Tasmania's relatively small size contradicts its ecological diversity. Being an island, it harbours distinct wildlife, many of which are endangered or extinct elsewhere: the infamous Tasmanian devil, the spotted-tail and the eastern quoll are the three biggest carnivorous marsupials on the planet.

Long periods of isolation from the mainland meant that the Tasmanian Aborigines developed their own idiosyncracies, and Tasmania is full of remnants of their heritage. When British colonisers sought a new penal colony, Tasmania's isolation rendered it favourite, triggering years of tragic violence against its Aborigines. Eeriness haunts the Victorian streets of Launceston and the penal colony Port Arthur. Tasmania's preserved buildings are both aesthetically wonderful and historically shocking.

Hobart is the capital of the smallest of all Australian states and is located at the foot of Mt. Wellington on the Derwent River. Enjoy a stroll around the harbour district Sullivans Cove or spoil yourself in one of the nice restaurants with a freshly prepared seafood dish. The historic part Battery Point, the oldest Australian brewery Cascade Brewery, the Salamanca Markets, the Botanical Gardens and Wrest Point Casino are just some sights of this beautiful harbour city. You can celebrate the finish of the famous yacht race Sydney to Hobart if you are around this area at New Year.

The hard climb to the top of Mt Wellington on clear days, will be rewarded with excellent views of the city, its surroundings and the Tasman Bridge. “Chocoholics” will find plenty of opportunity to taste many of the different kinds of chocolates at the Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory.

On this week in Hobart

Spread over seven hills between the banks of the Derwent River and the summit of Mount Wellington, Hobart’s incredible waterfront location has earned it the reputation of being one of the world’s most picturesque cities. The towering silhouette of Mount Wellington, often snowcapped in winter, dominates the skyline. Well-preserved bushland reaches close to the city’s heart and white sand beaches fringe its southern shores. In spring, Hobart’s magnificent gardens are a burst of colour. As Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart began life on the waterfront and the maritime atmosphere exists today – its modern inner-city port is host to some 30 cruise ships a year, the Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race, commercial fishing boats, pleasure craft and larger vessels including Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker Aurora Australis. Established in 1803 as a penal colony, Hobart prospered as a trading port. From Old Wharf, where the first arrivals settled, to the village of Battery Point, the area known as Sullivans Cove is still the hub of what is now a modern cosmopolitan city. Here is a superb mix of past and present, where convict, colonial and seafaring history sit comfortably beside art and craft galleries, modern shopping malls and innovative eateries.

The little village of Richmond is only 30 kilometres (19 miles) outside of Hobart and is historically the most important city of Tasmania. The Richmond Bridge was built 1825 and is the oldest surviving bridge in Australia and many of the buildings are built 1830 or even earlier.

At Port Arthur are the ruins of an old jail complex from 1830, located at the tip of the Tasman Peninsula. More than 12,000 prisoners who were deported from England to Australia had to live and suffer in these historical buildings. A walk around this area will give you a very good impression of the hard life of the convicts in those times.

The main attraction of the Mt. Field National Park is the magnificent 40 metres Russell Falls. You will find a variety of hiking tracks to explore the fauna and flora of this park.

The Freycinet National Park offers a wide range of different bush walks leading you to lonely beaches, coves, passing granite rocks up to 300 metres high, with excellent views. One of the most popular walks goes to beautiful Wineglass Bay, where you can go for a refreshing swim before you start your way back.

Launceston is the second largest city of this small island and is surrounded by mountains and is also known as the city of gardens. Cataract Gorge is only minutes away from the city centre and you can explore this nice gorge on a variety of walks. Further sights include the City Park which is home to a monkey enclosure as well as the Punchbowl Reserve with fantastic Rhododendron Gardens. While the small village of Sheffield, just outside of Launceston, has 36 murals revealing the history of this area.

The 85 kilometre long Overland Track is one of the most famous Australian hikes, running through the striking Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park. There is also a wide selection of shorter tracks available. A visit to Tasmania is not complete without enjoying the beauty of this national park with its magnificent mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, rainforests and wide open moor lands.

The best way to explore the spectacular Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is by doing a Rafting Tour on the mighty Franklin River. Less adventurous people can discover this park on a variety of bush walks or with a scenic flight. The reflections of the fern trees and bushes along the Gordon River can be enjoyed best on a relaxing boat tour.

King Island, Flinders Island and Cape Barren Island are located in the stormy Bass Strait and you can experience a different Aussie “island” lifestyle on these small islands. All of these three islands offer untouched nature, spectacular coastlines, awesome beaches, lakes and mountains to be climbed, which are a world away from the “beaten track”.

Activities: Surfing, Fishing, Horse back riding, Cycling, Golfing, Hiking, Climbing, Scuba Diving

Climate Tables:

Please note, that the following charts show average temperatures.