Australia, Tasmania essential info
Tasmania may be small compared to mainland Australia but, with its high peaks, raging rivers, wildlife-infested rainforest and fine beers, it packs a big punch
Travel in Tasmania: vital statistics
- Capital of Tasmania: Hobart
- Population of Tasmania: 500,000
- Languages in Tasmania: English
- Time in Tasmania: GMT+10 (GMT+11 end Oct-end Mar)
- International dialling code for Tasmania: +61 3
- Voltage in Tasmania: 240/250V 50Hz AC
- Visas for Tasmania: Tasmania visa
- Money in Tasmania: Australian dollar (A$). ATMs can be found in the main towns; elsewhere you may be able to obtain cash when using cards for purchases. Credit and debit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere.
- Tipping isn’t obligatory, though leaving change (or 10% in smarter restaurants) is appreciated.
- Tasmania travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Tasmania tourist board: Tourism Tasmania
When to go to Tasmania
Summer (December-January) brings the warmest temperatures – around 21ºC – and corresponding high tourist numbers, though rain or even snow can strike at any time, particularly in the mountains. Early autumn tends to be fine and bright; spring can also be pleasant, though windy. Winter (June-August) is generally cold and wet.
Autumn brings a wonderful glow to woodland foliage. Humpback and southern right whales can be spotted offshore during annual migrations (times vary according to species). Spring brings joeys for kangaroos and wallabies; seal pups frolic and migratory birds arrive in summer.
Ten Days on the Island is a fabulous pan-Tas cultural festival that runs for around ten days from the end of March. Hobart hosts numerous events, including the Summer Festival, over New Year, with concerts, theatre and the foodie fest Taste.
Tasmania airports
Flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide serve Hobart (HBA) 16km east of the city, and Launceston (LST) 15km south of the city, plus some smaller regional airports.
Getting around in Tasmania
Maria and Bruny Islands are served by daily ferries, from Triabunna and Kettering, respectively. A cargo barge serves Flinders Island from Bridport.
There’s no scheduled commercial rail service. The West Coast Wilderness Railway is a charming 35km heritage steam ride Queenstown and Strahan.
Comfortable buses run around and between main towns and tourist centres, though at weekends and in more isolated locations may be sparse at weekends. Minibuses serving key trailheads shuttle trekkers in summer.
Car or campervan hire offers most flexibility and is a great way to explore the island, though petrol is pricey; be very aware of wildlife on the road – there’s a LOT of roadkill on Tassie’s tarmac.
Tasmania accommodation
Tasmania has the lot – campsites and caravan parks (great for campervanners), hostels, motels, B&Bs and pubs, stylish guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Tasmania food & drink
Though known as the Apple Isle – Tasmania exports over 50,000 tonnes of crunchers annually – the quality and variety of ingredients available means you’ll never too far away from delicious chow. Highlights include seafood (particularly along the east coast – try St Helens crayfish or a scallop pie), cheese, beef, berries and chocolate: in Hobart you can tour the Cadbury’s factory.
Tassie boasts two of Australia’s finest breweries: Cascade in Hobart and Boag’s in Launceston. The eastern half of the island hosts some fine wineries, too.
Health & safety in Tasmania
Tassie is incredibly safe, with few opportunities for getting sick. Venomous snakes and spiders are present but shy; bites are rare. Mosquitoes can be a pest in summer – take strong repellent – and leeches lurk in rainforests.
It pays to drive cautiously (or not at all) at night, when animals stray onto roads.