Local Information - Hobart & Surrounds, other TAS

Tasmania is an island state, located 240 kilometres south of the main continent and separated by Bass Strait.  The population is aproximately 500,000 with almost half living in the greater Hobart area.

Tasmania is known as as the natural state, owing to its large and relatively unspoiled natural environment. Almost 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites.

The island is 364 kilometres long from northernmost to southernmost points, and 306 kilometres from west to east.

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania. Hobart is small and intimate (population 250,000) compared to larger mainland Australian cities, reflecting the small size of the state. The metropolitan area stretches north and south along the Derwent River. It has a mild temperate oceanic climate, with four distinct seasons.

Launceston is the second-largest city in Tasmania and is situated in the north of the state on the Tamar River. The city currently has a population of around 70,000.

Devonport with a population of around 25,000 is the third largest city and is the arrival port of the daily Bass Strait ferry service from the mainland. Devonport is the closest point of arrival to the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.

Source: http://wikitravel.org and http://en.wikipedia.org