Looking at Tasmania on the map (or better known as Tassie for short in Australia, named after Abel Tasman after his visit 1642) you see that it is at the bottom of Australia. Now if Australia is the land down under, Tasmania is a land at the bottom of the world.
Famous for the little Tasmanian Devil, Tasmania offers some great country scenes, and the hip urban life in Hobart. Tasmania is proud of its convict history. We say head on out to Port Arthur where you will be delighted to hear the history of Australia's convict past.
Two hundred and sixty-two people founded Hobart, and it is said that 178 of those folks were convicts.
Today, Hobart offers a greatly unique feel. Looking over the city from the top of Mount Wellington, a must-see in itself, you look over a historic city full of life.
The historic Salamanca Place is a must-see, especially on Saturdays in Hobart when the street comes alive with markets. Just up the way is Battery Point, where there are wonderful little bed and breakfasts.
Back in 1830, a gentleman by the name of Arthur, the governor at the time, thought here on the Tasman Peninsula would be a super place to shack up convict prisoners. And during the years 1830 and 1977 Port Arthur housed some 12,500 convicts.
While visiting Hobart, Mt. Wellington is a must-see. Towering 1,271 meters or 4,170 feet over Hobart, you get an amazing view of the city and the beautiful country surroundings. A road to the top of Mt. Wellington was built in the 1930s. Today, you can be greeted by blistering winds and snow, even in the summer, or nice sunny weather.
Mt. Wellington is also home to a huge antenna that broadcasts various signals across Tasmania. It can sometimes fool with starting your car, which we think is kind of fun. Best of all, we say sit atop the mountain for a while and just take in the amazing view. It is one the rare mountaintop sights around the world.
