Jul 30 2008
The Far South of Australia
It’s easy to forget all about Tasmania. Half of the maps of Australia leave it off, it’s small, socially insignificant and generally overlooked. Take a look at the two maps, the one on the left has no Tasmania. I rest my case.
It’s a quiet little place. Nothing much seems to happen except anti-logging protests and the most exciting event of the last 50 years was a local girl marrying the Crown Prince of Denmark.
This is just what makes Tasmania such a delight.
A short plane hop of less than an hour from my beloved Melbourne and I’m in the absolutely charming little city of Hobart with its clear bracing air. And bracing it is indeed, there’s snow in the mountains behind us and the wind blows straight up from the glaciers of Antarctica.
It’s like being transported not only to another place, but another time. I put it down to mountains and a tiny population, besides, there has always been something rather peculiar about Tasmania.
Here’s a little video (2.40) from David Huting highlighting some of the natural beauty to be found across the island. It’s hard to pick which parts are the loveliest in Tasmania.
Like to shout me a cold beer?
The mighty Huon pine, with its exquisite smell, dominates the southern rainforest wilderness.
No one ever forgets Monkey Mia. The tiny town on the shores of Shark Bay is famous for its dolphins.
