Tasmania promotes itself internationally as "Australia's Natural State" and within Australia as the "Island of Inspiration". About 40% of the island is protected as national parks, World Heritage Areas, and forest and marine reserves.
Tasmania is famous for its merino wool which is used by Japanese companies to manufacture high quality men's suits. It is also known world-wide for the Tasmanian tiger, a now extinct striped marsupial dog-like animal, and the nocturnal Tasmanian devil, a small black and white marsupial whose sharp teeth and frightening screams belie the fact that it is shy of humans. '''Tasmanian devils''' [http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/wildlife/mammals/devil.html] are currently under threat of extinction due to a widespread facial tumour. The state government is endeavouring to detect the cause of the tumours and preserve disease-free colonies.
On the whole, expect a good mix of nice natural scenery, fresh food and wines, and heritage.
'''Tasmania''' adhers to the same time zone and daylight saving periods as New South Wales and Victoria. It is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 18 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday of October and ends on the first Sunday of April, moving the time one more hour ahead.
Tasmania is served by several national and regional airlines, primarily flying into Hobart and Launceston. Some flights are also available to Burnie and Devonport from Melbourne.
Tasmania is served by two '''Spirit of Tasmania Ferries''' [http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/] from mainland Australia. They depart daily from Melbourne arrive at Devonport taking the full night (or the full day during peak summer periods) for the crossing.
The crossing can be a little rocky at times, but provides beautiful views. You have the option of booking one of a range of a cabins or a reclining chair for the journey. The large ferries take vehicles, bikes, foot passengers and pets.
See the Devonport article for the details of the ferry.
With the exception of Highway 1 between Devonport, Launceston and Hobart, travel times by car will be much longer than you think. Averaging anything near the state limit of 100km/h is generally just not possible. Even A and B roads wind their way through mountain passes and along coastlines, with few overtaking lanes, and on some roads averaging 60km/h is only just achievable. Seek local advice if timing is critical, or just allow more time. What appears the most direct road can add hours to your journey time. Again, seek local advice on the quickest route if timing is critical.
Tasmania uses an alphanumeric system for road references, and all roads are generally well marked with references and destinations. Attractions are generally well signposted from the nearest main road. As a result, it is quite possible to navigate most of Tasmania using only a rudimentary map. Exploring the forests can often lead to a maze of forest roads. A GPS can come in handy for finding your way out, but beware GPS maps are not always up to date and following them blindly can add unnecessary time to travel.
Two major companies which service most of Tasmania:
Metro Tasmania [http://www.metrotas.com.au/] provides intra-city bus services for Burnie, Hobart and Launceston.
Merseylink [http://www.merseylink.com.au] provides services to Devonport and Latrobe
There is a passenger tourist train operated as the '''West Coast Wilderness Railway''' between Strahan and Queenstown on the west coast of Tasmania. The trip takes about 3 hours with lunch included.
Tasair [http://www.tasair.com.au/] offers daily flights from Hobart to Burnie, Devonport, King Island. They are based in Hobart, with a smaller base in Devonport.
Bicycle touring is a popular way to see Tasmania.
In addition, Tasmania has the Cascade and Boags breweries in Hobart and Launceston respectively, which offer tours. A number of boutique beer makers and distillers also exist.
There is also a large spring water industry in Tasmania, which means that some bars and restaurants do not to offer free tap water (they are not legally obliged to do so).
Tasmania is particularly renowned for its hosted bed and breakfast accommodation, where you can experience a different way of life in a whole range of different properties, including heritage listed and more modern properties in stunning locations.
When driving observe the speed limits. The rules are simple. 50km/h on all Tasmanian streets, and 100km/h on highways and freeways unless otherwise signposted.
Be aware that there are many '''wild animals''' in Tasmania, and be prepared to see a lot of roadkill. Be especially careful at dusk and dawn. Although wallabies and wombats are not large, they can make a mess of your vehicle and drivers swerving to avoid them have caused many accidents.
When driving on highways and freeways, do be careful of large trucks. Speeding large trucks are common and dangerous. If one is heading your way slow down and move towards the side of the road, letting it pass.
Always slow down at school crossings when in operation or you may be surprised by a waiting police car and receive a fine.
Bushwalking can be a truly breathtaking experience in Tasmania, but be sure to obtain the right gear and local advice and maps. Always sign the book at the beginning and end of each walk. Be aware that mobile coverage is very limited (although reception can often be had on Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest mountain). The main dangers are getting lost and/or suffering hypothermia. If you include thermals, a good sleeping bag and a map and compass in your shopping list, these scenarios are unlikely. Paddy Pallin has stores in both Launceston and Hobart (ask about the 10% discount).