What is Tasmania known for?
Tasmania is known for its wilderness, national parks, fresh food and convict history. The island state has rugged mountains, beaches such as Wineglass Bay, and historic sites like Port Arthur.
More than 40 percent of Tasmania is protected in national parks and reserves. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers much of the southwest, with ancient forests, wild rivers and mountain peaks. Cradle Mountain is one of the most photographed places in Australia.
Tasmania is the home of the Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial found in the wild only on the island.
Food, art and history
The island is famous for seafood, cheese, apples, whisky and cool-climate wines. Hobart's Salamanca Market is a popular weekend attraction.
MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, has made Hobart a major destination for art lovers. Its winter festival, Dark Mofo, draws large crowds.
Tasmania was once called Van Diemen's Land and was a major penal colony. Port Arthur, a convict settlement, is now a World Heritage-listed site. Tasmania's cool climate, relaxed pace and scenery make it a favorite with visitors.
Did You Know?
Tasmania is about 240 kilometres south of the Australian mainland across Bass Strait.