Ready to Make it Tasmania?
Things to know when you are ready to make the move
Tasmania’s lifestyle is the envy of many; with vibrant and welcoming communities and a wide range of opportunities, matched with short commutes, affordable property and a low cost of living. All of this means you can do more and still have the time and space to do what you love.
It’s a short trip
Tasmania is Australia’s only island state, and it is just a hop, skip and jump to get here. It’s a short flight taking just over an hour from Melbourne to the Launceston Airport in the State’s North, Devonport Airport or Burnie Airport in the North West or Hobart International Airport in the South.
Despite being an island, you can easily drive here. The Spirit of Tasmania offers a ferry service between Melbourne and Devonport, on Tasmania’s North West Coast. Regular sailings mean you can load up the car, moving truck or shipping container and bring everything with you. Information on rates and sailing schedules are available online.
Our regions
Tasmania’s major population centres are Hobart in the South, Launceston in the North and Burnie and Devonport in the North West.
Nestled between kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the Derwent River is Hobart, the State’s capital city. With its captivating history, picturesque waterways, rugged mountains and gourmet experiences, the city is a great place to work, shop, explore, dine and live. Hobart is the place to explore the converted colonial warehouses of Salamanca on a Saturday at Salamanca Market, visit Tasmania’s oldest brewery – Cascade Brewery – established in 1824 and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – or jump on a ferry to the museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
Salamanca Market. Photo credit: Poon Wai Nang
South of Hobart is the picturesque D’Entrecasteaux Channel; the fertile soils of the Huon Valley with vineyards and orchids nestled side-by-side; and the clear waters and stunning coastline of Bruny Island, where you’ll find locally produced wine, cheese, seafood and much more.
East of Hobart is the vineyards and gourmet experiences of the Coal River Valley on the way to the Georgian town of Richmond; the heritage listed former convict prison at Port Arthur; and the Tasman National Park with its spectacular coastline and convict sites.
Richmond Bridge. Photo credit: Poon Wai Nang
Tasmania’s North is home to historic streetscapes and heritage estates, fresh produce, cool-climate wines and scenic farmland with lavender plantations, vineyards, berry farms and orchards. The second largest city in Tasmania, Launceston has many well preserved Victorian, Georgian and Federation style houses as well as art-deco architecture. There’s also a touch of wilderness with Cataract Gorge just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre. Launceston is the place to see the Hawthorn AFL team in action; Boag’s Brewery, founded in 1883; and Australia’s largest regional museum – the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Launceston is also the gateway to the Tamar Valley Wine Route and the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.
Launceston CBD. Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett
The region’s historic towns – such as Evandale, Ross and Campbell Town – offer a snapshot of Tasmania’s colonial and convict history, and its national parks – such as narawntapu National Park and Mt William National Park – provide countless opportunities to witness Australia’s unique wildlife and idyllic landscapes. A short 35 minute flight from Launceston Airport will land you on Flinders Island, where you can witness long deserted beaches and jagged mountains that jut from the wild ocean.
Mt Strzelecki on Flinders Island. Photo credit: Stu Gibson
On the North West Coast of Tasmania sits Devonport – a coastal city located on the Mersey River. Devonport enjoys river, ocean and mountain views, and hosts the passenger ships connecting Tasmania to Melbourne, the Spirits of Tasmania I and II. Devonport offers something for art lovers at the Devonport Regional Art Gallery or a touch of nature at the Tasmanian Arboretum (tree garden) just outside the city.
Burnie is also situated on the North West Coast, nestled around Emu Bay with a stunning outlook across Bass Strait, and is home to the State’s key container freight port. The city has an industrial past, but has reinvented itself and offers a vibrant mix of shops and eateries serving up fresh coffee, seafood and local produce. There is also the nearby Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden for those searching for a brief escape in nature.
Burnie waterfront. Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania/Bob Iddon
Tasmania’s North West is becoming increasingly known for its advanced manufacturing capability. The region also offers countless opportunities to take in the spectacular scenery and enjoy world-class local produce. A taste of the natural beauty the North West has to offer includes Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, home to the Overland Track and Cradle Mountain; Mount Roland near Sheffield; the Table Cape Tulip Farm near Wynyard; and the Nut at Stanley. Witness Tasmania’s tallest waterfall – Montezuma Falls – an easy three-hour return walk from Williamsford, or the State’s longest beach – Ocean Beach – an uninterrupted expanse of sand stretching for over 30 kilometres between Trial Harbour and Macquarie Heads.
The Tarkine Forest. Photo credit: Pete Harmsen
The region is also home to the Tarkine Forest, the greatest expanse of cool-temperate rainforest in Australia, which is noted for its beauty and natural values, with strong links to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. King Island is located off the North West Coast and is surrounded by a rugged coastline with fresh seafood and world-famous produce – a short 40 minute flight from Burnie Airport.
King Island coastline. Photo credit: Tourism Australia/Graham Freeman
Make it Tasmania
Here at Make it Tasmania you’ll find heaps of stories about people, opportunities, activities and what’s happening in the State.
Meet the inspirational people behind some of our businesses or browse through snapshots of our unique lifestyle through the eyes of people living it. Amongst our growing list of stories you’ll also find information on employment and education opportunities.
Handy things to know
Tasmania has four distinct seasons, which makes for fantastic growing seasons, wines, scenery and experiences on offer throughout the year. Find out more about our climate here.
Need some help with the practicalities? Service Tasmania is the place for you, it’s the one stop shop for Tasmanian Government transactions, services and information.
Planning on driving? Find information on licensing, vehicle registration and much more.
As an island state, Tasmania is big on keeping the island pest and disease free. Check this handy guide on what things you can and can’t bring with you.
Need some information on skilled and business migration visa? – Migration Tasmania is the place for you.
Thinking about studying in Tasmania? For international students Study Tasmania provides information on the full range of courses available in the State.
Making the move from interstate – from childcare to Vocational Education Training (VET) and university, find the place for you.
When your move is booked Discover Tasmania can help you start planning your weekend adventures.
Feeling inspired by our stories featuring local businesses and the people behind them? Find the resources you need to make your business idea a reality at Business Tasmania.
If investment is more your style the Office of the Coordinator-General will help you on your way.
Doing some sums and have questions about taxation in Tasmania? Visit here.
Visit Transport Tasmania for information on getting around. You’ll find information on transport, registering your vehicle, licensing, road safety, and much more.
Moving in?
Some handy things to know when it’s time to find a house and turn on the power.
Looking to rent or buy a house? Pop by a local real estate office if you’d like to talk to someone face-to-face. There are also great resources and property listings available online – for a start try realestate.com.au or Domain. Please also have a look at this advice from Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading regarding things to think about when buying or selling property, and the Tenants Union of Tasmania provides information and advice when renting a property.
Retail electricity services in Tasmania are currently provide by Aurora Energy. Find more information online or phone 1300 12 2003.
Reticulated natural gas is available in selected areas. To connect to the pipeline visit:
LPG bottled gas is also available throughout Tasmania. Use your favourite internet search engine to find a supplier near you.
To setup internet services you can find a list of National Broadband Network service providers here. For other internet services, your favourite internet search engine is a handy way to find a service provider.
Water and sewage services in Tasmania are provided by TasWater. Find them online or phone 13 6992.
Keep in touch
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If you’ve already made the move, started an exciting business venture here, or if you just have a great story about your life in Tasmania to share, we want to hear from you.