Aboriginals migrated to Tasmania around 20,000 years ago. European contact first occurred in 1642 when Captain Abel Tasman of the Dutch East India Company sighted the rugged West Coast. Following Dutch and French exploration, Van Diemen's land became a British colony in 1803. It was renamed Tasmania in 1856 and joined the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.
Entry Requirements - all overseas visitors to Tasmania require a valid passport and pre-arranged visa (except for N.Z). Consult Australian Customs and Quarantine on behalf of international delegates and exhibitors import requirements. Interstate visitors should heed plant quarantine regulations.
Airports- Hobart Airport is located 18km (approximately $30.00 taxi fare) from the city centre. Launceston Airport is located 15km from the city centre. Rental cars are readily available from all airports and major centres.
The population of Tasmania is 483,000. Main centres are Hobart (the capital city with 200,000 people) Launceston (98,500) Burnie (18,000) and Devonport (25,000).
Tasmania enjoys a temperate, maritime climate. Nights can be cool throughout the year, so some warm clothing is recommended. Hobart has the nation's second-lowest rainfall (626 mm or 24") of all Australian capital cities. The average summer temperature is a comfortable 21°C (70°F). Winter's average is 12°C (52° F).
Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT + 10 hours) applies in Tasmania. Daylight savings time (GMT + 9 hours) starts on the first Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March.
Australian dollars ($AUD) is the local currency. Traveller's cheques may be cashed at most major hotels and banks. Accepted credit cards include American Express, Bankcard, Diner's Club, Mastercard and Visacard. Tipping is not compulsory in Tasmania nor a widespread practice.
Shopping - Locally crafted timber items, glass, pottery, leather and woollen goods are worth pursuing. Most convenience stores and supermarkets are open for extended trading hours 7 days per week (7.00am - 7.00pm or later). Hobart's famed Salamanca Market is not to be missed each Saturday from 9.00am - 2.00pm. Duty free shopping is available in Hobart and Launceston.
