Tasmania is Australia's only island state. It is actually an archipelago of more than 300 small islands, located 240 kilometres (150 miles) south-east of the mainland. The main island, a heart-shaped island of lush green valleys, uncrowded towns and villages and still undeveloped coastlines, compares in size to West Virginia, the Republic of Ireland or Hokkaido. Tasmania is home to about 500,000 people. More than 40% of the island is protected national parks and reserves.
Our first stop is Mount Wellington - see, My Person and I are here to meet you!
Rising 1270 metre (around 4000 feet) above Hobart's harbour and Derwent River, Mount Wellington is often snow-covered - even in the middle of Summer!
The Aboriginal name for Mt Wellington is Unghbanyahletta or Poorawetter - and don't ask me to pronounce that!
Next we'll stop by the historical town of Richmond. I won't take you to the church - it's haunted - but I did want to stop and show you the Richmond bridge.
I know the sun's a bit bright, so here's a look at it from the other side...
This is Australia's oldest known large stone arch bridge. The sandstone arches have spanned the Coal River since 1825. Built by convict labour, the Richmond Bridge reminds us of the forced migration that contributed to the development of Australia. The bridge survives with few significant changes.
Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities survive today for you to explore.
The Port Arthur penal settlement opperated between 1830 and 1877. The land was auctioned off and became a residential area. Bushfires in 1895 and 1897 destroyed many old buildings and gutted the penitentiary, separate prison and hospital.
In 1916 the tourist potential of the site was recognised and management of the area was taken out of local hands. Conservation works began in the 1970s/early 1980s.
Cataract Gorge is a unique natural formation about 15 minutes walk from the city of Launceston. It is one of Australia's most enticing urban parks.
The river running through the centre of the Gorge is the Tamar river. We can follow a pathway along the river from Launceston to the Gorge - the pathway was originally built in the 1890s! The bridge - called the Kings Bridge, was floated into place in 1867.
Tasmania is home to many species of wildlife that are not found anywere else in Australia, such as the Tasmanian Devil and the pademellon.
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