In 2004 one of Australia’s original and best Olympic distance triathlon celebrated its 20th birthday. After 20 very successful years the ITU Devonport International Triathlon moved 350km south from the North West Coast of Tasmania and relocated to Hobart - the states capital city.

Hobart is Australia's second oldest city (after Sydney) and previously hosted the 1994 ITU World Duathlon Championships. Hobart is also the finish line of the world famous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.  Over the past 20 years the Devonport Triathlon has hosted the who’s who of international triathlon and its honour role of past winners include Olympic Champions, Commonwealth Games Champions, World Champions and Australian Champions. The event has regularly hosted athletes who are ranked top ten in the world including world number one ranked athlete Barb Lindquist (USA) and Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter (NZL) along with Olympic silver medallist Loretta Harrop.

The Hobart International Triathlon will proudly carry on the traditions and high standards that have been set over the years by the Devonport “Classic” Triathlon.  The inaugural Hobart International Triathlon in 2005 was an outstanding success with a race record field and over 20,000 spectators lining the course. The event boasted an indoor transition area for age group athletes, multi-loop bike course and a flat fast run course. The post race party was also huge so book a date and come on down and sample the great Tasmanian hospitality in one of the best organised races in the world.

ABOUT HOBART

• Retail opening hours are unrestricted in Tasmania.  Large supermarkets are generally open from 0700 to 2100 seven days a week. Many smaller convenience stores are open longer.
  
  
• ATMs and EFTPOS facilities are widely available.
  
  
• Most banks are open 0930 to 1600, Monday to Friday.
  
  
• Petrol is available 24 hours in major centres.
  
  
• As in most parts of regional Australia petrol prices are slightly higher - but then again you won’t have to travel vast distances. The Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania tracks current petrol prices.
  
  
• The speed limit in built-up areas is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise indicated. The maximum speed possible on roads outside cities and towns is usually 100 kilometres per hour, although there is a limit of 110 kilometres per hour on a small number of high quality roads. On all open roads, however, lower speed limits are frequently indicated and these limits must be adhered to.
  
  
• Speed cameras and random breath testing units operate throughout Tasmania.
  
  
• Seat belts must be worn in motor vehicles - motorcyclists and bicyclists must wear helmets.
  
  
• Contact police, fire and ambulance by dialling 000
  
  
• The Australian GST (goods & services tax) of 10% applies to most purchases.
  
  
• Tasmania operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time. For daylight saving, clocks are advanced one hour between October and March.
  
  
• Electricity is supplied at 230/240 volts (50 hertz)
  

Weather - Summer
Summer means miles of squeaking sand, long twilights, the white lace of surf, warm sun on your back, breezes from the sea, green light on fern fronds and insects buzzing over amber mountain pools.
It’s the time to head for the beaches or bushwalk in the mountains to cast a lure for trout, to explore the coastline by cruise boat or under sail.  In the mountains and on the coast wildflowers are blooming.  Tasmania’s gardens look their brightest in summer, and even the
farmlands blaze with colour.
Summer is a season of fun and festivities – the North West Coast’s cycling and running carnivals, Launceston’s Festivale and Hobart’s Summer Festival, a showcase of entertainment and celebration, with the Taste of Tasmania highlighting our wonderful food and wine and Tasmania welcoming the world’s bluewater sailors at the end of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Average high 21 C (70 F)
Average low 12 C (54 F)

Facts and figures 

• The population of Tasmania is 492,740. Main centres are Hobart (the capital city with 200,525 people) Launceston (98,500) Burnie (18,000)  and Devonport (25,000)  
• Tasmania has more than 2,000 km of walking tracks and 19 national parks.
• The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area covers 1.38 million hectares.
• Hobart has the nation’s second-lowest rainfall (626 mm or 24 inches) of all Australian capital cities.
• The average summer temperature is a comfortable 21°C (70°F). Winter’s average is 12°C (52° F).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
What times and what are the costs of passenger ships to Tasmania? Do they take cars, cats and dogs?
The superfast Spirit of Tasmania I and II  make nightly crossings of Bass Strait in both directions between Melbourne and Devonport, leaving at 2000 (8pm) and arriving at 0700 in both ports. Additional sailings will be scheduled in peak sailing times, with a daytime sailing in both directions leaving at 0900 and arriving at 1800 (6pm).
Standard vehicles travel on the ships for AUD61 one way. For further details on fares or to make a booking go to the website www.spiritoftasmania.com.au
A limited number of kennels are available. Spirit of Tasmania supplies water and passengers are requested to provide pet blankets but no food for consumption during the voyage. (Note: There must be documentary proof of Hydatid Tape Worm treatment for dogs entering Tasmania and they are not permitted in Tasmania’s National Parks.)

When is the best time to visit Tasmania?
More than anywhere else in Australia, Tasmanians enjoy four distinctly different seasons, and each one has its own unique pleasures and appeal. Generally it is warmer on the coast and cooler inland. The average maximum temperature in summer (December to February) is 21 degrees Celsius (70F) and in winter (June to August), the average maximum is 12 degrees Celsius (52F). Spring and Autumn are very pleasant with temperatures in the mid-teens. For the current weather click here.

Is it too cold to come in Winter?
No. Winter days are bright and crisp, the mountains and highlands sparkle with snow. Enjoy rugging up, nestling into cosy beds, dining on winter fare and relaxing by a cheery fire. Expect an average of 13 C. For the current weather click here.

Do you have any specials to Tasmania? How much is an airfare?
The holiday market is very competitive. Prices often change in your favour. Computer technology gives your travel agent instant access to special prices and package deals.

Are advance bookings necessary?
School holidays, Easter and the December-January periods are busy and it is strongly advised to make advance reservations.

Where are the loos?
In a destination that prides itself on its touring routes, the location of public toilets is vital information. Click here to view a comprehensive map of public toilets.

When and where can I go trout fishing in Tasmania?
In just about every freshwater stream, river and lake in Tasmania, there are fighting trout, waiting to rise to your well-presented fly or lure. And here, in the waters of one of the world’s last great wild fisheries, they are yours for the price of a fishing licence – plenty of excitement for a few dollars! Licences are readily available through any fishing tackle store within Tasmania.

Click here for more information on trout fishing.

How do i get information on the overland track at Cradle Mountain. Are the numbers limited?
Widely regarded as one of the world’s best walks, the Overland Track  threads its way through the heart of the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park, jewel of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area.  A booking system has been introduced to lessen overcrowding on the Overland Track. Please visit www.overlandtrack.com.au for more information. The booking system for walkers operates from 1 November to 30 April each year. A National Parks Pass is required (see below).<>

Where can i get a National Parks Pass?
A fee is charged for entry to Tasmania’s National Parks – all money raised protects and maintains the parks for the future. For just $56 per car or $28 per person, a Holiday Pass allows entry to all Tasmanian National Parks, and is valid for eight weeks.
Occasional users can buy a 24 hour pass costing $22 per car (up to eight passengers), while walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists and coach passengers pay $11 per day. Passes can be purchased from most Australian travel agents, and at all major National Parksand Tasmanian Visitor Information Network centres.

Do you have listing of special events?
See ourwhat’s on page for information on coming and future events.

Who can i speak to about organising a conference or convention in Tasmania?
The Tasmanian Convention Bureau will assist you further with any Conference and Convention enquiry in Tasmania. Their e-mail is mail@tasmania-conventions.org.au or visit www.tasmaniaconventions.com 

How do i get to King and Flinders Island?
There are regular flights to King Island from Melbourne and Moorabbin airports in Victoria, and Devonport and Burnie (Wynyard) airports in Tasmania. Flights to Flinders Island leave from Moorabbin and Launceston. Cars can travel to Flinders Island on the Southern Shipping Company’s monthly ferry service between Port Welshpool and Bridport. Call 03 6356 1753 to book. 

Golf in Tasmania?
Tasmania has more golf courses per head of population than any other State. The historic township of Bothwell in Tasmania is also home to Australia’s oldest golf course. With over 80 golf courses, Tasmania is a perfect destination for a golfing holiday, and you will find a warm welcome for members of registered interstate clubs at city and country club courses around the State. While there are some public courses around the State, most courses in Tasmania are run by private golf clubs.

How do i see the Cadbury Factory?
The Cadbury Chocolate Factory is located at Claremont a northern suburb of Hobart (approximately 20 minutes drive from Hobart). Taste chocolate samples as you follow the guided tour of the famous chocolate making factory – established in 1921. Chocolate sales are not permitted unless participating in a factory tour. Bookings are essential. You can ring Cadburys Australia-wide toll free booking phone number 1800 627 367, or arrange a harbour cruise/tour of the factory

What day soes Salamanca Market operate?
Visit Salamanca Market and Salamanca Place on Hobart’s waterfront. The market is open on Saturdays from 9.00am to 3.00pm. The 1830’s sandstone warehouses are home to galleries, studios, restaurants, shops and cafes.

Is there an airport bus service?
Yes, there are airport bus transfer services at all major airports throughout the State.

Where can I go skiing?
Following good winter snowfalls, downhill and cross-country skiers head for Ben Lomond, an hour’s drive south-east of Launceston, (public accommodation is available) or Mt Mawson in the Mt Field National Park, two hours drive from Hobart. (day facilities only). During the season, ski-tows operate at both locations. When conditions are right, good ski-touring is also available in the Cradle Mountain area.

When is the crayfish season? Where can I buy fresh Tasmanian crayfish?
The commercial season is from about mid November to about the end of June, but can vary. Fresh crayfish is available in season from Constitution Dock in Hobart and at selected retail outlets and restaurants around the state in particular along the east coast of the island and also on King Island.

Where can i see a Tasmanian devil?
The Tasmanian bush is alive with animals- but where are they all? It isn’t always easy to see our wildlife in its native habitat because most animals are nocturnal, including the Tasmanian devil. Specialist wildlife observation tours will take you to places where you are very likely to observe animals and birds.  Wildlife parksoffer another way to see our native fauna.

When is the lavender in bloom?
Tasmania is famous worldwide for its lavender, and visiting lavender farms has become a popular activity.  When in flower the fields offer a spectacular scene. The French Lavender is in full bloom before and during the harvesting season from the 10th December to the 26th January. The English lavender comes into full bloom in January and harvesting is completed at the end of February.

Do you have information on wineries in Tasmania?
Tasmania has superb cool-climate wines, winners of many prestigious national awards. In vineyards, pinot, chardonnay, riesling and sauvignon blanc grapes ripen slowly, concentrating the flavours and most aromas of the fruit. You will find most Tasmanian wineries by the Tamar and Pipers River in the north – east region or south on the banks of the Derwent River, south in the Huon region or on the east coast of the island.

How can I see the Franklin River?
The Franklin Riveris the epicentre of Tasmania’s acclaimed World Heritage Area. It has captured the world’s imagination with its wild rivers and exhilarating rafting opportunities. To experience the Franklin River you can do this by scenic flight, by foot or by rafting down the River, however the latter option is a demanding multi-day descent. By cruising the Gordon River out of Strahan on the west coast you can take an unforgettable day journey across Macquarie Harbour and deep into the Gordon where it meets the Franklin River.

Where can I see whales and penguins?
There are no guarantees or specific tours for whale-watching, but they are often sighted along the East Coast off the Freycinet Peninsula. Usually this is in the spring months of September to November when they migrate to warmer waters to breed.
Penguins may be observed at various areas around the State. At Turners Beach on the north west coast, off Low Head in the north, at Bicheno on the east coast and in the south on the neck of Bruny Island and South Arm. Guided tours are available at Bicheno on the east coast and at Low Head and Stanley on the north coast.

How much is petrol in Tasmania? Are there many LPG gas outlets?
Petrol is available in metro and suburban areas 7 days a week. Expect to pay a few cents more per litre than other Australian states. LPG gas is also readily available throughout the island.

Do you have ATMs? What banks are there in Tasmania?
All major banks can be found around Tasmania. They operate under normal working day trading hours, with ATM and EFTPOS facilities available in all major centres.

What is the voltage of power points in Tasmania?
Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC, 50 Hz.  Plugs have three flat pins, so many overseas visitors will need a socket converter, which can be bought from camping shops or electrical stores for approximately $8-10 Australian.
If you have a digital camera, laptop computer or other electrical equipment that runs off a battery charger, check the back of the charger to ascertain the input range.  As long as it is within the 220-240V range, a socket converter is all you will need.  If it is outside this range, you will have to buy a transformer to increase or decrease the Australian voltage as necessary.

What is the flora and fauna emblem of Tasmania?
The Tasmania Bluegum(Eucalyptus Globulus Labill) is the official floral emblem. The Tasmanian Devil(Sarcophilus Harrisii) is the unofficial fauna emblem of Tasmania.

Who is the current premier of Tasmania?
The Hon. Paul Lennon MHA is the Premier of Tasmania and leader of the Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Labour Party (ALP).

How do I get visa and passport information?
For information on customs, quarantine, visa and other general requirements for visiting Australia, please click here.

Tourist Attractions
Historic sites, spectacular landscapes, bustling markets, vineyards and wineries - almost everywhere you look in Tasmania there’s something special to see or do. 
Many attractions are so popular that we’ve described them in this special section so that you can be sure not to miss them.
One option for anyone planning to visit a number of attractions, from galleries and museums to heritage areas and wildlife parks, is to purchase a See Tasmania Smartvisit Card.  For one all-inclusive price, you receive free admission to more than 60 attractions, special offers and a comprehensive guide.