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atmosphere quite different from the rest of Australia. Its climate is unpredictable, but
tends to be damper than in most other states, resulting in great tracts of pristine forests
and, at times, raging rivers. It is a popular area for walking, and the Overland Track
between Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair, in particular, is one of the world’s most
famous treks.
In recent years there has been considerable opposition to policies which have included
the extensive logging of irreplaceable virgin forest in Tasmania and the flooding of
forested valleys for the purpose of hydro-electric schemes when the state already has
more than enough electricity to satisfy all its needs.
To reach Tasmania, one may either fly or take a ferry. Flights operate from Melbourne to
Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie, and from Sydney to Hobart and Launceston.
There is also a weekly service from Adelaide to Launceston. Island Airlines operates
flights from Melbourne and Traralgon to Launceston via Flinders Island, which will give
an additional interesting stop. Note, however, that Island Airlines flies from Essendon
Airport, not from the principal Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine.
The main ferry service now consists of two vessels, Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of
Tasmania II, one of which sails every night from Melbourne to Devonport. At peak times
there are additional daytime sailings. These are large ships which are comfortable and
reasonably fast. The crossing takes approximately ten hours. There is also a Devil Cat
fast catamaran service which takes six hours from Melbourne to George Town, north of
Launceston.
Travel within Tasmania is by bus. There used to be a daily passenger rail service between
Smithton and Hobart via Launceston, but it was abandoned many years ago now, just as
the Hobart suburban rail services were also eliminated. There are two principal bus
companies, TassieLink and Tasmanian Redline.
Burnie
Burnie is a favourite holiday destination in Tasmania as it is located on Emu Bay.
Burnie's main industry is paper and is known to be Australia's largest papermaker, with
the mill in the town. Burnie is also a popular seaport and it is located 326km northwest of
Hobart.
Burnie Park
Burnie's oldest building can be found in this park, it is known as the Burnie Inn and was
built in 1847. There is also a creek the runs by the park and plenty of green picnic areas
and shady spots here. North Terrace.
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