Hobart the Capital of Tasmania

Hobart, the State’s capital in southern Tasmania, has a large international airport a short drive from the city centre. It is gateway to the historic Port Arthur, and the southern wilderness areas.

The capital, Hobart, is in the south of the island at latitude 42.5 degrees south. Maximum temperatures in winter average 12 degrees C, and in summer average 21.5 degrees C. The mild temperate climate make the summer months ideal for outdoor activity. Tasmania operates under Australian Eastern Standard time. Hobart is on the Derwent river, has one of the world's finest deep water harbours and the majestic Mt Wellington in the background. The population of the Hobart metropolitan area is 194,000.

Hobart Airport, located just 17 kilometres from Australia's southern most capital city, provides an international gateway to the island State's famous heritage. www.hobartairpt.com.au/

Tasmania holds a lot of heritage and culture with a number of spectacular buildings to see in Hobart. Macquarie Street hosts some splendid Georgian buildings, and the Theatre Royal on Campell Street is the oldest theatre in Australia. Runnymede in New Town also hosts some colonial buildings ranging from the 1830's, open everyday 10.00am - 4.20pm. It is also worth taking a look at Parliament House and nearby St. Davids Park, as well as the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens next to Tasman Bridge.

You can also visit Cascade Brewery, Australia's oldest brewery, and join the tour at 9.30am or 1.00pm. Hobart offers lively entertainment and often bands in the evening, with the main areas to go out being Elizabeth Street, Salamanca Place and Sandy Bay. There are a number of Hobart tours and things to do and places to visit you can join in Tasmania both by bus or by ferry depending on what you want to see. There are a range of museums in Hobart including the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, the State Library hosting a number of rare books, the Lady Franklin Gallery, Moorilla Museum of Antiques, the Maritime Museum of Tasmania giving the history of Hobart's Shipping industry and the Tasmanian Transport Museum.

Events in hobart vary from The Hobart Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday 17 November, 2007 commencing at 10.30am and concluding at approximately 12 noon. The Hobart Christmas Pageant is a popular tradition that delights adults and children alike year after year. Not only do thousands of spectators take pleasure in viewing the procession, but the entrants themselves enjoy being part of the largest event of it's kind in Tasmania.

Then we have the Hobart Summer Festival. Another very successful Hobart Summer Festival was held over eleven days in 2006/2007, commencing with the iconic food and beverage event - The Taste - on 28 December. During the Festival, Sullivans Cove precinct came alive, showcasing the very best street theatre, live music and performance for both the young and young at heart, and of course some of Tasmania's finest food, wines, beers and other beverages. For seven perfect sunny days, The Taste shone as the only location to be on Hobart's waterfront.

For the flora lovers we have The City of Hobart Floral Shows are a series of Spring and Autumn shows presented by various local horticultural societies in conjunction with the Hobart City Council. The program of displays include the Dahlia & Gladiolus, Chrysanthemum, Daffodil & Camellia, Orchid, Rhododendron, and the Rose & Iris shows. The Australian Plants Society conducts a show in the City Hall every two years. To compliment the magnificent floral displays the various horticultural societies conduct raffles, stalls selling plants and cut flowers and provide information on plant growing. City of Hobart Floral Shows Dates - http://www.hobartcity.com.au

Australian Golf Heritage Festival — May 24-29th, 2007 in Tasmania, home of Australia's oldest golf course at Highland Lakes Road Bothwell is hosting a mix of history tours, social and championship golf, & fine wining and dining, in aid of local golf charities. Information at http://www.rathogolf.com/ and it's heritage festival

Also why not look at the ROYAL HOBART REGATTA usually in February at http://www.royalhobartregatta.com/ and see where the entire Derwent River is given over to the Regatta for the three days.

For those missing their cutural bust remember the Theatre Royal at 29 Campbell Street, Hobart. The Box Office: 03 6233 2299 http://www.theatreroyal.com.au/.

For a day out visit the Hobart Zoo and catch up on the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger - http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

Farther down to the southof Hobart are the ever reaching forests around Geeveston. For a unique understanding of this timeless landscape, why not stroll through the canopy of the mature treed forest on the 'Tahune Forest AirWalk', some 50 metres above the confluence of the Huon and Picton Rivers. On your way back to Hobart consider to visit the Huon Valley Mushrooms to see white, honey brown, oyster and shiitake mushroom production.

Salamanca Place Hobart in Tasmania

Salamanca Market is held in Hobart every Saturday between 8.30am and 3pm – rain, hail or shine. Being Hobart’s popular outdoor market you can join the locals for a shopping experience with a difference. Salamanca Market is a special place where you actually meet the people who create, make or grow what they sell. You can shop here for locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, freshly cut flowers, fine Tasmanian arts and crafts and an array of odds and ends.

Once the haunt of workmen, sailers and even whalers the old Georgian buildings and warehouses that line Salamanca Place with lots of artie shops and trendy restaurants in a row of meticulously perfectly refurbished dated sandstone warehouses are today Hobart’s cultural hub; home to galleries, theatres, cafes, craft shops and restaurants.

Salamanca Market operates every Saturday from 0830 until 1500. Try getting there early to park that camper or motorhome and really have a few hours to enjoy yourself. Salamanca Market is rather close to historic St David's Park which is on the fringe of Hobart's central business district, where many city shops are open Saturday.

From the market take a short climb up the Kelly's Steps to reach the Georgian Cottages and the village atmosphere of Battery Point. Hobart's picturesque and famous waterfront is also nearby across the Salamanca grassed lawns to Constitution Dock, where hard-working fishing boats are berthed close to cruising yachts and a square-rigger or two. Visit at New Year and see the finish of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The Rolex Sydney Hobart is a 628nm yacht race which begins in Sydney Harbour and finishes in Hobart. Each December on Boxing Day you can see the world's greatest yachts charging through Sydney Heads as they take part in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Days later, in Hobart, the excitement builds as news of who will be the first boat to arrive comes through to Constitution Dock in Hobart.www.salamanca.com.au

Port Arthur in Tasmania

Port Arthur has become one of Tasmania's most prominent tourist destinations. The drive from Hobart to Port Arthur takes approximately 1.5 hours. Port Arthur is 95km (60 miles) south-east of Hobart on the Tasman Peninsula. From Hobart, take the Tasman Highway to Sorell and then the Arthur Highway. Though, it may take longer if you take time to enjoy the scenery and stop to view the attractions along the way.

The cruise from Hobart to Port Arthur aboard the MV Marana takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Port Arthur is one of Australia's great tourism destinations. Every building, every feature of Port Arthur Historic Site has a story to tell. The Port Arthur Historic Site encompasses a total of more than 100 hectares. About 40 hectares of the Site is accessible to the public, including more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored period houses. Created with convict labour, the impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities survive today for you to explore. Today visitors walk its paths and view stabilised ruins and carefully restored buildings, experiencing how once it must have been when Port Arthur was a hell on earth as one of England's most notorious convict settlements. www.portarthur.org.au/ and for the Port Arthur Caravan and Cabin Park at Port Arthur.

There are guided tours of the area, which are a good way to cover the site in an orderly fashion. As well, there is the Historic Ghost Tour which is held after nightfall when the dark covers the land and the ghosts of the past may just be about.

Port Arthur is located on the Tasman Peninsula and is the best preserved convict penal colony in Australia and the most visited place in Tasmania. More than 20 000 people a year wander through the old sandstone remains. Isolated by a narrow strip of land called Eaglehawk neck and a magnificently rugged coastline, it made an ideal location for a penal colony. Port Arthur was home to 12 000 convicts, both men and boys between 1830 and 1877. Tales of infamy and cruel inhumanity abound.

Richmond in Tasmania

Come and take a step back in time and engulf yourself in what it was life in the early life of a Tasmanian and visit Australia's most delightful Georgian village 24kms from Hobart. Richmond is on Tasmania’s Convict Trail. The village was once a key military post and convict station, between Hobart and the infamous Port Arthur penal settlement it was strategically located. Richmond’s convict buildings even predate the Port Arthur Settlement.

Richmond is a genuine village of slate and cobbles, handmade brick and mellow stone, cottages and manors.

Wander streets lined with sandstone buildings that now serve as showplaces for antiques and Tasmanian arts and crafts.

With it's tearooms serving days of past Devonshire teas and all kinds of food delicacies, old fashioned sweets and baked delights. www.richmondvillage.com.au

On the way back from Richmond, detour past the airport to Barilla Bay Oysters for fresh shellfish and there are tours available. Have lunch and taste them at the Barilla restaurant.

Bruny Island in Tasmania

The Island is situated approx. 30km south of Hobart, and is separated from the mainland of Tasmania by the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Bruny Island actually comprised of 2 parts that being South Bruny and North Bruny which are connected by a narrow strip of land called the ‘Neck'. Bruny Island is about 50 km long. Apart from Adventure Bay, the island's other tiny settlements are Lunawanna and Alonnah. www.bruny.tco.asn.au/map Bruny Island has approximately 600 permanent residents and up to 2000 folks can be there in summer.

Bruny Island really is a place of actual unspoilt natural beauty. Its eastern coastline has panoramically spectacular views along with a lenghty stretch of wide sandy beaches. The Bruny Island Surf Classic is held each year in February.

Today Bruny Island has become a popular day trip from Hobart. It is only 37 km via the A6 to Kettering a smallish town on the Tasmanian mainland where the vehicle ferry to Roberts Point on North Bruny departs app. ten times a day, eleven on Friday and eight times on Sundays. Click on ferry Schedules at http://www.tco.asn.au

The Island has an number of flora and fauna including wallabies and kangaroos aloong with a large number of species of rare birds.

Bed and Breakfast's - There are 10+ smaller Bed and Breakfast's scattered around along with a few campsites. Sanctuary 87 Main Rd Dennes Point Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6260 6260 and Swanhaven Bruny Island Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6260 6428 Email: swanonbruny@bigpond.com

Cottages - Cloudy Bay Cabin Cloudy Bay Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6293 1171 or The Explorers' Cottages Lighthouse Rd Lunawanna Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6293 1271 Email: brunyexp@tassie.net.au

Apartments - are at Inala Country Apt Cloudy Bay Rd Lunawanna Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6293 1217 or Whaler¹s Inn Holiday Village Apts Lighthouse Rd Lunawanna Bruny Island TAS 7150 Telephone: (03) 6293 1271

Caravan Parks and Camp Grounds - http://www.adventurebayholidayvillage.com.au/ is sheltered behind the dunes where the creek meets the sea at the very end of the road at Adventure Bay. Adventure Bay Holiday Village Adventure Bay Bruny Island 7150. Tel 03-62931270. Then there is the Bruny Island Captain Cook Caravan Park 786 Adventure Bay Rd Ph (03) 6293 1128

On the Tasmanian mainland close by is Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park - Holiday Accommodation - Tasmania! Ideally situated close to attractions like Bruny Island and the Huon Valley and only 20 minutes from Hobart! 35 Beach Road Snug - Tasmania 7054 Australia Ph: 03 6267 9138, Fax: 03 6267 9128

Things to do, places to see and visit and attractions on North Bruny and South Bruny in Tasmania are - Adventure Bay Road runs off the Main Road, following the coast past Adventure Bay to East Cove, at the north-eastern end of the South Island. Further along the Adventure Bay Road is another turnoff into Lockleys Road. Follow Lockleys Road then turn into Resolution Road past the signposted start of The Mavista Nature Walk. This easy 30-minute walk that travels through the greened rainforest and ferned glade adjacent the beautiful Water Fall Creek. Adventure Bay Road ends at a carpark at East Cove (information board here) and then along the beach is the start of the coastal track to Grassy Point some 1 1/2 to 2 hours return.

Other Walks that can be taken are at the southern end of the stretch of 'North' Bruny Island being The Cape Queen Elizabeth Walk which is approx. 3-4 hours which leads off the Main Road out towards the coast, then past Big Lagoon, Little Lagoon, coastal heathland settings and relaxing views.

At the south west point of the 'South' Bruny Island to north of Cape Bruny is The Labillardiere Peninsula. Old Jetty Road being to the start of the Luggobine Circuit walk a moderate to medium walk being some 1/1/2 to 2 hours return and then the longer and very tiresome and demanding Labillardiere Peninsula Walk around 7-9 hours to return. This takes in the beaches, scrub lands, heathlands, forests, Mount Bleak, rugged coastline and it's coastal views including that of Partridge Island. The East Cloudy Head Walk a tiresome and weary (actually demanding) 4 hour walk takes in scenic views and it's surrounding heathlands.

Tasmania Motorhome hire with locations from our different selfdrive rental suppliers such as Hobart, Launceston and Davenport. Just easily compare all our options available in Tasmania for each motorhome size and layout.

Tasmania is an island separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait with spectacular scenery, a rich heritage and superb food and wine. It's an island made for touring - and the best way to explore is in a comfortable, spacious, self-contained motorhome or campervan from Tasmania Motorhomes. Getting to Tasmania can be by ferry or plane.

Explore the Apple Island as it is also known in a quality Motorhome or Campervan hire rental. We have an itinerary from hobart to Hobart though you can vary from Launceston or Davenport - check here for the Island of Tasmania's distances. Don't be constrained by a time and guide let yourself be the guide and explore explore explore.

Why be tied down to a daily schedule? In your own travelling home, you can plan your journey as you go. Our motorhomes and campervans are top quality, late model vehicles, superbly maintained and fully equipped with verything you need. Experience the most relaxing, versatile and enjoyable way to discover Tasmania.

Tasmania is a land abundant – a island of wild pristine landscapes; friendly, folks; a pleasant, moderatley seasonal temperate climate; world stand wines and rich cuisine and exquisite produce. With is heritage and colonial history Tasmania boosts a friendly and relaxed island lifestyle for your to experince in your travels around the island. According to travellers in search of excellence, Tasmania has one of the world’s 10 best beaches (Wineglass Bay, ), one of the world’s best little town (Strahan) one of the world’s Sustainable Tourism Initiative. There are so many things to do in Tasmania from fishing, farms, wineries, parks, activities and adventures.

The warmer months are a good choice of time to visit Hobart and tour around Tasmania especially during late summer and autumn. Hobart is choice comencing point for for vacation around the island state of Tasmania. Hire a rental luxury spacious campervan or motorhome with a toilet, shower, airconditioner from Hobart and consider 10 to 14 days to be able to experience the many things to do Tasmania or try our cultural hertiage with our events such as arts, museums and sport in Tasmania and places to go in Tasmania.

Scenic Drives

Scenic drives Tasmania’s network of highways allows you to loop around the island using a combination of routes. The road to the west coast (A10) winds from Hobart to Strahan through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA). You can follow the Bass Highway (A2) along the north-west coast to the far north-west.

On the east coast, the Tasman Highway (A3) takes you alongside beaches and tiny seaside towns to Coles Bay and Freycient National Park and on to St Helens.

On the the Lake Highway (A5) you cross the "roof" of Tasmania - the Central Plateau; while the Heritage Highway (Highway1) links the historic Georgian midland villages.

On the Arthur Highway (A9) you travel the Tasman Peninsula to Port Arthur and the Port Arthur Historic Site, while the Huon Highway (A6) takes you to waterways and wilderness south of Hobart. Acknowledgements: Scenic Drives is an extract from http://www.discovertasmania.com

When you book luxury or even budget rental camper van, motor home, mobile homes or RV as they are also known hire in Hobart through our Tasmania Motorhomes site, you will receive a dependable slefdribe camper or motorhhome from an reputable, experienced and established supplier who's brand is world renowned and at our best rates and packages.

Tasmania - a wilderness adventure seekers paradise with numerous internationally known heritage listed National Parks. With one third of the State in World Heritage areas, you will find parks and reserves to enjoy accessible wilderness and nature. Tasmania is rich and vibrant with it's unique fauna and flora species - many unique to the island of Tasmania such as the Tasmanian Devil

Because of the well maintained road network, it is easy to see many differing landscapes in a rather short time line. Whether you have allocated a few days or asay two weeks, your touring will be rewarding and memorable.

Around some 20% of Tasmania is classified as a World Heritage area of true outstanding natural and cultural significance. Tasmanians breathe some of the world's cleanest air, drink pure crystral clear water and grow mouth-watering rich and vibrant produce from it's island's fertile soil.

Tasmania's oceans and coastlines are also there for those diving. There are hundreds of diving and snorkelling sites all over Tasmania to suit all diving abilities . To find the right site for you, visit www.divetasmania.com.au or ask a local dive operator.