Moving To Tasmania...

Tasmanians are a friendly lot; kind and charming, and they know how to treat visitors….with the city of Hobart recently being named one of the friendliest cities on the planet.

Local comedian Daryl Peebles says the Hobartians are indeed a friendly lot - “I think it could have something to do with leading a less stressful lifestyle” Peebles said.

So, you’d like to meet these friendly islanders? …some tips to get you started…

Tasmania has seven day trading, however not all shops are open on Sundays. There are many great markets held on weekends right around the state…and this is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the ‘Taswegian’ locals…meet the growers, the foragers, the paddock to plate farmers, the artisan bakers, the cheese makers, the truffle growers, the artists, the craftsmen, the buskers, the street performers……

Each season in Tasmania has its own appeal, making anytime a great time to visit! During the summer months it is festival time and can be very busy – meet an exciting cross section of locals at these – from the states yacht fraternity at the close of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race to the young punk rockers at the Falls Festival…..oh and while you’re watching the yachts come in don’t forget to sample the best that our gourmet buffs have to offer at the Taste of Tas.

Autumn is the best time to sample some of Tasmania’s renowned fresh produce at events like the Taste of the Huon or Agfest – an annual premium agricultural show in the north of the state. In Winter, cosy up in front of a log fire or indulge at the Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe. Meet Latrobe’s colourful array of local identities, and discover the friendliness of ‘small town country charm’. In Spring, come to see the lush green country side and the magnificent heritage gardens in bloom, visit the growers and land owners of amazing establishments like the Table Cape tulip farm…an amazing institution that has worked down the family generations for many years!!

The population of the island is just over 500,000. About half the people live in the southern Tasmanian city of Hobart, the state capital; with half in the northern centre of Launceston and the smaller cities of the North West Coast.