Tasmania

Tasmania (TAS) is Australia’s only island state and is comparatively small, covering an area of around 68,330 km². If it were a country on its own, it would be the 121st largest country in the world, just behind Ireland and Georgia. So it is about a quarter of the size of the UK, but a little bit larger than the American state of West Virginia.

It has a population of just over half a million people. It is known as “The Apple Isle” and the people who live there are referred to as “Two Headers”, which is, I’m afraid, a reference to what might happen in a situation where, how can I put this, erm, I suppose I should get straight to the point really, it’s… A consequence of inbreeding.

Tasmania State Location MapLet’s move on. But before we do, you’ll be pleased to know that most mainland Australians refer to Tasmania as “Tassie”, which is cuter than Two Headers.

In recent years, Tasmania’s most visited attraction has been Port Arthur Historic Site, and Tasmania has more history than most of Australia, having been discovered a fair while before the mainland. But the real attraction of Tasmania is the countryside and to wonder at the wilderness.

I’ve even managed to unearth a famous Tasmanian. Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn, Hollywood movie star, was born in Hobart in 1909.

Places in Tasmania

Other than Hobart, there aren’t too many towns or locations with a population of more than 10,000 people. In fact, there are just four.

Populations of places change on a daily basis. When I compiled this list in 2011, I got my population figures from various sources and some of them are from the census of 2006. I have decided not to try to constantly update these population numbers, so if you are interested in a certain city or town, then you may want to search online for updated information about the population.

That way you can see if the population is growing, unchanged or shrinking.

  • Launceston –  has around 71,000
  • Devonport – just over 22,000
  • Burnie – nearly 20,000
  • Kingston-Blackmans Bay – around 17,000

There may be a few more towns with less than 10,000 people and when we find them, we’ll add them here. If you live anywhere in Tasmania, why not tell us about it in the comments below…

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{ 89 comments… add one }
  • Beatrice September 12, 2021, 4:53 pm |

    Moved here a few years ago. Should have got something when I got here. Property prices have soared. Australia us moving to Tassie. And when the borders open again they ll be flooding in again. I did buy a block if land however due to poor subdivision by the developer it is missing stormwater so I can’t build unless I pay the council vast sums to install it, pay their solicitor to do the title for stormwater, as well as insure the council to install lol. So I am.living on the beach in a tent. As I can’t live on my block. Welcome to Tas.

    • BobinOz September 16, 2021, 5:02 pm |

      You appear to have the same problem as Buyers remorse who has made a comment a little below.

  • Peter September 18, 2018, 9:17 pm |

    Darren,
    Very few factories left in Tasmania after 16 years of a Labour/Greens Government so I do not like your chances. The good news is that in the past 4.5 years the Liberals have been in power the economy has improved, house prices are rising at an alarming rate and employment has increased.

  • Darren Brown September 16, 2018, 2:08 pm |

    Hi, my wife and i plan to visit tasmania for a holiday. We are from Brisbane.
    We would love yo move to tasdie in a year or 2.
    We dont know where is good and where to avoid.
    I am a factory worker, so i need that sort of work..so where are factories? We will be renting..and can afford up to $350 a week.

    • BobinOz September 17, 2018, 5:41 pm |

      Not sure where all the factories are, but hopefully a local will help you out with that one. My page Cost of Buying or Renting a House in Australia will help you look into the cost of renting, but I have heard that Hobart prices have gone through the roof lately.

      Hopefully someone who does know more about Tassie than I do will be able to give you more information.

  • Buyers remorse July 24, 2018, 10:35 pm |

    If you are coming to Tas, DO NOT buy a block of land and expect to build your dream home here !
    The Councils here will break you, financially, spiritually and monetarily ! They will then start on your relationship with your partner as the stress of the red tape and bureaucracy causes problems between you both !
    If you are coming, BUY A HOUSE ALREADY BUILT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I would go home in a heartbeat !

    • BobinOz July 25, 2018, 5:48 pm |

      Sounds like you’ve had a bad experience.

      That said, I think you’ll find this isn’t a Tasmania thing, council planning departments in all of Australia and probably in many countries all around the world are always difficult to deal with.

      Probably for good reason, they have very strict building regulations and rules that just must be adhered to otherwise they will stop the project instantly.

      I hope you got there in the end though.

    • Peter July 25, 2018, 11:39 pm |

      I would never have a home built for me wherever it was. I would always buy an existing home. There are too many things to go wrong.

  • Paddy January 26, 2018, 9:31 pm |

    I am thinking of buying in Tasmania. Have visited countless times.53 now…can you believe! Mainlander from country roots. Tertiary education. OS working experience in unimaginably big east asian cities. Appreciator of Australian clean air, overtly friendly Australian people, and beautiful Australian scenery. All are in Tassie. Much of the above is nasty crap, and much of it is valuable…as I make my big decision. Love the north and north east. I look forward to meeting you all…I think…God bless Tasmania.

    • Jill Barwick January 26, 2018, 11:41 pm |

      I visited Tasmania a few times and decided to move here about 18 months ago. I do not know why there is horrible weather in QLD, NSW and VIC with thunderstorms, tress down, torrential rain, floods etc but I have experienced nothing like that in the past 18 months. I think we had 1 thunderstorm in my area and it was a non event.
      Property prices have risen dramatically since the current state government (Liberal) came to power about 4 years ago. The economy has rebounded. Rental accommodation is scarce and expensive in some parts of the state.

      • BobinOz January 29, 2018, 7:34 pm |

        Sounds like Jill thinks you should make the move Paddy, and soon. If you do go, I hope it all works out for you, I certainly loved Tassie when I was there.

        Jill, sounds like you made the move at the right time and it’s good to hear things in Tasmania are getting better, especially the economy.

  • Kathlynn Hands August 12, 2017, 8:50 pm |

    Hi I come from a small Island in Scotland where everyone knew everyone much smaller than Tassie I came to Perth in 1989 I have lived in the same house for two years and do not know any of my neighbors and its been like this since I came to Australia the only time it was different was when I moved to Two country towns where there was more going on and people were a lot more friendly now my childeren are grown and have lives of there own we are looking to move ti Tassie hoping to find a more friendly and community minded environment

    • BobinOz August 14, 2017, 6:36 pm |

      I think the key to this would be to choose a small community to live in, we have plenty of those in Australia and no doubt in Tassie. I think you need a town with maybe 1000 or less residents to get that kind of community feel.

      Hopefully one of my readers who knows Tasmania well will see your comment and try to make some suggestions for you.

      • Peter Last August 17, 2017, 9:30 pm |

        I suggest Ulverstone on the Mid North West Coast. There are many things to like about Ulverstone including the weather and overall location. The ground is level and the town is well laid out. Due to a population of 7,000 approx there is a good spread of medical and shopping facilities. Personally I reside in the greater Hobart area for family reasons.

  • Hamish March 21, 2017, 6:27 pm |

    As a local here are some towns on the north west coast penguin,ulverstone,turners beach,guns plains, smithon, sheffiled and riana to name a few

  • Shivani December 1, 2016, 5:41 pm |

    Hiya all, it was interesting reading all your reviews. We live in UK and are considering moving to Tassie. My hubby would work in Burnie and me and my son in Launceston for good schooling. My hubby is a doctor and I am a dentist. We are moving to have a more relaxed lifestyle but at the sametime studies and higher education is very important for my son. I am wondering if anyone can give more input abt the education….higher study possibilities in Tassie

    • BobinOz December 1, 2016, 11:52 pm |

      This is one I will have to leave to the locals, I have no idea. Can anybody help Shivani with this?

    • Steph December 2, 2016, 6:43 am |

      Hello Shivani.

      When we started our migration process we looked at Tasmania and NSW before settling on Melbourne, Victoria. I am a Teacher and we have children. My husband Mark, is hopefully a decent contributor to this site, he has asked me to reply to you.

      Our process began in 2014. I soon realised education was not as good in my personal opinion as it could be In Tasmania. Particularly high school and the later years seemed the main concern not only for me but our children, We hoped to stay in the land down under and felt the children would likely move to the mainland, for a job, I also felt we may be more isolated both on arrival and the children’s likely departure.

      I will admit a lot can change in 2 years but I felt it was going to take a lot longer. I likened it to Michael Gove’s mess in the UK. I do not think the job marketplace will ever be as good as the mainland. My personal advice would be don’t, change your state choice if you can. We have the benefit of the Tasmania ferry or flight.

      I feel I am not being very positive in my answer, if you look at the rankings of schools as a comparative, it is hard for me to say otherwise.

      Regards, Steph

      • Shivani December 2, 2016, 10:06 am |

        Thank you very much for your response Steph!

        • BobinOz December 2, 2016, 8:35 pm |

          Yes, your husband Mark is a very good contributor to this website, no doubt about that. Thanks for giving your honest assessment of this as well Steph, it is very much appreciated. Cheers, Bob

  • Fred Mease June 15, 2016, 2:36 pm |

    Hi everyone !! Read everyone’s comments here , very interesting . I live in the states and it is what it is here in south eastern Pennsylvania ! If I’d come to Tasmania , maybe to visit or even stay . would I be able to get a truck driving job ? Say like freight transportation , food, parts. Ect..ect.. Looking out side the box here ? Tired of the rat race here. Please contact me either Facebook or bigmean48@gmail.com thank all of you and everyone of you I read.

  • Mel Thackery March 1, 2016, 6:07 am |

    Hi Bob,
    Both myself and my husband want to move to Tasmania, and wondered if the criteria was the same for tazzy as it is main land Oz.
    I am a childcare worker and my husband a joiner!
    Any advice would be helpful.
    Many Thanks
    Mel

    • kate March 1, 2016, 1:18 pm |
    • Shaun watson August 12, 2016, 5:58 pm |

      We moved from the UK and now live in Tasmania, it’s a nice country but very limited, no jobs and people are quite bogan! We have had enough and are moving to the mainland! Be careful what you wish for

      • Lori Crocket October 2, 2016, 11:22 am |

        Hello everyone, I am Tasmanian and my husband is Scottish. We returned to Tasmania two years ago after living in the UK and Mainland Europe for 18 plus years. The reason we moved back to Tassie was for my family and our rental property. It has been a total eye opener. Beautiful place but limited work – you need to know someone to get a job! I would say that 90% of people are on casual employment and no job security here. I made a massive error coming here and it has cost us financially returning! It is like this place is 20 years behind the rest of the world (some may like this attitude and out look on life). On the positive, rush hour doesn’t happen, clean air and amazing places to visit. I guess we all need to know what is important in life before we make any jumps. For us job’s are important and that’s why we are considering either returning to the UK or mainland Aust.

  • Peter Last January 25, 2016, 3:21 pm |

    Great site with lots of info.

    After working and living in various countries I visited Australia looking for a place to retire to. After spending time in each state of Australia I decided on Tasmania. It has everything I was looking for and I have not been disappointed. (Unlimited entry to MONA is free for residents of Tasmania).

    It may be of interest to readers to know that I live close to where the late Peter Wright of Spycatcher fame lived. Peter migrated to Tasmania after retiring as Assistant Director of MI5.

    The UK Government attempted to ban publication of the book in the UK which was seen as the largest market for the book using a court gag order. The current Prime Minister of Australia represented the publisher of Spycatcher and defeated the British Governments gag order in a historic court case.

    Spycatcher went on to be a best seller in the UK and even sold an average of 1,000 copies per day in the US over a 2 year period. Peter Wright died a wealthy man from his book royalties in 1995..

    • BobinOz January 26, 2016, 12:59 am |

      Interesting story about Peter Wright, thanks.

      Sounds as though you have come here from the UK, so I have to ask, how do you think the weather in Tasmania compares with the weather in England? Are they similar, or is one better than the other?

      • Kate February 9, 2016, 12:54 pm |

        The weather in Tasmania is much better than the UK. It gets cold in Winter but then Canberra gets colder. We have intense heat here, Tasmania is directly under the ozone hole so it is stronger than the mainland heat, we just do not get as much as Brisbane , Adelaide or Perth. If you come here in the height of summer you will find you burn quicker. So factor 50 on your next visit Bob.

        • BobinOz February 9, 2016, 8:50 pm |

          I must say, I am looking forward to a summer holiday in Tasmania, but I won’t be putting sunscreen on, I’ve never used the stuff. I’ll wear a hat, sunglasses, and I’ll avoid direct sunlight and walk in the shade whenever I can.

          It’s worked for me for eight years and I’ve never even come close to getting a suntan, well maybe a light tan on my arms, let alone burnt.

          Thanks for clearing up the difference in the weather Kate, it’s sort of what I thought, especially after my middle of winter visit in which the daytime temperatures were pretty good. But then is not hard to have better weather than the UK is it 🙂

      • Peter Last February 16, 2016, 3:43 pm |

        Bob,

        The weather in Tasmania can not be compared with the UK. I am in the south of the state where the daily average number of sunshine hours is 5.9.

        Tasmania reminds me more of England than any other part of Australia.

        I am happy here.

  • Christopher October 31, 2015, 4:19 pm |

    Hi everyone

    I have lived in Australia for over 33 years and lived in all eastern states and even Perth

    I have travelled with work to loads of regional places – all east coast cities and inland towns Mt Isa – chinchilla – Dalby – Moura – Banana region – Cairns etc the list goes on

    Oh when I say regional – I have walked into some bars / restaurants where everyone stared at me as if I got off a space ship – ( all 4 of them )

    Perth WA – I have saw the Pilbara – Kalgoorlie – Karatha – Bunbury etc – bloody Hot I experienced 46oC last Feb in the Pilbara

    Sydney YES beautiful I spent 12 years there – but to me far to busy – try finding a park for your car – House Prices behond Mr & Mrs Average. It’s overdone sorry but you may be a city person so different strokes for different folks

    Victoria – also very nice but not for me – great shops and restaurants and that dress up feel due to the weather – girls love shopping in the fashion capital and the great ocean Rd – beautiful – Bendigo – Ballarat – The Murray River – Melb very flat has it’s between the You Yangs – Dandenongs – Grampians etc

    Brisbane – still a very attractive option house prices still in reach – and close to the water – Gold Coast 75Kms approx down the road and the Sunshine Coast say 85Kms approx north – not to mention the great barrier reef – so if its the weather you want this is called the sunshine state for that reason- but be aware of cyclones – large Hail stones etc around this time of year.

    Now Then – Tasmania – after what I have seen and experienced in other states and my personal opinion vision – that state has everything for me ( I said me ) climate as I am getting tired of sweating like hell, QLD can get hot – and Syd and Melb by the way

    Tassie has that easy drive and park all the required shops infrastructure I need / you need – to me it has that Great Ocean Rd – east coast drive to Hobart – then the wilderness untouched beauty at your doorstep – beautiful terrain – nice size to get some where and back within the day – whereever you live in tassie.

    Parts are like the North QLD – where green meets the Ocean – with choices of beautiful places to fish or picnic or just visit.

    Weather a tad nippy in winter ( I put a jacket on ) then summer is ideal to me –

    Tassie is larger that Austria – Serbia – Czech – Ireland – Sri Lanka and Denmark / Netherlands COMBINED, and tassie being 90,758 Kms 2 – would rank as the 112th largest country if independent from Australia – blame google if these figures are wrong.

    Then last but not least – the mountains that give tassie that beautiful feel with great food and freshness –

    Oh – regarding people – no matter where you live there will always be different types

    I select who I wish to be with – and I can easily ignore those who don’t matter to me.

    Thats my choice in any part of the world –

    Regards Chris

    • BobinOz November 1, 2015, 9:16 pm |

      Hi Chris

      Great roundup of Australia, thanks for taking the time to do it. There’s not much that I disagree with, if anything at all, although your experience of this country is far superior to mine.

      I’ve been to all of those cities, only for short periods Brisbane aside, but I’ve been to very few of those remote places. I have been to Tasmania though, just for six days, it wasn’t enough for me I need to go back sometime.

      And if it wasn’t for the fact that I have come here for the warm weather, I absolutely love the climate in Brisbane, Tassie would probably be my choice, I think it’s got a lot going for it. The downside is finding work, I suspect, but if you can get that sorted then it truly is a beautiful place.

      Sounds like you may be staying put now after all that travelling, it’s nice to find a place that is just right for you and I’m sure your comments will help others find where they want to go as well.

      Cheers, Bob

  • Rose October 19, 2015, 8:04 pm |

    I’m born and bred in Tas…searching for something else and I found this site. Maybe people still read it, I don’t know. It’s a quirky place with a lot of strange town vs town rivalries, slang words, football teams in the smallest excuses for towns, and weird ways of doing things that even Mainlanders don’t know about (we call people from the rest of Australia Mainlanders….in a nice way!)

    Despite what you hear about Tas, it’s not that bad. Imagine if you crossed the rest of the country with Britain, took it back in time 50 years, and added more rain in winter and more sun in summer. That’s what it’s like (we even speak slightly different than the rest). Mostly full of friendly country hicks like myself, and well, there are a small percentage of idiots everywhere. And we have a big advantage over the rest of the country (which I also love)….you can get to the sea in a few hours from wherever you are, and the bush even quicker (if you’re not already in it).

    • BobinOz October 20, 2015, 4:09 pm |

      Good description of Tasmania Rose. I’ve only been over to Tassie once, but I definitely want to go again. It reminded me so much of the Lake District but with the added beauty of being surrounded by water as well.

      For anybody who doesn’t know, the Lake District is probably the UK’s most beautiful location with rolling hills, countryside, and of course, lakes. So, as you can see, I really liked Tasmania.

      • Kate February 17, 2016, 9:13 am |

        Bob

        I’m puzzled by this description, I don’t think it is like the Lake District at all, but I have heard others say that before.
        I see Tasmania has more a bluey green landscape than the UK which has an intense green landscape. I rarely see (if ever) dead trees on the landscape in the Lake District or bark peeling from gum trees. We do however have thousands of daffodils and field after field of pale lilac poppies in Tasmania.

        • BobinOz February 17, 2016, 5:32 pm |

          Well, it looks like the Lake District to me, I certainly didn’t see any daffodils or pale lilac poppies. Then again, I was there in the middle of winter 🙂

      • Rose October 1, 2016, 10:49 pm |

        Yes…I have been to the Lakes District which I loved and found similarities. Of course we have gum trees and natives with different colours than the UK but I found them similar.

        • BobinOz October 2, 2016, 11:05 pm |

          Thanks Rose and you are right, I didn’t notice any gum trees in the Late District either 🙂

  • Janet March 19, 2015, 2:58 pm |

    The countryside is beautiful, but there it stops. There is a lot of brainwashing in Tasmania, particularly about the food, but the reality is that the food is no better than anywhere else. Bogans are in abundance and your neighbours think it is okay to cut down trees on YOUR property for their fire. If you like privacy, forget it, your neighbours will want to know EVERYTHING about you and if you don’t oblige will make things up about you, gossip is the state pastime. Don’t even think about putting up a fence, they will just climb over it. Having lived all over Australia, as well as overseas I believe it to be the worst Australian state, which is such a pity as it has spectacular countryside. And no, I don’t live in an economically deprived area, I live in one of the top suburbs, an eight minute drive into the “city” centre and my neighbours are all educated – teachers, librarians, etc. I wouldn’t wish this place on my worst enemy and am keen to return to the mainland. However, you will be welcome in Tasmania if you come for a vacation because you will be spending lots of money! On that note – make sure you always count your change, as rip-offs are quite common, and always done with a smile.

    • BobinOz March 19, 2015, 9:23 pm |

      Gosh!

    • Tamaresque September 27, 2015, 4:14 pm |

      That is not the norm. Having lived on four continents, including the mainland, I have never felt safer or more welcomed than when I moved to Tassie. I arrived here in 86 from Brisbane, have always lived in the north of the state (Deloraine and Launceston areas) and when I left in 95 for Victoria, I couldn’t wait to get back. I came back in 2001 and I’d guess that I’m here to stay now, although I do dream of warmer weather at this time of year. ☺

      • BobinOz September 28, 2015, 5:49 pm |

        I always think it’s wrong when anybody pigeonholes an entire area as Janet did in her posts. It’s impossible to think that, for example, everyone who lives in Tasmania loves gossip and climbing over fences.

        So is good to hear your side Tamaresque, it balances things up somewhat. Cheers, Bob

        • Janet September 29, 2015, 8:04 am |

          I could send newspaper clippings from The Mercury’s public notices section that shows gossip and slander is common throughout Tasmania. The police even told me that if a neighbour has a grudge against you it is common for the other neighbours to take their side. Unfortunately this is a common occurrence and seems to be directed towards women who live alone, as I do.

          • BobinOz October 1, 2015, 12:40 am |

            Okay, yes, that would be great Janet. I’d love to see proof of other people paying to gossip and slander their neighbours in the local newspaper, sounds fun.

            I think you’ve gone off track a bit about the neighbours taking sides thing, I think that’s common, that happens everywhere. Two neighbours have a row, the other neighbours pick a side, it happens. If they don’t pick you, it means they think the others are in the right.That’s nothing to do with gossip and slander.

            You can send those public notices to bob(at)bobinoz.com, just make the obvious changes to convert that to an email address.

            • Janet October 1, 2015, 3:50 pm |

              You’ve misunderstood Bob, the clippings from The Mercury are from women asking people to stop harassing, slandering them etc (I’m forwarding the cuttings to your email address as you requested). Oh, and there have also been articles in the same paper about “feuding families”! It’s always easy for people to laugh about these things, except when you are the target and feel unsafe in your own home.

              I know several people who’ve returned to the mainland because they disliked the place and others who’ve been here several years and would like to leave but are now unable to afford mainland house prices. Housing is very cheap in Tasmania, which is great if you stay, but prices do not increase very much at all. This is very important to know if you are spending thousands getting here and then want to return to the mainland.

              When considering a move anywhere it is more helpful to know the bad as well as the good so as to make an informed decision. I made the mistake of deciding to move here after enjoying a holiday in Tasmania, when I had such a great time I wanted to stay. So, it’s not all bad, just come for a holiday!

              • BobinOz October 1, 2015, 8:58 pm |

                Yes, sorry Janet, I have misunderstood. Thanks for sending me the clippings, anybody who wants to take a look should click here to enlarge it and then hit the back button in their browser to come back here…

                Clearly something is going on, maybe there is a problem, but of the seven messages only one is dated and that is from 2009. That’s a long time ago and if you’re entire collection has been gathered together from the last six years, then that would make it a relatively small problem. So I have to ask, how long has it taken you to put together these clippings?

                Personally I still find it impossible to believe that this is a massive problem in Tasmania, but clearly it has been a problem to you. Yes, I agree people need to know this sort of thing if it’s going to call similar problem, so maybe some people would like to consider the information you have provided.

                Cheers, Bob

                • Janet October 4, 2015, 1:42 am |

                  Bob, I rarely read The Mercury and 2009 was the first time I’d needed to read the public notices section. I was shocked by the first ad and curious to see if any others appeared. The others I clipped out over the following few months. There have been others, I just didn’t bother clipping any more out. If you really wanted the statistics, perhaps The Mercury could supply you.

                  They are negative, but life is full of negatives and positives.

                  Regards
                  Janet

                  • BobinOz October 5, 2015, 8:35 pm |

                    Thanks for clearing that up Janet, food for thought for anybody, particularly single women, looking to move to Tasmania. If anyone else has had any experience of this kind of thing, we’d love to hear from you.

                    Cheers, Bob

              • Sortinghat January 13, 2016, 8:34 am |

                Did you know you two act like paid political trolls? If yoy think your both being discreet then you are insane! Your open wide as a book for anybody who can spot em.

                Can’t actually be any more open or the entire pages will come off!

                • BobinOz January 13, 2016, 9:43 pm |

                  Sortinghat, did you know you are weird?

            • Rose October 19, 2015, 8:15 pm |

              There are gossips etc everywhere around the world. Most of the people here…myself included…just want to get to know our neighbours. And if you have a story or 2 to tell, then great! We will tell your ours too.

              Ok, so I lived in Queenstown a few years ago, a mining town which is probably most famous for being the worst town in the state. The moment I moved to the town people treated me strangely….wanting to know everything about me, etc. I thought it was horrible, people would stare all the time, couldn’t do anything. Then once I started telling people what I was doing in Queenstown (working in mining), I was welcomed into the community straight away. If you don’t want to talk they think you’re a snob which is wrong, of course, and probably what Janet was experiencing. She’s not a snob but I suppose that’s the idea some people have, especially of Mainlanders who move over and don’t want to talk to us. I’ve lived on the Mainland and have friends from across the world but some people down here don’t understand.

              Most Tasmanians I know hate the Advocate and the Mercury (one is NW Tas, one is South), and no one really takes it as a serious newspaper, it’s more of a local/community paper.

              • BobinOz October 20, 2015, 4:14 pm |

                Interesting counterargument Rose, from another post you made elsewhere I know that you are Tasmanian born and bred, so you do speak from experience.

                Thanks for giving us your opinion on this, certainly something to think about. Cheers, Bob

              • Janet October 21, 2015, 7:46 am |

                People might be interested in checking out tasmaniantimes.com

                • christine January 15, 2016, 10:13 pm |

                  Hi , I just want to say , I to was born and bred in Tasmania although my heritage goes back to the UK and Scotland etc , as a child I hated the Island and always wanted to live in America . When I was in my early 30’s I decided to travel , I have been to all but 8 states of America , all over Australia as well as many many other countries.

                  There is a saying “there is no place like home” Yes we have idiots and crime and gossipers and those who wish to break the law or try to even be the law just like EVERYWHERE else in the world , no place excluded. We do not have 2 heads nor are we inbred. Like many states of Australia we all have our pet names for each state without disrespect. You cannot drive all around Tasmania in a day , you will never see all of Tasmania as some places you just cannot get to , you can drive from one end to the other end in a day and return if your that keen .

                  I often laugh at mainlanders thinking and believing that Tasmania is always wet and cold yet in fact we have more sunshine a year than Queensland , We have more straight sweltering heat than any other state in Australia , where our humidity drops other states humidity grows making it cooler by moisture in the air. We are subject to all the elements even tornados . Tasmania has also been rated for the cleanest air in the world.

                  Yes employment is a bit of a problem but that’s the same most places, house prices are not cheap as we sit along side Sydney in prices , we have some beautiful rolling countryside , we have beaches , caves , canyons, mountains , national parks ,we have plenty of wildlife , we have highlands and snow which can come any month of the year , we don’t spend 1 hour on the road to drive 20 kilometres to work , experience in Victoria . We are a favourite place for tourism and yes many revisit or even move here. We have space and we are not heavily populated .

                  In reference to what Janet was saying , I am a single mother, my children are all grown up now.They lost their father at a very young age. I chose where to bring my children up and like anywhere you may travel to where it be in Tasmania or the mainland Australia or anywhere else in the world, you will always have your bad areas in Tasmania its usually the housing department areas , I’m sorry that would be an Australia wide problem actually global. If you choose to live in an area like that, all I can say is that is your choice , we all have choices. If your experience in Tasmania was all focused on fence climbing and gossip, maybe a suggestion for you is take a road trip and see what beautiful Tasmania has to offer , look for the old miles stones on the roadside , yes there are still some about or those who remember the trip to Hobart with the animals carved in the trees and yes there are still some of those too.or just take a picnic to one of the many waterfalls.

                  In reference to Rose about Queenstown , it is a small mining town at times of the year it has been known to be isolated to the rest of Tasmania , it is a very tight knit community but family values and children are rated very high there. They do it tough to try to get ahead. That is not a crime and yes Rose I agree 100 % with you it’s hard till you are one of them.

                  All in all no matter where you go no matter what you do , you will either like or dislike gel or not. That’s life.

                  For myself and my family Tasmania is our home and here is where we will stay.

    • luke July 12, 2017, 8:22 pm |

      i laughed so hard at this. your not wrong. my neighbour was in my yard the other day cutting down one of our trees. didn’t ask. I’m from Launceston area.

    • Christine November 19, 2017, 4:21 am |

      We spent a few wonderful weeks in Tasmania last year. We are from the UK but have been living in plastic Perth for nearly two decades. If I had my time over again, I would certainly choose to live in Tasmania. It is so beautiful, unspoilt. The food is mostly organic and amazing. All these dumbass jokes about Tasmanians are ridiculous. There are far more bloody bogans in Perth than we ever met there. It is a little piece of paradise, unless of course you are the sort of idiots who want to keep up with the Joneses and buy a tacky Macmansion in Perth.

      • BobinOz November 20, 2017, 7:28 pm |

        I’ll take that as a big thumbs up for Tasmania, and a most definite ‘NO’ vote for Perth 🙂 I do agree though, Tasmania is beautiful, a piece of paradise, unfortunately for me I don’t think I could go back to that kind of colder climate.

        I’ve been spoilt now by the weather here in subtropical Brisbane.

  • Kamma November 2, 2013, 10:01 pm |

    The Danish Crown Princess is from Tassie. Look!
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary,_Crown_Princess_of_Denmark

    • BobinOz November 3, 2013, 9:53 pm |

      Wow! I never knew. Royalty born in Tassie. Step aside Errol, you are no longer needed 🙂

      Cheers Kamma!

      Bob

      • Kamma November 4, 2013, 12:43 am |

        Yup, there’s even a comic about it. http://satwcomic.com/australian-princess
        The Danes really took to her, too.

        You’re welcome. =)

        • BobinOz November 5, 2013, 1:59 pm |

          Ha ha, even the Queen doesn’t have her own comic 🙂

          • Tim November 5, 2013, 7:01 pm |

            Just on the princess, or “our Mary” as we Taswegians call her, everything that she does makes the papers in Tassie. Barely a week goes by without a story of her in the Mercury.

            Kamma that is an awesome comic – thank you!

            • BobinOz November 6, 2013, 3:46 pm |

              A bit like Shane Warne then 🙂

  • Tim July 14, 2013, 11:01 am |

    I’m obviously turning native as I caught myself frustrated at traffic the other day! In “rush hour” in Hobart in the rain I sometimes take over 10 minutes to get home! Shocking!

    For me, Tassie is fantastic and we’ve barely scratched the surface of it. The weather is perfect, a totally different league from UK weather but without the long hot spells of the mainland. The city of Hobart has all that we’d want in it as well. If you travel 5 minutes out of the city you’re in bush – 15 minutes out and you’re in world heritage wilderness.

    I’m glad MONA was mentioned in the comments. MONA more than anything recently has put Tassie and Hobart in particular on the map making Tassie known for more than just the fantastic food, wine and scenery. Oh, and great malt whiskey!

    Tim

    • BobinOz July 15, 2013, 9:34 pm |

      Lucky lucky you! I drove around Tasmania for a week looking for a traffic jam, no luck whatsoever. For the rest of you, I know 10 minutes doesn’t sound like a traffic jam, but to a Tassie, it is!

      Everything is relative.

      I’m a big fan of Tasmania Tim, you will find quite a few articles on this website here and there, I don’t have a bad word to say about the place so I’m not surprised you are loving it there.

      Cheers

      Bob

    • christine January 15, 2016, 10:25 pm |

      Hi Tim , last year I went to Mona with 2 of my daughters as I have 1 living in Hobart now, We caught the boat from constitution docks to Mona and went to the museum, what can I say, it was awesome and very cheap.

      I know right about our traffic jams dang 10 minutes.. lol , I was in a traffic jam in Edinburgh right on the roundabout a street back from Princess Park where my hotel was. I was there for the Military Tattoo. My travel companion from the UK was my navigator who could not read a map so I found out hence my rent a car was left stopped in the traffic jam adding to it while I walked the rest of the way.. later to find out my travel companion could not drive. Oh well what can I say my tolerance was expired after 40 minutes

      And yes we also have whey whiskey and vodka .

    • Kate February 16, 2016, 5:50 pm |

      I’ve travelled a lot and lived in the uk and Melbourne before Tasmania. I found that Melbourne people are very clicky and don’t like to include foreigners even other aussies from other states.. yes they’ll welcome you with open arms if your spending money as a tourist. In contrast Tasmanians welcome us as friends and neighbours and no gossip no fence climbing goes on. Also we have the stunning Cataract Gorge with its open air free to all swimming pool. Yes its the best place I’ve ever lived.

  • Jo Reardon May 9, 2012, 5:45 pm |

    Thanks Bob!

  • Jo Reardon May 1, 2012, 10:32 am |

    Hi Sue,

    I am a relocation agent in Tasmania. We are based in Hobart but cover all of Tassie. We can help you if you decide to move, but am also happy to answer whatever questions you have about our wonderful home state as you plan your move.

    You will find that property prices are pretty good in Tassie, although sadly in the main cities it is not as significantly cheaper than other capitals as it used to be. However there certainly is good value in the market.

    With respect to cost of living, as you have previously lived in Perth you will find many costs to be similar, especially groceries and eating out.

    Electricity is not cheap, but hard to estimate with not knowing the size of property you may end up with. I did have a real estate agent quote $7 per day per person to someone the other day but that sounds rather a lot. Our bill for two people for the past three months was around $350, but we also have gas (which is cheaper) for heating, cooking and hot water which was around $220.

    As you say it is swings and roundabouts. You will save in some areas and spend more in others. Plus your earnings are likely to be different too depending on your field of work.

    I hope that helps a little.

    Jo Reardon
    Settled In Home Search and Relocation Services

    • sue wellby May 8, 2012, 2:24 am |

      Hi Jo

      Thanks for your email. We’re hoping to come to Tassie around this time next year (fingers crossed) and would love to meet you to discuss the whys and wherefors. We have friends in Hobart who we met in Perth and they really do love the lifestyle – we’re hoping to catch up with them too. I don’t know that working is an option as I would like to retire when we do relocate although if there are any opportunities around I would certainly take a look. I’m the PA for a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and have been for 19 years now! Don’t know what if any call there would be for that!

      Will be in touch. Thanks for responding. Best wishes

      Sue

      • Jo Reardon May 8, 2012, 10:56 am |

        Hi Sue,

        Retiring sounds like a wonderful option! Although an experienced PA will be well sought after I am sure.

        The lifestyle is wonderful and the weather is not as bad as the reputation. We have had the most amazing summer and autumn. Although winter is trying hard now and it will be cold again from Saturday – just 12 for a few days! Just make sure you have good heating and you will be right. We put in hydronic (which is everywhere in UK but not as common here) and are loving it. Amazingly many Tassie homes have inadequate heating in my opinion.

        Get in touch if you have any questions and I am more than happy to help out. We can also talk more as your move approached.

        I hope Bob doesn’t mind me saying this… but if you head to our website (click on my name) and sign up to our newsletter you will get news from us each month as well as a checklist that will help with planning the move.

        All the best.
        Jo

        • BobinOz May 8, 2012, 9:40 pm |

          No Jo, I don’t mind you saying it 🙂 In fact I recommend anyone interested in moving to Australia to click on your name to get that checklist.

          Cheers!

        • Kate February 17, 2016, 8:32 am |

          Hi Jo

          We wish we had radiators too, the people before us took out the woodburner but being an asthmatic that would not have been a suitable option for us anyway. Our reverse cycle unit is good but I would love hydronic heating again. Any suggestions on the best place to price up hydronic heating would be welcomed.

          • BobinOz February 17, 2016, 5:21 pm |
            • Kate February 17, 2016, 6:26 pm |

              Well that made me laugh, bet the oven didn’t give off much heat ?
              We had ducted heating in Victoria but i found it gave me a headache, constant heat or air bearing down didn’t agree with me. Another of our homes in Victoria had ducted heating up through the floor, that i found that heaps better, just had the concern that a spider would crawl out. Its a spilt unit we have now but with vaulted ceilings it probably not as efficient as it should be.

              • BobinOz February 18, 2016, 5:53 pm |

                The oven wasn’t very efficient 🙂

                We used to have a very old air-conditioning unit here at our home, about 20 years old or even more I think. It could act as a heater as well, but the heat was horrible, like you say very stuffy and it would give you a headache.

                Just over a year ago we bit the bullet and installed a much more modern ducted system and it’s a world of difference. The heat it gives out is in no way uncomfortable, and it is hugely efficient. It’s hard to imagine any kind of heating system being more efficient than a modern ducted air conditioning unit.

                Of course, it will cost you about $10,500 to install 🙂

  • Joanna October 26, 2011, 10:13 am |

    Bob! Seems you may need some insider knowledge. (Your stats are vastly out of date also – for example, I live in Blackmans Bay/Kingston and the population is 31,500 not 17,000)!
    I am actually moving to the mainland soon, but thought I’d ‘defend’ Tas and give you some info!
    I am a Londoner, but have been in Tassie for 9 years. I am lucky enough to have travelled to around 25 countries in the world, and all over Australia. Hobart is quieter and less populated than most of the other capital cities in Australia, so not for everyone, but I feel I should point out its amazing attributes.

    Food. Tassie is a foodies paradise. Our Atlantic salmon, abalone, scallops, octopus, wild trout and rock lobster are served in the best eateries around the world. Prime cheeses, cool-climate wines and some of Australia’s leading boutique and production beers and whiskies are produced here. Specialist delicatessens selling locally grown wasabi, gourmet sauces, handmade chocolates and fudge, and ice-cream studded with organic berries can also be found in abundance.

    Paul County and Nick Osborne’s Tasmania’s Table – a food lover’s guide to Tasmania’s fine food, drink and restaurants was officially selected as a finalist in The Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards 2010 (Tasting Australia) with six other books, as one of the world’s best food guides. It profiles 50 of Tasmania’s best produce, chefs and restaurants and many producers and includes a regional provedore guide and a dedicated beer and wine guide. http://www.tasfoodbooks.com

    The oldest theatre in Australia is here. http://www.theatreroyal.com.au/

    The $75 million Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened in Hobart in January 2011 to global acclaim. MONA is the only Australian travel experience that offers a vineyard, accommodation, fine dining, wine bar, cellar door tastings, and an internationally significant museum and art gallery.

    Tasmanians breathe in the cleanest air in the world.
    http://www.clickforaustralia.com/Tas_air_quality.htm

    We have some of the world’s last great temperate wilderness, where you’ll discover wildlife, scenery and vegetation unlike anywhere else on earth.

    Recent accolades include:
    World Architecture News: International Hotel of the Year 2011 – Saffire Freycinet Resort
    Australian Gourmet Traveller:
    • Best Adventure Tourism – Cradle Mountain Huts;
    • Best New Hotel, Resort or Lodge – Saffire Freycinet;
    • Standout Australian Travel Experience – MONA Museum of Old and New Art
    National Geographic Magazine: Tasmania – 20 Best Trips of 2011
    Conde Naste Traveller (US): 2010 Gold List – Henry Jones Art Hotel. Named the Top Hotel in Australia, with a score of 93.9%
    The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards 2009: Best Eco-Wilderness Experience – Maria Island Walk.
    The Australian Travel and Tourism Awards 2009: Best Heritage Tourism – Port Arthur Historic Site.
    Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2009: Top Island in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
    Three Tasmanian hotels, Freycinet Lodge, Bay of Fires Lodge and the Henry Jones Art Hotel, have been chosen by Condé Nast Traveller as the best hotels in the world as a part of the magazine’s 2008 Gold List awards.
    Voted World’s Friendliest Island by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, 2001
    Tasmania’s Bay of Fires was named the second most beautiful beach in the world by leading UK travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller.

    But now for some real facts:

    I have a great home with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (I doubt I could never have afforded this in London).
    I can walk to a beautiful beach in about 6 minutes (I walk slowly).
    I work in Hobart and can get there by bus or car in 15 minutes.
    I can walk to a fantastic restaurant on the beach. http://www.thebeachrestaurant.com.au/
    I can walk to some local shops (butcher, post office, bakery, supermarket, gift shop, take away, gift shop etc).
    I have young children and LOVE my childcare centre. It’s a 2 minute drive from work, and I can park outside, free.
    I love Hobart airport. I can check in, relax and get on a plane without any stress, queuing or fuss. There is no walk from car park to terminals, parking is easy, and no walking in the small airport. Easy for kids and older people.
    I can get to Melbourne in 50 minutes. Or to Sydney in 1 hr 20.
    I can afford investments.
    You can get a fantastic salary, what drives it down is the higher unemployment due to some particular catchment areas in very rural areas. Also we have an older population.
    I feel safe.
    Incredibly easy place to live – this could be the number one thing – no stress!
    People are so friendly (this takes some getting used to).

    Anyway, if you have any questions or want to know anything else, please ask. Why do I feel the need to defend somewhere I am leaving? I don’t know! I just do. 
    Love your website – doing some research on Brisbane as we may move there..
    Jo

    • BobinOz November 4, 2011, 9:10 pm |

      Hi Jo

      Well, I don’t quite know what’s gone wrong with those population figures, I got them all from a very reputable source and only a couple of years ago. Blackmans Bay/Kingston hasn’t almost doubled in population in the last two years, has it?

      Anyway, I’m sure you know the population where you live better than I do, and you obviously know Tasmania much better than I do too. So I thank you for this incredible write-up on the state.

      You’ve given us all lots of fantastic information, much of which I can now agree with, having had a weeks holiday in Tassie just a short while ago. Certainly the food is fantastic, we didn’t have a bad meal all week. We also brought home some fantastic spicy Tasmanian salmon, a huge portion which lasted for weeks. Didn’t cost much either.

      We searched the entire state for a traffic jam, just couldn’t find one, and you are spot on about the air. Purist I’ve ever had the pleasure of breathing. And water, well it’s everywhere. Reminded me of the Lake District.

      When I got back from my holidays, I wrote a post about it called Tasmania: What’s the point?

      But don’t be misled by the title. Tasmania? I’m a fan! I will be back for sure.

      Jo, thank you for a great contribution.

      Cheers

      Bob

      • sue wellby April 30, 2012, 12:58 am |

        Hi Bob
        Just found your web site and are now subscribed. Love the info contained! We emigrated to Oz in 1990 and got our citizenship. Had to come back to jolly old UK because of aging parents etc. However, now thinking seriously of coming back to Oz for good and particularly Tassie – we used to live in Perth – seriously too hot! Trying to find out some cost comparisons between UK and Tassie – property prices sound great but surprised about how expensive electricity is – more than we are paying. However, swings and roundabouts. Hope to come down this time next year when hopefully house will be finished renovating and sold – fancy a 250 year old cottage in Nottinghamshire as a holiday home!!!!!
        Thanks to Jo for her blog – really interesting. Cheers, Sue & Martin

        • BobinOz April 30, 2012, 10:09 pm |

          My uncle lived in Nottingham, so I’ve been there a few times. Probably not exactly where I would consider buying a holiday home 🙂

          Yes, it is swings and roundabouts, but I’m pretty sure property prices will more than make up for the expensive electricity. There are always solar panels, I’m sure they have those in Tassie, but you would have to check out how efficient they are. I know they work great here in Queensland.

          Good luck with the move!

        • Kate February 17, 2016, 9:06 am |

          Hi Sue and Martin

          Electricity is expensive here and a constant bone of contention. We are very environmentally friendly as it is hydro, but we sell it to the mainland cheaper than we Tasmanian’s get it. Aurora is our only supplier which is why we have the prices we do, no competition, but it is coming and it will happen in the next few years where other companies will come onto the island to give us a choice. Yes Bob we have solar panels and solar heating and yes it is very efficient. Our summers are very intense the heat is hotter than the mainland it just doesn’t last like that for months on end.

    • Kate February 17, 2016, 8:52 am |

      Hi Jo

      I have to ask, why are you moving after that glowing report?
      I always tell people we have the best of both worlds… a 50 min (and if you time it right a very cheap flight) to Melbourne, do some serious shopping and be back home in time for a late dinner. No commute, no stress of city traffic.
      Quite a few pilots and cabin crew live in the town I live in, we also have a lot who commute to Melbourne but prefer to live here, I mean after all 50 mins by plane is less stressful and quicker. We used to live in Melbourne and my husbands commute could take him 90 mins each way on a good day.

      Cost of living here is a tad higher than the mainland, food is more expensive and as we all know fuel is definitely more costly. Land is cheaper but the cost of building a house isn’t cheap. The Bass Strait is an expensive stretch of water to bring things across.

      During the last census my husband was in Adelaide so his wage figure went into Adelaide’s figures… since we have people commuting to the mainland weekly via fly in fly out etc.. then our figures are going to look poor as they aren’t part of Tasmania’s census.

      Then again if something happened to all the countries in the world tomorrow… I feel pretty sure, we in Tasmania would still be bobbing around in the Bass Strait safe and sound.

    • Christine November 19, 2017, 4:30 am |

      How can you leave? But that is is a pretty dumb question as I left the most perfect place in Sussex to move to bloody Perth? Is it boredom or wanderlust?

  • Dale Reardon September 8, 2011, 1:07 pm |

    Hi,

    Don’t forget we Tasmanians call the rest of Australia the mainland.

    Tassie really does have all the services and facilities it needs and if you want a great lifestyle and a really short commute to work then investigate Tasmania to live.
    Dale.

    • BobinOz September 10, 2011, 12:09 am |

      Short commute? I should think so, you’d be hard pressed to get stuck in a traffic jam anywhere in Tasmania at any time. I don’t think they have them. How cool is that?

      • Kate February 17, 2016, 8:58 am |

        Bob
        From Launceston to Hobart is about 2 1/2 hours drive on highway, you would be lucky if you saw a dozen cars on that trip, but rather than heaps of traffic jams, build up housing estates, factories and lots of exhaust flumes you will encounter some incredible scenery.
        I don’t know of any place to live in Tasmania that has no view of the mountains.

        • BobinOz February 17, 2016, 5:28 pm |

          Hi Kate

          Yes, I’ve driven that road the other way around, from Hobart to Launceston, it’s a wonderful drive. Great scenery, no traffic, clean air, there’s nothing not to like. I can see the attraction, if ever I get bored with the heat in Brisbane, Tasmania would be high on my list as my next option.

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