Tasmania is an island located off the southeastern coast of Australia, separated from the mainland by the Bass Strait (240 km). The island's first inhabitants were the Mouheneer people, who led a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Unfortunately, they were exterminated so quickly that little is known about their history, culture, or language. As a result of brutal actions by European settlers, Aboriginal Tasmania was completely depopulated by 1876.
Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia: it can be driven around in just a couple of days. Nature reigns supreme here. The ever-changing hills, valleys, plateaus, extinct volcanoes, and indented coastline are reminiscent of the African savannah, old England, the Argentine pampas, and New Zealand all at once.
Some of the most striking remnants of the vast ancient rainforest can be found in Tasmania, more than a quarter of which remains untouched. Four species of marsupials live here: the Tasmanian devil, the Tasmanian bettong, the rufous wallaby, and the thylacine. The latter was once found throughout Australia but is now considered endangered even in these wild places. Among the 150 registered bird species living in Tasmania, there is the rare orange-bellied parrot. In addition to its wonderful nature, Tasmania is famous for its vineyards, fruit orchards, and excellent fishing.
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