2008 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Creating new futures: Challenges for today, strategies for tomorrow
28 to 30 August 2008
 

Registration Delegate Information Program Sponsorship General Information Accommodation I am Interested

Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmania has an island population of just under 500,000 and lies about 200km (124 miles) south of the state of Victoria and is separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait.

Tasmania was originally named Van Diemans Land by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642, but it was settled by the British as a penal colony in 1803. At that time it is believed there were about 5000 Aboriginals living on the island with a presence extending back for more than 50,000 years. Convict transportation ceased in 1853. The convicts had provided the main source of building labour in the colony and this heritage is still evident throughout Tasmania today.

Tasmania has a mild maritime climate. Statistically, Hobart has half the rain of Sydney and more sun than Melbourne.

More than 20 per cent of Tasmania has been listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage Area - in recognition of one of the world's great natural and cultural treasures. The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA) is one of the largest conservation reserves in Australia, covering 1.38 million hectares. It conserves a diverse array of both natural and cultural features of outstanding global significance. The region provides pristine habitats for a range of endemic plants and animals, including many rare and endangered species.

The capital city is Hobart with population of 193,000 and an intriguing blend of heritage and lifestyle, scenery and vibrant culture. Hobart is warm sandstone, bright spinnakers on the River Derwent, fish punts at the docks, the slap of halyards on masts, coffee under the striped sun umbrellas of Salamanca, an occasional frosting of snow on Mt Wellington, bush tracks and birdsong. Hobart is a city of history, with gracious homes and buildings, colonial cottages, and warehouses, heritage parks and gardens. It’s a city of bustling markets, a flourishing arts scene, festivals and entertainment, and of fine restaurants. Savour Tasmania’s superb cool-climate wines, famous beers and delicious fresh foods. This compact city combines colonial maritime charm with a cosmopolitan state capital. Established in a glorious setting between Mt Wellington and the calm waters of the Derwent River, Australia's second oldest city is set in a stunning location. Constitution Dock is a great place to see visiting yachts and fishing boats. Salamanca Place has dozens of little shops selling Tasmanian arts and crafts, and hosts the famous Saturday market. Don't miss the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery and take the fifteen-minute walk northwards to the splendid Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Airlines
As the airlines are regularly changing and updating schedules we recommend you check each airlines web site for the best prices and most convenient flights.

 qantas

www.qantas.com.au

 jetstar

www.jetstar.com.au

 virgin blue

www.virginblue.com.au

 tiger airways

www.tigerairlines.com

 tas air

www.tasair.com.au

 

Airport Transfers  
Taxi 131 008 / 132 227
Airport Shuttle Bus
The bus takes 30mins one way and costs $12 per person or $20 return.
0419 382 240 / 0419 383 462

 

Car Rentals  
Avis www.avis.com.au
Budget www.budget.com.au
Europcar www.deltaeuropcar.com.au
Hertz www.hertz.com.au
Thrifty www.thrifty.com.au
 

Travellers' Information

 
Tasmania's South - heritage and wilderness www.tasmaniasouth.com
Tourist information for travellers to Tasmania www.discovertasmania.com
Travellers guide to Tasmanian Quarantine
www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au
Bureau of Meterology
(weather reports etc)
www.bom.gov.au

Experience Tasmania
Tasmania offers some amazing pre and post conference opportunities, so why not consider extending your stay?

Fancy Trout Fishing? The Tasmanian Trout Show will be held from August 30-31.

The fishing competition at Brumby's Creek between weirs two and three is a highlight of the Expo. $10,000 is up for grabs if you can catch the specially tagged wild trout.
There are loads of other great prizes to win also, with many categories including several secret weights, so be sure to bring along your fishing rod and gear, or even buy your gear at the Expo.
Boat accessories, fishing clubs, fishing guides, travel and holiday ideas, fly tying, casting, rod building, environmental displays and information, camping and outdoor gear, clothing, kid's activities, music, bug displays, art and a big fish arcade are just some of the things you will see.
There are regular trout cooking demonstrations and you get to taste the scrumptious results. There is also a fun fashion parade at scheduled times throughout the weekend.
A huge raffle with 17 great prizes and only 5000 tickets so be sure to get in quick - there's an excellent chance you could win!
There were many huge trout caught at last year's event, and the heaviest one was over 5 kg. For more information visit
http://www.tasmaniantroutexpo.com.au.
 

 

Pre- & Post-Conference Tours: Tas Vacations
Tas Vacations can arrange individual pre-conference and post-conference travelling options for you to see Tasmania’s highlights.

Tas Vacations
P: 1800 030 160 (Australia)
P: +61 3 6234 4666 (International)
F: 03 6234 4332
E: holidays@tasvacations.com.au

See Tasmania Card
Enjoy entry to over 60 attractions throughout Tasmania for a single price with Tasmania's smartest all-inclusive attraction pass. The attractions include entry to Port Arthur Historic Site, Huon River Jet Boats, Tahune Forest Airwalk, Gordon River Cruises, Cadbury World, National Parks Day Pass, Tamar River Cruises and much more!

See Tasmania
W: www.seetasmaniacard.com
P: 1300 661 711 (within Australia)
P: + 61 2 9247 6611 (International)
F: 02 9906 4711
E: info@smartvisitsolutions.com

Tasmania Links