Is Tasmania Part Of Australia?
We’ve just got back from ten days touring Tasmania and on research topics to write about, much to my surprise, this one kept coming up, so I thought I’d answer it
Is Australia part of Tasmania?
Yes, Tasmania is part of Australia, one of six states in the country, both the smallest, and the only one not on the mainland. The state has been a part of the Commonwealth of Australia since it was founded in 1901, its residents are Australian citizens and share the political system, currency, and language.
Geography of Tasmania
Tasmania is a state of Australia, the only one on an island, not on the mainland. It is separated off the southern shore by the Bass Strait, around 240 kilometres away from Victoria. The island is roughly triangular (though some even say it’s heart shaped!), with a total area of around 68.5 thousand square kilometres. An interesting fact about Tasmania is that it is the 26th largest island in the world and the smallest state in Australia.
The island’s trademark views are rugged and wild, with the highest peak being Mount Ossa at 1,617 meters. Tasmania has a coastline of 5,000 kilometres, which is bigger than Victoria and New South Wales combined.
Tasmania has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature in summer ranges from 12 to 21 degrees Celsius, while in winter it ranges from 3 to 11 degrees Celsius. The state has a high rainfall, with an average of 626 millimetres per year, but interestingly Hobart actually has the second-lowest rainfall of any state capital in Australia..
History of Tasmania Joining Australia
Tasmania (named Van Diemen’s Land by the first European who set eyes on it), was established in 1803 as a British colony. It remained a separate until 1856 when it joined the federation of Australian colonies.
Tasmania was initially established as a penal colony for convicts, and remained so until the mid-19th century. During this time, the colony was largely self-governing, with its own legislative council and constitution.
However, in the 1850s, there was a push to unite the Australian colonies and form a federation. Tasmania, participated in the constitutional conventions that led to the drafting of the Australian Constitution in 1901.
Tasmania officially became part of the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1, 1901, when the Constitution came into effect. The state was represented in the new federal parliament by five senators and five members of the House of Representatives.
Today, Tasmania remains one of the six states of Australia and is governed by its own state parliament and premier. While it has a unique history and culture, its incorporation into Australia has allowed it to participate fully in the political and economic life of the country as a whole.
Tasmania FAQs
Is Tasmania considered overseas from Australia?
Tasmania is an island state of Australia, located about 240 km south of the Australian mainland. While it is not considered overseas, it is separate from the mainland and has its own unique culture and identity.
Is Tasmania its own country?
No, Tasmania is not its own country. It is an island state of Australia, located south of the mainland. Tasmania has its own government, but it is still part of the Commonwealth of Australia.
What is Tasmania Famous For?
Tasmania is famous for its natural beauty, wildlife, and unique culture. Some of the things that Tasmania is known for include:
1) World Heritage wilderness areas such as Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
2) The Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial found only in Tasmania.
3) Fresh seafood, including oysters, salmon, and abalone.
4) Wine and cheese, with many vineyards and cheeseries located throughout the state.
5) The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a world-renowned contemporary art museum located in Hobart.
6) The Overland Track, a 65-kilometer hiking trail through the Tasmanian wilderness.
7) The Salamanca Market, a weekly outdoor market in Hobart featuring local crafts, food, and music.
8) The convict history of Tasmania, with many historic sites and museums dedicated to this period of the state’s history.
What do aboriginals call Tasmania?
The Aboriginal people of Tasmania, who are known as the Palawa, refer to Tasmania as lutruwita. This is the name that the Palawa people have used to refer to their homeland for thousands of years. The name lutruwita means “island” or “place of the single men” in the Palawa language.
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