Hobart Travel Forum

Hi forum

Do you recommend travelling around the east coast or west coast during August? Plan to rent car to travel around but being winter what's the roads condition like? I'll be flying into Hobart midweek and out of Hobart on the weekend.
Thank you!!

I see you are from NZ,so Tasmania would basically have the same cold weather in August.The West Coast can be freezing with the wind factor and of course snow around Cradle Mountain etc.The East Coast is milder but is still very cold.The roads are safe enough if you take your time--but watch out for slippery and icey areas.Take notice of the road signs and check the weather foracast each day.
Have a good trip

Places i think are a must see,are:Port Arthur,an hour and half drive from Hobart.Richmond,the centre of the Coal River Valley,is Australias most authentic Georgian Village.Mount Field national park,just 80 km north west of Hobart,but that time of year you may need a 4 wheel drive

Well replied Dorrise.
Yes as a Kiwi you would be familiar with the driving conditions but all roads are different, mostly their condition is very good in Tassie.
We did it first by bus, then some years later a selfdrive - right round via each coast and some of the middle - Cradle Mountain and other lovely parts.
Both about ten days.
(On the bus trip we came across a rental car rolled over off the road; a reminder - unfamiliar car and terrain. Then last year, a well-known Restaurantuer from Melbourne was killed in a road crash there. Again a rental car. Any driving anywhere is full of dangers.)
It is a terrific place to see. There is so much to enjoy, you really should arrange more time.
My driving enjoyment was marred by a speed camera at a newly constructed freeway area; they prey on tourists! I had my Victorian vehicle.
We were due to go again recently but a lung condition sickness got in the way, re the cold weather.
My plan - down the middle and up the West Coast from down as far as you can. That is an adventure !
The East and North-east Coast is more 'gentle'.
But your starting point is Hobart so reverse the order !
We, of course, came across from Melbourne on the Ferry, starting then from the north.
Good luck.
Laurie.

Scallop pies are a "must try" in Tasmania as anyone who's been there would tell you, but for the very best scallop pie try the bakery in the middle of the little shopping centre in Richmond. Absolutely to die for!

Be aware that the Lyell Highway along the west of Tasmania is often closed due to snow, sometimes it,s possible to drive from Hobart up as far as Derwent Bridge then no further. I would make very sure the road is open before you venture up there, or else stick to central and eastern tassie.

It's the lovely little places like pretty Richmond and its surrounds that give Tassy such charm isn't it Kate.?

It sure is. Richmond has charm by the bucketful.

Walking along the busy street here in suburban Hawthorn and feeling the irritation of seeing every second person (it seems!) with a mobile phone stuck to their ear I thought 'I wouldn't want to see this awful habit in places like Richmond or Swansea etc.'
I probably would see it though!
I'd like our Marysville rebuilt with no phone towers, and no 'Hot Spots', so that we can go somewhere to escape them - no laptop operators on park benches, and no 'earaches'.

Luddite Laurie.

And a quick Google and just two of the many 'hits' from keywords 'driving Tasmania':-

http://www.puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=28

http://www.tasmania.visitorsbureau.com.au/visitorinfo.html

Good luck , and take care.