Fascinating Facts about Tasmania
Here are some interesting facts about Tasmania you need to know before you take your hot air balloon flight
Tasmania is widely known for having the cleanest air in the world, the best scenery and a rich history compared to other states in Australia. Combined with its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, delicious food and wine, Tasmania is a wonderful travelling destination, both to explore wilderness areas or the charming cities and towns on the island. Though, for being one of the smallest states of Australia, it’s not short of fascinating facts!
Tasmania is the world’s 26th largest island
Tasmania has an area of 90,758km2 located 240km southeast of Melbourne, Australia. There are 334 other islands that lie just off Tasmania, ranging from rocky outcrops to three sizeable, inhabited islands.
Tasmania was “discovered” on November 24, 1642, by Abel Tasman.
Although Aboriginal people have lived in Tasmania for at least 35,000 years, Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to “discover” Tasmania. He named it Anthoonij Van Diesmenslandt or “Anthony Van Diemen’s Land” after the sponsor of the exploration, Anthony Van Diemen (who also the governor-general of Dutch East Indies currently known as Indonesia). Despite the official name of Van Diemen’s Land, usage of the alternative ‘Tasmania’ gradually grew, and on January 1, 1856, it was officially renamed Tasmania. Tasmania is known to the Aboriginal people as ‘Trowunna’, ‘Trowenna’ or ‘Loetrouwitter’
Over 20% of Tasmania is Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area
At least one fifth of Tasmania is world heritage area. The area which covers 1.58 million hectares includes national parks, marine, and forests reserves. This means that 20% of the land is World Heritage Area, much of it remote, untouched and only accessible by foot!
Tasmania has dense rainforests
Some of the species found in the Tasmanian rainforests include the planet’s tallest eucalyptus trees. They are 89 meters tall and 10 meters wide. Other unique species include the myrtle, blackwood, sassafras, leatherwood, celery top pine, Huon pine and King Billy pine.
The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world
The “Tasmanian devil” is only found in Tasmania, and is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. Officially listed as an endangered species. A facial tumour has seen the species decline 80% over the last 20 year. The good news is that they now seem to be developing some resistance to the disease. Road kills are another threat to the population.
Tasmania has over 2000km of walking tracks and 18 national parks
With over 2000 km of walking trails you can experience world heritage, beautiful coastline, and amazing scenery of ancient rainforests on a variety of walking tracks that range from 9 hours to 9 days in duration. Explore Tasmania’s South Coast Track the iconic Overland Track in the centre of the state,the lush rainforest region of the Tarkine, West Coast, or the stunningly rugged coastline of the East along the Three Capes Walk there plenty of option to explore Tasmania by boot.
Mount Ossa is the highest mountain in Tasmania
You will find 1617 m high Mount Ossa located in the heart of Cradle Mountain and Lake St Claire national park. You can summit Mount Ossa while on the Overland Track and be rewarded with 360-degree views of Tasmania’s north-west.
Tasmania is never ending display of natures wonder; from beautiful islands to spectacular wildness and stunning coastlines.
Tasmania hot air balloon
When you come and visit our beautiful island, on the edge of the world, be sure to enjoy it’s scenery with us, Hot air balloon Tasmania.
Flights commence mid 2019