State of Tasmania Travel Forum

I'm planning on going to Tasmania next year and doing lots of short walks,nothing longer than 4 hours and going to Mt Field,Freycinet,Lake St Clair and Strahan. I know I'm in for cold weather whenever I go, but would autumn or spring be better to maximise my chances of seeing sunshine?
Husband has never seen snow, so that leads me toward spring,October perhaps.
But,according to Bureau of Met charts (which are doing my head in!) spring is more likely to be windy and wet than autumn,leaning me towards deciding on May.
Will be in Tasmania 2 weeks.
Please help -- am very confused!

4 women are wanting to climb cradle mountain in January. We would like to venture on trip up to 7 days long, carry our own stuff, all gutsy, fit and adventurous and would like some tips and advice from others please.

Hi everyone,
My husband and I are going to tasmania for 1 week from 20th July. We have rented a little cottage on 5 acres at Penguin. While we are there we plan to have a look at cradle mountain, queenstown and strahan. Any tips on where to eat, what to see, must do"s would be appreciated.

Hi People,

I am going to be relocating to Taz this spring. I'm packing my stuff into my car, getting me and car on a ferry and then finally arriving at Devonport. I'd like to find out what the process and procedure is going through the Devonport quarantine checkpoint...how long it takes,what forms I will be asked to fill out,how the quarantine officers and sniffer dogs do their search etc. Thanks in advance,

QT

Hi there from South Aus., I will be working in Tasmania for several months but plan on flying back to Adelaide now and then. I have read the website about the airport but am a little confused about booking the car in for longterm, say a week. Can I drive into the undercover capark and just pay when I return for my car or is it necessary to book the car in for that length of time? Is payment on a machine or do you pay a person when departing?

Hi

I'm new to these forums so I'm hoping someone from Hobart is reading here.
I'm traveling to Hobart on the 9th of July, first time visitor, so I will feel like a total tourist...lol.

I am staying at Port Arthur on the first night then heading back to Hobart to spend the last 4 nights in Fern Tree. So I'm wondering how cold does it get in Fern Tree?

I had a lady say that it snows there...Is that true?

And is there any snow on Mt Wellington yet?

Ok back to being a tourist and all, good places to visit?? Any Thoughts?

And nice reasonable places to eat, you know...somewhere where the locals go for a good feed.
I will have a rental car, so traveling to places is no drama.

Please any comments or suggestions would be great.

Cheers Toni

we are arriving launceston 30/11/08. Depart Launceston 6.30pm 5/12/08. Need an itinerary. Want to see Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Hobart, Strahan
Can you suggest an itinarary? we will hire a car.

How much is the shuttle and how often does it run? Can you get around Hobart easily without a car? If I want to also see muse3ums and the town sites is one day enough? We are coming in winter.

I will have a rental car while in Hobart and wish to do a few day trips from Hobart, but I need help with the logistics of drive time.

1. Specifically, how far of a drive is it from Hobart to Mount Wellington, and are there places of interest to see along the way that we should stop and visit? What to see and do while there?

2. How about from Hobart to Port Arthur? Same question, what is drive time and the must see stops along the say? What to see and do while there?

3. What about Freycinet National Park? Drive time from Hobart, and must see stops? What to see and do while there?

4. Same for Huon Valley. Drive time and what to see and do while there, and on the way there?

5. And last, Mount Field National Park. What is drive time there, and what do you recommend we see and do along the way? What to see and do while there?

Additionally, of these five destinations from Hobart, how would you rank in an order of 1 to 5, with 1 being highest ranking must do destination, followed by 2 through 5.

Thank you, I hope your replies will help me with my planning in Tasmania, and prioritize and logistically manage my way around to these sights and destinations. Thank you for your help.

Hi.

We'll be in Tasmania in late July for a week (six full days & seven nights), and we're having trouble narrowing down the long list of cool-sounding stuff to do from the DiscoverTasmania site and our guidebook. We're big on wildlife and nature, not as much on city stuff (although we like eating out while we travel, and we'd like to stay in bed & breakfasts or hostels during this week, so cities could come in handy).

We've read that the West Coast and Northwest of Tasmania will be colder and wetter than the East Coast and the North & South coasts, so we've narrowed our list based on that assumption... given that -- and the distance consideration -- some obvious stuff, like a Gordon River cruise or a drive out to the Northwest didn't make our short list, although I'm glad to be talked into it if I've overestimated the coldness and wetness of western Tasmania.

Anyhow, here is our short list of activities -- any suggestions about which of these are preferable to others would be welcome, and any ideas about how to fit as much as possible without racing around the island would be fantastic.

* Day trip to Maria Island
* Freycinet / Wineglass Bay walk
* Night-time Bicheno Penguin tour
* Walking at Bay of Fires
* Wildlife viewing at Mt William National Park
* Seahorse World & Platypus House in Beauty Point
* Wildlife viewing at Narawantapu National Park
* Cradle Mountain visit
* Salamanca Market
* Walking in Huon Valley / Hartz Mountains National Park
* Walking & wildlife viewing on Bruny Island
* Boag and/or Cascade Brewery Tour


Any suggestions on what to include, what to cut, and what order to do things in? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Can anyone advise me on the quickest and safest route from launceston to cradle mountain? I notice there are a few ways of reaching there.
1. From deloraine to railton and sheffield
2. From deloraine to mole creek then on C137
3. From mole creek to liena on B12, then on C138 on Olivers Rd

Basically I'd like a route that's relatively easy to drive ie, without too many sharp turns) and a reasonably short driving distance.

Can anyone also advice me on the best way to swansea from lauceston?
1. Do I take A3 all the way (which is longer)
2. Or take midlands highway to campbell town and then B34 through lake leake?

Which way has the safest drive?

Thanks for your advice.

Am temporarily working in Tas West Coast and bought some delicious apple spice cake from a caravan stall with German breads and cake at the Salamanca market. The stall is down the far end i.e. facing away from the city centre. Does anyone know who runs this bakery as I would kill for the recipe of the apple cake. They sell it by the piece.

Hi. I will be in Tasmania in the last week of May 08 for a 1 week tour. I have 4 adults + 4 kids in tow. Does anyone know of any company that does a budget group tour? Most places on the internet charge at least AUD$100 per day tour per person (adult or child). That's far too expensive for me. If not, is it possible to get a driver and van to do a customised tour for less? Thanks.

the Pass equates to good value in my mind, especially since we will be in tasmania for 3 weeks and intend on visiting many NP's! any opinions?
If we intend on using a rental vehicle, does the NP Pass sticker need to be attached? Can it be displayed in a prominent position?
Can anyone tell me the current prices to do the Gordon River cruise on the Lady Jane Franklin 2 and the West Coast Railway trip? Are both these activities recommended? Anymore highly recommended activities while we are holidaying in Tasmania?

We have 3 weeks in early May for our honeymoon and we will have our 8 month old beautiful son with us. Looking for something different to do and see. Any recommended accomodation and eateries would be much appreciated. We are both seasoned travellers usually on a tight budget but you only have one honeymoon ( hopefully )so we are looking for peace and quiet and are prepared to lash out a bit. We have a rental car for 3 weeks flying in and out of Hobart.
Looking forward to seeing Tasmania in all it Autumn glory without lots of tourists. Any outstanding walks (Max 3 hours- with baby ) we should endevour to do. We are only going to book a room in Hobart for first night or 2 then play thr rest by ear. I personally don't like to travel to an itinerary, instaed find and nice place and stay as long as i like. I was looking at lashing out and staying at the Henry James Art Hotel???? Any thoughts, i have heard good and bad reports? Would appreciate any information.
Cheers in advance
Largie

How far is it to drive from Hobart or Port Arthur to Cradle Mountain or Lake St. Clair? How long does it take? Is it passable in August? Is there anything of interest on the way? Can a trip to Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair be worthwhile without strenuous walking? We are a middle-aged couple. How much is accessible by car?

Hi there,

I'm traveling alone in Tasmania for 12 days in April.

Every guide book says Cradle Mountain is a must, but all of the descriptions of hiking there sound pretty cold, muddy, and unpleasant. And the non-camping accomodations aren't cheap!

Is it worth doing at the expense of not seeing other stuff?

Any suggestions for this itinerary would be much appreciated:

Day 1 -- Fly to Hobart, drive to Coles Bay, stay at Sheoaks
Day 2 -- Freycinet Paddle
Day 3 -- Walk to Wineglass Bay, drive to Launceston, stay at Launceston Backpackers
Day 4 -- George Town for Targa Tasmania viewing, vehicle expo
Day 5 -- Targa Tasmania start at Country Club, other stuff TBD
Day 6 -- Mt Williams National Park, back to Launceston for Rookie Rallye finish in eve
Day 7 -- Drive to Hobart, stay at Edinburgh B&B
Day 8 -- Day trip to Cape Hauy, stay at Sea Change B&B in Port Arthur
Day 9 -- Port Arthur, return to Hobart, Edinburgh B&B
Day 10 -- Mt Field/Tarn Shelf hike, then drive to Cradle Mountain (4 hrs)
Day 11 -- Hounslow Heath day hike, stay?
Day 12 -- Drive to Launceston, visit family animal park, fly to Sydney eve

Hi all,

Thanks for your kind comments.

I have booked a trip to Tasmania from 10th April - 20th April.

Should I book all the accomodations prior to the trip? Would the internet rates be competitive compared to the walk in rates?

I served the net and saw that innkeepers accomodation cost about A$120 per night. Is that the best rates available?

Hope for more advice as I'm traveling on a budget.

Thank you.

Best regards.

Hi all,

Hope to ask some advice from everyone here.

I am planning a trip to Tasmania in April this year. From my internet research, the following is my proposed itinery:

Day 1 – 2
Hobart
Mount Wellington
Salamanca Market

Day 3
Port Arthur

Day 4
Cradle Mountain

Day 5
Strahan
Gordon River
Queenstown

Day 6 - 7
Laucheston

Day 8
Wine Glass Bay

Day 9
Back to Hobart

May I ask if the plans above are too ambitious? Or too relaxed? Are there any 'must go' attractions that I missed out?

Would you have any recommended motels to stay at the various locations? Any good restaurants to dine at?

Also, I would like to know if its cheaper to rent a car in Tasmania or Melborne?

Cheers.

I am planning a trip to Tasmania from June 28 to July 2 2008 (5 days, 4 nights; travelling with my mom and sister). I am aware that during this time, it will be winter. I will be flying in from Sydney and will most likely take a holiday package from Virgin Blue that includes return airfare (Sydney-Hobart-Sydney) and hotel accomodation in Hobart CBD. I'm looking to stay at Mercure Hobart.

I am aware that I will not be able to see all the beautiful sights of Tasmania in 5 days but I want to make the most out of my trip.

I tried to list the top attractions based from Discover Tasmania website and created my itinerary from there. I need help because I'm not sure if my itinerary is doable with the following to be considered:
- All trips are day trips (I don't intend to stay overnight at any of the tourist attractions; Hobart will be my base). I intend to look for tour operators who offer customized tours to the attractions on my itinerary because I don't drive.
- I am into sightseeing, enjoying sceneries, tasting good food, seeing wildlife, going to gardens and fruitpicking (although I doubt if I can do this in winter), definitely not into hiking although walking for at most 2 hours is ok
-I want to maximize the time I have for this trip so I am very open to suggestions (places to visit and how to fit them all in my schedule).
-Are there attractions that are safe to visit and would still look lovely in the evening? I know that in winter, it will be dark by 5pm. I am also worried because I've read some posts that mentioned precautions to take when driving at night (noting the wildlife that might be encountered along the way)
-I was hoping to go to attractions that will offer something different to see and do (like for instance, one will offer mountain/beach scenery, the other shopping, the other history, the other on wildlife)

Day 1:
-Salamanca Place for the Salamanca Markets
-Battery Point
-Constitution Dock and choosing between one of these options:
1) Mt. Wellington OR
2) Peppermint Bay cruise from Brook St. Pier (this one I'm not sure if it's worth doing; I'm still asking the tour operator what I can see and do in Peppermint Bay and on the ship) OR
3) City Tour

Day 2: (I know I might need to drop some of the areas I listed below because they are too much in 1 day; which ones should I drop?)
-Freycinet
-Coles Bay
-Wineglass Bay Lookout + Beach
-Bicheno Penguin Night Tours (looking to drop since I don't have a car)
-Swansea
-Kate's Berry Farm
-Port Arthur (Is this doable considering that I will also be going to Freycinet?)
-Sorell Fruit Farm
-Tassie Devil Conservation Site
-Dunnalley Fish Market
-Eaglehawk Neck (what can you see/do here?)
-Tasman Arch (what can you see/do here?)

Day 3: choosing between 2 options although I prefer going to Launceston. Is there a good reason why I should go to Cradle Mountain instead?
1) Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake and interpretation center
->aside from hiking, what else can I see/do in Cradle Mountain? looking to drop this option because a day trip might not be enough
OR
2) Launceston
-Seaport, Cataract Gorge, Penny Royal, City Shopping, Honey Farm, Rose Garden at Woolmer's Estate

Day 4 (last day): Cadbury Chocolate Tour

I am exploring the following alternatives to substitute for some of the attractions above and would need help to fit them in my schedule:
-Bruny cruise from Hobart
-going to Mt. Field (although I still have no clue what I can see/do here)
-Port Arthur cruise

I would greatly appreciate your suggestions and advice to make my trip enjoyable, relaxing and not too tiring. :)

Thanks in advance.

Hi from South Aus., I need to replace my mobile this week with something that works in Q,town, could you please suggest something as at present I,m with vodaphone and as soon as I,m out of a built up area my phone doesn,t work.
Do I need to replace the phone or just switch carriers? I,m totally thick with technology so make it simple! I definitely need to be contactable in rural areas of Tasmania with Queenstown vital.

Hi all from South Aus., I will be visiting Q,town, end Feb and taking my car.A friend said the road from the south into the town is steep and winding, what is it like approaching from Devonport? How long will it take me?

I am thinking of visiting Hobart, Tasmania, and have only 2 nights. Arrive 10:00 am on a Monday, and depart at 8 am two nights later on a Wednesday. I read that Tasmania is great to visit, but to be honest, I am not sure what to see and do. I am looking for a suggested itinerary, or what to do, where to go logistically, given the short time frame as as described above. Will be traveling in November. I look forward to your help. Thank you.

I'm visiting Tasmania in March and would like to know some of the best places to see wildlife particularly Platypus, Tasy devils and Quolls.Any recommendations welcome
Thanks
Martin

Hi all,

I'll be in Tasmania this Wednesday (from 8am) to Friday (leaving at 7pm), so essentially three days, flying into Hobart and leaving from Launceston.

I'm currently thinking of the following -

Day 1 - Check out Hobart and surrounds and drive to Swansea.
Overnight - Swansea

Day 2 - Check out Swansea and surrounds and drive to Launceston (around the East coast).
Overnight - Launceston or close by

Day 3 - Check out Launceston and surrounds and fly out of Launceston 7pm.

I'm a bit worried about day 2 - and the drive from Swansea to Launceston, knowing that the roads are windy and we'll probably stop to check things out, do you think that that might be too much 'road' to cover on one day?

We're planning on checking things out, but not doing too many lengthy walks/stays.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks! :)

Hello. This is my first "posting" so I trust I have done it correctly. Please correct me if I'm posting this in the wrong place.
We are planning to tour Tasmania in our own car in January 2008. We will arrive in Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania with very little (if any) gluten free food or snacks, having spent over a week on the road prior to boarding the ferry. This is our first driving holiday since my husband found out he had coeliac disease so are rather "nervous" about his food.
We plan to spend 3 nights in Launceston, one on the east coast, 3 in Hobart then 2 in Strahan and the final few nights at Wyndham in the north. Does anyone know how easy or otherwise it will be to obtain g/f food such as bread, breakfast cereals and treats? We plan to self cater and buy the occasional meal. Any advice 7/or tips would be greatly appreciated.
April47

hi there, I am finally going to carry out a dream of mine and head to Tasmania to do some kayaking.
Can anybody offer any tips?
I will have my own car, tent and kayak.
Nothing too extreme but want to get a good taste of the Tasmanian wilderness from the perspective of the water.

Hello a friend of mine needs advice on Hobart. I havent been so cant really help her.

She is staying
Hobart 2nd Feb - 5th Feb

and says that when she has looked for accommodation their is very little availabilty. Can someone post some options for her to look into.
Not looking for anything Flash.

Does this centre still operate in Hobart? I've tried unsuccessfully to find any up to date information on it. Our family are travelling to Hobart in August and I would love to take the kids. Thanks

Hi, everyone!

My name's Kirk and I'm planning a holiday in Tassie. I just found that there are many different passes in Tasmania, one called "Tasmanian National Parks Entry Fees" http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/current_fees.html, it's quite cheap, as it costs "only" 50 bucks for a car for 8 weeks. There are other passes such as the "see tasmania card" listed on http://www.seetasmaniacard.com/pages_menuitems/prices.html. So which pass would you guys recommand me for a 7-day trip in Tassie?

Looking forward to ur replies!

Cheers!