The island of Tasmania is an Australian state which is known for its charming nature. This state actually comprises the island of Tasmania, the 26th largest island in the world, and the surrounding islands which are very popular for their large and relatively unspoiled natural environment.

The state got his name from its Dutch explorer’s name, Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island in 1642.

Almost 37% of Tasmania lies in reserves, national parks and World Heritage Site which are 364 kilometers long from its northernmost to its southernmost points, and 306 kilometers from west to east.

The state has a population of 507,626 people. Almost half of the residents of Tasmania reside in the greater Hobart precinct. Tasmania has a surface of 68,401 square kilometers including the 62,409 square-kilometer main island.

Tasmania is a four-season state which means that it has four distinctive seasons. Summer lasts from December to February with average maximum temperature of 21 °C although inland areas reach 24 °C. Other satellite islands have colder climates. For instance, Liawenee, located on the Central Plateau and one of the coldest places in Australia, has a cold climate that its temperatures in February range between 4 °C to 17 °C.

Autumn lasts from March to May and experiences a changeable weather, where summer weather patterns gradually take on the shape of winter patterns. The winter lasts between June and August. Winter is generally the wettest and coolest season in the state, with most high lying areas receiving considerable snowfall. However, some parts of Tasmania faces dry climate and several sections of inland Tasmania were declared drought-affected areas by the state government in 2007.

Besides such a diverse weather, Tasmania also has so many other things to offer which includes cuisine, cinema, wine, festivals, visual arts and many others. There are quite a few restaurants in Tasmania which server British and UK food.

Besides food, there are some festive events that draw tourists’ attraction. The state government encourages or supports several different annual events in and around the island. The best known of these would be the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, starting on Boxing Day in Sydney and usually arriving at Constitution Dock in Hobart around three to four days later.

Other events include the road rally Targa Tasmania which attracts world-class rally drivers and is staged all over the state, over five days. Rural or regional events include Agfest, a three-day agricultural show held at Carrick in early May. The music events also include Falls Festival at Marion Bay, MS Fest in Launceston raising money for those with multiple sclerosis.

Performing arts is also one more offering from Tasmania that ranges from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Besides that Tasmania was backdrop for many famous movies such as The Tale of Ruby Rose, The Hunter, The Last Confession of Alexander Pearce, Manganinnie and Van Diemen's Land etc. It is also home to some mentionable universities such as University of Tasmania, Hobart, Launceston and Burnie which enrols a huge number of local and international students every year.

There is a good website named Discover Tasmania which will provide you with very detailed information about this island. It’s recommended to have a look at it if you want to explore more: www.discovertasmania.com