A place of remarkable beauty and wild terrain. This southern island was unknown to the outside world until 1642, when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman first reported sighting this land.
It wasn't uninhabited though, its indigenous people had lived in this place for thousands of years as its respectful custodians.
In 1803, the island was colonised by the British, and would become the primary penal colony in Australia. Over the next 50 years, some 75,000 convicts were transported to Van Diemen's Land.
To a mysterious land they were sent, these convicts of the British Empire. Across the sea they travelled, in wooden boats across the globe. If the journey didn't claim them, south of mainland Australia they arrived, on the isle of Van Diemen's Land.
Guilty and innocent alike, horrific acts or nonsense matters - they all paid a price the same, with hard time on Van Diemen's Land. Of those that lasted, some would settle - forging a new life in Van Diemen's Land.
Penal transportation was eventually abolished in 1853 and Van Diemen's Land was officially renamed 'Tasmania' on 1 January 1856 - in honour of its first European discoverer.
Despite the change of name, this island still has strong roots in its convict history. This heritage is visible in many places, such as the hand carved convict bricks that still form the walls of many old buildings.
The Australian state of Tasmania is home to temperate rainforests, stunning beaches and captivating landscapes.
World famous for its incredible food and drinks - Tasmania is a paradise for lovers of gourmet produce.
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