Tasmania (TAS), or “Tassie” to locals, is Australia’s smallest state. Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, it has a population of approximately 573,000 as of September 2023. This island is renowned for its rugged mountainous terrain, with twenty percent of its land covered by national parks and pristine wilderness. Tasmania achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to attain net zero emissions, solidifying its position as a global leader in climate change mitigation. Tasmanians enjoy some of the cleanest air, purest water, and freshest food. The Tasmanian lifestyle emphasizes quality, and appreciation for the island’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Tasmanian cities strike a balance: they are not overcrowded, allowing residents to feel connected to the community, yet they offer all the conveniences of a city.
More than 15,000 international students have chosen Tasmania as their study destination in Australia. Here, they benefit from world-class Australian education, modern facilities, vibrant and safe cities, all of which open doors to lifelong opportunities. Many Tasmanian companies offer graduate programs for international students. Since Tasmania is considered a regional area, there are available pathways to stay longer after graduation.
This is Australia’s fourth oldest university with a reputation for
exceptional teaching, learning and research. It earned a high global ranking in the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings in 2022 and 2023.
This is Tasmania’s leading vocational institution and one of the 10 largest registered training organisations in Australia. It delivers over 200 nationally accredited vocational education qualifications across 16 specialized campuses spread throughout Tasmania.
Aside from TasTAFE, Tasmania hosts several other Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) that provide vocational studies, equipping students with practical skills and knowledge for success.
In 2021, Greater Hobart’s population increased by 1,200 people (0.5%) while the rest of Tasmania increased by 940 (0.3%). The top 10 countries of birth included England, China, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Scotland, USA, Netherlands, and South Africa.
In Greater Hobart, the median age was 38.8 years, which is younger than the rest of Tasmania (44.7 years). Tasmania had a lower percentage of people aged 20 to 44 (31%) compared to the national average (35%), indicating that young adults seek educational and job opportunities in other states. Conversely, Tasmania had a higher proportion of people aged 55 and over (34%) than the Australian average (29%), suggesting an influx of older adults relocating to the state.
In Hobart, the sex ratio is 95.8 males per 100 females, indicating a female majority. However, in the rest of Tasmania, males slightly outnumber females at a ratio of 100.4. The areas with the highest male populations include Risdon Vale (126.6 males per 100 females) in Hobart’s north-eastern suburbs (which houses male correctional centers), as well as Central Highlands (120.7 males per 100 females) and Derwent Valley (118.5), both located in regional Tasmania.
Hobart
It is Tasmania’s capital and Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney. Nestled near charming regional towns and scenic wine trails, Hobart offers a cosmopolitan vibe to locals and tourists. A couple of popular spots are the underground Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) which is the largest privately funded museum in the Southern Hemisphere, and the famed Salamanca Market which has been delighting visitors every Saturday for over half a century.
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Launceston
Located north of Tasmania, this city sits at the meeting point of the North Esk and South Esk Rivers, forming the River Tamar estuary. It is Tasmania’s second most populous city after Hobart. The city was designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021.
Devonport
Tasmania’s third largest city is a port city situated at the mouth of the Mersey River on the northwest coast. Home Hill is a famous landmark, which is the National Trust-listed family residence of Australia’s 10th Prime Minister Joseph Lyons and his wife Dame Enid Lyons (the first woman elected to Australia’s federal parliament). Visitors can also explore the Don River Railway on the outskirts of Devonport, admire the candy-striped Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, and take a sail on the Julie Burgess ship.
Burnie
This is the fourth largest city in Tasmania that serves as a major port for northwestern agricultural and mining industries. Some of the city’s famous landmarks are the Burnie Inn which stands as the city’s oldest colonial building within Burnie Park, the Little Penguin Observation Centre, and Hellyers Road Distillery.
Because of its surrounding oceans, Tasmania enjoys refreshing maritime weather. Unlike the scorching heat experienced in many parts of Australia or the deep-freeze winters of the northern hemisphere, Tasmania maintains a moderate climate. During summer, the average temperature hovers around 23°C but can occasionally reach the high 30s. Festivals such as Hobart’s Taste of Summer, Launceston’s Festivale, and the Mona Foma festival enliven the season. In winter, maximum temperatures range from 3 to 11 degrees. The highland peaks, including Mount Wellington near Hobart and Ben Lomond near Launceston, receive snow during this season.
In 2021, based on the responses of employed people aged 15 years and over:
The top 5 occupations in TAS are professionals, technicians and trades workers, community and personal service workers, managers, and clerical and administrative workers.
The top 5 industry of employment are hospitals (except psychiatric hospitals), other social assistance services, supermarket and grocery stores, aged care residential services, and primary education.
The median weekly income is $701 for personal, $1,720 for family, and $1,358 for household.