| Tasmania (Tasmania) | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  Australia |
|---|---|
| Regional capital | Hobart |
| Area | 90 758 km² |
| Population | 512 100 hab. (2012) |
| Density | 5,64 inhab./km² |
| Official language | English |
| Spindle | UTC 10 |
| Location | |
 42 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ S 147 ° 0 ′ 0 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
| Touristic site | |
The Tasmania is the smallest state Australian.
Understand
Tasmania has the smallest land area and population of the states australian.
Regions
Cities
- Hobart – Largest city and state capital.
- Launceston
Other destinations
- Flinders Island
- Feycinet Peninsula – and its famous Wineglass bay
- Tasman Peninsula – Where is the historic site of Port Arthur
- Bay of fires
- Maria Island
- Bicheno – Where one can easily observe the pygmy penguins
- Bruny Island – In fact two islands connected by a narrow sandy isthmus
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
To go
By plane
Tasmania being an island dependent on theAustralia note: do not bring fresh products, such as fruit and anything that is not vacuum-packed. If you are arriving directly from an international flight, be aware that customs officials are very picky and search everything; everything must be declared and it is better to declare too much than not enough, the fine can sometimes reach 200 $ AUD if you forget to declare an asset. On the other hand, you are asked to leave any food or drink that has been distributed on board the aircraft, even if it has not been consumed. The admissible baggage limit (in the hold, etc.) must not exceed 20 kg per person.
By car
Tasmania has a connection by car ferry departing from theAustralia allowing to embark any vehicle.
The company Spirit of Tasmania rotates at night all year round between Melbourne and Devonport :
- departure: 19.30 - arrival: 06.00
A double rotation is proposed in high season and on certain other dates (revisable each year ...):
- departure: 09.00 - arrival: 18.00
- departure: 21.00 - arrival: 06.00
Circulate
By plane
There is no domestic relationship within Tasmania itself.
By train
By bus
It is the dominant and relatively inexpensive mode of public transport in Tasmania.
The biggest company is Tasmanian Redline Coaches.
It is possible to reach different towns on the island aboard sufficiently comfortable and equipped vehicles (reclining seats, toilets, sink, video and music ...) for long journeys. The trips are generally made during the day given the size of the island.
Examples of average prices and journey times without a connection in 2011 (one way, etc.):
- Hobart <> Launceston: 39 $ AUD in 3 h maxi
- Hobart <> Devonport: 62 $ AUD in 4 h 30 maxi
Many "passes" allow you to travel by coach more often and cheaper than with a single ticket.
By car
In Tasmania, traffic is on the left of the road and the steering wheel is on the right in vehicles. British heritage obliges! So remember to adapt your reflexes during the first kilometers, the task is however simplified because most cars are equipped with an automatic gearbox.
This being the case, the regulatory distances and speeds are established according to the metric system.
It is necessary to obtain the international driving license if you wish to drive in Tasmania.
General speed limits:
- Route: 100 km / h according to the category
- City : 60 km / h reduced to 50 km / h in residential areas and 40 km / h near schools
Be careful not to exceed the authorized limit, there are many radars, both fixed and mobile (large 4x4 unmarked on the side, the radar being hidden in the engine air intake ...). This explains the rather sluggish driving of the locals, so you will not see many motorists in a hurry.
The authorized blood alcohol level is 0,5 gram per liter of blood. Beyond that, the amount of the fine is particularly steep. Wearing a seat belt is compulsory throughout the country, at the front as well as at the rear.
The roads are in good condition, some remain unpaved in the most remote areas.
Signage
The signage is sometimes far from European standards. The prohibitions are often written in full (and in English of course ...) but they remain easy to understand when accompanied by a symbol. A sign saying "WRONG WAY GO BACK" unequivocally means that you have entered a one-way street, immediately turn around if this should happen to you.
Diamond-shaped warning signs (usually black on a yellow background ...) are located in the usual areas of wild animal crossings, it is good to follow them to the letter because breakdowns following a collision with a wallabi are common in Tasmania.
In the city
Getting around town with a personal vehicle can become a source of hassle, especially during office hours, especially in Hobart. On the other hand, the lack of reflexes due to the driving position on the right can regain the upper hand when it is necessary to park or turn at an intersection. It is recommended that you read the instructions on the signs when you want to park your vehicle.
Road categories
The axes baptized "HIGHWAY" are in reality only simple roads, the express ways are almost non-existent and no toll is established in Tasmania.
A lettered prefix determines the importance of the axis followed:
- TO : expressways and ordinary roads of primary importance
- B : ordinary roads of lesser importance
- VS : local roads generally unpaved
It is not recommended to drive at night and at dusk outside the cities and main roads, the cause is the large number of wild animals and not very visible at these hours that cross the road without suspicion. If you are still forced to move at night, limit your speed as much and be doubly on your guard.
Amenities
On roads and highways, you can recognize the rest areas by the signs mentioning "REST AREA" which have basic equipment: toilets, electrical outlets, picnic tables and barbecues (gas or electric ...) particularly useful for motorhomes. It should be noted that parking is often limited to a period of between 24 and 48 h , signs specify the modalities as well as the penalties incurred in the event of an infringement.
The service stations are well distributed across the island where the biggest brands are present, their frequency decreases however in remote areas, few of them are open 24 h out of 24 outside the state capital. It is possible to find travel articles and ingredients there, snacks are sometimes served in order to eat quickly and without spending too much.
Other refueling points are automated but this aspect concerns more those located in urban areas.
Road network
Axes crisscross the whole country with a traffic density commensurate with the area crossed:
- HIGHWAY 1 is a mixed route alternating roads and highways which runs along the island from north to south until Hobart.
- A 3 : road along the eastern coast through Swansea and St Helens.
- A 6 : connects Hobart at the edge of the forest in Southwest National Park.
Rent a car
The major rental brands are located in Tasmania, agencies exist both in town and at airports. It is of course possible to rent the vehicles in one branch and return them to another, which however risks inflating the final bill. Contracts generally offer unlimited mileage.
The age allowed to drive a rental vehicle is 21 years old.
Japanese and European brands (even our dear French ones ...) are among the most present in the Australian car fleet, the number of second-hand sales advertisements can attest to this.
Rent a 4x4
Rent a motorhome
You can rent a motorhome to visit Tasmania and to keep its independent side. You will easily find Caravan Parks to park your truck and supply it with water, etc. Some Caravan Parks are equipped with a swimming pool, restaurant, barbecue ...
Hitchhiking
It is relatively easy to hitchhike in Tasmania as a good number of drivers stop and drive you a substantial distance, especially in more remote areas. This mode of travel does not involve more risks than elsewhere in the world and can represent an opportunity to establish contact with the locals.
To speak
We speak thereEnglish.
To buy
Eat
Something for everyone, all day long.
Another British heritage concerning the breakfast where we find the famous eggs with toasted bread and bacon. This remains relative, however, due to the mixing of the origins of the population. The so-called "continental" breakfast is of course known there, rest assured.
Australians cook very little (and not always very well). Much of their meals are bought outside, or even prepared and eaten away from home (Take-Away and BBQ). The country's hot climate and the heat given off by cooking meals help explain this trend.
Most shopping centers or shopping arcades have a fast food area (food court, etc.) where all the shops selling ready-to-go meals are grouped together. Asian cuisine (Chinese, Japanese and Thai ...) is the most common and the cheapest. There is also Tex-Mex, sandwich, Indian and many traditional "Fish & Chips". Not all restaurants are licensed, that is, they do not have the required permission to sell alcohol. If you want to complement your meal with a bottle of wine or beer, you will need to stop by the local "bottle shop" before you sit down to eat. Some restaurants carry the mention “B.Y.O. For "Bring Your Own". You can bring your wine there, but the establishment staff are responsible for opening your bottle and there is sometimes a charge for opening the bottle. Be careful, no sale of alcohol to minors.
In most public parks, you will find gas barbecues available for free or for a few dollars. Buy your meat, your bottles and share the cooking plate with the groups present. This is the best way to meet people because Australians are fans of this culinary fashion, even the fruit is sometimes grilled before being tasted. Be aware, however, that charcoal barbecues are very rare.
The choice of meats and sausages is infinitely wide without counting the many possibilities of accompaniments (lime, garlic, honey ...) which may surprise true gourmets.
Tasmania has a tradition of making good cheese. Let us point out for example Bruny Island Cheese, AshgrovecheeseWicked cheese.
In Tasmania, the meals served in the majority of restaurants are hearty, measured by the size and the filling of a hamburger as common as it is.
In general, and thanks to the exchange (1 € = A $ 1.6), food remains very affordable.
Note: In Tasmania, if you want lemonade, you have to ask for 'Lemon Squash'. At home, 'lemonade' is 'Sprite'.
Housing
The local particularity is the "backpacker", which is the equivalent of a youth hostel, but which can also offer family rooms. This is the low-end accommodation preferred by young people. For longer stays, there is the possibility of a shared apartment or "sharehouse" in English to be found on site. Rent is often paid weekly, especially in very touristy areas; otherwise, all hotel chains are present.
To learn
To work
There are different types of visa to work in Tasmania. Here is a non-exhaustive list, you will find more information on this subject on the Australian immigration site (http://www.immi.gov.au).
First of all, be aware that, as in most countries, the tourist visa, generally granted for a maximum of three months (extendable up to 6 months, renewable once) does not allow you to exercise a remunerated activity. in Tasmania. Only certain voluntary humanitarian work is authorized.
- The WHV visa (Working Holiday Visa) - Working Holiday Visa
This visa (applicable fees) allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 to stay and work in Australia, for a maximum of one year, it is possible to work for a maximum of 6 months for the same employer. Renewal possible for another year if certain conditions are met. This visa also offers the possibility of taking English courses for a maximum of 4 months.
- Jobs in WHV
The jobs available in Tasmania as part of the Working Holiday Visa are mostly temporary or seasonal positions. Even if most of the jobs are on site (word of mouth, newspapers, local agencies) it is good to start the research as soon as possible, and to explore the recruitment sites to get an idea of the job market. in general.
- student visa
This visa allows a foreign student to work for a maximum of 20 h per week during during academic and full-time periods (40 h per week) during school holidays. Prior authorization (fees applicable) is required from the Australian Immigration Department.
- the intern visa
There are different types of trainee visas. The trainee visa only allows you to work for the sponsoring organization, and for a pre-determined period. The intern can be paid by the company that employs him.
- the sponsored employee visa
- the skilled worker visa
- the family visa
Australian Embassy http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/ is also there to answer your questions
Security
Tasmania is an island and a state of Anglo-Saxon culture; security is comparable to that of Western European countries or Canada.
Thefts and damage of all kinds are still rare, and there is little evidence of attacks on tourists. This should not exempt you from following the usual precautions in order not to spoil your stay.
Swimming by the sea should only be done in a supervised and delimited area, the risk of meeting sharks or being carried away by the waves must be taken into consideration. Also beware of jellyfish if you want to practice scuba diving, get information before embarking on the adventure.
Health
There is no compulsory vaccine to enter Tasmania.
Always apply basic precautions in order to avoid any risk of serious disease (dengue fever, hepatitis, leptospirosis, etc.): it is prudent to renounce all swimming in fresh water as well as to wash fruits and vegetables before consuming, even if their freshness cannot be denied. Also protect yourself from often aggressive mosquitoes.
These recommendations are all the more valid if you plan to travel "the hard way" like a true adventurer.
For additional vaccines, it is possible to check with pharmacies and the family doctor before departure.
Respect
The people have learned to adopt habits very different from standard European.
This means that it is very difficult to worry a native whether he is a city dweller or a country man, we really adopt the "cool attitude" whatever the situation. No need to get impatient when a long line creeps up at a supermarket checkout, when it's just to chat. The turn will come to pay when the cashier tries to make a first contact with you, whether or not you are a visitor. Even if some questions seem intrusive, never be defensive.
It is moreover through this ease of contact that the notion of hierarchy gives way to conviviality, even at work. It is not uncommon to see a simple employee talking directly with his CEO.In addition, the low pressure exerted on the employees means that the number of hours worked (quite high ...) is largely bearable.
A few words about the infrastructure of the traveler ... Tasmanians really respect everything that is made available to them. If a public barbecue or a faucet isn't working, there's no point hitting on it. Such acts would earn you at best a murderous look, at worst to be denounced without faith or law to the competent services with serious problems to the key. Do not think that in the middle of the desert, we will not be able to take your hand in the bag. Quite the contrary!
Instead, ask someone else for help, they'll certainly be happy to help. And why not the opportunity to make a new acquaintance?
In short: no stress!
