Our State
Tasmania is an island positioned within the 40º and 43.5º South latitudes, with no inland place further than 115km from the ocean. Its
climate is classified as temperate maritime. The daily temperature range inland can be much greater than the coastal temperature range,
indicating a slight continental effect. Tassal's sea farms are located South of the State's capital city, Hobart.
Prevailing westerly winds produce a higher degree of cloudiness and rainfall in winter and early spring, with the heaviest rainfall
distribution being recorded in the west and north-west. Summers are mild, characterised by long days of approximately 15 hours of
daylight, with the sun reaching a maximum elevation of 73º. The sun's elevation in mid-winter does not exceed 23º, and the shortest day
consists of approximately 9 hours of sunlight.
Mean Daily Temperatures for Hobart
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Maximum (c) |
21.5 |
21.6 |
20.1 |
17.2 |
14.3 |
11.8 |
11.5 |
12.9 |
15.0 |
16.9 |
18.6 |
20.2 |
| Minimum (c) |
11.7 |
11.9 |
10.7 |
8.9 |
6.9 |
5.1 |
4.4 |
5.1 |
6.3 |
7.7 |
9.2 |
10.7 |
Tasmania's wilderness is one of the very few wild places left in the world, and one of only three large temperate wilderness areas
remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a pristine area of mighty rivers, rugged mountains and stunning natural beauty. The
international significance of this wilderness has been judged by the World Heritage Committee as one of our planet's great natural and
cultural treasures, worthy of being protected for all time. The island is also home to many unique animals, including the Tasmanian
Devil.
Tasmania's three largest national parks were first placed on the World Heritage List in 1982. Additions in 1989 extended the area
protected under this UNESCO convention to almost 1.4 million hectares - more than one-fifth of Tasmania. The area is carefully managed
to ensure impact from visitors is minimal.
As well as enjoying and protecting the wilderness, we have a duty to understand it. Only through understanding the natural world can we
appreciate its role in our survival. The wilderness is the ultimate benchmark against which the effects of human activities elsewhere
can be measured.
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