What continent is Tasmania on? Tasmania is a mysterious and picturesque corner of the planet. Tasmania Island: where is it located

Tasmania Island was discovered Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in the middle of the 17th century, after whom it was named. It is washed by the Indian and Pacific oceans. The island is located 240 km south of Australia and is separated from it by the Bass Strait. The area of the island is 68.401 sq. km. The capital and largest city of the island is Hobart. The number of inhabitants is 495.354 people (data for 2011).

It is believed that Tasmania was originally inhabited by the Tasmanian Aborigines (the last four full-blooded Tasmanians were photographed in the 1860s). Finds indicating the presence of the Tasmanians in this region are at least 35 thousand years old. The shores form numerous bays.

In Tasmania, 44% of the territory is covered by rain forests. There are a lot of nature reserves here (national parks protected by the state occupy 21% of the territory) and very beautiful places, which, together with good infrastructure, make the island a real paradise for tourists.

The island has very strict environmental control. Even those who come from mainland Australia are subject to additional screening in Tasmania. This is due to the fact that very rare species of animals and plants live here, which have long since become extinct in other parts of the world. Such amazing nature associated with the features of the formation of the mainland and the island.

It is believed that about 250 million years ago, Tasmania, along with the rest of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, South America, Africa and India was part of the huge continent of Gondwana. He occupied more than half the globe, and a significant part of it was covered with forests.

And now most of the island is covered with impenetrable forests, which have not yet been fully explored. Tasmania is also famous for its vineyards and orchards. On east coast Tasmania in Freychant National Park, there are magnificent sandy beaches. In the park itself, you can admire wildlife, fish and dolphins. There are a lot of trout in the rivers, etc.

It is believed that the island of Tasmania, approximately 10,000 years ago, was part of the Australian mainland, and was separated from the mainland by a rise in ocean levels. Most of the island consists of magma that came out of the ground, so there is a lot of diabase, which formed many mountains and rocks, sometimes unique in their beauty and unusualness, for example, the Organ pipes columns near Mount Wellington, near the city of Hobart.

In the southwest, Precambrian quartzites from very ancient marine deposits form strikingly sharp ridges and mountains, such as Federation Peak and Frenchman's Cal. In the northeast and east, granites similar to the coastal granites of mainland Australia can be seen. The northwest and west are characterized by mineral-rich volcanic rocks. In the south and northwest there are also limestones with magnificent caves.

On the island in Lately, absent volcanic activity, therefore, isolated steep plateaus and highlands 600-1000 m high prevail in the relief, which makes Tasmania the most mountainous state of Australia.

The lowlands of the Midlands, located on the course of the Macquarie River with relatively flat terrain and used mainly for agricultural purposes, separates the Eastern Highlands, where the most high point is located on Mount Legs-Tor (1572 m) from the Central Plateau (the highest point is Mount Ossa, 1617 m., which is highest peak islands of Tasmania.

The islands of Tasmania, as an administrative state of Australia, include the islands: King, Shuten, Satellite, Louise, Hunter, Robbins, Deal and Mariah.

South of mainland Australia is the island of Tasmania. This is a separate Australian state, characterized by picturesque nature, mild climate and unique flora and fauna. This perfect place for tourists: here you can go mountain and water tourism, relax in comfortable hotels and enjoy views of nature in nature reserves. Many natural, cultural and historical sights make the island of Tasmania very popular.

History of the island

This place was discovered in 1642 by the Dutch traveler A. Tasman. He first considered the island to be part of mainland Australia and named it Van Diemen's Land. But only in the 19th century, when Europeans began to settle on the island, it was named after the discoverer. Then about 10 thousand local residents lived in this place, which was more than in all of Australia. But wars, persecution of natives and diseases almost exterminated them, and some ethnic groups completely disappeared from the face of the Earth. And by the end of the 19th century, only three hundred local residents remained. And the island began to be populated by Europeans. The first colonists were to develop industry and agriculture on the island. At first it was prisoners, guards and the military.

Tasmania: Australia

Detailed information about geographical location islands are in all reference books and encyclopedias. This is very famous place, popular all over the world, is one of the Australian states. The island is known as " green state". Mainlanders love this place and appreciate its unique Natural resources, affectionately referred to as the "island of inspiration", "holiday island" or Tassi. But not only among Australians, holidays in Tasmania are popular. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the picturesque nature and get acquainted with unique sights.

Tasmania is located 250 kilometers south of the mainland. It is separated from Australia by Bass Strait, which is at least 210 kilometers at its narrowest point. The area of the island is about 70 thousand square kilometers. Almost 500 thousand people live here. The island is connected to the mainland by a regular ferry-rail line that stretches from Melbourne to Davenport, as well as by air.

Description of the island of Tasmania

About 40% of the island's surface is under the protection of the Committee for World Heritage. Despite the presence major cities and a small area, the nature of the island is preserved and appreciated, so there are many nature reserves and national parks. Tourism activity is very developed on the island and is one of the main directions of its economy. In addition, agriculture is developed here, the production of merino wool, as well as the extraction of iron, copper and tin. Now the island of Tasmania is flourishing. You can get here only by ferry or by plane from major cities in Australia.

Most tourists tend to get to the island of Tasmania because of the unique nature. Information on national parks and reserves is contained in the World Heritage Committee. There are two nature reserves, 4 large national parks and two nature protection zones on the island. It is no coincidence that Tasmania is considered the standard natural nature and "lungs of the planet".

Island nature

Tasmania has become popular among tourists largely due to the unique picturesque nature. The island is almost completely covered with evergreen forests, which have no analogues. There are many relic species here, long extinct in other places. About 10 thousand years ago, the island of Tasmania separated from the mainland, so it retained unique nature. Huge rainforests, relict trees found nowhere else in the world, beautiful waterfalls and the purest Fresh air- all this attracts guests from different countries.

Description of the nature of the island of Tasmania is very interesting. Large areas covered tropical forests, there are huge moorlands. Many trees reach a height of about 100 meters, and their age is more than 2000 years. There are such rare plants here:

southern beech;
anthrotaxis;
evergreen eucalyptus;
euphoria tirucalli;
many kinds of myrtle;
efkryphia;
Dixonia antarctica

Unique and water resources islands of Tasmania. Many lakes with crystal clear water, numerous streams and beautiful rivers. Many turbulent waterfalls attract tourists with their beauty. The coastline of the island is intricately indented, forming bays and coves. The east coast is especially famous for its beaches.

Animal world

The island of Tasmania is famous for its many endemic species that are not found anywhere else. Animals are also protected and it is interesting to get acquainted with them. What species are common on the island?

The Tasmanian devil lives in wild forests. This small predator with very sharp teeth is guarded and protected from extinction. In contrast, the unique Tasmanian wolf disappeared in the early 20th century.
The orange-bellied parakeet is rare even in Australia.
Dingo wild dogs are common here.
There are many marsupials that live only in this region: kangaroo, bettong, red walab.
The slender-billed petrel, flying almost completely around the Pacific Ocean, annually returns to nesting in Tasmania.
The little penguin is also unique. It is no larger than a cat and has a short beak.

Climate

One of the hottest places, unfavorable in terms of climatic conditions for recreation, is Australia. Tasmania, on the other hand, has a milder temperate climate. Although there are often storms on the coast due to the meeting of cold air masses from the south and hot air from the north. But the climate here is more temperate than in the rest of Australia. There are even distinct four seasons. In summer, which lasts from December to March, it is warm here, not at all hot, with an average temperature of 21 degrees. The coldest winter month is July. But due to the proximity of the ocean, the temperature here never drops below 4 degrees.

Often tourists are interested in when there is a lot of rainfall on the island of Tasmania. In fact, compared to the rest of Australia, there is little rainfall. Thunderstorms are possible at the beginning of summer, rains are possible in winter and spring. Snow is found only in the mountains, very rarely - in low-lying areas.

Cities and population of the island

About 500 thousand people now live in Tasmania. This suggests that there are no large cities here. The capital Hobart is inhabited by about half of the total population. But still modern cities meets tourists the island of Tasmania. On English language the population has been speaking since the time of colonization, so guests from all over the world are comfortable here. Tourists are invited to visit the main settlements islands.

Ways to get around the island

You can get to Tasmania by ferry from Melbourne, travel time is from 9 to 11 hours. Or by plane, which is faster - you can fly in an hour. On the territory of the island, movement is carried out mainly by car or comfortable buses. But the bus needs to be booked in advance. Between the largest cities is also developed air traffic. If you are driving on your own, you should take into account that traffic in Tasmania is left-handed, and the speed limit is 100 km / h, as the roads wind a lot. And among the locals, cycling is very popular. On west coast between the cities of Streham and Queenstown has been preserved railway line. But now it is used more for tourism purposes.

Holidays on the island of Tasmania

The best time to visit here is from November to April. At this time, the island is warm and you can visit most of the attractions without problems. But this place is not for those who like to fry on the beach. Even in the warmest months, the temperature here does not rise above 24 degrees. But still, the island of Tasmania attracts tourists. It is especially liked by lovers of a relaxing holiday or extreme mountain and water tourism.

On the territory of the island there are comfortable hotels and resort areas where you can have a good rest. To the services of vacationers except comfortable hotels cycling, surfing, diving, boating and horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing and many other entertainments.

Natural attractions of the island

The unique nature of Tasmania is what attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. most popular and interesting excursion- by ferry around the island. What other sights can be visited here?

Cultural and historical sights

There are many places on the island that are interesting to see. Even ordinary cities keep the unique atmosphere of the last century combined with modernity. There are many galleries of painting and arts and crafts on the island, you can buy unique handicrafts. There are also cultural and historical sights. The inhabitants of the island remember and carefully protect the history of the island.

The most famous and frequently visited attraction is the prison in Port Arthur. This is a kind of city of prisoners that existed until the end of the 19th century.
The coal mines and the Cascades women's factory are also worth a visit.
The unique Tiagarra Museum, located in Davenport, tells about the history and culture of the Aboriginal Tasmanians, who are now almost extinct.

Shops and restaurants on the island

Tasmania used to be an English colony. Therefore, mainly English cuisine prevailed. Now here you can taste dishes from all over the world. Seafood is considered local delicacies: lobster, salmon, unique Tasmanian bighead fish, as well as a variety of shellfish. The city of Hobard is home to the Cadberry Chocolate Factory, and King's Sharp is home to popular cheese makers. Tasmania is also famous for its local beer and mild aromatic wine. And fragrant honey, produced from the pollen of a rare shrub, brilliant Eurythia, can only be tasted here.

In the shops on the island you can find many unique antiques. The largest antiques market is located in Hobart. Here you can find furniture made of exotic woods, antique silver and interior items, books, unique dishes. Tourists are also advised to buy items made of locally produced merino wool, which are famous all over the world. And unique handicrafts can be bought at the Salamanca market in Hobart.

What makes the island unique

Many people have heard of the Tasmanian devil, but not everyone knows where Tasmania is located. Those who have visited this place call it a real paradise on Earth. Indeed, a warm mild climate, relaxing holiday, picturesque nature - all this makes Tasmania unique. In such a small area, almost all species are represented. natural landscapes: rainforests, jungles, savannahs, deserts, mountain ranges, valleys, lakes, beaches and fjords. unique animal and vegetable world, preserved atmosphere of the cities of the 19th century - these are the features of Tasmania, which attract tourists.

Today, having enough funds, any avid traveler, and simply curious tourist can go on vacation in any direction: to any part of the world, to any continent, to any country. And while some choose for themselves, for example, travel to exotic Thailand, virgin Vietnam, bright Greece or sunny Turkey, others, having carefully studied the world map, go to not so popular, but no less wonderful places our planet. One of these places can safely be considered Australian island of Tasmania, to which, due to its uniqueness, we decided to dedicate separate article, despite the fact that in one of the previous materials we told you about Australia.

Brief information

Tasmania is an Australian state located on the island of the same name, 240 km south of mainland Australia and separated from it by the Bass Strait. The area occupied by Tasmania is 68,401 km², and the population living on it is just over 495 thousand people. The capital of Tasmania is Hobart. In addition, the island is divided into five regions: the capital and metropolitan areas; Western territories; Northwest coast; Tamar, Launceston and Northern part; East Coast.

Where is Tasmania on the world map? You can see where the island of Tasmania is located on the world map below:

Climate of Tasmania- the golden mean for those who do not like to freeze and cannot stand the heat. The difference between the warmest and coldest temperatures is a maximum of 10°C. Warm winter, cool summer. average temperature summer: 17-18°C (in the highlands 7-8°C); in winter - 8-10°C (there are frosts in the highlands). Such climatic conditions allow you to relax and live in Tasmania all year round and feel very comfortable at the same time.

A bit about the history of the island

Tasmanians originally inhabited Tasmania. (Tasmanian Aborigines), as evidenced by numerous finds, whose age is more than 30 thousand years. By the time the first Europeans arrived in Tasmania, the Tasmanians were divided into nine ethnic groups and their number by the time of the first settlers from Great Britain (1803) was from 5 to 10 thousand people. But by 1833, due to infectious diseases, which were brought by Europeans, as well as due to war and persecution, the number of indigenous people fell to 300 people, and in 1876 the last aboriginal of the island died.

As for the Europeans in Tasmania, the first among them was the Dutchman Abel Tasman, who landed on November 24, 1642 in Blackman Bay. It was he who gave Tasmania its first name - Van Diemen's Land(in honor of the person who sent him on the expedition). A huge number of other Europeans visited the island after him, and in 1798-1799. Matthew Flinders and George Bass proved that Tasmania is an island. The island and the strait are named after them, respectively.

In 1803, the first British settlement was founded in Tasmania near the mouth of the Derwent River under the name Risdon Cove. In 1804, a little further south, a similar settlement was founded - Sullivans Cove. To date, Sullivans Cove is the capital of Hobart, and the settlement of Risdon Cove is abandoned. It is also worth noting that the first settlers in Tasmania were mainly hard laborers and their guards who came to develop agriculture and industry. Between 1803 and 1853 about 75 thousand prisoners were transported to the island! A official name from Van Diemen's Land was changed to Tasmania in 1856. From this year, the British colony of Tasmania originates, which existed until 1901, after which it became part of the Commonwealth of Australia along with other Australian colonies and was declared an Australian state.

Today Tasmania is an island with a wonderful developed infrastructure, all necessary conditions for modern and comfortable life and fantastic nature.

Natural attractions of Tasmania

Tasmanian nature is unique in itself and is the main attraction of the island. National parks occupy more than 40% of the entire territory, many beautiful lagoons, bays, coasts, reserves, canyons and others unforgettable places. And the fauna of the island is striking in its diversity and splendor. One gets the impression that you have moved in a time machine to those times when nature was pristine and the planet was not defiled by harmful human activities.

So, the main attractions of the island of Tasmania include (we will consider briefly):

Freycinet National Park

It is located 125 km from the capital on the Freycinet peninsula. oldest national park islands. It is a coast and a bay with some of the best beaches in the world. beautiful landscape, azure water, warm sand, many amazing animals and birds. For tourists there is the possibility of diving and snorkeling, as well as camping and ordering sightseeing tours.

Ben Lomond National Park

Located in the northeastern part of the island, 50 km from the city of Lanseston. This park is a huge plateau on the rocks. Here is the second highest point of the island - Ledgers Tor Peak (1572 meters above sea level). In addition to the richest flora and fauna, this park is famous for the fact that here is the main ski resort islands, created with the most modern technologies.

Southwest National Park

This park is the largest in Tasmania - it covers an area of 618 thousand hectares. It is located 93 km west of Hobart. Best known for its pristine nature, extremely changeable weather, lack of people, hard-to-reach areas with hiking trails for almost two weeks, mesmerizing views and lakes.

Naravtapu National Park

One of the most quiet places on a planet full of plains, moorlands and lowland marshes. The park is located near the city of Port Sorell between Bakers Beach and Greens Beach. It attracts tourists and local residents with a variety of landscapes, eucalyptus forests, a variety of animals and birds, the cleanest beaches, water activities and local wine produced in the Tamar Valley.

Other points of interest

Of course, the Tasmanian parks discussed above are not the only ones and serve only as an example of what the island can boast of. In addition to them, one can note:

Among other things, Tasmania, with all its features, offers its guests not only the opportunity to contemplate fantastic beauty, which have no equal in almost the whole world, and not only with a variety of options for beauty active rest, but also has all his nature to engage in spiritual practices. It is for this reason that many people come here for meditation, mantra recitation, esoteric tourism. , channeling , hooponopono or whatever.

Try to find time and opportunity to visit amazing island Tasmania and enjoy all its beauties. This trip will be one of the best in your life!

Australia and Oceania is the tiniest part of the world. It includes the mainland of the same name and about ten thousand small islands scattered across the western and central parts Pacific Ocean. total area region exceeds 8.5 million square kilometers. About 34 million inhabitants live on its territory.

General description of Australia

Australia is an island that is also the smallest continent on the planet. Due to the very dry climate, deserts and dry savannahs predominate here. The length of the coastline, taking into account Tasmania and others offshore islands is almost 60 thousand kilometers. In the north, the continent is washed by Arafura and in the south and west - Indian Ocean, and in the east - by Tasmanov and Since the mainland began to be actively settled only in the twentieth century, its territory has been little developed. here is just over two people per one square kilometer. Australia is the only continent in the world that is occupied by only one state. It was formed at the beginning of the twentieth century, separated from Britain, and is now one of the most developed and wealthy on the planet.

The country is divided into two territories and six states. The first administrative unit is the Australian Capital Territory and northern territories. The states of Australia are Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South and Western Australia as well as Tasmania. The last of these will be discussed in more detail later.

Geographical position

The state includes not only the island of the same name, but also several other small landmasses - Macquarie, Flinders and King. Its capital is the second largest city in the state, which is called Hobart. Speaking about where Tasmania is located, it should be noted that the island is located at a distance of 240 kilometers from the mainland (south of it), from which it is separated by the Bass Strait. Its eastern part is washed by the southern and western part by the Indian Ocean. It should be noted that the island is a structural continuation of the Great Australian Dividing Range, and a large number of bays have formed on its shores.

Opening

Tasmania was discovered long before Australia was colonized. The island was visited by an expedition led by a Dutch navigator back in 1642. These were the first Europeans who visited here. Then this land was named after the governor-general of the East Indian Dutch colony - Van Diemen. According to some historical information, it was he who sent this expedition to search for new territories.

Development

Like other states of Australia, the island began to be developed by the British colonialists in the early nineteenth century. The first British landed here in 1802. The very next year it was proclaimed the second British colony in Australia. Then it was decided to turn this area into an island of convicts. The first famous settlement on its territory was Port Arthur, built in 1830 by the forces of prisoners. Its territory was divided into sectors and carefully guarded, because people who committed serious crimes lived here. A hospital, a temple and a post office were equipped for them. The prison was closed only in the seventies of the nineteenth century. In 1856, the island of Tasmania received its current name. The corresponding decision was made by the British government. It was formed into a separate state in 1901.

Population

About half a million people live in the state. Most of them are considered to be Anglo-Australians, in other words, descendants of British immigrants. Only one percent of the local population is indigenous people. According to historical data, local Aborigines have been living here for about 40 thousand years. There are also Indians, Chinese and some other nationalities on the island. English is considered the official language here. At the same time, it should be noted that it has a peculiar local accent. The locals, including the natives, mostly profess Christianity. The overwhelming majority of them are Catholics, followed by the parishioners of the English Church, Protestants and Orthodox. Almost 4% of the population professes Buddhism and Islam.

Climate

Australia and Oceania is considered one of the driest regions on the planet. There is very little rainfall in their area. Despite this, Tasmanians have the opportunity to enjoy all seasons. This is due to the fact that most of its territory is characterized by a temperate climate. It was formed under the influence of the ocean and seas surrounding the island. Thus, there is neither severe cold nor scorching heat here. It should also be noted that the state has the most rainfall in Australia. In the western part of Tasmania, their average annual number is 1000 mm, and in the eastern part - 600 mm.

Spring on the island falls between September and November. The weather at this time is mostly cold and windy. V summer season is 23 degrees Celsius. There are periods when the thermometer rises to the mark of 30 degrees. However, this is typical only for areas remote from the coastline. Autumn in Tasmania is a relatively calm season, characterized by cool nights and fairly warm, sunny days. It should be noted that this time is considered optimal for visiting the state by tourists. In winter, the weather is usually frosty and clear. It snows quite often. Be that as it may, at this time the air here is considered one of the cleanest on Earth.

Nature

The main feature that distinguishes the nature of Tasmania is that it was formed several million years ago and has survived in this form to this day. In many ways, scientists attribute this to the peculiarities of the formation of the island. Approximately 250 million years ago, together with Australia, it was part of vast continent known as Gondwana. Then it occupied about half of the planet's surface, mostly covered with rainforests. As of today, the situation has not changed much. Now the territory of the island consists of numerous uplands and plateaus. Almost half of its area is covered with impenetrable forests, most of which still remain unexplored. It should be noted that this is one of the last such corners on Earth.

On the territory of the island, rare representatives of flora and fauna have survived to this day, which have long died out in all other regions of the planet. Among the vegetation in the local jungle you can see eucalyptus, cypress and spinous anthrotaxis, southern beeches and other trees. In addition, the presence of rather rare species of lichens and mosses should also be noted. The local forests have become a habitat for many representatives of the fauna found nowhere else. The most famous and exotic animals of Tasmania are koalas, dingoes, little penguins, opossums, echidnas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, marsupial wolves and others. In addition to them, there are about 150 species of birds on the island. The most rare among them is the orange-bellied parrot, which is protected by law in Australia. Local rivers and lakes are teeming with trout.

Economy

The island's economy is based on mining and agriculture. In particular, the region is rich in minerals such as zinc, tin, iron and copper. In addition, forestry is at a high level of development here. Since the state has a temperate climate, as mentioned above, favorable conditions are created here for the development of vineyards and orchards, as well as for the cultivation of many crops. Approximately twenty percent of the available land is classified as national parks and reserves, so it is impossible to engage in agriculture on them. Like the rest of Australia, Tasmania boasts a well-developed tourism sector. Its formation from 2001 to the present day is facilitated by favorable economic conditions in the country, including cheap tickets on airplanes and new ferries that provide transportation between the island and the mainland. Many locals work in government organizations. Another major employer here is The company Federal Group, which owns several hotels and casinos, and is also involved in wood processing.

Capital

The state and island of Tasmania have their own capital. It is the oldest city in Australia after Sydney, Hobart. It was founded in 1804. As of today, its population is just over 210 thousand inhabitants. The city is not only administrative, but also Finance center Tasmania, in which age-old traditions harmoniously intertwined with a modern energetic lifestyle. Hobart is located in the southeastern part of the island at the mouth of the Derwent River. It is from here that Australian and French expeditions depart for Antarctica.

Attractions

In connection with the presence of the so-called hard labor page in the history of the island of Tasmania, sights of this origin cause big interest at tourists. No wonder that every year thousands of travelers visit the former fortress city and prison at the same time - Port Arthur Historic Site. Many popular tours associated with local natural areas and parks. On the territory of the South-Western Reserve, you can take an air tour, during which tourists have the opportunity to admire the untrodden tropical forests, waterfalls and gorges. The island also has its own wine-growing region with its large factories.

One of the main attractions of the capital is the Salamanca Art Center, which houses numerous organizations, including art studios, galleries and concert halls. Quite popular in Hobart is the Museum of Monuments. ancient world, surrounded by vineyards at a distance of 12 kilometers from the city limits. big cultural significance They also have local buildings. It should be noted that more than ninety of them are protected by the National Society for the Preservation of Monuments.

tourist attraction

Tasmania boasts a well developed tourism infrastructure. In its most visited cities and regions, you can easily rent a hotel room, and students are offered a good choice hostels. It should also be noted that there a large number car rental stations. In local souvenir shops, tourists can buy any national amulets and souvenirs. In general, on the island you can find entertainment for almost every taste - from ordinary excursions to diving. The main thing to keep in mind is that restaurants and shops here are closed on weekends.

Conclusion

Summing up, it should be noted that the island of Tasmania is very beautiful place, a significant part of whose territory is occupied national parks. All of them are under state protection. There is almost everything here that might interest you. modern traveler- primeval hills, plains, waterfalls and the purest sea water.

The nature of Australia surprises with its diversity. Animal and plant life may seem a little unusual, especially for Europeans. Will not leave indifferent, the inhabitants of the Old World, a truly unusual and unusual climate of the Australian continent. Although, if we take into account the entire territory of the mainland, it is different, but to a greater extent it is heat and hot closeness. But there is one place that dilutes the usual Australian landscape, and its climate is more similar to European. This is the island of Tasmania - the cradle of nature and a relative of Australia.

There are about two hundred kilometers between Tasmania and Australia, which are occupied by Bass Strait and an extended chain of wreckage-islands. Most famous islands: Macquarie, Flinders, King.

Tasmania is an Australian state. They speak English there. It has its own flag and coat of arms.

The area of the territory is more than 68,000 square kilometers, the population is about 500,000 people. The capital is the city of Hobart. Other big cities: Burnie, Devonport, Launceston.

The cool climate of Tasmania, forested highlands and plateaus, the presence of lakes, form the opinion that this island comes from Europe. Some travelers call it the second Scotland. Although in fact Tasmania was once part of Australia.

In the highlands, hidden behind the rocky jagged, amazing lakes. Almost in the center, Lake Great Lake has secluded, and in the neighborhood Eco and St. Clair.

The rivers here are not like Australian rivers - muddy, drying up on most of the year. They originate high in the mountains, from gushing clear springs and full-flowing never-drying lakes, and rush their way through rocky crevices of basalt, changing downstream to green meadows strewn with flowers, until they finally find shelter in the bays.

Flora and fauna are the same as on the mainland, with the exception of some species. More than 70% of the plants that can be found on the island are also found on the continent. The variety of trees here is a little poorer than on the mainland, but still those that grow in Tasmania deserve respect. This globular eucalyptus is a rival of the giant sequoia. It reaches 120 meters in height.

Similar animal world, in Australian, there are indeed some animals that live only on the island, most often due to their extermination on the mainland or displacement by other species.

For example, the Tasmanian marsupial wolf and the marsupial devil are found only here, but the marsupial marten still lives in Australia.

Although the Tasmanian wolf, which once lived on the mainland, is now considered an extinct species, but according to some eyewitnesses, it is occasionally found in the deaf mountainous areas- his footprints.

Any traveler or tourist who has made his way across half the world to get acquainted with the sights of Australia will see exactly half of what he could see if he does not visit this amazing corner of nature.