The island of Tasmania, Australia. Nature of Tasmania

Australia and Oceania is the tiniest part of the world. It includes the homonymous continent and about ten thousand small islands scattered along the western and central parts of the Pacific Ocean. The total area of the region exceeds the mark of 8.5 million square kilometers. On its territory there are about 34 million inhabitants.

General description of Australia

Australia is an island that is also the smallest continent on the planet. Because of the very dry climate, deserts and dry savannahs prevail here. The length of the coastline, taking into account Tasmania and other coastal islands is almost 60 thousand kilometers. In the north, the continent is washed by the Arafura and Timor Sea, in the south and west by the Indian Ocean, and in the east by the Tasman and Coral Seas. Since the mainland began to be actively inhabited only in the twentieth century, its territory is not developed well. The population density here is just over two people per square kilometer. Australia is the only continent in the world, which is occupied by only one state. It was formed in the early twentieth century, separated from Britain, and now is among the most developed and wealthy on the planet.

The country is divided into two territories and six states. The first administrative unit is the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territories. The states of Australia are Victoria, Queensland, New South Wells, South and Western Australia, as well as Tasmania. The latter is discussed in more detail and will be discussed later.

Geographical position

The state includes not only the island of the same name, but also several small land clusters - Macquarie, Flinders and King. Its capital is the second largest city of the state, called Hobart. Speaking about the location of Tasmania, it should be noted that the island is located at a distance of 240 kilometers from the mainland (to the south of it), from which it is separated by the Bass Strait. The eastern part of it is washed by the Tasman Sea, and the southern and western by the Indian Ocean. It should be noted that the island is a structural continuation of the Great Australian Watershed Range, and a large number of bays have formed on its shores.

Opening

Tasmania was discovered long before Australia was colonized. The island was visited in 1642 by an expedition headed by the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman. These were the first Europeans who visited here. Then this land was named after the governor-general of the East Indian colony, Van Diemen. According to some historical information, it was he who sent this expedition to search for new territories.

Mastering

Like other states of Australia, the island began to be mastered by British colonialists in the early nineteenth century. The first Englishmen landed here in 1802. The following year he was proclaimed the second British colony in Australia. Then it was decided to turn this area into an island of convicts. The first famous village on its territory was built in 1830 by the forces of prisoners Port Arthur. Its territory was divided into sectors and carefully guarded, since it was inhabited by people who committed serious crimes. They were equipped with a hospital, a temple and a post office. The prison was closed only in the seventies of the nineteenth century. In 1856 the island of Tasmania received its present name. The corresponding decision was made by the British government. In a separate state, it was established in 1901.

Population

About half a million people live on the territory of the state. Most of them are considered Anglo-Australians, in other words - descendants of British immigrants. Only one percent of the local population is indigenous. According to historical data, local aborigines live here for about 40 thousand years. On the island there are also Indians, Chinese and some other nationalities. English here is considered public. At the same time, it should be noted that it has a kind of local accent. Local residents, including aborigines, mostly profess Christianity. The majority of them are Catholics, followed by parishioners of the English church, Protestants and Orthodox. Almost 4% of the population professes Buddhism and Islam.

Climate

Australia and Oceania is considered one of the most arid regions on the planet. Very little rain falls on their territory. Despite this, the inhabitants of Tasmania have the opportunity to enjoy all the seasons. This is due to the fact that a large part of its territory is characterized by a temperate climate. It was formed under the influence of the ocean and the seas washing the island. Thus, there are no severe colds, no scorching heat. One can not but note the fact that the state has the most rainfall in Australia. In the western part of Tasmania, the average annual number is 1000 mm, and in the eastern part - 600 mm.

Spring is on the island from September to November. The weather at this time is mostly cold and windy. The average temperature in the summer season is 23 degrees Celsius. There are periods when the column of the thermometer rises to a mark of 30 degrees. However, this is typical only for a remote area from the coastline. Autumn in Tasmania is a relatively quiet season, which is characterized by cool nights and fairly warm, sunny days. It should be noted that this time is considered optimal for visiting the state by tourists. In winter there is usually a frosty and clear weather. It often falls snow. Whatever it was, at this time the air here is considered one of the cleanest on Earth.

Nature

The main feature that distinguishes the nature of Tasmania, it is believed that it was formed several million years ago and in this form has survived to the present day. In many ways, scientists attribute this to the peculiarities of the formation of the island. Approximately 250 million years ago, together with Australia, it was part of a huge continent known as Gondwana. Then he occupied about half the surface of the planet, mostly covered by rain forests. As of today, the situation has not changed much. Now the territory of the island represents numerous highlands and plateaus. Almost half of its area is covered with impenetrable forests, most of which are still unexplored. It should be noted that on Earth this is one of the last such corners.

On the territory of the island to this day, rare representatives of flora and fauna have survived, which has long been extinct in all other regions of the planet. Among the vegetation in the local jungle you can see eucalyptus, cypress and awned anthroxis, southern beeches and other trees. In addition, we can not but note the presence of fairly rare species of lichens and mosses. The local forests became the habitat for many, nowhere else found representatives of fauna. The most famous and exotic animals of Tasmania are koalas, dingoes, small penguins, opossums, echidna, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, marsupial wolves and others. In addition to them, there are about 150 species of birds on the island. The most rare among them is the orange-bellied parrot, which is protected by law in Australia. Local rivers and lakes swarm with trout.

Economy

The economy of the island is based on extractive industry and agriculture. In particular, the region is rich in minerals such as zinc, tin, iron and copper. In addition, at a high level of development here is forestry. As the state is characterized by a mild climate, as mentioned above, favorable conditions have been created for the development of vineyards and orchards, as well as for the cultivation of many crops. Approximately twenty percent of the available land is attributed to national parks and reserves, therefore it is not possible to engage in agriculture. Like all of Australia, Tasmania boasts a well-developed tourism sector. Its formation since 2001 and up to now is promoted by favorable economic conditions on the territory of the country, including cheap tickets for airplanes and new ferries that provide transportation services to the island with the mainland. Many local residents work in state organizations. Another serious employer here is the company The Federal Group, which owns several hotels and casinos, and also deals with wood processing.

Capital

The state and the island of Tasmania have their capital. It is the oldest city in Australia after Sydney, the city of Hobart. It was founded in 1804. As of today, its population is just over 210 thousand people. The city is not only an administrative center, but also a financial center of Tasmania, in which age-old traditions are harmoniously intertwined with a modern energetic way of life. Hobart is located in the south-eastern part of the island at the mouth of the Derwent River. It is from here that the Australian and French expeditions go to Antarctica.

sights

In connection with the existence of the so-called hard labor page in the history of the island of Tasmania, the sights of this origin are of great interest to tourists. It's no wonder that thousands of travelers visit the former fortress city and prison at the same time - the Port Arthur Historic Site. Many popular tours are associated with local natural areas and parks. On the territory of the Southwest Reserve you can make an aerial excursion, during which tourists have the opportunity to enjoy the untrodden tropical forests, waterfalls and gorges. There is also a wine-growing area near the island with its large factories.

One of the main attractions of the capital is the Salamanca Arts Center, which houses numerous organizations, including art studios, galleries and concert halls. Quite popular in Hobart is the Museum of Monuments of the Ancient World, located surrounded by vineyards at a distance of 12 kilometers from the city limits. Local buildings are also of great cultural importance. It should be noted that over ninety of them are protected by the National Society for the Preservation of Monuments.

Tourist attraction

The island of Tasmania boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure. In the most visited its cities and regions without problems you can rent a hotel room, and students are offered a good choice of hostels. One can not but note the presence of a large number of car rental stations. In local souvenir shops tourists can purchase any national amulets and souvenirs. In general, the island can be found entertainment for almost any taste - from ordinary excursions to diving. The main thing to remember about this is that at the weekend the restaurants and shops are closed here.

Conclusion

To summarize, it should be noted that the island of Tasmania is a very beautiful place, much of which is occupied by national parks. All of them are under state protection. There is almost everything that can interest the modern traveler - the primeval tropical forests, hills, plains, waterfalls and the clearest sea water.