Australia is divided into eight states or territories. One of them is an island state about 150 miles south of the mainland. What is its name, and what is its capital city?

Separated from mainland Australia by the 150-mile-wide Bass Strait, the island state of Tasmania is a land of rugged wilderness and unique history. Often called the "Apple Isle" for its historic orchards, Tasmania was once connected to the continent before rising sea levels submerged the land bridge thousands of years ago. This isolation contributed to the evolution of its distinct wildlife, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Today, nearly half of the island is protected in national parks and World Heritage Sites, preserving its ancient forests and dramatic coastlines.

The state's capital is Hobart, Australia's second-oldest capital city after Sydney. Founded in 1804 as a British penal colony, the city is steeped in history, which is evident in the preserved colonial-era architecture found in areas like Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Hobart is beautifully situated on the estuary of the River Derwent, with the imposing figure of kunanyi / Mount Wellington rising directly behind it. In recent decades, the city has also become a vibrant hub for arts and culture, largely thanks to the world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).