The island is jam-packed with wallabies, wombats and possums, principally because foxes, which have decimated marsupial populations on the mainland, were slow to reach the island (the first fox was found in Tasmania only as recently as 2001).

BBC: Watching Australia's wildlife

Passengers at Tasmania's Hobart airport told ABC news they might be stuck on the island for several days.

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The Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is a 250km endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking on the Australian island.

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The accident happened south-east of state capital Hobart on Saturday, while Webber was taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge - a 250km endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking on the Australian island.

BBC: Webber breaks leg in bike crash