King Island is an idyllic island located at the western entrance to Bass Strait on the northern end of Tasmania. Boasting a rich history of which shipwrecks, lighthouses and jagged reefs which can still be seen to this day, the island is better known today for its sandy beaches, lush green pasture and the origin of some of Australia's finest natural foods.

With a population of less than 2000, the area is serene and blessed with a mild maritime climate of moderate temperatures. Visitors to the Island are mainly there for three reasons - sightseeing (shipwrecks, lighthouses etc.), wildlife (Flora & Fauna) and great food.

The treacherous waters of Bass Strait have claimed hundreds of ships and more than a thousand lives. At interpretation sites all around the island, memorial cairns will give you an insight into the lives of those shipwrecked, the brave rescuers, and the lighthouse keepers who worked tirelessly through the night to make the King Island waters safe.

The island is rich in wildlife with native flora and fauna abound due to the isolation of the island and lack of natural predators. Other native animals include Bennetts wallaby, Rufous wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, Echidna and Brushtail Possum.

King Island's mild maritime climate plays a vital role in its fresh produce which includes the famous King Island beef, diary products (cheese, yoghurt) and seafood (crayfish and abalone). Many visit the Island for its food alone and you will find many tours that takes tourists on a food expedition that samples the flavours of King Island which include the aforementioned beef, seafood, diary plus herbal teas and honey.

Tours to King Island can be found here.

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Arnold - Category: Tasmania, non metropolitan places

Email this Post to a Friend

Flinders Island

February 28th 2008 22:57

Flinders Island is the largest and main island of the Furneaux Islands, a group of 52 islands that stretch across Bass Strait between Tasmania and Australia.

Known as 'a scattering of islands where mountains meet the sea', the main island of the Furneaux Islands is one of the most serene holiday destinations in the world offering crystal clear waters and sparkling beaches, amazing wildlife and rugged ranges.

Flinders Island from afar...

Adventurous types will love the outdoor activities which ranges from boating to climbing while the historic sites located throughout the island is a sight-seers dream. Due to the area's maritime climate which moderates any extremes of temperature thus ensuring mild weather throughout the year means that these activities can be enjoyed all year round.

The average minimum temperature in winter is 6.0 degrees and the average maximum temperature in summer is 22.5 degrees although it is not uncommon for the temperature to hover around the low thirties on a typical summer's day.

Wybalenna - the cultural icon

The must-see landmarks of Flinders Island include the cultural icon that is Wybalenna, Mt Strzelecki, Palana, Marshall Bay, Walkers Lookout, Cameron Inlet and Trousers Point. An executive tour of Flinders Island will take you to all the aforementioned areas and more.

The Flinders Island Adventures tour show you the beautiful wild and remote places that visitors rarely see including the wild life, the scenery on land or by sea, guided by experienced locals who love the islands on a luxury 4WD.

Marshall Beach walk

Tours of Flinders Island can be found here.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Arnold - Category: Tasmania, non metropolitan places

Email this Post to a Friend

Devonport

February 12th 2008 22:15

Mersey River

The City of Devonport is located on the beautiful northwest coast of Tasmania and is blessed with gorgeous river, ocean and mountain views.

The 26,000 residents of the coastal city enjoys a relaxed and active lifestyle thus making good use of Devonport's vast number of reserves and recreational facilities. Parkland, which has been established along the Mersey Estuary, along the whole Coastal foreshore and in the Don River valley, contains a cycling/walking track linking many of the City's recreational facilities.

Bluff Light House

Due to its location on the Mersey River, the city is the major sea gateway to Tasmania and the place luxury passenger ferries, Spirit of Tasmania I & II calls home. These ferries connect Devonport with Melbourne on a daily basis and along with the airport (the third largest in Tasmania), are the two main arrival points for most of the city's visitors.

The city boasts a mild climate and the weather is at its hottest in January and February with mean max. temperatures of around 22 degrees celsius while June and July are the coldest at 4 - 13 degrees celsius.

Don River Railway

The main tourist attractions in Devonport are the Regional Art Gallery which has a collection of Tasmanian art works, ceramics, prints, and photographs; the Maritime Museum with a collection relating to early shipping activities; the Devonport Entertainment & Convention Centre which is considered to be the premier entertainment facility in the North West; Imaginarium Science Centre, Tasmania's first and only science discovery centre; and Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre and Museum.

Find out more about the city at the City of Devonport website.