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History & Heritage
Brief History of Tasmania
An Island is Formed
The island of Tasmania was created approximately 12,000 years ago when the great ice caps melted and the seas rose to separate Tasmania from mainland Australia. Aborigines had been living in the region for over 23,000 years (approximately 35,000 years ago) before their isolation from mainland indigenous communities. More.
The Great Race
In 1642 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European to sight Tasmania and named the island Van Diemen’s Land. The French were visitors to the island in 1772, followed by the English one year later. The legendary Captain James Cook stopped by to replenish supplies in 1777 after circumnavigating Antarctica.
To prevent the French from gaining a footing, the first English settlement was established at Risdon Cove in 1803. It proved to be an unsuitable site owing to lack of fresh water and a poor landing place; in 1804, the settlement moved across the River Derwent to Sullivans Cove, where the city of Hobart is today. More.
Island Incarceration
Named after the British statesman Lord Robert Hobart, Hobart Town became the capital of Tasmania in 1825 and was chartered as a city in 1857. Transportation ceased in 1853, after more than 74,000 convicts had been sent to the island. The still-fledgling colony’s parliament changed the name to Tasmania in 1856. More.
A state called Tasmania
In 1901 Tasmania became a state of the Commonwealth of Australia under Federation. The industries of mining, forestry and agriculture contributed to the state’s early economy and continue to be an important part of the island’s rich cultural heritage. Tasmania was once one of the most important whaling fleet homeports in the world. Today it is an active participant in the conservation of the unique marine environment surrounding it. More.
Aboriginal Heritage
Aboriginal people first arrived in Australia at least 50,000 years ago.
Convict Past
Tasmania’s convict past was once considered a regrettable taint on the island’s early history.
Ancient Gondwana
Gondwana was the great southern landmass that formed over 250 million years ago.
European Discovery
In 1642, Dutch captain Abel Tasman was sent to explore southern waters in search of gold.
Antarctic Connections
Tasmania’s geographic relationship with Antarctica spans at least 600 million years.
Modern History
A timeline of events in modern history.
