Originally thought to be part of the Australian mainland, Tasmania was first discovered by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1642. It is often called the ^island of inspiration^, owing to its large and relatively unspoiled wilderness areas (over 30% of the state is designated as reserves, national parks and World Heritage Sites).

Tasmania's compact size and fertile, uninhabited environment distinguish it from the Australian mainland. It is the most mountainous state in Australia and home to the world-famous Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

The rugged mountains and impenetrable forests are part of the reason why Tasmania has resisted human settlement, but it's a paradise for a wide variety of animals, including the Tasmanian devil and duck-billed platypus.


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