This might be a bit too cheesy, but we’re going to say it anyway: This small-ish, heart-shaped island in the Southern Hemisphere has stolen our hearts. There’s so much to love.
Sure, Tasmania may have started with the sinister-sounding name Van Diemen’s Land. And yes, it was founded as an inescapable penal colony for the most hardened criminals in Britain.
But now, Tasmania is an epic playground for anyone who loves outdoor adventures. There are soft sand beaches for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and lazing around in the sun — perhaps at the poetically-named Bay of Fires or Wineglass Bay. The island’s network of rivers means lots (and lots) of waterfalls, along with kayaking and rafting. Foodies can enjoy a leisurely drive along the Tamar Valley Wine Route dotted with inviting wineries and an exciting food scene.
But if (when!) we visit Tasmania, it will be for the animals. It’s home to ridiculously cute animals like wombats, wallabies, and, yes, the Tasmanian Devil. If we’re being honest, these adorable creatures might also kill you — or at least cause grave bodily harm. But truly: Cuddling up to a furry, tank-like wombat or seeing a Tasmanian Devil IRL might be worth it.
In this episode, we briefly dip into Tasmania’s dark history, learn about a truly unusual museum, talk about the Roaring Forties, and mourn the loss of the Tasmanian Tiger. Then we recommend five great books that took us there on the page, including true accounts of a rip-roaring sea adventure and the search for the lost Thylacine, a murder mystery set on the craggy coast, a family story set in a lonely lighthouse, and a coming-of-age novel that’s also a magical realism road trip.
Read the full transcript of Tasmania: The Heart-Shaped Island at the Edge of the World.
A few snaps to get you oriented…
Hobart:
Port Arthur:
Wineglass Bay:
Bay of Fires:
Here are tips for viewing the Southern Lights.
Everything you need to know about visiting Wineglass Bay.
And the Tamar Valley Wine Route.
You might also take a day trip to Bruny Island near Hobart.
If you need to know more about Tasmanian Devils, we’ve got you: Fun facts about Tasmanian Devils (with a cute video of them romping in the grass) — and the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo.
If you need to know more about Wombats, we’ve got you: Fun facts about wombats and more wombat facts — plus the four best places to see wombats in Tasmania, and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Yes, wombats’ poop is cube-shaped.
Here’s the scoop on the Diprotodon, the rhino-sized wombat of the Ice Age.
Robyn Mundy is the author of Wildlight. Here’s her website and Instagram.
Wildlight is set on Maatsuyker Island, and here’s a blog published by volunteers tending the lighthouse. The photos on that blog are amazing. Should you want to be a lighthouse caretaker, here’s the info and application.
Carnivorous Nights is by Margaret Mittlebach and Michael Crewdson. Margaret founded the Secret Science Club, which meets every month at the Bell House in Brooklyn, NY.
The website for artist Alexis Rockman (who did the illustrations for Carnivorous Nights) is a treasure trove of nature illustration.
Here’s a colorized video of the last Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine) in captivity — and the process for coloring the footage:
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