Comalco's Bell Bay aluminium smelter is situated on the Tamar River, about 50 minutes drive north of Launceston, in the heart of the Tamar Valley.

Tasmania is a place of great beauty with a lot on offer. Much is written and understood about the State's historic buildings, natural wilderness and clean, green image, but there is much more to discover.

The Tamar River has provided a resurgence for the people of Launceston with new interest and multi million dollar development being centred on the waterfront.

Tasmania's urban population is well distributed between urban and rural settings.

The capital city of Hobart is the most densely populated region with about 200,000 residents. The greater Launceston area follows with a population of about 100,000 people. There are almost 80,000 people living in the metropolitan areas of the North West Coast. The West Cost is the least populated with just over 6000 people occupying 15% of the State's area.

Bell Bay, where the smelter is located, is a major industrial zone about 5 kilometres from George Town, a coastal town with a population of about 6,000 people. George Town is Australia's oldest town and is a port of call for many tourists.

Despite what you may see on national weather bulletins, Tasmania enjoys a wonderful but moderate climate. Mild to warm in summer and cool in winter. Average annual rainfall is 600mm.

Tasmania's lifestyle is gaining in reputation, evidenced by the growing number of visitors to the State each year. Regardless of whether you are seeking a wilderness experience or prefer to relax and enjoy the café society, there is something for everyone. If sport is more to your liking, the State now hosts AFL football matches, international and domestic cricket and other sporting codes. There are a number of boutique and cosmopolitan galleries and arts precincts, and more vineyards located around most regions of the State than you could ever imagine.

Domestic Airports at Launceston and Hobart have frequent flights operated by Qantas and Virgin. Domestic airports at Devonport and Burnie have regular flights operated by Qantas and Rex.

TT Line offer daily sea travel between Devonport and Melbourne with the new "Spirit I" and "Spirit II" operating a 9 hour crossing.

Good highways for road transport.

Despite a recent property boom which has seen interstate buyers scoop up Tasmanian real estate, the State continues to offer some of the best-priced housing options in South East Australia. Most Real Estate agents operate web sites which allow you to look at your options whether you are looking to purchase or rent, or your taste runs to an historic cottage or a state of the art apartment on the waterfront.