Daniel Smith: Appeal of Tasmania easy to see despite confronting climate change effects

Holidaying in Tasmania over the school holidays revealed a beautiful and unique part of Australia to us.

From the coastline of Bruny Island to the top of Cradle Mountain and the snow fields of Ben Lomond, the natural environment was stunning.

Our close-up encounters with whales, seals, dolphins, wombats, wallabies, echidnas, quolls and the Tasmanian devil will never be forgotten.

Sadly, we couldn’t take a holiday from climate change, learning how rising temperatures and declining rainfall in Tasmania were impacting these species. In this context, it was refreshing to see the Tasmanian Liberal government talking up its 100 per cent renewable electricity achievement while boasting lower electricity prices than mainland states.

As West Australians, the absence of cranes in the built environment was puzzling, and it was clear that Tasmania operated at a different pace than we were used to.

But, being happily served by locals in tourism and hospitality was a pleasant throwback to pre-boom Perth.

Our visit to MONA was definitely worth it. However, the limited First Nations content in this and other tourism experiences was confronting, and made us even more appreciative of the continuing cultures we have in WA.

Across Tasmania, you have to remain vigilant not to be trampled by power walking mainland retirees who now call the state home.

But, after two weeks of unwinding and enjoying the amazing local wines and cuisine on offer, we got the appeal.

Daniel Smith is executive chair of ReGen Strategic.