The 10 Best Things to Do in Tasmania

November 8, 2019

Tasmania is known for its spectacular beauty, rich heritage, and abundant wildlife. The island was permanently settled by Europeans in 1803 as a penal settlement of the British Empire.

The first humans arrived in Tasmania around 40,000 years ago. Tasmania was known by its Aboriginal inhabitants as Trowunna and was divided into nine tribal areas.

Tasmania is an archipelago of 334 islands with the size of Ireland. There are often flights and it takes less than an hour’s flight south of Melbourne to visit Tasmania. This is Australia’s only island and the last landmass before Antarctica. It is an ancient, heart-shaped land, an extraordinarily diverse from New Zealand, South America, mainland Australia.

The tallest flowering trees in the world, reaching more than 100 meters in height, tower over millennia-old precious wildlife-filled alpine plateaus and button grass plains that release tannins that stain the pure water streams the color of tea. Some 2,800 miles of coastline, including the highest cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, hug a landscape of such raw, ravishing and largely untouched natural beauty that it leaves one gasping in astonishment at almost every twist and turn as one travels around Tasmania.

Photo credit: Scott Cresswell / Flickr

Explore Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is located in the middle of the island of Tasmania.

This is one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks. With magnificent views of alpine lakes and majestic mountains, it’s no surprise the Overland Track remains the number one way to explore this stunning national park.

Stop by waterfalls and explore myrtle forests with beech trees more than 60 million years old.

Photo credit: A. Sparrow / Flickr

Look Up The Aurora Australis

Tasmania has year-round opportunities to see the southern lights and will give you a chance to see this amazing phenomenon.

The southern lights or aurora australis are visible in the southern hemisphere only. The scientific explanation for aurora australis is the same as its northern sibling aurora borealis. When charged particles emitted by the sun strike atoms in the atmosphere of earth, electrons in those atoms change energy states and when they return to their resting state they emit light.

Photo credit: Charlievdb / Flickr

Hobart

Hobart, capital of Australia’s island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. It is famous with its Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses host galleries and cafes.

With its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains, and gourmet experiences, the city has something for everyone.

Hobart is close to many of southern Tasmania’s best travel experiences such as historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

Photo credit: Charly W. Karl / Flickr

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet is a national park on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, 125 km northeast of Hobart and home to Tasmania’s most photographed view and situated on the breathtaking east coast

The powder-white beaches and transparent waters of Tasmania’s oldest park, formed over 400 million years, are home to native wildlife of 49 species that can only be found in Tasmania.

You can Kayak, snorkel, dive or swim in the clear waters to get up close to abundant marine life.

Photo credit: David Burke / Flickr

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is not a nature park and not a zoo. It is a four-in-one wildlife nature experience that combines up-close animal encounters, wildlife adventures, a Tasmanian native garden and original art.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is the world’s first intentional Unzoo—a revolutionary project to create a model wildlife and nature experience of the future. During your time with us, you’ll be inspired, intrigued, challenged and entertained. Sometimes, you might even find us a little outrageous. Our hope is that your visit to the Unzoo will challenge you to think about the natural world and your place in it, in a completely new way.

After 10 years of effort, it is now working well with wild wallabies, echidnas, possums, native fish and nearly 100 bird species living around our Unzoo bush garden.

Photo credit: Rexness / Flickr

World’s Tallest Trees

The Centurion is the world’s tallest known individual Eucalyptus regnans tree. The tree is located in southern Tasmania, Australia and was measured by climber-deployed tapeline at 100.5 meters

The diameter of Centurion is 4.05 metres, its girth exceeds 12 metres, and its volume has been estimated at 268 cubic metres. The tree is in a small patch of very old forest surrounded by secondary forest.

The mountain ash Eucalyptus regnans is well represented in Tasmania but also grows to some extent on the Australian mainland in Victoria and southeast Australia. More than 140 specimens have been recorded in Tasmania above 85 metres in height with a number of these well over 90 metres.

Photo credit: Manuel Neumann / Flickr

Tasman National Park

Famous for its soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations and the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, Tasman National Park is an area of dramatic beauty and natural diversity.
Tasman National Park takes up more than 107 km². Tasman National Park is also renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track.
The tracks are carved throughout the park and range from pleasant and leisurely strolls to challenging multi-day walks.

Photo credit: Steven Penton / Flickr

Bruny Island

Bruny Island has some of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved natural environments with abundant wildlife and stunning cliff top views.
The island is Tasmania’s premier island destination. Including the Bruny National Park, the island provides the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience with many spectacular bushwalks, coastal tracks or beach strolls.

The island showcases a variety of artisan cheese, oysters, seafood, berries, fudge, wine, whisky, gin, beer and a selection of cafes and restaurants. There are lots of places to stay with accommodation ranging from friendly campsites to luxury beachfront retreats.

Photo credit: shuttles / Flickr

Bay of Fires

Famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and orange lichen-covered granite boulders, the Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most popular conservation reserves.
The bay was given its name in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux.

The Bay of Fires is located on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. It includes a gorgeous coastline that stretches over 50 kilometers from Binalong Bay. The Binalong Bay and nearby Humbug Point Nature Recreation Area include lovely spots like Skeleton Bay, Grants Point, and Elephant Head.

Photo credit: Daniel Sallai / Flickr

Liffey Falls

Liffey Falls is considered one of the island state’s prettiest waterfalls and is a series of four distinct tiered–cascade waterfalls on the Liffey River, is located in the Midlands region of Tasmania.
The area surrounding Liffey Falls was a meeting place for Tasmanian Aborigines for thousands of years.

The waterfall is best viewed towards the end of winter through to early spring.

Feature photo credit: Steven Penton / Flickr
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Top 11 Greenest Countries in the World for 2018

September 10, 2019

The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 180 countries on a national and governmental scale, focusing on environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. By using this system, a comparison is drawn across the 163 countries to identify how they rank against one another in their efforts to go green. Here you’ll find the top 11 greenest countries in the world for 2018, can you guess where your country rates?

The scoring is based on a scale of 0-100; as a side note, there are only a few countries with an 80 or higher.

Top 11 greenest countries in the world

Country	EPI score	Environmental Health (40% weight)	Ecosystem Vitality (60% weight)
Switzerland	87.42	93.57	83.32
France	83.95	95.71	76.11
Denmark	81.60	98.20	70.53
Malta	80.90	93.80	72.30
Sweden	80.51	94.41	71.24
United Kingdom	79.89	96.03	69.13
Luxembourg	79.12	95.07	68.48
Austria	78.97	86.38	74.03
Ireland	78.77	95.92	67.34
Finland	78.64	99.35	64.8
Iceland	78.57	98.41	65.34

Switzerland

Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of neutrality which has been honored by other European countries, even though both world wars; impressive considering it borders France and Germany. The climate can vary due to the mountainous region which it is famous for. Switzerland has a prosperous economy with a well-developed service sector led by banking industries. It also specializes in high technology and knowledge-based production. It is obvious that with Switzerland being in the second place it scored high marks in many categories though had a very poor showing in terms of air pollution due to vehicle emissions and open-air burning. It’s forestry and biodiversity stood out with 100% ratings for both categories.

France

The country is one of the greenest countries in the world. They implemented legislation that made it mandatory for all of France to partake in making the country eco-friendly and conserving energy. France has been endowed with very fertile grounds and is one of the top exporters of food and wine.

The country has fewer industries as compared to other countries and this has helped in the reduction of air pollution. Over the years, France has been working on deindustrialization – a move that has seen the environmental state of the country improve as water pollution has been reduced significantly. France has made a change in the way how its resources are used and methods of production to conserve the environment.

Denmark

Due to its strong commitments to reduce emissions through increased efficiency and renewable energy production, Denmark moves up in the world. Danish society is ranked in the top five of the safest countries. Denmark’s main goal is to create an ‘environmentally sustainable community’. So far, a huge 40% of all energy production has been achieved through wind power, with the hope of 50% of by 2020.

Nearly half of the Danish population do not own a car. Due to the use of renewable energy sources, Denmark has achieved a high EPI score and is the world’s leading wind turbine energy producer and it is in the list of the greenest countries in the world.

Malta

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and since the 1980s has become a transshipment point. It is located in the Mediterranean and has rainy winters and hot dry summers. The country has very limited freshwater resources and has grown increasingly reliant on desalination plants to generate freshwater for consumption. 70% of Maltese energy comes from natural gas and the remaining 30% from renewable sources. Malta was heavily dependent on the oil industry, however, their change to natural gas and work towards the 2030 agenda has placed them in the top 5 most sustainable countries in the world.

The country can only produce about 20% of its food needs and relies heavily on foreign trade to supplement the remaining 80%. Malta scored 100% on its efforts to support clean water availability to the population and another 100% on its efforts to conserve the forests.

Sweden

Sweden is listed among the greenest countries in the world. The country plans on eradicating the use of fossil fuel by the year 2020. They have embraced the use of renewable energy that is eco-friendly to keep the environment natural and safe from pollution.

The use of renewable energy greatly contributes to the reduction of carbon in the air thus a cleaner and safer environment. The most notable action is the partnership between Sweden and its neighboring countries, especially by taking responsibility to protect the Baltic Sea and protect the ecosystem.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom makes its way among the most eco-friendly countries. The UK always remained one of the higher ranking entries in EPI, although 6th is the all-time high. The UK was the 9th friendliest country in 2012 and remained 12th most friendly in 2014 and 2016.

Britain also had its first day without burning any coal. This is to become a trend in the future as the country focuses on product energy with renewable resources. The country looks forward to losing its last coal plant in 2025.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg has made some dramatic changes but had a troubled history maintain its rank in EPI list of greenest countries. An improving labor market, low inflation, and rising house prices are also signals of improvement. Luxembourg has recently used its influence in the financial sector to accelerate global sustainable investment.

As one of the world’s smallest European countries, it comes as no surprise fares relatively well. Luxembourg can improve its ranking for forests, climate and energy, agriculture and air pollution

Austria

Among the major actions taken by Austria is putting environmental protection in its social and economic policy agenda.

Austria has also worked hard in sectors such as waste management and chemical as well as air pollution to prevent such pollutants from destroying the environment. Austria has incorporated ecological knowledge in its agriculture to prevent pollution. Also, put measures into place to protect its forest and reduce deforestation. This has been highlighted by the restriction on the use of pesticides. All these have contributed to making it one of the greenest countries in the world.

Ireland

The Irish government finally did something to improve the living condition by getting rid of rubbish that has festooned rivers, lakes, towns, and the whole country.

Ireland came a long way with making important reforms such as focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and cleaning the air. Ireland produces almost 16% of its energy from renewable sources. It aims to extend this percentage to 40% by 2020.

Moreover, the country has implemented drastic changes to improve the air and water quality. The efforts to preserve biodiversity in the region are also praised worthy, and they show the present power bodies are really concerned about what they are going to leave behind for their children.

Finland

Finland was known for high scores of nitrogen emission and other activities that destroyed the environment. However, over the years, improvements have been noted as the country strives to restore its environment to its original state.

Finland has worked hard to make sure greenhouse gases are not produced and that the citizens in the country use renewable sources of energy for production. Wind power has greatly been made use of. Finland has planned to have more than half of its electricity coming from renewable sources of energy.

Iceland

Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants in the 9th and 10th centuries. The country has been independent for over 300 years and boasts the world’s oldest functioning legislative assembly which was established in 930. Iceland receives top marks in other rankings as well such as literacy, longevity and social cohesion all first-rate by world standards. Iceland is an island country in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, northwest of England. The name can fool you since the climate consists of mild, windy winters and cool summers. The major environmental concerns are water pollution from fertilizer runoff and inadequate wastewater management.

It has placed focus on the production of electricity and heat by utilizing geothermal landscapes. Iceland has also played a major role in the fight against ocean pollution. It has made sure that the waters are kept clean and fishing is done while prioritizing on protecting the environment.

Photo by Karan Sharma from Pexels

10 Must-Sees in Australia’s Red Center

March 17, 2019

Australia’s Red Center is an extraordinary landscape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges.

To make sure you don’t miss out on this great part of the country, we came up with 10 things you must see while visiting Australia’s Red Centre

Photo credit: esia_one / Flickr

Rainbow Valley

This colored sandstone mountain and surrounding are about 350 million years old and. The Rainbow Valley is composed from a rock called Hermannsburg Sandstone.

This type of sandstone is very soft and it can be easily eroded by water or wind.

These red and ochre colors in Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve comes from the surface oxidation of the iron-rich sandstone, they are staining the underlying white sandstone.
The Parks & Wildlife recommends people to avoid climbing on the formations, due to the very soft sandstones.

Photo credit: Leonard G. / Wikipedia

See Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuṯa also is known as the Olgas, is a group of large, domed rock formations or bornhardts located about 360 km (220 mi) southwest of Alice Springs,

Uluru (sometimes called Ayers Rock) – is one of the largest monoliths in the world. Made of arkosic sandstone. Uluru is known to change color depending on the time of day but is most impressive at sunrise and sunset when it glows stunning red.

Photo credit: Georgie Sharp / Flickr

Finke Gorge National Park

Finke Gorge is a national park in the Northern Territory of Australia, covering an area of 458 km², and includes the impressive desert oasis Palm Valley. This is an important wilderness reserve that protects The Finke River, ancient landscapes and Aboriginal cultural sites.

Be careful where you walk and stay on the marked tracks. Young palms can be destroyed by visitors not realizing what they are walking on.

Photo credit: Zoharby / Wikipedia

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is the biggest attraction inside Watarrka National Park. Three walks exist at Kings Canyon. The two-km (return) and approximately one-hour Kings Creek Walk traces the bottom of the gorge. At the end of the walk is a platform, with views of the canyon walls above. Access to the walk may be restricted during hot weather.

Watarrka National Park is in the Northern Territory of Australia. You can download this official fact sheet for Watarrka National park map of the whole area (inlcuding Uluru and Alice Springs).

Stay at Ayers Rock Resort

Ayers Rock Resort is just 20km from Uluru and provides a variety of accommodation options. They offer a free shuttle bus that circulates the Resort daily, and a suite of complimentary Indigenous activities. All their hotel rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi.

You can join some of the over 100 tours they offer and experiences Uluru and around Ayers Rock Resort.

Photo credit: Vin on the move / Flickr

Explore the West Macs

West MacDonnell national park is a vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges and an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements.
There are numerous marked walking tracks in the area. It is also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife.

The West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park stretches some 161 km due west of Alice Springs.
West MacDonnell National Park is accessible nearly all year round. You can camp in one of the camping sites. Camping fees apply and are payable at each camping area.

All tank water in West MacDonnell national park should be treated before drinking.

You can check some of the local territory tour specialists here with over 100 day tours and adventure camping tours.

Photo credit: David Cook / Flickr

Meet the local wildlife

The Alice Springs Desert Park is an environmental education facility and wildlife park in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Do not miss Nature Theatre with free-flying birds of prey and other animals demonstrate their natural survival skills at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges.
In the night at Nocturnal House you can see mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates including rare Australian marsupials such as the bilby and mala might come out of the darkness.

Discover Alice Springs

The area is culturally important to the local Arrernte people. You can visit the galleries on Todd Mall, to get to know the art and stories of the local Aboriginal Arrernte people.

You can rent a four-wheel-drive or a camel trek tour across the rolling sand dunes of the Simpson Desert.

This is a place where you’ll find many natural wonders of the Northern Territory’s outback, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges and their iconic Larapinta Trail and a place to explore Australia’s Aboriginal culture.

Photo credit: Paul Balfe / Flickr

Field of Light

Field of Light Uluru belongs to a British artist, Bruce Munro, who was inspired by Uluru, and spent 4 years in the making and consists of 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres. The award-winning exhibition, located at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia, opened on 1 April 2016 and has extended for a further period and will now remain in place until 31 December 2020.

Photo credit: Maarten Danial / Flickr

Scenic Flights over the Red Center

A spectacular flight over the landscape of Australia’s Red Center. Watch the vibrant colours and changing landscapes of the outback come to life on a flight over Alice Springs with a helicopter flight. Encompasses all the best sites of the Red Centre, viewing Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Lake Amadeus and Kings Canyon.

Featured photo credit: scott1346 / Flickr

Want to learn more about other sustainable destination? Check out section sustainable travel destinations.

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Tasmania