| |
|
|
| |
Home
>
World
> Australia and South Pacific
> Australia
> Tasmania
|
Sport & Activities
Watersports: Boat or sailing cruises are popular ways to explore the port cities of Launceston and Hobart, as well as the outlying islands. River cruises can easily be arranged on Tasmania’s the Huon River, with its orchards and salmon farms; the Pieman and Arthur rivers in the northwest of the island; or the mighty Gordon River which flows through the rainforest in the World Heritage Area. Options for more active visitors are sea kayaking (kayaks and equipment can be hired and guided voyages arranged) or rafting on the Franklin, Derwent, Arthur, Picton, South Esk, Mersey and Meander rivers. Trips last one or several days. Jet boating, on flat water or on the rapids, is available on the Derwent, Huon or King rivers. Speeds average 70kph (43mph). Diving is a fantastic way to explore the shipwrecks and kelp forests near King and Flinders Islands. Professional dive operators around the islands and the east coast all offer equipment for hire.
Outdoor activities: Tasmania’s air is reckoned to be the cleanest in the inhabited world. Its pristine scenery and balmy climate make it a delight for lovers of the outdoors. Furthermore, the island contains the largest expanse of temperate wilderness in the world, a unique landscape, rightly listed as a heritage site. On land, visitors can experience the spectacular countryside in a variety of ways. Horseriding trails are available in areas such as the Tasman Peninsular, the Central Highlands, Ben Lomond and Seven-Mile Beach near Hobart. Half-day rides or multi-day camping trips can be arranged. Cycling can be undertaken independently or on pre-arranged tours. A favourite route is from Devonport to Launceston via the dramatic Elephant Pass, and possibly all the way south to Hobart. Mountain bikers can opt for forest trails in the reserves, and those looking for strenuous activity can ride ‘The Wild Way’ through the World Heritage Area. All-terrain touring to more remote and wilder areas can be arranged through specialist operators. Transport is in four-wheel-drive vehicles or four-wheel motorcycles, well suited to the island’s extensive network of off-road trails. For aerial views, wilderness flights can be booked in Hobart; these travel over the mountains towards the southwestern wilderness.
Wildlife: Tasmania’s 17 national parks are home to a rich variety of animals, many of them unique to the island. They include wombats, possums, platypus, wallabies, fairy penguins and the rare orange-bellied parrot. The Tasmanian Devil, a small, black, dog-like marsupial can be readily seen at night in the Narawntapu-, Mount William- and Cradle National Parks. Although it looks fierce, it is not usually harmful to humans. The hunt still continues for the so-called Tasmanian Tiger or thylacine, not sighted for 60 years and thought to be extinct. This creature, actually a marsupial wolf, is the state’s official mascot.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
|
|
|
