Travel Answers

Will be driving (2.5hr) from Richmond to Coles Bay first thing in morning. Plan to do the 3hr Kayak Paddle or Oyster Paddle. Any recommendation between the two? Also want to visit Wineglass Bay. Can we fit all these in 1 day and leave around 7pm because we have to drive 3,5hr to Sheffield to sleep there. Thank you very much.

Dear Fellow Travellers,

Need advise on how to plan 1/2day in Cradle Mountain. Will be driving from AAA Granary in Sheffield first thing in morning. Can only spend 1/2 day due to flight out of Launceston at 6pm Can we pack in 1 more activity in Launceston before our flight? If so any recommendation?

Hello - I'm starting to plan a trip to Australia & New Zealand next year and I'm contemplating a month+ stay in Tasmania. I'm planning on a lot of cycling/hiking and wonder if anyone has any recommendations for which of the larger cities would be best to use as a base of operations. I'd like to see as much of the island as I can but also want to 'settle' in one place for a majority of the time. The main criteria I'm weighing are - 1) access to the most varied terrain..nice roads in the hills are a big plus, 2) the most economical place to stay for a month or two...thinking Hobart would be the most expensive?, 3) Spring or Fall? I'll be in NZ from Dec. - Feb. and from what I've read on this site I'm thinking march/april in Tasmania would be a better bet in terms of the weather than october/november. Am I correct in assuming this?

I know these questions quite broad but I'd be quite grateful for any thoughts or suggestions. Cheers!

Hello, my wife and I have 5 nights in Tasmania at the end of a two week trip that will start in Sydney. We are flying into Launceston and planning to spend two nights on the East Coast then to Hobart for the last three nights. I'm looking for recommendations for the East Coast time. There are a number of cottages and inns in Swansea, and a few places in Coles Bay. We want to do the kayaking at Freycinet, but haven't had much luck finding lodging near Coles Bay and Freycinet. The Lodge and Sapphire are a bit pricey - at least the Sapphire is. The Swansea options are reasonable, and some are right on the water. Piedmont Resort and Wagner's look nice. How far is it from Swansea to the Freycinet NP and the Wineglass Bay? We will have a car. Also, I see a ton of photos of glorious beaches, but I never see anyone in the water. Is the water that cold, or are the currents treacherous, etc? We're celebrating my wife's 50th, so I want to do the best planning I can. Any suggestions you have are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all of your help. Thank You, Phil

Hi, We are planning a trip to Tasmania this Easter, and would like some feedback on what we are planning, or what we may be missing. The itinerary I have come up with is something like this: Day one - fly into Launceston in the evening Day two - Launceston/North Coast (Devonport/Penguin/Burnie) Day three - Drive down the East Coast to Triabunna/Orford Day four - Hobart for Salamanca Markets, city tour, etc (that'll be a Saturday) Day five - Port Arthur Day six - Hobart, maybe Mount wellington Is there anything on the list that isn't worth doing, or anything not on the list we definitely need to do? Have we allowed long enough for each thing? I haven't really checked out what to do along the way, other than Wineglass Bay, what about things to do/see in Hobart? We like history, food, drink, great views and we don't mid walking. Thanks!

I'm planning a short winter trip to Tasmania, 2 nights in Stanley, and 3 nights in Cradle Mountain in early August. Is the Cradle Mountain bit crazy?? Could we be snowed in?? Perhaps 3 nights in Stanley and 2 in Cradle? Any advice? Thanks.

We have only 3 days in tasmania. What should we prioritise and do? And my sister may stay longer. What do you suggest to her : stay longer in tasmania or go to new zealand ?

Due to the unavailability of the campervan, We are now hiring a small car. As we are travelling in a very busy time we have booked the accommodation for our time there.First two nights in Strahan,next two nights in Tullah, then two nights in Burnie, two nights in St. Helens, one night in Swansea, and the last three nights in Hobart.Could any member recommend places to visit in these particular areas.I will be very grateful for any imput and advice you can give me. Cheers Angela.

Hi, My husband and I are planning our holiday to Tasmania arriving at midday on the 31st of December in Hobart and flying out of Hobart on the 12th of January in the afternoon. We are hiring a small camper van for the 12 nights, and our plan is to do a round trip, across Tasmania, visiting the west coast, central north coast northeast coast. As part of our itinerary we would like to visit wilderness areas and other significant places of interest. We would prefer to stay in free or low cost camping areas with shower and toilet facilities where possible. We would be extremely grateful for any itinerary input or suggestions you can give us, as neither of us have been there before. Thank you for any and all assistance. Angela

hi, me & my hubby (age 30yrs.) I will be traveling to Hobart for 4 nights. pls.help me to plan my itinerary is rent a car compulsory or public transport is ok? my interest is in Photography, so pls suggest me some places. i m pure vegetarian,can i get veg. food in Tassie?

Hi There, I seeking opinions from VT members regarding a itinerary Ive put together for a 6day trip to Tassie mid November 2012. You may notice an absence of the East Coast - thats because Ive already done that side on a previous trip. Not knowing where i want to/need to spend my lion share of time, im interested in hearing people's opinions on how ive cut up my time. DAY 1: LAUNCESTON >>> (OPTIONAL * OR **) >>> SHEFFIELD (92.0 km – about 1 hour 7 mins) >>> CRADLE MOUNTAIN (63.2 km – about 1 hour 8 mins) *CHRISTMAS HILLS RASPBERRY FARM - 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town **ASHGROVE CHEESE FARM - 6173 Bass Highway Elizabeth Town TAS 7304 TOTAL: 155 km, 2 hours 15 mins DAY2: CRADLE MOUNTAIN >>> STRAHAN (147 km – about 2 hours 11 mins) >>> QUEENSTOWN (40.6 km – about 37 mins) TOTAL: 188 km, 2 hours 49 mins DAY 3: QUEENSTOWN >>> HOBART (260 km, 3 hours 28 mins) (afternoon arrival) TOTAL: 260 km, 3 hours 28 mins DAY 4: HOBART >>> PORT ARTHUR (95.3 km, 1 hour 20 mins) (afternoon arrival) TOTAL: 95.3 km, 1 hour 20 mins DAY 5: PORT ARTHUR >>>RICHMOND (82.2 km – about 1 hour 8 mins) >>> LAUNCESTON (172 km – about 2 hours 4 mins) (late afternoon arrival) TOTAL: 254 km, 3 hours 12 mins DAY 6: EXPLORING LAUNCESTON >>> LAUNCESTON AIRPORT (14.8 km, 15 mins) TOTAL: 14.8 km, 15 mins Thanks

Ive read alot literature regarding where to see Penguins in Tasmania, but of all the places, which is the best?? That is, you see the most penguins? For those that require payment, which represents best value? Ive been told the following places are a consideration; At Penguin (of course!) on the north west coast, penguins come ashore even near the main township. Penguin Point Fairy Penguin Tours conduct nightly tours (except Saturday) from September to March. Bookings are essential. Phone (03) 6437 2590 At Point Sorell near Port Sorell one can often catch sight of little penguins scampering up the beach. At Low Head near George Town, there are nightly tours from the Coastal Reserve. At Lillico Beach near Devonport penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach Conservation Area. There is a viewing platform about 4 kms east of the Forth River off the Bass Highway. The Friends of Lillico Penguins provide a free guiding interpretation service throughout the breeding season. At Stanley, you can book a tour at the Brown Dog or the Stanley Hotel, or you can take yourself to the area between the cemetery and the sea and look out for them at dusk. Just observe the above rules. At Bicheno, Bicheno Penguin Tours runs the biggest nightly tour. It runs all year, but penguin numbers are higher during the summer season. At Bruny Island, penguins are common on the beach along the isthmus joining North and South Bruny. Please take care if driving on the road along the isthmus at night. At Burnie, you can see penguins in the early evening on many of the nearby beaches. The Little Penguin Observation Centre is on Parsonage Point at the western end of west Beach in the cityb centre. On the west coast at Strahan, you could do the Bonnet Island Experience tour or, if you're on a budget, take a dusk trip to the southern end of Ocean Beach. If someone could advise, id be greatful! We are travelling in November 2012.

My husband and I have had the opportunity to travel to Tasmania but only for 9 nights. We are hiring and car and have booked accommodation in historic b&bs for the most part. Our stays (and the places we think we want to see) are as follows:- Arrive Hobart 10:30am and stay for one night at Leisure Inn Hobart (Salamanca markets) Strahan - 2 nights at Ormiston House (Gordon River Cruise and perhaps the Wilderness Railway) Davenport - 1 night at Cameo Cottage (Lyon House and Christmas Hill Rasberry Farm) Launceston - 2 nights at Kurrajong House (wineries, wineries, wineries... oh and Pyengana Dairy) Swansea at Frechinet Waters - 1 night (no specific plans) Port Arthur - 1 night Can't decide the remaining night but thinking we may need to stay a further night in Port Arthur, and we leave Hobart again at 4:50pm to fly home to Perth. Is there anything we are missing that we DEFINITELY should not miss on this first trip to Tasmania???

My family and I went on a campervan holiday in New Zealand and it was absolutely fantastic as there were facilities cater for that sort of trip. We are keen to repeat a similar experience in Tasmania as I heard that it is very beautiful. I know there are campervans for rent, but how are the campsites or campervan parks in Tasmania? Any route suggestions? We plan to be there around 1 week. Thank you for your help.

Hi everyone, I am planning a trip around Tasmania with a couple of friends. We plan to drive around and wish to cover the whole of Tasmania. 1) What is the best time to travel to Tasmania? 2) How long does it take to go around? 3) Would 10 days be enough? Thank you in advance. Regards Sophia

Hi guys Is anyone driving from Devonport to Boat Harbour on Monday January 2 who has a spare seat in the car? Happy to split costs. I'm from Melbourne. Cheers Aldo

Hello, I m now living in Sydney and i would like to make a round trip in Australie in February. I will begin my trip from Tasmania to Darwin. I would like to know if you guys advice me to go by the country (alice spring...) or by thge East Coast? Do you have advices for Tasmania? I am also looking for people to make the trip with! Cheers

Hi there, My husband and I are planning to travel to Tasmania in end Dec/Jan for about 2 weeks. I'm four months pregnant, and was wondering if Tasmania would be the right place to go given the amount of trekking and hiking that may be required to enjoy the full beauty of the place. Would be great if someone can comment if it's advisable to travel to Tasmania in my state? If so, what are the types of activities and which part(s) of Tasmania should we focus on? Thanks!

Hi My partner and I are arriving in Tasmania on the the night of the 20th July in Launceston and departing the 24th from Hobart. I would love some advice on what we should do at this time of the year. We would really love to see, cradle mountain, bay of fires, the new mona museum, mt wellington, Salamander markets and any other suggestions you have. We are hiring a car as well so we can travel around. Your help and suggestions would be much appreciated! Thanks

Hi, I will be travelling by myself to Tasmania, arriving Hobart Monday 19 December, hired a car until Wednesday 28th December. I would love to stay in a nice small hostel (where your not a room number) over Christmas, anywhere on the island (beach/mountain-don't care as long as the owners are nice and everyone will have a nice lunch together etc etc). Would like any suggestions, thank you. PS - have read members top 10 suggestions for places to visit (very informative)and will be including a few on my list of things to see and do. Cheers, John.

Hi Iam travelling to Hobart for a few days in the first week of August, my grandchildren just want to play in the snow, can anyone tell me if Mt Wellington would have snow or where would be closet point from Hobart to play in the snow Thanks

I want to travel in Tassie by car, but how can I transport my car from Melbourne to Hobart? And how much is it?

Hi all, Good day! Just to check on The Eagle and the Lady Jane Franklin II -- which is the better ride? Is the Premium Deck worth the cost on the Lady Jane? Thanks! :) smiles, Francesca

Thanks all for your previous advice on my trip to Tasmania. I've finally confirmed the tickets and will be arriving at Launceston on 3Apr. I want to know anyone of you have any comments on the motel named: Airlie on the Square? I pick this coz it should be quite close to Hertz (I've resevered the car there). Or have you had any recommendations? I want it to be close to Hertz as I will only pick up the car on early 4Apr morning and do not want to travel a long way to get the car. Furthermore, my budget is only around AUD120 for 1 night. Again, thanks all for the comments. Anne

Thanks for all your previous advices. They are very helpful. My preliminary itinerary is now as follow: Day 1: Arrive at Launceston at around 2pm. Want to go to Cataract Gorge (not sure if there is enough time). Day 2: From Launceston to Cradle Mt. Expect to stay the day there. Will stay at Cradle Mt Wilderness Village. Day 3: Leave for Sheffield, Mole Creek Karst NP and if possible, will drive along the coast between Wynyard & Devonport. Day 4: Head to the eastern coast, will start from Bay of Fires, then down south to Bicheno & Coles Bay. Day 5: To Port Authur, will take the 3hr cruise to tour the Taman Island. Day 6: It's a Sat. Will visit Salamanca market in Hobart. Will leave at 4:15pm. Would welcome for any comments on the itinerary above. Read more: VT Forum temporarily unavailable

Hi all, If I were to go fishing for half a day, where would be a good spot to do so? Something that is not too difficult to do as I'm a beginner :) Also, I'd have some older folks to care for who would be engaging in this activity. It would be good if you could also offer advice on a place that offers this fishing activity as well as an alternative activity for those who don't want to do the fishing. Thanks in advance for helping me with planning this group travel. smiles, Francesca

Hi there, Would like to check on your advice on which is a better route from Rosevears to Devonport? Is it advisable to take the B71 through Frankford Road, Harford and Moriarty instead of the Bass Highway 1? Do let me know also the rough estimate of the time it would take to travel the distance. Thank you, Francesca

HI All, We are a group of 3 and are planning for a 5 days trip to Tasmania on 2Apr. We will drive on our own. While we will work out a preliminary itinerary for the 5 days, it is sometimes difficult to really stick to the schedule. Therefore, we intend not to book any accommodation in advance but wonder whether it will be very easy to find accommodation (mainly motel) along. For Cradle Mountain, we do want to spend overnight there as we should arrive there late in the afternoon. I've checked Cradle Mountain lodge and the cheapest one is still very expensive (almost AUD$300 for a room which can accommodate 3 person). I wonder whether I can find some other accommodation near Cradle Mountain which is more affordable. Really appreciate your information and advice. Thanks Anne

Hi there, Will be travelling to Tassie in late Mar this year and am wondering if there's any point in visiting a Lavendar Farm? Will land in Launceston and found 2 farms -- Lavendar House and Bridestowe Lavendar Farm -- will you recommend a visit? Also, since it's about a 45 min ride out of Launceston, is there anything else in the vicinity that's worth a visit? :) Am trying to figure out what's a good full day programme I can plan for my day in Launceston, before we head towards South of the island. Would be taking the Cradle Mountain side of the island... Thanks all! smiles, Francesca

Hi all, Good day! I'm wondering what's there to do with 2 hours left of daylight in Launceston in the late afternoon? If I have 2 hours from 1600 -- 1800 (before it gets dark and it's time for dinner), what could I see/ do in Launceston? Thanks for your suggestions! :) smiles, Francesca