Tasmania is an island full of natural beauty, fascinating wildlife, and rich history. It’s the only state of Australia that’s not part of the mainland – and because of that, it has its own unique vibe. From incredible mountain views and world-famous hikes to convicts, cute animals, and even a lake that turns pink, Tasmania is packed with fun facts for kids.
Let’s dive in and explore all the awesome things you might not know about Tasmania!
Fun Facts About Tasmania
Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state by land area – but it’s jam-packed with natural wonders.
Around 40% of Tasmania is protected as national parks or World Heritage-listed wilderness.
Tasmania is home to the Tasmanian devil – a small but fierce marsupial found only here.
Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, is the second oldest capital city in Australia after Sydney.
Where is Tasmania?
Tasmania is an island located to the south of mainland Australia. It’s separated from Victoria by the Bass Strait and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Although it looks small on the map, it’s roughly the same size as the whole of Ireland!
History of Tasmania
Tasmania’s history is rich and fascinating, filled with stories from the earliest times to the present day. This island state was home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years before Europeans arrived. Over time, Tasmania became a place of settlement, exploration, and change, shaping the unique culture and environment it has today.
First Nations Peoples
The original inhabitants of Tasmania are the Palawa people, who have lived on the island for at least 35,000 years. They have a deep connection to the land, seas, and animals, with their own languages, traditions, and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Tasmania’s Aboriginal people lived in harmony with nature, hunting local animals like kangaroos and wallabies and gathering native plants for food and medicine. They were skilled at making tools and beautiful art, including rock carvings and shell necklaces.
Sadly, after European arrival, the Palawa people faced many hardships, but today their culture and heritage remain strong, with efforts to revive language and traditions. Visitors to Tasmania can learn about Palawa culture through museums, tours, and cultural events.
British Settlement
British settlers arrived in Tasmania in 1803, originally calling the island Van Diemen’s Land after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman who first sighted it in 1642. The British established a penal colony, meaning many convicts were sent there as punishment.
The harsh conditions of early settlement led to dramatic changes for Tasmania’s landscape and its First Nations peoples. Over time, towns and farms were built, and Tasmania developed industries like whaling, timber, and mining.
In 1856, the island officially changed its name to Tasmania and began to grow as a self-governing colony. Today, Tasmania is known for its natural beauty, friendly communities, and a proud blend of Indigenous and European histories.
How Big is Tasmania?
Tasmania covers an area of around 68,000 km², making it the smallest of Australia’s six states. It also includes over 300 smaller islands, like Bruny Island and King Island.
How Many People Live in Tasmania?
Just over 570,000 people live in Tasmania. Most of them live in the cities of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie. Hobart is the capital and the largest city in the state.
📸 Image idea: Photo of Hobart’s harbour with Mount Wellington in the background.
Tasmanian Politics
Tasmania became a state in 1901 when it joined the other five states to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
Tasmania has a Premier, who leads the government, and a Governor, who represents the King in Tasmania. The state’s Parliament House is located in Hobart.
What Language is Spoken in Tasmania?
English is the official language of Tasmania. However, just like the rest of Australia, people in Tasmania may speak other languages at home including Mandarin, Italian, and German.
What are the Emblems of Tasmania?
Animal emblem: Tasmanian devil
Bird emblem: Yellow wattlebird
Floral emblem: Tasmanian blue gum (a type of eucalyptus tree)
State flag: Like many other Australian states, Tasmania’s flag has a Union Jack in the corner and features a red lion on a white circle.
📸 Image idea: Picture of a Tasmanian devil and the Tasmanian blue gum tree.
Geography of Tasmania
Tasmania is famous for its wild natural beauty. The state has mountains, rainforests, rivers, and beautiful beaches.
Mount Ossa is the tallest mountain in Tasmania at 1,617 metres.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Wineglass Bay is one of the world’s most photographed beaches.
Lake Hillier, a pink-coloured lake, can sometimes be seen in parts of the state due to special algae!
📸 Image idea: Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay, and pink lake views.
What Animals Live in Tasmania?
Tasmania is the only place in the world where you’ll find wild Tasmanian devils – small but mighty creatures that are now endangered.
Other Tasmanian animals include:
- Eastern quolls (another type of carnivorous marsupial)
- Bennett’s wallabies
- Wombats
- Pademelons (a smaller type of wallaby)
- Platypuses in freshwater rivers
Famous Landmarks in Tasmania
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart – famous for its unique and sometimes strange artworks!
Port Arthur Historic Site – a former convict prison that tells the story of Tasmania’s past.
The Nut – an ancient volcanic plug near Stanley you can walk or ride to the top of.
Bruny Island – great for spotting wildlife and eating delicious local food.
📸 Image idea: Port Arthur ruins, The Nut, MONA sculpture.
What Sports are Played in Tasmania?
AFL (Australian Rules Football) is super popular in Tasmania – and the state will soon have its very own AFL team!
Other sports kids and adults love in Tasmania include:
- Cricket
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Hiking and mountain biking
- Rowing and kayaking
📸 Image idea: Tasmanian cricket match or AFL kids playing in local uniforms.
Last-Minute Fun Facts
- Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world!
- More than 20% of Tasmanians live outside major cities.
- The Tarkine rainforest is the second-largest temperate rainforest in the world.
- Hobart is the finishing point for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race every December.
- Tasmania was once called Van Diemen’s Land.
📸 Image idea: Rainforest trails, sailing boats in Hobart.
Which Fun Fact About Tasmania Was Your Favourite?
Let us know which one surprised you the most! Don’t forget to check out our other Australian state fun facts too.
👉 Fun Facts about Victoria for Kids
👉 Western Australia Fun Facts for Kids
👉 Facts About Queensland for Kids
👉 Facts About New South Wales for Kids
👉 ACT Fun Facts for Kids
👉 Northern Territory Fun Facts for Kids
👉 South Australia Fun Facts for Kids
