Hobart is the “heart-shaped” capital of the state of Tasmania. It is a place where you will find the cleanest air from around the globe and an incredible landscape, not to mention the infamous “Tasmanian devil.” The state is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination for people everywhere who enjoy hiking through the wilderness throughout the day and the exciting city nightlife.
Some of the mountains test your agility and fitness level in your attempts to reach their vast heights. But, after a long day of physical exploration, if you’re lucky enough to score an accommodation at Wrest Point, you can take a chance at the casinos or enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants touted for outstanding food.
Facts To Know About Tasmania
While this is one of Australia’s smallest states, it is packed full of things to do and some fascinating history you should research so that you can share with your touring mates or the locals as you’re traveling through the towns and cities. These make great conversation starters to get people from the area to tell you more about the history and places tourists will not be aware of.
** Ranked as The World’s “26th” Biggest Islands
The island is southeast of Australia at 240 km with an area of “90,758km2.” There are three other islands with considerable size near this one, along with 331 others of a rockier “outcrop” nature. You can go exploring while visiting to see an abundance of unusual bird’s native to the area and incredible wildlife.
** The World’s Cleanest Air
The “Cape Grim Pollution Station” monitors the air conditions. Due to Tasmania’s positioning within the Southern Ocean, there is little pollution. “Cape Grim’s path follows the “Roaring Forties”, considerably powerful westerly winds that deliver the pollutant-free air across the ocean.
** Abel Tasman Discovered Tasmania On November 24, 1642
Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, has been credited with “discovering Tasmania despite aborigine people inhabiting the lands for thousands of years. The “European” soon deemed the land “Anthony Van Diemen’s Land” (The Dutch East Indies governor-general. It is now referenced as “Indonesia”).
Despite his declaration, the land was officially deemed “Tasmania” in 1856 or “Trowunna,” “Loetrouwitter,” “Trowenna,” among the aborigine.
** Hobart Is A Dry Capital, Ranked as The Second Driest in Australia
Hobart is the Tasmanian capital, found in the southern portion of the island. The state is among the wettest as a whole for Australia, but Hobart is dry, second only to Adelaide as the driest in Australia, with only 614 mm of rain in a year compared to Brisbane at 1021 mm for a year.
** The Island Is Home to Some of The Earth’s Oldest Trees
Pine trees referred to as “Huon” found in the western area are among the oldest to be found throughout the world. These grow at an incredibly slow pace, with some being thousands of years old.
While claims suggest that the oldest stems or individual trees on site are now possibly between one or two thousand years in age, the actual organism could have been continuously living for nearly tens of thousands of years.
** The Infamous “Tasmanian Devil” Touts as The Largest Of Its Kind Currently
These are only found in this Australian state and boast as the largest “carnivorous marsupial” to be surviving today, officially labeled an endangered species. The devils were prone to a “facial tumor” discovered approximately two decades ago, leading to a vast decline in the species of well over 80%. New research indicates the animals are now becoming resistant to the disease.
With their being on the endangered list and the disease potentially being eradicated, hopefully, these beloved creatures will repopulate the landscape.
** The Highest Mountain in The Tasmanian Area Is Mount Ossa
Within the heart of Lake St Claire’s National Park and Cradle Mountain is Mount Ossa, with a height of 1617 meters. For hikers who find their way to the top, you will come upon views, on a clear day, at close to 30 km. You can see so much with the landscape, from the coast to the surrounding islands, the variety of wildlife, and spectacular nature.
It is the ideal location to enjoy a “backpack” picnic and merely wallow in the peaceful sounds of the environment. Most people touring the area come from places around the world where their daily lives are hectic with no time for nature. The simplicity and ease of a holiday like this is one that most would not want to return from. Go here for details on a road trip excursion.
** Snakes and Ants Are Waiting for You
There are a variety of snakes and poisonous ants to pay attention for in the area. One of them is harmless, known as the “white-lipped” snake. Those that are exceptionally venomous are the “lowland copperhead” and the “tiger.” These are extremely harmful for humans. Because you might not recognize the differences in species, the suggestion is to avoid all snakes – and ants.
“Jack Jumpers” are nasty little pests that are black and orange. These ants are poisonous, creating an itch upon biting. Once you know that you have been attacked, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
Final Thought
This little state (but large island) offers a range of activities for those looking for an adventurous getaway with endless numbers of trails and mountains to scale in order to view breathtaking scenes. Check out activities you can engage in with your time spent in Hobart at https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/hobart-australia-things-to-do/index.html.
After a day of exploration through the ‘wild’ to take in the incredible beauty of the landscape, the nightlife in Hobart puts an entirely different spin on the trip with the “cityscape” leading you to restaurants that bear the goodness of exceptional traditional dishes you can only find here.
This would be the type of holiday that many would not want to return home from. Once you become one with nature and all that it has to offer, including the incredible wildlife, it is tough to go back to the cold, harsh reality of everyday chaos. Island life sounds very appealing in comparison.