Tucked away near the bottom of the world, Tasmania is like a hidden chapter of an adventure novel. It’s brimming with mysterious landscapes and a rich history that draws in wanderers and dreamers from far and wide.

This rugged treasure of an island, with its deep forests, wild terrain, and stories hiding in every nook and cranny, has become a top spot for everyone. If you’re chasing the thrill of adventure, the peace of untouched nature, or everything in between, Tasmania has something for you.

But how did Tasmania get to this status of tourism renown? Let’s first start from the beginning.

The First Spark of Wonder

Back in the 1800s, Tasmania started turning heads. Early European visitors couldn’t help but be enchanted by its natural beauty, from its beaches, dense forests and the untouched wilderness surrounding the island.

Even with its rough start as a penal colony, the unique wildlife, plants, and dramatic sceneries began to attract bold travellers and set the stage for Tasmania’s future as a place to discover and marvel at.

The Kick-Off to Conservation

Fast forward to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and you’ve got the start of something big: people started pushing to preserve Tasmania’s wild beauty. Creating the Scenic Preservation Board was a game-changer, aiming to keep Tasmania’s natural and cultural treasures safe.

Icons like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park were among the first to be celebrated, drawing in nature lovers and adventure seekers. This was the beginning of seeing Tasmania not just as a land to explore, but as one to protect and cherish.

The Modern-Day Adventure Haven

Lately, Tasmania has truly come into its own with a variety of experiences that span from historical sites to cutting-edge cultural spots. You’ve got the eerie yet fascinating Port Arthur Historic Site, and on the flip side, the boundary-pushing art at MONA.

Tasmania today is a place where history meets modernity. It’s backed by a strong commitment to keeping things green and tasty with top-notch local food and cosy, eco-friendly places to stay.

Now, Tasmania is more than just a destination; it’s a call to the wild, a place that speaks to anyone willing to be one with nature, history, and culture. Its transformation from an unknown wilderness to a beloved eco-tourism haven tells a tale of adventure, conservation, and the magic of discovery. For anyone looking to get lost in the beauty and depth of our world, Tasmania is not a stop but a fast track towards learning what makes our planet so wonderfully complex.

Our latest escorted tour departing 14 October 2024