Tasmania Facts

Facts: Tasmania facts, Demographics, Geography, Government, History

Tasmania facts

Separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart a place of wild and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; a pleasant, temperate climate; wonderful wine and food; a rich history; and a relaxed island lifestyle.

Tasmania is an island roughly the size of West Virginia, located 240 km off the south-east corner of mainland Australia. Next stop south is Antarctica, 2000 km away.

introducing tasmaniaEncircled by the Southern Ocean, Tasman Sea and Bass Strait, we breathe the world’s cleanest air and rejoice in pure water and fertile soils our wine and food are acclaimed around the world.

Tasmania is a natural island a land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals, including survivors of the ancient southern super continent, Gondwana.

- The population of Tasmania is 485,000. Main centres are Hobart (the capital city with 200,000 people) Launceston (98,500) Burnie (18,000) and Devonport (25,000)
- Tasmania has more than 2000 km of walking tracks and 18 national parks.
- The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers 1.38 million hectares.
- Hobart has the nation’s second-lowest rainfall (626 mm or 24 inches) of all Australian capital cities.
- The average summer temperature is a comfortable 21°C (70°F). Winter’s average is 12°C (52° F). more

Tasmania Flags & Emblems

The Tasmanian flag is the Blue Ensign with the State badge. The badge consists of a red lion within a white circle. This design reflects historical ties with England. The badge was approved by the British Colonial office in 1875. It has remained largely unchanged since then. It was officially proclaimed in 1975. more