King Island is one of the islands that make up the state of Tasmania. It is located in Bass Strait, off the north-western tip of the main island of Tasmania, about half way between Tasmania and Victoria. The island is named for Governor King of New South Wales, whose territory at the time included what is now Tasmania.
History of King Island
King Island is believed to have been first seen by Europeans in 1800 by the crew of the schooner Martha, and during the following year was visited by the crew of the brig Harbinger, after which the dangerous Harbinger Rocks off the island's north-west coast are named. It was found to be abundant in both fur seals and elephant seals which were soon being exploited to the edge of extinction.
In 1802 French explorer Nicolas Baudin visited the islands with his flotilla. As a result, the British sent a vessel from Sydney to formally claim the islands for Great Britain to prevent a French settlement.
Sealers continued to harvest the island intermittently until the mid 1820s, after which the only inhabitants were some old sealers and their Australian aboriginal wives who mostly hunted wallaby for skins. The last of these left the island in 1854 and it was only occasionally visited by hunters and more often castaways from shipwrecks until first opened for grazing in the 1880s.
Adventure Travel & Tours in King Island
Adventure Travel represents over 1,000 hostels, hotels, tour companies & attractions across Australia that we can book for you often at a discouted rate. At Adventure Travel we also operate a number of our own tours.
Currency used in King Island
In King Island the standard currency used is the Australia Dollar. The Australia dollar comes in denominations of 5c ,10c ,20c ,50c ,$1 & 2$ coins, and $5, $10, $20, $50 & $100 notes. Most bars, restaurants, backpacker hostels, shops and Adventure Tour desks in King Island all take credit card, eftpos and cash. There is several cash machines in King Island all which dispense the Australia Dollar currency. To check the Australian dollar exchange rate against a foreign currency then click here.
Backpacker Hostel Accommodation & Hotels in King Island
In King Island there is a number of Backpacker Hostels and Hotels where we can pre - book your accommodation. If you are looking for a budget hostel bed the click here or if you are looking for more luxurious accommodation then click here.
Discounted Travel Insurance
Adventure Travel offers a range of Backpacker Insurance policies at heavily discounted rates. We understand that you are on a budget and prefer to save your money to backpack around the world.
Security in King Island
King Island in Australia is a very safe place to travel with 1,000's of visitors touring through King Island every year. This is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, sunlovers, families and backpackers. To check any foreign office information on Australia you can click here.
Weather in King Island
The weather in King Island is seasonal with 4 distinctive seasons. To get more information on the weather in King Island, Australia, then click here.
Travel to KingIsland
By Air - fly into Currie, using one of the small regional airlines based in Melbourne or northern Tasmania. By boat - Although you can get to KingIsland by private boat, there is no ferry service.
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