Tasmania – the green heart of Australia

A little more than 200 kilometers from the Australian mainland lies Tasmania, the green heart of the fifth continent. About 571,000 people live on Tasmania, around 215,000 of them in the capital Hobart, the second-oldest city after Sydney. The island stretches 364 kilometers from north to south and 306 kilometers from west to east – a manageable size that invites exploration. The Tasmanians, an Indigenous people, inhabited this isolated region before it was discovered by European sailors in the 17th century. Abel Tasman was the first European to discover the island in 1642 and named it “Van Diemen’s Land.” From 1803 onwards, the British established penal colonies here. Their traces can still be seen today in historical sites such as Port Arthur. After the colonial era, Tasmania became an important place for trade and agriculture. In 1856, it officially received the name Tasmania. Today, the island is known for its pristine nature, unique wildlife, and rich history. Tasmania has everything travelers love: beautiful coastlines, beaches, lush forests, and tall mountains. Dive into spectacular national parks, marvel at the fascinating wildlife, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine. Are you ready for the ultimate adventure? A camper trip through Tasmania stands for freedom, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Hobart

The freedom to explore Tasmania with a rented campervan or motorhome begins in Hobart. At World Wide Wheels, you’ll find a wide selection of campers perfectly suited to the needs of adventurers — both individuals and families alike. Throw yourself into adventure and discover the island’s diverse landscapes at your own pace! Hobart lies on the banks of the Derwent River and at the foot of Mount Wellington, called Kunanyi by the local Aboriginal people. Drive up to the summit and let your gaze wander across the sparkling city and the gently flowing river! You’ll also find numerous fantastic hiking trails winding along different parts of the mountain.

Heritage Highway

If Tasmania has a main road at all, it’s the 176-kilometer-long Midland Highway, which connects the cities of Hobart and Launceston. The road, also known as the Heritage Highway, was built in the early 19th century by convict road-worker colonies across the state to open up the interior. In the past, this was a bumpy route traveled by carts, cattle, and sheep. Today, it’s the most important transport link in the state. Along the route, you’ll find many charming towns and remarkable landmarks, including the Red Bridge in Campbell Town — made of sandstone, it’s Australia’s oldest surviving brick-arch bridge.

Great Eastern Drive

Tasmania’s east coast shines like the sunny side of this island paradise — framed by endless, breathtaking beaches you might have all to yourself and dense forests. How about the pristine bay of Wineglass Bay? Wander through the vast stretches of Spring Beach in the south or dive into the color play of the Bay of Fires in the north — white sand, bright orange rocks, and deep blue sea await you here. Beerbarrel Beach nearby glows in the wildest colors.On this road trip, you’ll pass through four national parks: Douglas-Apsley National Park, with its rugged and impressive gorges; Freycinet National Park, the oldest park; Mount William National Park, with its empty white beaches; and Maria Island, home to the Darlington Probation Station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Maria Island, you can spot native wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and even the Tasmanian devil.

Climate

Tasmania has four distinct seasons and belongs to the coolest part of Australia. The summer months from December to February are mild, with daytime temperatures between 21 °C – 24 °C, while the winter months from June to August are rather cold and windy, with temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 14 °C. In spring, from September to November, temperatures range between 7 °C and 23 °C and can change dramatically throughout the day. The autumn season in Tasmania runs from March to May and is characterized by mild temperatures between 9 °C and 23 °C as well as an increase in rainfall.

Fauna and Flora

Tasmania boasts a unique Australian fauna that includes the three largest surviving marsupial species: the Tasmanian devil, the spotted-tailed quoll, and the eastern quoll. Many animals that are extinct or endangered on mainland Australia still thrive here. This is because the island’s isolation, the fewer introduced predators, and the abundance of untouched habitat have preserved these species. For such a small island state, Tasmania displays an astonishing variety of plant life — a living mosaic of alpine herb fields, colorful heathlands, ancient rainforests, native grasslands, and rugged, wind-swept coastal vegetation. The island proudly presents some of the world’s oldest plant species, including the tallest flowering tree on Earth, the giant eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans), and a vibrant array of small beauties such as terrestrial orchids. Ferns, mosses, and fungi grow on the forest floor, while marine floors and reefs are covered with a wide variety of seaweeds.