Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. Located around 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania is often overlooked in favour of Australia’s bigger and busier cities in other states. With its sleepy towns, old-world architecture and mountainous landscapes, the island state of Tasmania (also known as ‘Tas’ or ‘Tassie’) offers a welcome change of pace. Tasmania consists of more than 300 different islands, with the main island occupying the majority of the state’s total land cover.
From the historic capital, Hobart, to the picturesque city of Launceston and the coastal towns of Devonport and Burnie, Tasmania will continue to surprise you the more you get to know this part of Australia. Let’s start here!
Affordable cost of living
The state of Tasmania offers major cost-saving benefits without sacrificing any quality of life. Tasmania offers the most affordable housing in all of Australia with the average rental prices in Hobart being about 40% cheaper than in Sydney, while the purchase price per square metre is as much as 70% lower. If you’re looking to buy property in Australia, the Tasmanian cities of Hobart and Launceston are great options, especially for first-time homebuyers.
The overall cost of living in Hobart and the rest of Tasmania is also favourable with lower prices for groceries, dining out, clothes, entertainment and public transport than what you will find in major capitals like Sydney and Melbourne. The affordability of life in Tasmania compared to the rest of Australia makes it an increasingly popular relocation destination for people who want to trade metropolitan life for the peace and quiet of this island state.
Laidback way of life
As the smallest state of Australia, Tasmania has a modest population of just over half a million people — equating to about one-tenth of the number of residents living in Sydney and Melbourne. With a total population of about 200,000 people, Hobart is unlike any other Australian capital city. The easygoing lifestyle found in Hobart and the rest of Tasmania resembles that of a countryside town rather than the big city rush. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is definitely the place for you if you want to escape the fast-paced city life and embrace a life where nature lives on your doorstep. The friendly and hospitable locals will quickly make you feel at home, especially after your first Aussie barbeque experience!
Easy to navigate
Tasmania’s smaller population has several other benefits to effect — lower crime rates, lower pollution levels, less traffic, shorter commutes to work, unspoilt natural environments, and overall happier citizens with reduced levels of stress. Traveling around the state is fairly easy and affordable. Hobart has a smooth-running public transport system with buses and taxis serving the CBD and surrounding suburbs. Many people living in the central part of the city get around by walking or cycling to work or class since the distances are so short. Hobart and Launceston are well-connected to mainland Australia via commercial flights of around only two hours, and passenger ferries travel between Devonport and Melbourne daily.
Unique arts and culture
Since the state is separated from the rest of Australia, it comes as no surprise that Tasmanians have developed a unique local culture of arts, music and food unlike anywhere else in the country. Inspired by nature and undistracted from their work, artists flourish in Tasmania! To experience the island’s creative charm first-hand, be sure to pay a visit to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, a stunning exhibition museum that houses one of the largest private art collections in the world.
Highlights on the annual cultural calendar include the Devonport Jazz Festival, the Taste of Tasmania food festival, the Dark Mofo arts and music festival hosted by MONA, and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Foodies will have a blast discovering the artisanal culinary scene in Tasmania. Between the farmers markets, locally grown organic produce, fresh seafood and world-class wineries, you’ll never be stuck for dinner ideas. Hobart, in particular, also has a thriving cafe culture, home to some of Australia’s best barista talent and biggest coffee lovers. If you’re looking for an easy way to meet people in your new town, just head over to the nearest coffee shop!
Breathtaking natural sceneries
Tasmania is known for its stunning landscapes — the lush mountains, ancient forests, mighty rivers, sandy beaches, and rich animal and plant life. The northwest region of the main island harbours some of the largest and last remaining temperate forests of the southern hemisphere. If you want to go off the beaten track and discover the beauty of Australia’s lesser-known natural sites, Tasmania promises a lifetime of adventures and moments of awe. You’ll find animals here that you’ve never even seen before since they have become extinct on the mainland of Australia. Tasmania’s temperate climate creates the ideal conditions for exploring all that the island has to offer. With four distinct seasons ranging from sunny summers to snowy winters, there is a time of year for every kind of outdoor adventure.
Easier visa applications
On a final note of good news, Tasmania is an excellent destination for international relocation since the state may offer easier application processes for permanent residency in Australia. Tasmania welcomes unique skills and provides ample opportunities to apply for skilled nominated visas. The smaller pool of professional competition could also work to your advantage when applying for jobs in Tasmania. In addition, cities like Hobart and Launceston are particularly popular among international students since the Australian student visa allows up to 40 hours of part-time work per fortnight. So, have you packed your bags yet?
Need relocation assistance or property management services in Tasmania? Discover our relocation services and corporate relocations today! Reach out to Claymore Thistle today to book your free consultation!
