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 .
Launceston
in
Tasmania
Launceston
is one of Tasmania’s three main cities and is the second
largest city and is the North of Tasmania. Launceston
has a large airport with daily flights connecting with
Melbourne and other major Australian cities. The state-managed
national park system stretches from Flinder’s Island
off Tasmania’s northern tip to Melaleuca in the far
south west and to Rocky Cape on the north west tip.
Whilst
in Launceston rejuvenate at the Aquarius Roman Baths,
with a full therapeutic Roman bath treatment including
the hot waters of the Caldarium and the warm Tepidarium.
Take
an day out and visit Cataract Gorge witnessing a wilderness
backdrop stage on Launceston’s doorstep.
West
Coast in
Tasmania
Much
of the West Coast is unexplored wilderness, with densely
treed rainforests, valleys of unusal scrubland, wild
white water rivers with pristine and spectacular rapids
and ravines. In the highlands of the Lake country where
some of the rivers have been harnessed with new lakes
created for the huge hydro-electric schemes.
Rosbery
- Montezuma Falls
in
Tasmania
Montezuma
Falls - Duration 3 hour return - Grade Easy, level
track suitable for all age groups. Follow the signs
to Williamsford and Montezuma Falls 2km south of
Rosebery on the Murchison Highway (A10An easy walk,
through rainforest, along the route of the historic
North East Dundas Tramway. At 104m, Montezuma Falls
are one of the highest waterfalls in Tasmania and the
track takes you right to the base of the falls.
Davenport
in
Tasmania
Look
at Devonport's presentation at Davenport
- http://cms.dcc.tas.gov.au
Devonport's
seafaring connection with the mainland continues now
today through the Spirit of Tasmania, the only passenger
ferry operating across Bass Strait. Spirit of Tasmania
operates between Melbourne and Devonport, sailing from
both locations most nights and some days during peak
periods. Campervans and motorhomes fares can be seen
at http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au
Devonport
with a population of 24,000 is the largest city on Tasmania's
north-west coast, is approximately one hours drive
from Launceston.
Tiagarra,
the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural and Arts Centre,
has dioramas showing the lifestyle of the Tasmanian
Aborigines from the region, and is close to Aboriginal
rock carvings. "Tiagarra" means "keep" in the Tasmanian
Aboriginal language. The Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural
and Arts Centre is at Mersey Bluff Devonport 7310 or
at tiagarra@southcom.com.au
Leaving from Devonport Chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss
the House of Anvers at Latrobe, with its chocolate
factory and museum producing hand-made, Belgian-style
chocolate truffles, fudges and pralines.
Ashgrove
Farm Cheese specialize in the production of award
winning English Country style cheeses using traditional
recipes and manufacturing techniques. The cheese is
manufactured from milk produced on the farm by the 800
cow dairy herd ensuring the highest quality standards
are maintained throughout the process. Ashgrove Cheese
is located in picturesque Elizabeth Town, the cheese
factory is on the Bass Highway 20 minutes from Devonport
and 10 minutes from Deloraine. Visitors can view the
cheese making area and sample the range of cheeses available.
www.ashgrovecheese.com.au/
The
Davenport Hotel - http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/
is a great choice for the first nights stop over.
Cradle
Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park in Tasmania
 From
Hobart drive some 375km east towards Strahan
situated on Tasmania's west coast. On the way stop in
and take a Gordon
River Cruise www.gordonrivercruises.com.au/ (pre
booking recommended) which takes you through the narrow
and turbulent Hells Gates the entrance to the harbor,
past Brown Trout fish farms and on to Sarah Island with
it's history of perhaps the most notorious of all penal
settlements.
With
stretches of lush open countryside, eucalyptus and myrtle
forests along with the occasional small quaint and rustic
town or homestead. As your driving you will see the
mountains looming in the distance. Leaving this landscape
it's only about 26 miles from Queenstown to Strahan.
Travelling from Strahan to Cradle Mountain being a distance
of 155km and the driving time is 1 hour 45 mins by then
Hobart is 4 hours via the Midlands highway.
At
the Gateway to Cradle Mountain is also Cradle
Chalet - http://www.cradlechalet.com.au/. Cradle
Chalet features 4.5 star accommodation and dining on
the edge of Tasmania's tranquil Cradle Mountain wilderness
and is renowned for combining the natural beauty of
the area with the intimacy, privacy and personal touch
of a boutique luxury lodge
The
Cradle Mountain Lodge - http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/
is
a unique wilderness retreat on the edge of the World
Heritage Listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National
Park. For guests of Cradle Mountain Lodge, it is not
necessary to venture into the National Park to experience
the best of Tasmania's wilderness, as The Cradle Mountain
Lodge have a host of great walks with spectacular scenery
that leave directly from the Lodge grounds. There are
over 20 walks to choose from directly around the Lodge
http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/.
Combine a motorhome hire and a
night at Cradle
Mountain Lodge for some relaxing indoor pampering. Cradle
Mountain Lodge is
located 81km from Devonport (1¼ hrs), 110km from
Burnie (1½ hrs), 142km from Launceston (2½ hrs) and
375km from Hobart (4½ hrs). Allow additional travelling
time during adverse conditions.
Campervan
and Motorhome rental is available through www.tasmaniamotorhomes.comt
from Launceston (drive time is approx. 2.5 hours) Hobart
(approx.4.5 hours) and Devonport (approx. 1 hour and
15 minutes).
If
you wish to camp at Cradle
Mountain a few suggestions to look at are
Cosy Cabins Cradle Mountain which has Powered Caravan
Sites and Camp Sites and is situated on the edge of
the world renowned Cradle Mountain - Lake St. Clair
National Park & World Heritage area.The park has established
powered sites for motor campers, small pop tops and
caravans. http://www.cosycabins.com.au/.
Or The Cradle Mountain Tourist Park Ph
(03) 6492 1395 and bookings are essential.
GUIDED
WALKS, SELF-GUIDED WALKS AND STROLLS
The
area is a "sub alpine" zone and can be cold and snowy
at any time of the year. It has only 32 sunny days a
year. So choose your dates and clothes well. Despite
the dismal weather this place was teeming with wildlife.
When
out walking it is recommended that you do not wander
off the tracks and that you wear sensible, comfortable
shoes or sneakers. You should also take warm clothes
and/or wet weather gear, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
with you, as the weather is unpredictable in this alpine
region. For environmental and safety reasons, we ask
that you stay on formed tracks at all times.
*Denotes
that Guided Walks along these tracks are also available
- charges apply. Additional information and detailed
walking maps are also available from the Cradle Mountain
Visitors Centre.
 Dove
Lake Cicuit Walk - Duration 3 Hours - Grade Easy.
This 6km track is one of Tasmania’s premier walks. It
will take you right around Dove Lake and beneath the
towering spires of Cradle Mountain. The track is boardwalked
for much of the way. It is located in Cradle Mountain
- Lake St Clair National Park. Picnic and toilet facilities
nearby.
Cradle
Valley Board Walk: Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to
Dove Lake, about 2.75 hours in total. The
walk can be divided into three sections; Visitor Centre
to Snake Hill (1 hour), Snake Hill to Ronny Creek (45
minutes) and Ronny Creek to Dove Lake visa Lake Lilla
(1 hour).
 The
Enchanted Stroll* -Duration 20 Minutes (1km) -Grade
Easy (for ages 0 to 90 plus) -Starts The front of the
Main Lodge (circular track) A walk to suit all age groups.
For company there’s a cascading river, wombat burrows
and magical old-growth rainforest. The walk is located
in Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park. Highlights
The walk will take you through butongrass moorland before
entering cool temperate rainforest along the edges of
Pencil Pine Creek. Keep you eyes out for the wombat
burrows on the Lodge side of the creek. 1 hour from
Sheffield; 1.25 hours from Devonport
King
Billy Track* - Duration 40 Minutes (2km) -Grade
Easy -Starts To the right of the Main Lodge (circular
track)
The
Waterfalls Walk (Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls)*
- Duration 30-40 minutes (1.5km) - Grade Easy- Starts
Opposite Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge Boutique.
Speeler
Track - Duration 1.5 Hours- Grade Medium -Starts
To the right of the Main Lodge (circular track)
Dove
Canyon Track - Duration 3 Hours -Grade Hard -Starts
Opposite the Cradle Mountain Boutique (circular track).
Waldheim
Forest Walk - Often it is said a local guide will
recommend the Waldheim Forest Walk a short 15 minute
trek through some of the thickest moss and lichen forest
that you will ever experience and it's some what mystical.
Not trekked by many and I don't know why.
Take
a night or 2 out and why not stay at Cradle Mountain
Lodge where they have a daily program of guided walks
which are recommended either as an introduction to the
area or as a guided adventure to some of the more spectacular
peaks. All guided tours start at the main Cradle Mountain
Lodge and transport into the National Park is provided
where applicable. The duration of the walk may range
from 20 minutes to 8 hours. Bookings are essential and
can be made at Reception.
* Not all walks are offered each day. (With
courtesy of Cradle Mountain Lodge - http://www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au)
Dove
Lake Trek - The Dove Lake trek suggested to start
out going to the right – the opposite the recommended
direction. Iif you follow the recommended route you
will encounter the hardest part the last half hour when
you are tired. Going in reverse allows you to walk the
hard part when you have the most energy.
Crater
Lake Circuit - Duration 3 Hours Grade Moderate.
to Medium Suitable for family groups. This track is
at a lower altitude than many other tracks in the Cradle
Mountain area. It’s a better option for days when the
higher altitude tracks are being lashed by cold winds
and heavy rain.
Cradle
Mountain Summit - Duration 8 hours return walk -Grade
Difficult. 600m climb; walk includes crossing large
rocks. The walk is located in Cradle Mountain - Lake
St Clair National Park. The main track to Cradle
Mountain summit leaves from Dove Lake and goes via Lake
Lilla and Marions Lookout. However, walkers have a choice
of several tracks and can choose to walk a different
track on their return trip. Time of day, weather conditions
and fitness of party should be kept in mind when choosing
tracks for the trip. If in doubt, check with staff at
the visitor centre. Track starts at 900m and climbs
to 1545m. Highland weather conditions can change quickly
and frequently.
Pencil
Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk - A 20 minute circuit
walk around Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre
Huon Valley in Tasmania
The
Huon Valley is the region which gave Tasmania its name
– “The Apple Isle. The Huon Valley Apple and Heritage
Museum should by phoned first to check if it's open
on Huon Hwy, Grove (Tel 036 266 4345)
You
should also stop off at some of the roadside stores
and tables to sample the local produce including it's
name sake the delicous apple.
Ross
in
Tasmania
Ross
is located between Hobart and Launceston. Ross is a
beautiful colonial heritage town in the heart of Tasmania’s
world-renowned wool-growing area, which has on many
occasions held the world-record price for a bale of
superfine Merino wool.
Displays
in the Tasmanian
Wool Centre’s Heritage Museum and Wool Exhibition -
www.taswoolcentre.com.au include samples of superfine
wool cloth together with other interesting features
of a bygone era. Enjoy yourself in the Heritage Museum
and Wool Exhibition on your self-guided tour. Then why
not look through the quality woollen merchandise on
sale there.
Strahan
in Tasmania
Set
on a quiet bay of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan population
of 900 is a picturesque Tasmanian waterfront holiday
town and also a working fishing port Strahan is a seafood
lovers haven. Strahan is the major harbour town on Tasmania’s
wild west coast, and a excellent town to go to if you
want to explore the wild and beautiful World Heritage
Area.
Things
to do around Strahan - travel on the West Coast Wilderness
Railway. A scenic train journey between Strahan and
Queenstown through massive hand cut rock cuttings, stunning
rainforests and along the edge of plunginging gorges.
Recently awarded national tourism awards this is one
of Tasmanias premier tourist attractions.In addition
to the stunning scenery, the journey gives visitors
a great insight into the Pioneers who built the railway.
From
Strahan why not take a leisurely cruise across the 50
kilometre (31 mile) length of the Macquarie Harbour
and along the tranquil wide Gordon River. Gordon
River Cruises - Esplanade, Strahan - The small fishing
community of Strahan on the West Coast is remote and
wild, just as you'd expect from a place at the gateway
to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The
heart of the village faces the busy waterfront from
where the Lady Jane Franklin 11 departs. How could any
visit to Tasmania be complete without a cruise on the
world-famous Gordon River? The fight to save this natural
treasure in the early 1980's attracted international
attention and support. It's not hard to understand why.
The Macquarie Harbour: more than 110 square miles of
natural, protected water surrounding the crumbling history
of Sarah Island. www.gordonrivercruises.com.au/
From
Strahan you can also board a seaplane to look over the
lanscape from above on some of the remaining 1,000-year-old
Huon pine and myrtle trees. You can join a tour and
kayak the rapids or slow moving rivers and waterways,
jet boat along the King River, walk the long openess
of the Ocean Beach and sand dunes.
If
your driving from Cradle Mountan and continuing west
and south towards Strahan, via Zeehan then please note
road may be really steep and it somewhat challenging
at times.
Strahan
Visitor Centre is at The Esplanade, Strahan Tel: (03)
6471 7622 or email at strahan@tasvisinfo.com.au.
Accommodation
choices can be found at the website http://www.puretasmania.com.au/
Bicheno
in Tasmania
Drive
across the Island to Bicheno through Ross and beautiful
bridges of Richmond Bridge and the Ross Bridge. Bicheno
a small town with beautiful beaches and penguins agalore.
When there maybe stay at the Old Tram Bed and Breakfast
located on the bay within walking distance of the penguins
and blowhole.
Sign
up for the official Penguin Tour at the Bicheno Dive
Centre - Ph: 03 6375 1138 which is excellent and informative
or Penguin Tours - Ph: 02 6375 1333 There are local
nightly tours from the surf centre. We recommend that
you sign up as early as possible as they do fill up
and are limited in size. However, if you miss out on
the tour you can always go down to the “blowhole” and
stand quietly as the penguins walk right past you. There's
no charge for this but please commonsense prevails by
not scaring them, motioning towards them, using a flash
camera etc. The penguins can be spotted all along the
waterfront after sunset and at times the little ones
can make quite a racket with their noise. They seem
to nest in all sorts of places under houses is one place.
Bicentennial
foreshore walk -
from Redbill Beach to the Blowhole is just 3 km one
way and allow 2 hours for photo's and rest time.
Blowhole
to Farm Point walk - a walk along the Rice Pebble
Beach past Muirs Rock towards Farm Point. Then return
via the track or Harveys Farm Road. This is approx.
8 km return and allow 3-4 hours for photo's and rest
time.
Douglas
Apsley National Park - Located north of Bicheno,
the park features wonderous carved gorges and spectacular
waterfalls. At Apsley Gorge Lookout and Waterhole enjoy
the breathtaking views from the viewing platform above
the Apsley River. Then with time permitting walk down
to the waterhole for a (cold) dip/swim. This is a approx.
30 minute return walk. Now at Apsley Gorge when the
weather is kind to you take time to enjoy undistrubed
pools and quiet river scenes. Allow 4-5 hours for photo's
and rest time to return.
Evercreech
forest Reserve - Here are reportedly the world's
largest White Gums (Know also as the Eucalypts) situated
at Evercreech in the Fingal Valley. Allow 4-5 hours
for photo's and rest time to return.
Governor
Island Marine - Explore and dive the wonders of
the Governor Island Marine reserve and see it's marine
life. Governor Island Marine Nature Reserve Rose Garden
– The Rose Garden is a mass of broken boulders covered
with large sponges, seawhips, zoanthids and jewelled
anemones. Dive another site called The Hairy Wall to
see fi nger sponges in a spectacular setting. But best
of all… because this a marine reserve and a ‘no take’
area, see big old crays. www.divetasmania.com.au
(Caution only dive with the dive shops - Bicheno Dive
Centre - Ph: 03 6375 1138)
East
Coast Natureworld on Tasman Hwy (Ph: 03 6375 1311)
Relax by their lagoon pool and enjoy the company of
the friendly animals roaming around. At Natureworld
they host Tassie Devils, wombats and much more.
Freycinet
National Park - Only 35 minutes south east of
Bicheno, that includes Wineglass Bay.
Freycinet
National Park - Only 45 minutes
drive away to Swansea on the east coast.
Coles Bay in Tasmania
Coles
Bay in Tasmania sits at the foot of the pink granite
mountains known as the 'Hazards' and on the edge of
the world-renowned Freycinet National Park about
a two and 1/2 hours scenic drive from Hobart and Launceston
on the east coast of Tasmania.
Coles Bay lies between red granite mountains and the
sheltered calm waters of 'Great Oyster Bay' on the rugged
and yet stunning Freycinet Peninsula. An experience
for true seafood lovers is to taste the oysters fresh
from the harvest on the Freycinet Oyster Farm tour.
Bookings are essential. Coles Bay to Swansea - 59 km
around 1 hour, Bicheno - 40 km around 45 minutes, St
Helens - 132 km around 2 hours.
Stop
by Kate's Berry Farm just 2km south of Swansea just
59 km to Coles Bay- Swansea
Visitor Information Centre
Freycinet
& The East Coast (Includes Wineglass
Bay) in
Tasmania
Two
hours drive from Launceston is Freycinet along with
Wineglass Bay. Where else in Australia can one witness
pink granite mountains rising straight from the sea
to form a magnificent sheltered waterway or one of the
top ten Deserted beaches
in the world at Wineglass Bay?
From
Hobart to Freycinet then you can considering head
up the Midlands Highway and enjoy morning tea at the
small township of Ross and look at the remants of the
"female factory", a work facility for female convicts.
From Campell Town one can take a minor road through
Lake Leake onto Freycinet. Lake Leake seem to have the
cheapest powered sites seen anywhereat $8 per night.
The
park is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours from either Hobart or
Launceston. Turn off the Tasman Highway (A3) (which
runs down the east coast of Tasmania) taking
you alongside beaches and tiny seaside towns onto
the Coles Bay Road (C302) 12 km south of Bicheno. (The
turnoff to the Friendly Beaches section of the park
is via a gravel road about 2 km after leaving the highway).
The main park entrance and visitor reception are just
after Coles Bay township about 30km from the highway
on a good quality sealed road.
Walk
along the powder white sand. Wineglass Bay beach was
voted one of the "Top 10 Deserted Beaches in the World"
by Conde Nast Traveller magazine. http://www.freycinetcolesbay.com/decide.htm
Freycinet
National Park in Tasmania
- http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/index.html
-
Frecyinet National Park take 1-3 days to relax
and explore the Rugged Granite peaks and white sandy
beaches of Freycinet National Park. Your time here can
be as energetic and relaxing as you want it to be.
Freycinet
National Park also has some stunning walks including
the 25-minute climb to the viewing platform over Wine
Glass Bay, regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches
in the world. Feel free to explore the park by foot
on any of the 7 great short walks located in the park
including the most celebrated 1 to 2 hour return walk
to Wineglass Bay Lookout.
Accommodation
places in Coles Bay or Freycinet range from luxury accommodation
to budget accommodation and wilderness camping.
Freycinet
Lodge -
is Tasmania's premier environmentally friendly resort
having won many awards and recommendations. The property
has 60 tastefully furnished cabins situated in a bushland
setting, which is located within Freycinet National
Park - the home of spectacular Wineglass Bay. Freycinet
Lodge is conveniently situated inside the park and is
close to the beginning of the walks. Visit http://www.freycinetlodge.com.au/
Pelican
Bay Bed & Breakfast is a traditional Bed and Breakfast
a waterfront property and it backs onto Pelican Bay,
a small inlet on the Swan River just near where it flows
into Great Oyster Bay. Set amongst a very tranquil half
an acre of maintained well-established l gardens that
seem attract many native birds and parrots and their
songs. After
a day experiencing all the natural beauty of the Freycinet
Coast just walk out the thir back gate and try your
luck at fishing or stroll along the water's edge to
Swanwick Beach for a swim (can be chillie obviously
in certain monts). http://www.pelicanbaybedandbreakfast.com.au/
Aspect
on Freycinet Bed and Breakfast - is open November
to May A beautifully appointed waterfront B&B providing
guests with views over Great Oyster Bay to the stunning
Hazards Mountains of the Freycinet Peninsula – both
enjoyed from your comfortable Queen size bed. Location
is 101 Esplanade, Coles Bay 7215. (Turn right after
the Coles Bay town sign and continue 900 metres along
the Esplanade). Email: mhnjcooke@telstra.com or Tel
Nola & Michael Cooke on +61 (0) 407 273 377
Freycinet
Bay Apartments - Prestige Self-Contained Apartments
Absolute beachfront - ultra-modern minimalist design
- exclusive, private, self-contained, 5 star luxury
- 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, stunning, new apartments. Phone:
0428 245336 or visit www.freycinetbeach.com.au
Iluka
Holiday Centre at Freycinet National Park in Coles Bay,
Tasmania - offers a full range of accommodation
and amenities including a tavern, bakery, and shop.
Self-contained units, onsite vans, YHA backpackers hostel,
powered & un-powered sites. Visit www.ilukaholidaycentre.com.au
Freycinet
National Park -
Camp Grounds at Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay
and Ranger Creek - unpowered sites and powered sites.
(Important
- Conditions apply - scroll down to the Freycinet
National Park section ) as a ballot system operates
for the Christmas holiday period or email freycinet@parks.tas.gov.au
 Wineglass
Bay Lookout - Freycinet National Park - Grade is
Difficult. Steep uphill climb over 1.3km with over 600
rough bush steps and the rigorous uphill walk is not
suited to those with health or mobility concerns. The
4km ride or walk (1 to 2 hours return) can be much steeper
than one expects and you will have to walk your bike
up the bigger hills.The walk into Wineglass Bay starts
with a really steep climb so you may decide to take
a less-steep but the longer return route back along
Hazard Beach. The total circuit/loop is around 11.5
kms. Take 2-3 litres of water per person at least. At
the head of the trail ther are toilet facilities
at
car park. Picnic facilities nearby.
The
crystal clear waters and white sandy beach of Wineglass
Bay are a tremendous sight. This is a steep uphill walk
on a rocky, well-constructed track within the Freycinet
National Park.
Wineglas
Bay - 2.5 hours return from Wineglass Bay car park
inside Freycinet National Park. This walk in the Freycinet
National Park follows on from the walk to the Wineglass
Bay lookout. Grade - Difficult. Steep uphill climb over
1.3km with over 600 rough bush steps.
 Cape
Tourville - 20 minute circuit walk. Grade is Easy
- the track is wide, with even surfaces and gently graded
slopes. It may suit wheelchair users, who have someone
to assist them, and walkers with strollers. The highlight
is the lighthouse at Cape Tourville. A boardwalk actually
clings below the cliff top. Around half way along the
track stone steps commence to proceed up to the lighthouse.
The Cape Tourville circuit is one of Tasmania's great
short walks.
There
are memorial views towards the north along Friendly
Beaches across to Butler's Point and then south across
to Carp Bay onto Sleepy and Wineglass Bays. Straight
out at sea are 'The Nuggets' being the residence to
many migrating squaking sea birds. Once
inside Freycinet National Park, follow the main road,
then turn left onto the Cape Tourville Road. (The 7km
Cape Tourville road is unsealed but is suitable for
two-wheel drive vehicles.). Toilet, picnic and electric
barbecue facilities 7.5km away at Ranger Creek and Honeymoon
Bay.
 The
Freycinet Paddle is the ultimate way to experience Freycinet.
Kayaking with local guides and all the equipment is
supplied. Freycinet
Paddle and Adventures www.freycinetadventures.com.au
Southern
right, humpback, pilot and on seldom occassions minke
whales visit during the winter months int he area. As
with all wild animals sightings never guaranteed, though
if you consider climbing to the Wineglass Bay Lookout
in the early morning you may be lucky and view whales.
Freycinet
Coles Bay - http://www.freycinetcolesbay.com
Mt
Field National Park in Tasmania
 Mt
Field National Park - The Mt. Field National Park
is approximately an hour's drive past New Norfolk out
of Hobart some 80+ klm and 2 hours being a scenic drive
minutes drive northwest of Hobart on the Rivers Run
route or B61. Close to the Mt Field National Park entrance
are three main waterfalls being the Junee Falls, Marriotts
Falls, and the most popular and well-known Russell Falls
is one of Tasmania's most loved falls (insert).
The
park itself is one of the prime habitats for the famous
Tasmanian Devil.
Some
of the eucalypt trees in the park are 90 metres high,
20 metres around the base and over 400 years old, and
. Mount Mawson, west of Lake Dobson, may be known as
one of Tasmania's best skifield after Ben Lomond. It
is covered with snow for approximately 4 months of each
year, and chains will be needed at times.
The park essentially has two visitor sections. The first,
near the park entrance, includes picnic facilities and
the famous Russell Falls. Enchanting walkng trails through
enormous fern forests and some of the tallest trees
in the world are available in this area. The second
visitor section is centred at Lake Dobson and includes
the longer day walks and skiing areas.
For
the latest snow reports during the ski season, see www.webbed.com.au/stsa.
Beautiful mountain scenery and alpine plant sflora species
are a feature of the higher parts of the park. Mt
Field National Park -http://www.parks.tas.gov.au.
The
Visitor Information Centre near the car park and adjacent
to the path to Russell Falls
Lyrebird
Nature Trail is a walk from the car park at Mt Field
National Park. Lyrebird Nature Trail is located some
7klm up the Lake Dobson road and off to the right passing
kangaroo ferns, uniquel heath species, yellow gums,
ferns and sword grass.
Maydena
is 13 km past The Mt. Field National Park and at the
beginning of the Gordon River Road a toll road. The
highlight is a huge mountain ash 'The Big Tree'
which, at a height of 98.2 m, is the largest eucalypt
in Australia located in the Styx Valley.
For
information on Mt Field National Park treks,
hikes, trails and walks, or to register for overnight
hikes and/or to talk to the ranger Tel 03 6288 1149).
Or drop in to the Mount Field Ranger Station at the
entrance to the park during opening times.
Mt
Field National Park Camp Ground - Mt Field 66 Lake
Dobson Road Tel:+61
(0) 3
6288 1149 (We strongly suugest you phone well in advance).
No bookings are taken. Facilities include amenities
block, toilets, showers, hot water and basins. Coin
operated washing machine & dryer, rotary clothes line.
There is one coach site. Shelter with two free electric
bbq's and sink with hot water. Caravan access is available.
Also available 3 cabins with 6 bunks per cabin, with
vinyl covered mattresses, cold water, wood heater and
firewood. No electricity/gas. Communal toilet block
(no showers). It is recommended that advance bookings
are made. - Mt Field 66 Lake Dobson Road Tel:03 6288
| 
©
©
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
- 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
