Tasmania, named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, is the southeastern most state of Australia. The small island state offers an unending variety of vineyards, historic villages, unbeatable trout fishing, rugged wilderness, quality seafood restaurants, and a gentle and enviable life style. Tasmania enjoys a small population (500,000) and largely unspoilt natural environments. Nearly ¹/3 of the island comprises wild and virtually untouched forested mountain regions, classified as World Heritage Wilderness Area . Tasmania’s diverse vegetation ranges from tall open eucalypt forests, alpine heathlands, to large areas of cool temperate rainforests and moorlands. Many flora elements are unique to Tasmania, and some (e.g. Huon Pine, King Billy Pine, deciduous beech) are related to species in South America through ancestors which grew on the supercontinent Gondwana 50 M years ago. Tasmania is also the last home of several marsupial mammals which once roamed the Australian continent, such as the Tasmanian devil. The legendary Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), which is thought to have been driven to extinction by bounty hunters in the 1930s, has become a powerful symbol of the conservation movement. The state is circled with excellent beaches and home to some of the finest bushwalks in Australia. Tasmania is an inspiring place, and we look forward to share this experience with you. For more information on Australia and Tasmania, consult the worldwide web on

The Capital Hobart, founded in 1803, has been able to combine its Georgian architecture, harbourside atmosphere and relaxed pace with the benefits of a modern city. The city is noted for its wealth of old buildings. Handicrafts and seafood are in abundance on the quayside, where historic warehouses form a picturesque backdrop. The city has beautiful botanical gardens and a number of museums and galleries. Hobart, idyllically situated between the towering Mount Wellington (1,269m) and one of the world's finest deep water harbours, is arguably Australia's most beautiful capital city.

The Conference Venue, the Wrest Point Convention Centre, offers first class meeting facilities, accommodation, night clubs, a casino, bars, sporting facilities and several restaurants within minutes from the city centre. The complex is situated on the shores of the Derwent River, affording magnificent views of the harbour and historic Battery Point. Check for details on

Q-Ecology is a multi-media public art event on the ecological theme of water quality, presented in partnership with Wrest Point Hotel Casino and the Ninth International Conference on Harmful Algal Blooms. The event will involve large-scale video projection onto the external walls of Wrest Point Convention Centre with simultaneous projection inside the hotel. Video footage will be developed from digitally manipulated images of micro-organisms and underwater sequences, all fashioned into an artistically exciting, seamless whole. Q-Ecology is on the 9th February 2000 (depending on the weather) at the Wrest Point Hotel Casino. More information on this, and other parts of the Hobart Summer Festival can be found at:

Climate

Hobart experiences mild summers and cool to cold winters. While during most of the year the maritime weather (like algal blooms) can be unpredictable, February has stable mild summer conditions with a mean maximum temperature of 21.5oC. Keen bush walkers or trout fishermen are recommended, however, to bring good walking boots, wet weather gear and a warm jumper.

Travel

Hobart can be reached by 3 to 4 daily flights, by both Qantas and Kendell Airlines, from the international airports of Melbourne (1hr) or Sydney (1 h 50min). Qantas has been appointed as the official conference airline. Delegates from the Northern Hemisphere are strongly encouraged to arrive on Saturday 5 February or early on Sunday 6 February 2000, allowing them to recover from travel fatigue and jet lag (Tokyo to Sydney 9hrs; London to Sydney 20hrs; Los Angeles to Sydney 14h 30 min flying time). Unless you are in a hurry to depart, Saturday morning 12 February at the Market in Salamanca Place (8.30-am-3pm; featuring snacks, fruit and veg, souvenirs, high quality arts and craft, books and buskers, laughter and music) is highly recommended. The 7-11 February time slot in Australia is well clear of the busy January holiday period, and prior to the start of Australian University semesters. The Sydney Olympics activities will not commence until July 2000. Hobart airport is located only 20 min by taxi from the City Centre.