When I finally headed to Tasmania in late 2020, it was the last major destination in Australia I was yet to visit . I spent two weeks exploring the island. That's not nearly enough time. If you like to travel slowly as I do, stay longer. Stay a month or more and see the whole island. I'm already planning my return.
I'm signed on to the idea that Tasmania might well be the most special place in all Australia. It has a magic.
For now, this little Rusty Compass travel guide is a collection of the stuff I took away from my two weeks on the road. There's a lot more to come.
Our guide to Hobart is well under way and you can check it out here.
Tasmania Introduction
Tasmania is the island off the South East coast of the world's biggest island, aka, Australia. Sometimes it's overlooked. If you're visiting Australia, make sure you don't overlook Tasmania.
It may be the most beautiful place in Australia. It's also a place with an unbreakable connection with the drama and tragedy of Australia's past.
Photo: Mark Bowyer Maria Island, Tasmania
Photo: Mark Bowyer Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Mark Bowyer Maria Island, Tasmania
Known as Van Diemen's Land until 1855, Tasmania was inhabited by indigenous people for thousands of years before Europeans discovered its coastline in 1642. Abel Tasman was a Dutch sailor, a very long way from home, when he first logged the existence of the island. Two centuries later, the island was named after him.
British colonisation began in 1803 and Tasmania quickly became a major part of the penal colony system. Just under half of all convicts transported to Australia were sent to Tasmania. Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, is Australia's best known convict heritage site.
The brutal wars between the local indigenous people and invading colonials in Tasmania, caused the catastrophic collapse of indigenous societies.
Tasmania has remained a place of disadvantage with a sluggish economy and lower educational achievement than mainland states.
Right now though, Tassie is enjoying a little moment of hype following the opening of the MONA Museum in Hobart. It's also experiencing a minor boom as Australians from the mainland discover its quality of life and its appeal as a place to live.
The whole island deserves your time. It's the best combination of scenic beauty and profound history and heritage I know in Australia. I'm gonna be spending lots of time getting to know Tasmania in the coming years.
Twitter: @rustycompass
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