by Lindsay Oliver

Created on: June 09, 2009

Tasmania is one of the most historically prominent and beautiful areas of Australia. The island has rich history in its convict past, but also has a remote beautify for those who are not traveling to enrich their knowledge of the past. Although it is usually the butt of many mainland jokes, Tasmania is appreciated and respected by all who visit. There is a large quantity of national parks to see, as well as historical sites. There are a number of museums and scenic drives as well. Tasmania is roughly the size of West Virginia and the longest drive a traveler would have to endure is approximately between four and five hours. There are only half of a million people on the island, almost half of which reside in the capital city of Hobart.

The best way to see Tasmania is to rent a car. There are many unexpected vista points and attractions; buses and trains cannot access some of these remote locations. Drives between cities or national parks are breathtaking, with rolling hills of farmland with mountains normally in the distance. Driving along Tasmania's coastline is absolutely beautiful as well. There are many isolated beaches, where one could spend an entire day and not see another soul. Travelers could not randomly enjoy a beach they stumble upon if on a bus or train. The bus schedule is very limited as well. There are usually only one or two buses a day between major cities, never mind some of the less traveled areas. This has the potential to be very restraining. The countryside makes up the majority of Tasmania, and there is no better way to see it than at one's own pace.

There is a range of things to do in Tasmania depending on which area of the island you are in. Hobart, the capital city of the territory is definitely a must see. It is suggested to be there on a Saturday to catch the Salamanca markets. Tasmania's farmers, artists, and performers turn out each Saturday to sell their goods or perform for all the market-goers. There are a lot of handmade crafts and jewelry, as well as the freshest produce. The Central Business District is extremely charming. Hobart seems more like a large, sleepy town than a capital city. It is Australia's second oldest city, next to Sydney. Once a year, around Christmas time, Hobart becomes packed with people there to see the end of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, a yearly occurrence on Boxing Day.

There are a few things to do outside of the city center as well. Mount Wellington looms

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