A holiday in Tasmania is one of our most popular getaways, thanks to its variety and ease of getting around. Once looked down upon by the mainland big brother as little more than a penal colony with an apple orchard and a chocolate factory, Tasmania is now recognised as one of Australia’s foremost domestic destinations. With a maritime climate, breathtaking scenery, ancient forests, fertile soils and waterways teeming with marine life Tassie has developed a reputation as a Mecca for gourmets, history buffs and nature lovers alike.
A compact island, with a broad range of natural and man-made attractions to enjoy, Tassie is best explored by car. Ask your Travel Counsellor to organise a hire car to collect on arrival, or your other option is the popular Spirit of Tasmania. Allow at least a week to savour this engaging state.
Hobart, Tassie’s capital is a vibrant city with a welter of attractions to enjoy. Around the harbour many of the old brick and sandstone buildings have been restored and converted into hotels, restaurants, galleries and craft shops. Salamanca Place hosts a thriving market every Saturday and behind is Battery Point, with a collection of early 1800’s cottages. Constitution Dock is the hub and each year becomes the centre of global yachting attention as the terminal of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
For a spectacular view, take the drive to the summit of Mount Wellington; Hobart’s year-round playground with dozens of walking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking opportunities. Further afield are numerous fascinating destinations including the Huon Valley and the South West Wilderness, Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur with its convict history and bucolic rural areas and historic towns along the Heritage Highway.
Tasmania’s northern ‘capital’, Launceston, is a maritime city at the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers and the mighty Tamar River. A thriving community, serving a fertile agricultural and manufacturing region, Launceston (“Lonnie” to the locals) is the perfect base to explore the flourishing gourmet/wine trails of the Tamar Valley and the farming districts and charming towns along the north coast.
Tasmania fun facts
The Tasmanian devil really does exist and has extremely powerful jaws
Tasmania is said to have the world’s cleanest air due to constant winds from the Southern Ocean
Each year there are dozens of reported sightings of the ‘extinct’ Tasmanian Tiger
The Great Southwest
Thursday 11th June 2009
Travel Counsellor: Ian Wandel
After our 2 hour flight from Adelaide, we landed in Perth for what is my first visit to Western Australia. They say you can tell how much money a state has by the number of high-rise cranes there are in the city. I think Perth has one on every block. We stayed in a city hotel for a couple of nights.
The next day we took in the sights of the city, Kings Park, Perth Mint, Burswood Casino etc and picked up a hire car for the drive southwest. The next morning we headed off to Busselton (228km). After a short stop in Mandurah and Bunbury, we arrived at our hotel in Busselton. Before getting to the hotel, we thought we would have a stroll along the Busselton jetty. Nobody told us it is two kilometres long!! Unfortunately we got to the underwater observatory at the end of the jetty a bit late. We also picked a day when the jetty train wasn't running. Not to worry. At least we could check out what the fisherman were catching.
The next day, we headed along the Caves Road to Margaret River.... view full story
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