair, Airlines of Tasmania and Sharp Airlines offer domestic flights between major cities Islands: Hobart, Devonport, Launceston and the King, Flinders and Cape Barren Islands.

The island has one railway line, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which runs along West coast between Strahan and Queenstown. Travel time is 3 hours, and passengers are even offered lunch.

Another popular and useful way Getting around Tasmania is by bicycle. You can ride it either independently or by joining a group tour lasting from 1 to 25 days.

Top 5 National Parks in Tasmania:

• Freycinet National Park and Weinglass Bay
• Cradle Mountain National Park - Lake St. Clair
• Southwest National Park
• Mount Field National Park
• Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Local delicacies and shops

Due to historical events, local restaurants for a long time Mainly English cuisine was represented. But today on the island of Tasmania you can find cafes with any cuisine in the world. Among the traditional delicacies of the island, we recommend trying the freshest and most delicious seafood: lobster, salmon, Atlantic bighead - exotic deep-sea fish, which is bred on local sea farms, and a variety of shellfish: mussels, oysters and abalone.

Tasmania, like Australia, is famous for its soft, fragrant and weak wine. Let's tell you a secret that the best wineries are located in the Tamar Valley. Sparkling drinks and local beer also hold their own. The Cascade and Boag's brands are popular throughout the country.

Tasmania's King Island is famous for its cheese factories, and Hobart is home to the Cadbury chocolate factory.

Tasmanian honey also deserves attention. It is obtained from the flower pollen of the leatherwood shrub - Eucryphia lucidum. Honey has an indescribable aroma and contains full set vitamins.

If you are traveling with a group, we recommend purchasing a Tassie Dining Card. The card offers discounts ranging from 15 to 50% at restaurants, bars and cafes in more than 40 cities in Tasmania. Discounts are also available in some grocery stores, enotecas and delis. Along with the map you will receive a 32-page guide to restaurants in Tasmania, which will help you make the right choice. The card costs $39 and is valid for 30 days for up to six people.

There is also something to see in the stores. Tasmania has long been isolated from civilized life, with its colonial past and passion for conservation antiques contributed to the local color. The shops offer unique antiques such as furniture, home decor, silver, books, coins and porcelain. They will decorate your home interior, giving it coziness, or will become a treasure for collectors. Furniture made from exotic woods - myrtle and cowrie - are in particular demand. You don't have to worry about shipping your luxury sofa as most antique stores offer international shipping services. Let us also tell you that the largest antiques market is located in Hobart. It's called The Antiques Market.

Precious Merino goats roam the island, making Tasmania famous for its wool products. Anyone can purchase wool yarn or ready-made products.

The island is also home to many painting, arts and crafts galleries and crafts. folk crafts. It seems that you can find endless inspiration here.