History & Heritage

n 1803, the first Europeans settled in Tasmania on the eastern shore of the River Derwent.

Known then as Van Diemens Land, named by Abel Tasman when he discovered the island in 1642, the Europeans were sent from the Sydney colony to stop the French claiming the land. In 1804, Hobart was settled at Sullivans Cove. Harsh penal colonies were established at Port Arthur and Macquarie Harbour, which can still be visited today.

Europeans werent the only inhabitants on the island at this time. The land was originally home to the Tasmanian Aborigines, who had lived on the island for thousands of years. As a result of disease and persecution by the white settlers, the Tasmanian Aborigines were lost to the island with the last full-blooded Tasmanian Aborigine, Truganini, dying in 1876.

Tasmania is renowned for its preserved history and although the grand colonial buildings and relics of the convict past are well known and largely preserved throughout the State, the heritage of the first Tasmanians is still being uncovered.

In the States caves and wilderness areas that hold the history of the Tasmanian Aborigines, middens and artefacts, are still being found. A visit to our museums is a must.

The elegant buildings of Tasmanias colonial heritage still stand today, lining the city streets and dotted throughout the countryside. Most buildings of this era were created with convict labour and still carry their distinctive stamp today.

Many of these structures have been redeveloped into hotels and venues capable of hosting business events and groups from high-end corporate meeting and incentive clients to larger association groups.

These unique and intrinsically beautiful venues provide a splendid and memorable backdrop for a business event while also providing an insight into Tasmanias colonial past.

The history of the Tasmanian Tiger (thylacine) is also worth noting. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery houses a specimen and history of the species, officially pronounced extinct in 1986. Although the last known thylacine died at Hobart Zoo in 1936, some believe the tiger still exists today and a reward for its discovery still stands.

Shopping

For those who enjoy wandering though bustling markets, private galleries, boutique stores, providores and arts and craft shops, Tasmania is just the spot.

Tasmania is famous for quality timber furniture and handicrafts created from world-renowned, Tasmanian special species timbers such as Huon Pine, Black Heart Sassafras, Myrtle, Blackwood, Celery Top Pine and Tasmanian Oak.

If something a little older is sought, antique shopping in Tasmania is second to none!

In a place as naturally beautiful as Tasmania, it is not surprising that the State is home to a plethora of talented painters and photographers, whose creations can be found in galleries across the island.

Tasmanian wool is rated as the finest in the world. Clothing, in particular hand and machine-knitted fine wool garments, can be found throughout the State, as can Ugg boots and other luxuriously sensational sheepskin products.

Jewellery and artefacts in and around the markets and boutique stores are very popular with visitors to the State.

Where in the world could fresher produce be found than an island with crystal clear water and clean fresh air in abundance? Tasmanias produce is world renowned and shopping for fresh and packaged produce is easy.

Take home fudge and chocolate, preserves, full-bodied cheeses, wine, boutique beer and honey. Tasmanias honey is divine. Used for more than just drizzling thickly over hot toast or crumpets, Tasmanian honey can be found in a wide range of products, in particular as soothing solutions to nourish the skin.

Lavender is another well-known Tasmanian product. Grown in the magnificent, rolling fields of the north of the State, lavender has been used to manufacture quality products from luscious lotions and oils and the full range of body care to scented candles and even boiled lollies!

Tasmanian beer is recognised as among the finest and purest in the world, but many are not aware that Tasmania also produces first-class whisky and gin. This is well worth taking home to the spirit cabinet although we can guarantee it wont stay there long!

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 803