Tasmania is that quirky little appendage dangling off the bottom of Australia like a forgotten cufflink.
Some Aussies might even tell you it’s not part of the mainland, and while it’s true that it’s separated by the Bass Strait, it’s still very much a part of the continent.
Tasmanian Names
Let’s start with the names. Australians are known for their creativity when it comes to place names, but Tasmania takes the cake, or perhaps the dismal, swampy pie.Take Dismal Swamp. Just the name is enough to make you want to give it a miss, isn’t it? But there it is, 32 kilometres southwest of Smithton on the Bass Highway, sulking away as the largest sinkhole in the Southern Hemisphere.
Poor John Helder Wedge, the government surveyor who christened it in 1828 after spending a particularly damp night in the area, probably didn’t have the best of dreams, unless he was dreaming of naming places to keep tourists at bay.
And then there’s Eggs and Bacon Bay in the Huon Valley. It sounds like something you’d find on a diner menu rather than a map, and according to urban legend, Lady Jane Franklin herself named it after her favourite breakfast.
But the truth is slightly less amusing; it’s actually named after a wildflower from the pea family.
Lower Crackpot Village
Then there’s Lower Crackpot Village, a name that suggests some sort of Monty Python-esque town of the absurd and you wouldn’t be far off.This destination, also known as the “Promised Land,” is home to smurf-like cottages and fairytale architecture that look like they’ve been plucked from the pages of a children’s book.
It’s also home to one of the largest mazes in the world, perfect for losing both your way and your sanity.
If you’ve ever wanted to stand at the edge of the world, Tasmania’s got you covered. The Edge of the World is aptly named because once you look out over the coastline, there’s nothing but ocean until you hit Argentina.
Hell’s Gates
And let’s not forget Hells Gates, a name that conjures up images of fire, brimstone, and possibly a few lost souls.This treacherous entrance to Macquarie Harbour got its name not just because of the dangerous waters but also due to the hellish conditions of the penal colony once located there.
Wombat Walkers
But names aren’t the only oddities Tasmania has to offer. The island state recently ran a tourism campaign that practically begged you to come and indulge in some unpaid, peculiar local work.Truffle Snufflers
Or perhaps truffle snuffling is more your speed. You could tag along with a pack of eager truffle dogs, sniffing out those precious black winter truffles among the oak trees. And don’t worry, you get to sample the goods, just to make sure they’re up to snuff.Paranormal Investigators
Feeling brave? Why not try your hand at being a paranormal investigator? You’ll spend the night in the maximum-security ward at Willow Court, one of Australia’s oldest asylums, armed with the latest ghost-hunting gadgets.Who knows what, or who you might encounter?
Other intriguing roles include wine whisperer, cave conductor, oyster organiser, and sauna stoker; each one as peculiar and charming as Tasmania itself.
So, if you’re looking for a destination where the names are odd, the jobs are odder, and the experiences are unforgettable, Tasmania might just be your promised land, assuming you can find your way out of the maze.
