Located just south of mainland Australia, Tasmania is an island state that often surprises people with its vastness and diversity. Though it may appear small on a map when compared to the Australian continent, Tasmania is actually quite expansive, boasting rugged mountain ranges, lush rainforests, sprawling farmlands, and long stretches of coastline. Its size, geographic variety, and rich ecosystems make it a place worth understanding more deeply not just in physical dimensions, but in terms of what that space encompasses.
Geographic Size of Tasmania
Land Area in Square Kilometers
Tasmania covers approximately 68,401 square kilometers. This makes it the 26th largest island in the world by land area. Although that might not seem immense compared to continents or larger countries, it is significant enough to house a wide range of landscapes and climates within a single state.
Comparison to Other Regions
To understand how big Tasmania is, it’s helpful to compare it to some other places
- Tasmania is roughly the same size as the Republic of Ireland.
- It is slightly smaller than Sri Lanka but larger than Switzerland.
- In the United States, Tasmania is comparable in size to the state of West Virginia.
These comparisons show that while Tasmania is often seen as a remote or small” region, its size is more substantial than many realize.
Islands Surrounding Tasmania
Beyond the Mainland
The 68,401 square kilometers that make up Tasmania include more than just the main island. The state of Tasmania also includes more than 300 smaller islands. Some of the most well-known are
- Bruny Island
- King Island
- Flinders Island
- Maria Island
These islands contribute additional land and add to the biodiversity and cultural significance of the state.
Island Distribution
The majority of these islands are uninhabited, serving as nature reserves, breeding grounds for seabirds, or remote spots accessible only by boat or small plane. Together, they extend Tasmania’s total land area and environmental footprint far beyond the main island itself.
Population vs. Land Size
Low Density
Despite its large physical area, Tasmania has a relatively small population. As of recent estimates, it has just over 540,000 residents. This leads to a very low population density of around 8 people per square kilometer. In contrast, the Australian national average is more than three times higher.
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
Most of Tasmania’s population is concentrated in the cities of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and Burnie. Large portions of the island remain undeveloped, protected as national parks or used for agriculture and forestry. This adds to Tasmania’s reputation as a pristine and wild landscape.
Geographic Features That Define Size
Mountain Ranges and Highlands
Tasmania’s landmass is characterized by dramatic geographic features that add depth to its size. The Central Highlands and Western Mountains, including Mount Ossa the state’s highest point at 1,617 meters create barriers that affect climate and travel.
National Parks and Wilderness
A large percentage of Tasmania’s land is preserved in national parks and wilderness areas. These include
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
- Freycinet National Park
- Southwest National Park
These protected zones are not only vital for wildlife and natural preservation but also represent land area that is largely untouched by urban development, contributing to the perception of Tasmania as vast and wild.
Coastline and Beaches
Tasmania has over 4,800 kilometers of coastline. That’s an impressive number considering its overall land area. This lengthy and varied coastline includes cliffs, sandy beaches, estuaries, and rocky shores, making the island feel even larger due to its geographic complexity.
Traveling Across Tasmania
Driving Distances
Driving from one end of Tasmania to the other can give a strong sense of its actual size. For example
- Hobart to Launceston about 200 km (2.5 hours)
- Hobart to Strahan (west coast) about 300 km (4.5 hours)
- Launceston to Devonport about 100 km (1.5 hours)
These distances are moderate, but because roads wind through mountainous terrain and forested regions, travel can feel much longer than it appears on the map.
Air Travel
Even though Tasmania is an island, it’s easily accessible by air. Flights from mainland cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane regularly land in Hobart and Launceston. Air travel helps bridge the geographic separation, but once within Tasmania, land travel can take time depending on one’s destination.
Environmental Importance of Its Size
Ecological Diversity
The variety of landscapes across Tasmania’s landmass results in a wide range of ecosystems. These include alpine environments, rainforests, heathlands, wetlands, and dry sclerophyll forests. Many species found here are endemic, meaning they exist nowhere else on Earth.
World Heritage Areas
More than 20% of Tasmania is listed as World Heritage Area due to its outstanding natural values. This includes unique geology, rare species, and ancient ecosystems. The size of Tasmania is crucial in supporting this ecological richness, allowing for large tracts of protected land that support conservation and scientific research.
Cultural and Economic Implications of Size
Agriculture and Forestry
The spacious landscapes of Tasmania support major agricultural industries, such as sheep grazing, dairy farming, and apple orchards. The island is also known for its wine production and specialty crops. In addition, sustainable forestry plays a large role in the economy.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
With so much space and natural beauty, Tasmania attracts tourists interested in hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring. The size of the island offers room for multiple experiences coastal drives, mountain treks, and cultural festivals all within a single trip.
So, how big is Tasmania? In absolute numbers, it spans about 68,401 square kilometers. But in terms of environmental variety, cultural richness, and geographic importance, its size goes beyond simple figures. Tasmania’s physical area supports ecosystems found nowhere else, offers open space for both people and wildlife, and contributes significantly to Australia’s natural and cultural identity. It may be a single island state, but its scale is far from modest. Whether explored for science, nature, or travel, the size of Tasmania offers a world of experiences waiting to be discovered.